Craftsman Tools has officially announced their new V20 Brushless RP cordless power tools.
Thank you very much to the many readers who shared reports and photos of their sightings! Please keep your new tool sightings coming – I very much appreciate them!
We reported on the new Craftsman V20 Brushless RP line 2 months ago, and now have official details and insights from Craftsman.
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Craftsman press materials quote their VP of product management as saying:
CRAFTSMAN developed the new V20* BRUSHLESS RP™ line to help advance jobsite performance by easily identifying between CRAFTSMAN brushed tools and our premium brushless tools.
On the Craftsman website, they say:
Craftsman introduces new V20 Brushless RP runtime + performance tools for professionals. Part of the V20 system, the brushless RP tools were designed to provide more runtime and better performance for a job well done.
There will be (8) V20 Brushless RP tools to start, including a new oscillating multi-tool.
- 1/2″ Hammer Drill (CMCD732B)
- 1/4″ Impact Driver (CMCF813B)
- 3/8″ Impact Wrench (CMCF911B)
- 1/2″ Impact Wrench (CMCF921B)
- 7-1/4″ Circular Saw (CMCS551B)
- Reciprocating Saw (CMCS351B)
- 4-1/2″ Small Angle Grinder (CMCG451B)
- Oscillating Multi-Tool (CMCE565B)
Craftsman says that additional brushless products will join the line throughout 2022 and on.
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The new Craftsman V20 Brushless RP tools will be “available in stores and online where Craftsman products are sold starting in February 2022.” Lowe’s is the only stocking retailer at this time. Lowe’s is also the sole retailer mentioned in the product listings on Craftsman’s own website.
fred
They say: “Craftsman introduces new V20 Brushless RP runtime + performance tools for professionals”
While that may be their hope, I suspect that SBD will be happy if that verbiage about “professionals” convinces lots of Lowes homeowner shoppers to buy them. Time will tell.
Nathan
some of the numbering is interesting. CMCF921 – vs DCF921 – impact wrench. I wonder if they will be the same
Big Richard
The CMCF921 is actually a detuned version of the DeWALT DCF894 mid-torque 1/2″, not the DCF921 compact 1/2″ as you would expect based off the name. It is a carryover from the CMCF920, just updated branding.
All of these tools are have a nearly identical yellow cousin with slightly higher specs and sticker prices.
On a related note, the DeWalt DCF894’s successor (DCF891) has been showing up on UK dealer’s websites. They even had it on DeWALT France’s official instagram page last month with an estimated availability of February. Exact same form factor as the DCF894, but with more power and the 4 speed membrane switch like the new Atomic impact wrenches.
MM
Speaking of Dewalt impacts, I know we’ve heard about the DCF900 “Bruiser 2” which is the upcoming “high torque” 1/2 impact to replace the DCF899. I read a rumor that there is supposedly a parallel development project for another high-end impact, “Ludacris” / DCF961, which is expected to be a Flexvolt Advantage model. You hear anything about that?
Big Richard
I can confirm you are correct about the DCF900. Like the new DCF891 I mentioned above, it is the exact same form factor as its predecessor (DCF899), also with the increased torque and 4 speed membrane switch. Both of those are official.
I have heard the same rumors regarding the supposed DCF961, as well as the potential next XR 1/4″ impact driver, but unfortunately they are only rumors and I have no confirmation.
Big Richard
@MM, DCF891 showing up on websites. DCF900 should be coming soo, too.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/DEWALT/5002909333
MM
I’ve started seeing more info about the DCF900 too.
This is rather interesting, and shows several other tools as well:
https://dewalt.delegateconnect.co/talks/eposter
So I’d think we’ll be seeing that fairly soon. I also really hope we hear something about the 23ga pinner (dcn623, I think?) soon too!
Big Richard
I actually attended that web conference, it was decent. Nothing too surprising in there, but it was nice to see some of the new tools in action. I have absolutely zero need for that mag drill press, but I want it.
They didn’t have any of the new woodworking tools in there (23ga pinner, biscuit jointer, new 60v miter saw, etc.) it was more industrial, OPE, and automotive centered. Target seems to be late Q2 early Q3, so details should be coming soon.
Big Richard
@MM, here is your DCF900:
https://www.mynewsdesk.com/us/dewalt-usa/pressreleases/dewalt-r-introduces-the-new-20v-max-star-xr-r-1-slash-2-in-high-torque-impact-wrench-that-provides-users-with-the-power-needed-on-the-jobsite-3196584
MM
Thanks for that Big Richard, glad to hear it’s finally coming out!
