Craftsman Cordless Brushless 1/2-in Hammerdrill Kit (2 Batteries)

The Craftsman Cordless Brushless 1/2-in Hammer Drill Kit (model CMCD721D2) caught my attention for its promise of tackling heavy-duty tasks with ease. As someone who regularly handles various DIY projects around the house, particularly involving masonry and concrete, I was eager to see how this hammer drill would perform. With its brushless motor and a host of attractive features, it seemed like a solid investment for both casual and serious home improvement enthusiasts.

First Impressions

Out of the box, the Craftsman hammer drill feels robust and well-balanced. The kit includes the hammer drill itself, two 20V Max 2.0Ah Lithium Ion batteries, a charger, a belt clip, and a storage bag. The inclusion of two batteries is a significant plus, as it allows for uninterrupted work by simply swapping out the batteries when one runs out of juice.

The design is user-friendly, with a 1/2-inch keyless chuck that makes bit changes quick and easy. The drill also features an LED light to illuminate dark work areas, which is a thoughtful addition for those of us who often find ourselves working in less-than-ideal lighting conditions.

Performance

When it came time to put the hammer drill to the test, I started with some basic drilling tasks on concrete. The drill's brushless motor, which promises increased durability and runtime, did not disappoint. The two-speed gearbox (0-600 and 0-2,000 RPM) provided the versatility needed for different types of tasks. For heavier-duty work, the hammer drill function, which delivers 34,000 BPM, made quick work of drilling into masonry.

One of the standout features is the power and efficiency of the brushless motor. Compared to my previous corded hammer drill, the Craftsman model offered a noticeable increase in both power and battery life. The 20V Max batteries held up well during extended use, although I did notice a quicker drain when using the drill for more demanding tasks. However, the two batteries included in the kit ensured that I could keep working without significant downtime.

Usability

The hammer drill is relatively lightweight at 6.9 pounds, making it comfortable to use for extended periods. The ergonomic design and balance of the tool also contribute to its ease of use. The direction switch, however, felt a bit flimsy and could be more robust. It occasionally took a few tries to get it into the neutral position, which was slightly irritating.

Another minor gripe is the plastic chuck. While it performed adequately, I couldn't shake the feeling that a metal chuck would offer better durability, especially when working with masonry bits that can sometimes cause significant wear.

Issues and Concerns

Despite its many strengths, the Craftsman hammer drill is not without its issues. Some users, myself included, have experienced problems with the batteries. On one occasion, I found that one of the batteries wouldn't charge at all, which was frustrating. Though the kit includes two batteries, it's disappointing to have one malfunction right out of the box.

Additionally, there have been reports of the drill failing after minimal use. While I haven't experienced this myself, it's worth noting that some users have had their drills malfunction or even burn out after only a few uses. This raises concerns about the overall quality control and durability of the product.

Customer Service and Warranty

Craftsman offers a 3-year limited warranty on this hammer drill, which provides some peace of mind. However, the customer service experience can be hit or miss. While some users have successfully had their tools replaced or repaired, others have faced difficulties navigating the warranty process. In my case, I found that reaching out to customer service for the battery issue was a bit of a hassle, but ultimately, they did replace the faulty battery.

Final Thoughts

The Craftsman Cordless Brushless 1/2-in Hammer Drill Kit is a powerful and versatile tool that's well-suited for a variety of tasks, from simple drilling to more demanding masonry work. The brushless motor offers excellent performance and efficiency, and the inclusion of two batteries in the kit is a significant advantage.

However, there are some concerns regarding the build quality and reliability of the tool. The flimsy direction switch and plastic chuck are minor annoyances, but the more significant issue is the potential for battery or motor failures. These problems, coupled with inconsistent customer service experiences, might give some users pause.

Recommendation

Would I recommend the Craftsman hammer drill? Yes, but with reservations. If you're a homeowner or DIY enthusiast looking for a powerful, versatile tool for occasional use, this hammer drill could be a great addition to your toolkit. Its performance and features make it well-suited for a wide range of tasks. However, if you rely heavily on your tools for professional or frequent use, you might want to consider other options with a more consistent track record for reliability and durability. The 3-year warranty does provide some reassurance, but be prepared for potential hiccups along the way.