Craftsman Impact Driver Review
A few weeks back, my trusty impact driver finally gave out. I had relied on it for years, but with my budget tight, splurging on a replacement wasn’t feasible. After weighing my options, I decided on the Craftsman impact driver, which was on sale for just $59—a steal considering it originally retailed for $99.
Since bringing it home, it’s been on quite the adventure. I’ve used it for various DIY tasks, from woodworking and deck repairs to drilling holes in concrete planters. Surprisingly, it’s become my go-to tool for almost everything I do around the house.
Key Features to Note
The current sale price is just $59 (40% off). This model comes fully equipped with all required tools, batteries, and chargers right out of the box. Its lightweight design means less strain on your hands and wrists during use, and the battery provides enough power to get through about 120 drives on a single charge. It’s also well-rated by users, boasting an Amazon rating of 4.7 and over 1,000 purchases in the last month.
Performance Overview
The Craftsman drill has delivered full-size performance despite its lightweight design. Having used other brands like DeWalt and Bosch, I found it noticeably lighter, which is a significant advantage during lengthy projects. It managed to drive long deck screws into pressure-treated wood surprisingly well, even if it didn’t match the speed of my DeWalt driver. However, when I applied some extra pressure, the performance gap narrowed considerably.
Battery Life
Some reviews I read were critical of the battery life, but my experience has been quite the opposite. After using it for various demanding tasks—a picnic table build, a few garden bed repairs, and even assembling a wooden pallet bar—I still had battery life left for minor tasks the following day. None of these projects were quick fixes; they stretched over several hours during the weekend.
Convenience Features
Another highlight is the built-in LED light, which came in handy while I was planting at dusk. It illuminated my work area well enough that I didn’t need a flashlight, and it would stay on for a few moments after I released the trigger—making it easy to position the next screw without fumbling around.
Switching bits was smooth as well. With the Craftsman’s keyless chuck, I could effortlessly swap out bits in seconds for different tasks, whether drilling or tightening screws. This feature saved me considerable time, especially while working on concrete planters where the bit stayed securely in place without slipping.
Room for Improvement
However, it’s not all perfect. The charger, while compact and less intrusive than many others, does take quite a while to complete a full charge. If you’re planning larger projects, investing in a spare battery might be a wise move.
Final Thoughts
Overall, after several weeks of use, I’m all in on this Craftsman impact driver. I’ve considered purchasing it outright again, even with its drawbacks like charging speed and a slightly slower power output compared to higher-end models. Those issues are outweighed by the lightweight build, ample battery life, and solid performance. Priced at $59, it’s hard to find a better deal for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners alike.
