Craftsman Lithium Ion Charger

The Craftsman Lithium Ion Charger, model CMCB104, is a charger designed to power up the V20 series of power tool and outdoor tool batteries. As someone who has spent considerable time with a variety of chargers, I was eager to see how this one would perform, especially given the reputation Craftsman has built over the years.

First impressions matter, and the CMCB104 doesn't disappoint in terms of design. It's compact, lightweight at just 1.4 pounds, and has a sturdy feel to it. The LED charging indicator is a useful feature, providing a clear visual of the battery's charging status. This is particularly handy for those who, like me, tend to juggle multiple tasks and need to know at a glance whether their battery is ready to go.

The charger promises to power up 20V MAX Lithium compact batteries in 60 minutes or less, which is impressive on paper. In practice, however, my experience was mixed. Initially, the charger worked as advertised, bringing a fully depleted battery back to life in just under an hour. This quick turnaround is a significant advantage, especially for those in the middle of a project who can't afford long downtimes.

However, the honeymoon period was short-lived. After a few months of use, I began encountering issues. The charger would sometimes fail to recognize the battery, indicated by a persistent blinking green light that never transitioned to a solid green. This problem seemed to occur sporadically, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. When the charger did recognize the battery, it often became unusually hot during the charging process, raising concerns about safety and long-term durability.

One of the standout features of the CMCB104 is its overload protection, designed to extend battery life. While this is a commendable inclusion, the charger’s inconsistency in recognizing and charging batteries undermines this benefit. On more than one occasion, I found myself unable to charge the batteries at all, leaving me with unusable tools and a growing sense of frustration.

Compatibility is another strong suit of the CMCB104. It works with all Craftsman V20 power tool and outdoor tool batteries, making it a versatile addition to any toolbox. For those heavily invested in the Craftsman ecosystem, this is a significant plus. However, the charger’s reliability issues cast a shadow over this advantage. What good is compatibility if the charger itself is unreliable?

The build quality of the charger is decent, with a robust plastic casing that feels durable. Its compact dimensions (10.0 inches in height, 7.7 inches in length, and 4.0 inches in width) make it easy to store or carry around. Despite its solid construction, the internal components seem to be where the problem lies. The inconsistency in performance suggests potential issues with the electronics inside.

Customer support from Craftsman has been a mixed experience. While the company does offer a 3-year limited warranty, getting a replacement or repair can be a cumbersome process. In my case, contacting customer service often led to long wait times and, occasionally, unhelpful responses. When I did manage to get through, the support team was generally courteous but seemed limited in their ability to resolve the recurring issues with the charger.

One aspect that deserves mention is the environmental impact. The charger’s tendency to fail prematurely means more electronic waste, which is a growing concern. For those who are environmentally conscious, the idea of having to replace a charger frequently is far from ideal.

In terms of value for money, the CMCB104 is a mixed bag. Its initial performance and features make it seem like a good deal, but the long-term reliability issues detract significantly from its overall value. The cost of replacing the charger, combined with the inconvenience of dealing with an unreliable product, makes it a less attractive option.

In conclusion, would I recommend the Craftsman Lithium Ion Charger, model CMCB104? Unfortunately, I cannot. While it has some commendable features and performs well initially, the inconsistency and reliability issues overshadow these positives. For those heavily invested in the Craftsman V20 ecosystem, it might still be worth considering, but be prepared for potential frustrations down the line. If reliability and long-term performance are priorities, you might want to explore other options.