I'm heavily invested in Dewalt cordless power tools, and considering the cost I've put into their batteries, it's a big factor for me when looking at new purchases. I'm tired of lugging around a generator to use my grinder and circular saw, so I'm thinking about going cordless. I've noticed that Craftsman and Dewalt seem to offer similar quality in these tools. With a $12 battery adapter, I could save a significant amount—maybe a couple of hundred bucks—by switching to Craftsman. Am I making a mistake by considering this option?
5 Answers
Craftsman tools and Dewalt tools are made by the same parent company, but their quality differs. Dewalt is their premium line, while Craftsman is more budget-oriented. When it comes to performance, Dewalt significantly outperforms in torque tests for both saws and grinders, which are crucial for power tools. The 60V line from Dewalt really excels when it comes to power delivery, so consider if that’s what you need.
You really don’t want to mix brands. If you're already committed to Dewalt, stick with them for quality. They often offer combo deals for tools that could save you a bit and also come with extra batteries. Plus, Dewalt tools are known for being heavy-duty and reliable compared to Craftsman, which is more of a budget option. Just my two cents!
Just a heads-up about repairs—you might run into trouble finding parts for Craftsman if something goes wrong. They're made by other manufacturers, which complicates repairs. With Dewalt, they’re robust and parts might be easier to track down, especially since they're designed for heavy-duty use.
Just so you know, the current Craftsman tools sold at places like Lowe’s are made by SBD (Stanley Black & Decker), the same company making Dewalt. If that helps with parts, you might find them at the same service center!
Before switching, think about how much of a hassle it's been to move your generator around. Is that frustration worth saving money? Also, check the costs of different tools in both brands, as there are various models with different voltage options. Just a heads-up: neither Dewalt nor Craftsman have an official adapter for battery swapping. That $12 adapter might not guarantee your safety or compatibility, and it could risk your current Dewalt tools. Just something to consider!
Thanks for your advice! The constant generator maintenance has been a pain. The adapter I mentioned just needs to fit Dewalt's battery style, and I don't really need these tools on a daily basis.
If you're looking at saving a couple hundred bucks, be careful with that expectation. The prices I found for Dewalt tools show a bare circular saw at $139 and a grinder at $129. If you're getting savings off of those prices, it might be a red flag about quality. Just be aware of what you're investing in!
I'm glad we’re looking at real prices. I checked and found a brushless circular saw for $99 and a Craftsman grinder for $79, which still totals around $218 less than Dewalt’s prices!
I hear you on the quality, but with prices going up everywhere, I need to consider all options. I can't swing the 60V models right now.