19.2-volt Cordless Combo

List Price: $129.99

Features:

• Braking switch stops chuck quickly for easier and quicker operation
• 24-position adjustable torque clutch, 1/2 in. keyless chuck, bit storage
• Includes 2 batteries, charger, 2 D.E. bits, light and case

Customer Reviews:

So-so set [Posted on 2005-02-22]
I purchased this set in June 2004. I wanted a drill that has the levels on the top and on the back to make it easier to drill holes either level or plumb. This was only one of a few cordless drills that I found that has them. So far, so good. When I actually started using the drill, I found that you couldn't put the drill back in the case with anything in the chuck that was longer than about 1 1/2" or else it would hit the battery for the light. I'm usually using the same drill bit over and over, so it's annoying to have to remove it each time. I've worked with other drills that have room in the case for bits to be left in the chuck.
When I was first looking at the set, I thought the flashlight was great - the light beam is very bright, the head can be rotated to point to what you're working on, and you can set it down to work hands-free without worrying about it tipping over.
NOW, my biggest complaint about this set - or more specifically, the light. In the 8 months I've owned it, I've needed to purchase about 10-12 new bulbs for it. They would blow for no reason, in my opinion. Considering I've only used the light maybe 20 times during those 8 months, to have that many bulbs blow is ridiculous. After the first 5 or 6 bulbs blew, I went back to Sears to see what they could do about it. They didn't understand why I would be going through so many bulbs, they hadn't heard that the light was defective, and they commented that perhaps I had dropped the light. They replaced the whole set when I told them that I had bought the extra warranty, and I thought the problem was gone, just limited to that first light. WRONG! The second light is doing the same thing. I've had to buy 5 or 6 more bulbs, and I'm at the point where I'm going back again to complain. I've done a net search, and found that others are having the same problem. So, we'll see what Sears will do about it now...

Great drill for the money [Posted on 2006-10-08]
I did not buy this exact set, but instead the craftsman 19.2 cordless drill and impact driver set. But I have used this same set at the workshop and can comment on it.
The drill I have is actually the 19.2 version with the 3/8 chuck. Right out the box I used it to drill 1/2" holes into some brick, which by the way, masonry drilling is not recommended in the manual for this 3/8 drill. I soon realized why. The 3/8 chuck can't hold it. After every 15 sec or so I would have to retighten the chuck. But the drill seemed to have to power to do it.
Originally I thought i was buying the same 1/2" drill/impact driver as on sale at the sears website. But the sears I bought it at had only these package deals with the 3/8 chuck which i only noticed after i bought it.
Well, I just went with it since i figured it would weigh less i didn't need this for drilling masonry. But of course, in a bind I needed it the next day for drilling a 1/2" into brick.
So the drill did do the trick drilling holes into the brick. But the chuck had to go. I went out and bought the 1/2 jacobs chuck with 3/8" 24 spindle. I get the chuck off the drill and guess what, its a friggen half inch 20 shaft.

Which further lead me to this theory:
The motor in both the 3/8 and 1/2 drill is probably the same. The rpms are the same anyway, at 400 and 1400. So then the 3/8 drill just came with a slightly smaller housing(slightly lighter) and a crappy 3/8 chuck.
So after some searching i ended up buying the right chuck 1/2" 20.
Not the single sleeve, but still the clicktite, so good enough.
So theoretically I have the same drill as the 1/2" craftsman with a lighter body and a better chuck.
As far as the review of my drill with the jacobs chuck, i've yet to push it to the limit. But after drilling holes into brick, it showed little sign of needing to be charged.

As far as the 1/2 cordless drill stock goes:
Our shop put these drills to work. From 3 1/2" screw framing a few structures, to drilling into metal, it showed great power and very good run times. These batteries are meant to last. Much more impressive than the 18v dewalt batteries I've noticed workers using which will drain dead after short heavy use.
The chuck is 1/2" but it is plastic. I don't like plastic. It's smooth and not good for gripping or keeping the chuck at its tightest possible. The jacobs single sleeve carbide chuck that came on my 18v ridgid was far superior. Other top brands like milw, dewalt, makita have these excellent jacobs, rohm etc. chucks. This is part of what makes them higher quality over craftsman. Also, I hope in the future craftsman can match ridgid's short charging times.

All considered, for an inexpensive work drill, you can't beat these craftsmans.

Mediocre at best [Posted on 2008-03-27]
If what you are looking for is a drill to do some basic wood drilling, then this will be fine. But, for larger projects you are better off spending the money on a better drill. The main issue with this drill is the power the battery can deliver. I have had good and bad experiences with it.

The first project I used this drill for was laying a subfloor down. This drill barely hard the power to drive 2" screws into the subfloor. After a dozen scres it got worse. I ended up being able to drive about 2 dozen screws with one charge. I had 20 dozen to do. I got so frustrated with it that I ended up going out and buying a corded Makita.

However, I also used this drill when I put up a fence. No problem whatsoever. It was not as powerful as the cordless Makita we were also using, but it held up its own.

If all you are doing is standard drill and drive tasks around the house, this drill will be fine.. Anything else and this drill is severely underpowered. I still have my drill (after 6 years), but for the most part it just sits on my shelf gathering dust.

Sears Tool Pro - not the right drill for the stats [Posted on 2008-04-15]
I'm the Tool pro out of one of the Sears stores (in Portage, Mi)

Here is the deal on the Craftsman 19.2 volt line. Craftsman did a great job on this line overall. Many of the drills and tools are top notch. The line is not made for Contractor's (That is the Craftsman Pro 20v line) but this line is a Prosumer, high tongue, good speed, basically pro performance but not wear and tear. I personally own 2/3 of the line and love all that I have (some things I don't, I think are not that great)

This Drill, the drill set in the first picture was out of the Craftsman first tool in the line of the EX series (now discontinued and changed name to C3)
All the other pictures were for a drill set the came out ONLY FOR CHRISTMAS. As the 19.2 drills are great there are 4 models that have been made. 3 of the 4 are great drills (Sears number 11542 and 11548 and the hammerdrill 11543).
However this drill is not. It is a cheaped down version to sell at a really low price during Christmas for around $70-$80.
All the stats listed on Amazon for this drill are false.

Battery - is the same great Diehard battery BUT IS ONLY ONE (Retail for $30)
Charger - is the same great 1 hour charger
Hand vac - very handy, I have 2
Sander - Same, pretty handy
Light - Bright and very handy.
DRILL - NOT THE SAME
Drill in this set is a 3/8 drill, single speed, different motor that can perform to a PEAK of 400 inch/lbs of tongue but not that efficient.
This particular drill is for light duty use. IT IS THE ONLY light duty drill in the whole line.

I would recommend if you are thinking around the $90-100 price range, start with the 19.2 11542
Comes with 2 batteries, charger, hard case the high performance drill with a heavy duty motor, and the light for sale at $99.99. You wouldn't regret buying this drill. I have the hammerdrill 11543. I love it.

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