Potato
They aren’t even detuned it’s the same product different clamshell housing. The Craftsman, Dewalt and MacTool midtorque all have the same result on the Torque test channel.
Big Richard
That’s one source with one method of testing. And I saw that episode. The DeWalt did quite a bit better than the Craftsman once a higher output 21700 6Ah pack was used. Craftsman doesn’t have a higher output 21700 pack to compare to, so it is possible that is where the difference in specs comes from. They are definitely more similar than dissimilar, no argument there.
Nathan
does this also mean new 20V batteries from craftsman.
Stuart
Not that I know of – they didn’t say anything about new batteries.
CJ
I’d give it about 2-3 years before they introduce the powerstack tech they’re pushing out in Dewalt rn.
Stuart
What’s the basis for this? Craftsman still doesn’t have higher output batteries built with 21700-sized Li-ion cells, and so there’s no reason to think they’ll adapt even pricier battery tech.
Joe E.
And still no USA made mechanics tools 🙁
How much longer will they keep us waiting? My kids who aren’t even born yet will probably be grown and out of the house by the time they get things rolling.
Thechad
I keep watching for them too. Even was reading the conference call cliff notes from the investor call. I didn’t see anything discussed of the new fort worth plant.
Sure seems to be dark on the craftsman front about it all.
Jared
Have you examined their on-paper specs yet Stuart?
I’m wondering if the possibility that Craftsman V20 Brushless RP would be a parallel to Dewalt 20V Max XR panned out?
Big Richard
It is a slightly detuned version, yes. This is their premium brushless 20v line, juts like XR is DeWalt’s premium brushless 20v line.
Some of the tools are new, others are just re-branded versions of their predecessor with the new RP markings.
Franck B.
In actual use, most of the “detuned” versions seem to operate just as well or with a difference that is so negligible that it seems to make no difference.
For example, I used a Dewalt DCF887 for many years. When it started having issues, rather than get it serviced I purchased the Craftsman version (I already had batteries because I wanted some of the mechanics-style tools that Dewalt seems to ignore and leave to Mac). The 1700lb/ft vs 1825lb/ft didn’t seem different at all in use. I’ve since started using a DCF850 and they all seem to operate at the same level.
Same with the Craftsman brushless reciprocating saw which has been discontinued to be replaced with one with the “RP” sticker. It even has the two-speeds which the Dewalt version doesn’t… and to be fair, most of the construction guys I know only need full speed of every tool, which is why they burn out blades on their oscillating multitoosl, and also why they’re not allowed to operate our Skyjack lifts.
I find the paper specs to be a bit of a guide but I’m not sure they’re fully applicable in practice. I purchased the DCF899 (H of course) impact wrench when it came out and don’t find it to be as powerful as its numbers imply. A more recent purchase of a Klein impact wrench has proved to be a lot more useful due to both more power and because it doesn’t have the limitation of the 1/2″ square drive… and it uses my Dewalt batteries. 😀
TL;DR–the slight detuning of Craftsman specs doesn’t seem to be an issue in practice and the lower price is welcome as I usually replace rather than service at the lower price points.
Stuart
They’re no different than the previous V20 Brushless tools.
As Big Richard mentioned, there are some resemblances to certain Dewalt models, but I find it difficult to conclude anything from this.
Stanley Black & Decker went the “Good” and “Better” route with similar Porter Cable and Dewalt options in limited categories (namely woodworking power tools), but I don’t think it worked out well for Porter Cable.
CJ
PC’s gonna die in a few years. They did a deal with Tractor Supply as the sole vendor. Which I don’t believe is even a nationwide store.
Stuart
https://toolguyd.com/porter-cable-tractor-supply-exclusive-cordless-power-tools/
Tractor Supply has around the same number of stores in the USA as Home Depot and Lowe’s.
Their 2020 revenue bested Ace Hardware’s, and they earned 73% as much as Stanley Black & Decker.
Dave the tool
More Craftsman marketing mumbo jumbo. Just purchase Dewalt for nearly the same price instead of weeding through all the specs.
Mike
You can get craftsman for almost half the price right now at Lowe’s, they still have a lot of the brushless without the rp on it and some of the tools like the circ saw and recip saw are better than dewalts versions
Franck B.
I agree, I got the non-RP reciprocating saw that’s still BL and I like it a lot. I procured some of the Dewalt version for the crew and I like the CM version better. Plus no one touches my tools anymore, and my CM batteries don’t mysteriously disappear for days and then mysteriously reappear.
