Craftsman has launched a new drywall hand tool set on Amazon, featuring a selection of finishing tools.
The kit comes with:
- Joint knives: 4″, 6″
- Taping knives: 8″, 12″
- 9-in-1 multi-tool scraper
- Bucket scoop
- Two-piece mixer
- 12″ mid pan
- Compound bucket
Everything packs inside the bucket for easier storage and transport.
Advertisement
Craftsman says that the new drywall tools deliver “pro-level performance.”
All of the drywall knives and bucket scoop are made with stainless steel.
It looks like the new Craftsman drywall tools are made by Level 5 Tools, the same company that makes Dewalt drywall tools. Both Craftsman and Dewalt are Stanley Black & Decker brands.
The price for the Craftsman seems quite good – $90 for everything.
The assortment also seems well through out with no glaring holes. Users can add in more sizes as needed, but this does seem like a complete starting set.
Advertisement
Jason
This is… actually a decent set?!? Only thing they should have done is switched to a stainless mud pan (like the Dewalt bucketless set) instead of the red plastic ones, those suck by comparison.
RDogg
Agreed – the plastic withe metal edge tgat has to be cleaned out is ungood.
Badger12345
Agreed. Stainless pan would be better. I’m also not thrilled about the threaded two-piece shaft for the mixer unless it is made well.
MM
Agreed, it’s very annoying to have to clean out that little gap where the metal edge fits into the plastic pan, and if you don’t get it cleaned out properly you end up getting little crusty bits in your mud. I only do drywall work for myself and those plastic pans are a frustration, I can’t imagine a professional, even an apprentice getting started, putting up with one. IMHO a stainless mud pan is nearly essential, while a bucket scoop is a luxury.
I’ve never used a Dewalt or Craftsman branded drywall tool though I have two from Level 5 and they are nice. Assuming these are similar just different colors the kit looks like pretty good value.
AngryDrumGuy
Yup, could have added the stainless pan with rounded corners and made the whole thing $99 year-round for a great set instead of good.
Nathan
Interesting. I’d probably buy one when I need one.
fred
looks like a good set for a homeowner.
Not sure about this set – but many Level5 tools are made in Poland
I recently had a drywall contractor in to do some skim coating – and he was using Level5 skimming blades of different sizes that all fit into one handle assembly.
Michael
On the bucket in the 5th photo, it says Made in Vietnam.
Joe E.
One of my winter projects is drywall work in our laundry room and bathroom. This set looks handy.
TomD
I’m more interested in those “brass knuckles” on the side of the bucket; I’ve never seen a bucket closure like that.
Chuck R
I mean that’s a pretty decent little kit for any homeowner. Metal pan would be nicer but… not bad.
I’m just a DIY / homeowner and I’m all in on all the Level5 stuff already but otherwise… for cheaper this is a good starter kit.
MattW.
The dewalt are rebranded level 5 so the cost is there for a reason.
Paul
I believe these are as well, which makes it a pretty good deal.
potato
Would be nice if they brought over the dewalt cordless drywall sander, with a craftsman name and cheaper price point
fred
All of those rotating drywall sanders with floating rotating discs and vacuum dust extraction owe their origins to Porter Cable – who had the first set of patents on them when they first introduced the #7800
ElectroAtletico
Drywall guys remind me of “The Wolf” in the movie Pulp Fiction – to me they’re like the crime-scene cleanup crew of construction—if another trade messed up, mud and tape make sure no one ever knows.
fred
A bit like the circus too. Guys walking on stilts.
Jack D
I’ve grown to like using a hawk more than a pan when I mud, just work on my own house, but I’m generally happy with it…this set doesn’t look so bad, as a starter kit.
Katie
I like a hawk, too. Last winter I drywalled two very small, narrow closets and a hawk wouldn’t fit. First time I used a pan, and it seemed awkward.
I think they used a plastic pan to match the Craftsman red color.
ken
I have the dewalt mixer which works great but also rusts bad. Its a pain to clean the rust. It looks the same as above. Using a two piece design sound like a really big problem. I would not even consider buying any mixer that is multi-piece. Other than that and the plastic mud pan it is a good set. I would also think it is an odd marketing concept to combine these tools under the craftsman label. I would assume homeowners would be your target audience and it does not make much sense. Home owners likely would not need or be willing to pay for the premium tools. Professionals would never consider this set due to the two piece mixer and plastic pan.
Robert
I agrree with almost everyone here .Other than than the plastic mud pan, it is definitely a decent kit.
Robert
Add a stainless steel mud pan and 100% good to go
Jo
That plastic pan needs to go right in the trash . I use my metal pan six days a week at work.