Replies

1. 
   DaveinPa | Sep 10, 2002 04:28pm | #1

   This Alan Lacy ( CEO of Seras) is just no good. He is the one who broke the ties with Emerson Tool after 30+ years of Sears doing business with them. What Sears does is to go to a manufacter, have them make a copy of their tool, change the color,features and slap the Craftsman name on it. Their tools are made by DeWalt, Ryobi , P-C etc.... A lot of their cordless drills are being made by Panasonic, not the greatest in the world but good. Watch out for the odd voltage batteries. In a few years you will not be able to get a replacement. Stick with the 18 Volt because its a more common voltage. If you ask an associate who the manufacter is they will tell you. If they can't get the soure code and call service and they will look it up.

   Dave in Pa. 

2. 
   riverr1 | Sep 10, 2002 08:00pm | #2

   I wondered the same thing when the 75th anniversery stuff came out. It is the same color and voltage but I think it stops there. The chuck and batteries are different, and the cordless circular saw styling is no different then their other models whereas PC's looks more like a standard circ. saw then Sears's models and the blade sizes are different.

   Also on that xxxxpond site that was posted here, someone there had posted the various tool source codes for Sears and PC was not one of them. I was surprised to see that Bosch was one though. I also saw that my fathers old Craftsman table saw(code 103.xxxx) was not a Rockwell according to the chart. I think a lot of people, including my father will be surprised to learn that. But then again, maybe it's similar to EmersonRigid in that the tool name is not the same as the manufacturer name ????

   Don

   
   

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   Edited 9/10/2002 2:25:26 PM ET by Don C.

1. 
   Davo304 | Sep 15, 2002 09:31am | #5

   Don,

   I bought that Sears Anniversary set (5 inch saw, 19.2 cordless drill and flashlight) and am very glad I did. The saw performs just like the older, original DeWalt saw (WHICH ORIG. SOLD FOR $250 A FEW YEARS BACK) and the cordless drill has plenty of torque. The flashlight works good when I'm doing electrical in a basement or attic with the power shut off. 

   I've been using a 12 volt Hilti cordless for years, but this Sears model definately wins hands down on brute power. It is on the heavy side however. Being a remodeling contractor, I use this drill everyday. The saw comes in handy for cutting paneling or making an awkard cut hanging out on a rafter tail.

   Paid $155 for the entire set...was a very good bargain.

   Davo

1. 
   riverr1 | Sep 15, 2002 08:03pm | #6

   Davo,

   I don't doubt what you have said at all. I've owed numerous cordless tools and by far craftsman is the best I hadgot. Currently I also have Makita and PC and the operating time between charges on both doesn't come near to the craftsman. Same goes for how long they will hold a charge while not in use. The next best cordless tool line I've had is Milwaukee. It's way overpriced compared to the Craftsman. The only reason I opted for the PC over the craftsman saw is the blade size. Craftsman is an easily ripped brand name by many, but those that haven't investigated their cordless tools are really missing out, and I use them every day. You're also right about the power they pack. As good as some, but most don't come close.

   Don

1. 
   bill_1010 | Sep 16, 2002 04:10am | #7

   I think many craftsman cordless tools are Ryobi factory goods.  Some are black and decker(dewalt)

1. 
   riverr1 | Sep 16, 2002 06:18am | #8

   Bill,

   I've heard about craftsman coming from Ryobi, but the dewalt is a new one. I've owned dewalt, and I'm familiar with the reputation of Ryobi and neither lives up to the craftsman cordless tools. That suggests to me that the manufacturing specs between the different products are different. Hell, I've never had to take back a craftsman cordless while I've never had a dewalt that didn't need to go back. Cordless or otherwise, but I have never owned one of their stationary machines.

   Don

3. 
   ToolDoc | Sep 11, 2002 08:20pm | #3

   Dave: I just picked up the Craftsman mini T Drill its one sweet drill works like a charm, I have been using everyday since I bought it, I do building maintenance and it comes in very handy, glad I bought it..

   Take Care.. ToolDoc

4. 
   ToolDoc | Sep 12, 2002 07:21am | #4

   Dave: I use the Milwaukee close Quartered drills at work, for some reason they just dont feel right in my hands, like there too fat, to hold, and I have large hands.. the Craftsman mini t feels very comfortable to me, as far as how it will hold up, we just have to wait and see.. Yes I seen that Milwaukee droped the metal gear boxes, A Very sad time in power tool History, Damn Plastic Tools!!!

    Take care.. ToolDoc