Xrh07
You can get Dewalt stuff cheap using Home Depot promos/pro-rated returns. Dealing with Home Depot is also much easier and better than Lowe’s.
Dewalt’s ecosystem crushes Craftsman. Your $$ goes further with Dewalt if you need stuff outside the typical core lineup.
If you’re still budget constrained then Ryobi is also a far better alternative to Craftsman anyways.
GeorgeMzc
I have mostly DeWalt tools, but scored some great deals on some V20 tools. A a homeowner, all of them are just fine. No complaints, and I have lots of batteries of each brand due to bundle deals. I’m a happy camper.
Whitlow
It looks exactly like the previous tools and same specs with new labels and boxes
David A
Oooh brushless!!! Why is this news? I think of brushless motors as more or less the standard for cordless core tools. People who care about tools with brushless motors are aware that they’ve been available for about a decade. People who don’t care about brushless motors are unlikely to notice. This will excite no one. I don’t understand how SBD is integrating Craftsman into their brand hierarchy. They can’t seriously expect pro users to buy into Craftsman instead of Dewalt right? If I’m shopping at Lowes there’s also Bosch, Metabo HPT, Flex, and Kobalt. The branding is confusing and unfortunately the actual tools just aren’t that interesting. Craftsman lost me a long time ago and this is certainly not going to win back any of my interest.
aaron
The clearance was good to me. $37 for a hammer drill with 2 batteries , a variety of bare tools. Kitted out a couple new guys for 30 cents on the dollar. That’s probably all the craftsman cordless I’ll ever buy.
djespo
Without a Drywall screw guns and cutters they will never be accepted in the Latin construction community. Also they need to quit making cheap raunchy bottom of the line tools $59 chopsaw
Franck B.
CMCE200 cut out tool. Screwgun probably isn’t far behind.
But maybe they aren’t going after the market you think might never accept them? I don’t know, I’m not a product manager there.
James Davis
I think the CMCD721 would be a no brainer to keep in the lineup. The CMCF820 also is a no brainer. I simply don’t understand the amount of SKU action. These two tools are good units.
Stuart
I don’t believe they have been discontinued.
It’s just strange and confusing that Craftsman is touting RP tools as being “better” while excluding their two best tools.
James Davis
Indeed. I think this is a misstep. They have to know their competition has stepped up. The two premium drivers should be RP.
Fyrfytr998
If there was a “Like” feature for what you posted. I would have hit that button so fast Stuart.
Stuart
Thanks!!
Sorry, I did look into such a feature, but it would involve too many compromises and complexities.
Aaron
What does RP mean
Stuart
As mentioned in the post, Runtime + Performance.
Aaron
Do you make a drywall router
Stuart
No.
John
Too bad, we’ve been waiting for the Stuart tool line for years!
Big Richard
If you are asking of Craftsman makes one, yes they do. It is not this new RP Brushless line, but there is one coming.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-CM-20V-CUTOUT-TOOL/5013097247
James Davis
I simply don’t understand the hate thrown at Craftsman. Maybe it’s because I have Flex ( almost all ), Milwaukee M12 ( extensive ), as well as Craftsman V20. I love tools, and don’t have a favorite. I want all of them to succeed, because, it breeds competition. I realize some users are “fan boys” of their brand, and become militant about that. I LOVE Craftsman, and want them to succeed! I simply cover my bases to have future use out of my tools. The hate thrown at Craftsman is not understood by me. I want SBD to succeed, and love having all of these options.
ScG420
These are exactly the same as the “made in China” versions of the old brushless tools with the exception of the multi tool and the jigsaw which has been on Lowes website for over a month but apparently isn’t going to be released yet. You are still better off buying the “made in the USA with global materials” versions. The specs are better, especially the impact driver which has 3 speeds instead of just one and the drills have metal chucks which makes alot of difference to me for whatever reason. I own all the USA versions and they are decent tools. Don’t care much for the Chinese plastic chucks though. Just my opinion
Don
Are there in lbs of torque listed?
Stuart
You’ll have to refer to the individual product pages. Generally, Stanley Black & Decker brands use UWO for torque measurements, except for impact tools.
https://toolguyd.com/dewalt-cordless-drills-uwo-torque/
Big Richard
They still are slowly expanding the lineup, just taking some yellow tools and making them red:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN/5013549267
Stuart
Thanks! That one’s new to me!