Craftsman WEEDWACKER String Trimmer & Blower Combo Kit

When it comes to maintaining a tidy yard, having the right tools can make all the difference. I recently had the opportunity to test out the Craftsman WEEDWACKER String Trimmer & Blower Combo Kit (model CMCK279C2), and here's my detailed take on this combo set.

First Impressions and Assembly

Straight out of the box, the Craftsman combo kit makes a decent first impression. The trimmer and blower are both lightweight, which immediately suggested ease of use. Assembly was straightforward and took only a few minutes, especially since the trimmer came mostly assembled. Both tools have a feel of quality craftsmanship, though the materials seemed a bit on the lighter side, hinting at the possibility of durability issues with more intensive use.

Performance: Trimmer

The string trimmer in this combo kit is powered by a 20V MAX* Lithium Ion battery and features an automatic feed system. This system is designed to extend the trimmer line without manual adjustments, a handy feature that saves time and effort. During my testing, I found the trimmer to be quite effective for light-duty tasks. It handled grass and small weeds around my yard with ease. However, it struggled with thicker patches of grass and more robust weeds, often bogging down.

The trimmer's cutting swath is 10 inches, which is adequate for small to medium-sized yards. For larger properties, this might feel a bit limiting. The trimmer is lightweight and has almost no vibration, which was a relief for my wrists during prolonged use. The lack of vibration and lightweight nature make it user-friendly, especially for those who might not have the strength to handle heavier equipment.

Performance: Blower

The blower in this combo kit is designed to deliver up to 200 CFM and 90 MPH air flow. In practice, I found it to be quite effective for clearing grass clippings, small twigs, and dry leaves from the driveway and patio. However, it struggled with heavier debris and wet leaves. The blower is definitely more suited for light-duty tasks and quick clean-ups rather than heavy-duty yard work.

Battery Life and Charging

One of the critical aspects of any cordless tool is its battery life. This combo kit includes two 1.5 Ah batteries and a charger. The batteries take a few hours to charge fully, which is somewhat lengthy. During use, I found that each battery lasted about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the intensity of the task. For a small yard, this might be sufficient, but for larger areas, you will likely need to swap batteries frequently or invest in additional ones.

The charger included in the kit is a bit underwhelming with its 400 mA output. This means that charging the batteries takes a considerable amount of time. If you already own other Craftsman V20* tools with a higher capacity charger, this may not be a significant issue. However, for first-time buyers, the charging speed could be a point of frustration.

Durability and Build Quality

Durability is where my experience with the Craftsman combo kit was mixed. The trimmer, while lightweight and easy to handle, felt a bit flimsy during use. The automatic feed system worked well initially but seemed prone to issues over time. I had concerns about the long-term reliability of this feature. The blower, on the other hand, seemed sturdier and more reliable, though its power limitations were evident.

Ease of Use and Comfort

Both tools in this combo kit excel in ease of use and comfort. The lightweight design makes them easy to maneuver, and the minimal vibration of the trimmer is a significant advantage for anyone with wrist issues. The blower's ergonomic design also makes it comfortable to use for extended periods. The integrated hook for storing on the VERSATRACK™ system is a nice touch, adding convenience for storage.

Value for Money

The Craftsman WEEDWACKER String Trimmer & Blower Combo Kit offers good value for money, especially considering it includes two tools and two batteries. For homeowners with small to medium-sized yards, this combo kit can handle most light-duty yard maintenance tasks effectively. However, if you have a larger property or require more robust tools, you might find this kit lacking in power and battery life.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend the Craftsman WEEDWACKER String Trimmer & Blower Combo Kit? It depends on your needs. For small to medium-sized yards and light-duty tasks, this combo kit is a solid choice. The tools are lightweight, easy to use, and offer decent performance for their intended purpose. The value proposition is strong, given the inclusion of two batteries and the overall affordability of the kit.

However, if you have a larger yard or need tools that can handle more intensive tasks, you might want to consider other options. The battery life and power limitations could become frustrating, and the durability of the trimmer might not hold up under more demanding use.

In conclusion, the Craftsman WEEDWACKER String Trimmer & Blower Combo Kit is a good fit for homeowners looking for a budget-friendly, lightweight solution for basic yard maintenance. For more demanding needs, investing in a higher-powered, more durable set of tools might be a better long-term investment.