After putting the Craftsman impact driver through weeks of real-world testing, it has become my primary tool for DIY projects. My previous impact driver had finally stopped working, and I wasn’t ready to invest heavily in a replacement. After evaluating various options, the Craftsman impact driver caught my attention, primarily due to its sale price of $59, which continues to be available.
Reliable Performance at a Budget
The Craftsman Cordless Impact Driver is currently priced at $59, 40% off its original price of $99. This deal is for a trusted tool that’s popular among FOX readers. The package includes the drill, battery, and charger, ensuring you have everything needed to start working immediately.
- Lightweight design minimizes hand and wrist fatigue.
- The long-lasting battery provides up to 120 drives per charge.
- Highly rated by shoppers, with a 4.7 Amazon rating and over 1,000 purchases last month.
Full-Size Performance
Having used impact drivers from brands like DeWalt, Bosch, and Ryobi, I found the Craftsman stood out due to its lighter weight. This made lengthy projects more manageable without causing wrist strain. Despite being lighter, it didn’t lack power. Projects such as building a picnic table and repairing garden beds showed it could drive long screws into pressure-treated wood effectively. While it isn’t as fast as a comparable DeWalt driver, with some forward pressure, the performance difference is minimal.
Impressive Battery Life
The set includes a battery and a charger. Although some reviewers noted concerns about battery life, I found it exceeded expectations. On a single charge, I was able to build a picnic table, repair garden beds, and assemble a pallet bar, with enough battery left for smaller tasks the following day. These weren’t short tasks but required several hours over a weekend.
Built-In LED Light
Working until sunset is a common scenario for me, making the built-in LED light crucial. It sufficiently lit up areas while installing planter boxes, saving me the trouble of using a separate flashlight. The light remains on briefly after releasing the trigger, aiding in aligning the next screw.
Quick Bit Swapping
An appreciated feature is how swiftly it allows for bit swapping. Whether drilling pilot holes or driving screws, changing bits takes only seconds without needing additional tools. This is due to its keyless chuck design, which eliminates the need for a chuck key. Even when drilling concrete planters, the bit remained secure, and switching to drive screws into brackets was seamless.
Minor Drawback
The only downside is the charger speed. While compact and space-efficient, it requires several hours for a full charge. Having an extra battery can be beneficial for larger tasks.
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Conclusion: Value for Money
After consistent use, I would confidently purchase the Craftsman impact driver again. Despite not being the fastest and having a slower charger, its lightweight structure, substantial battery life, and reliable performance stand out. At $59, it offers excellent value for homeowners and weekend DIY enthusiasts. Amazon Prime members can have this tool delivered quickly, with options for a 30-day free trial for shopping convenience.
Christopher Murray is a commerce writer for Fox News specializing in areas such as outdoor gear, DIY projects, and more.
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