Craftsman Impact Drivers
Craftsman's V20 impact drivers are aimed at homeowners who want a familiar name at a fair price. Here is how the brushed and brushless models differ and which one is worth buying.
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The Craftsman impact driver most buyers should get is the V20 Brushless RP CMCF830: 1,800 in-lbs and a 3-speed setting (up to 3,200 RPM), which is plenty for decks, fences and home projects. On a tighter budget, the brushless CMCF813 (1,500 in-lbs) or brushed CMCF800 (1,460 in-lbs) handle lighter work. Craftsman is owned by Stanley Black & Decker, the same group as DeWalt, but V20 batteries do not fit DeWalt 20V MAX tools.
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Craftsman V20 impact driver lineup
Craftsman sells its cordless impact drivers on the V20 battery platform. The line splits into a brushed entry model and several brushless models, with the higher-output tier labeled RP. The specs below come from Craftsman's product pages. Torque ratings are measured differently by each brand, so treat them as a guide to class, not a head-to-head score.
| Model | Motor | Rated torque | Max speed | Impact rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CMCF830 (Brushless RP, 3-speed) | Brushless | 1,800 in-lbs | 0-1,400/2,400/3,200 RPM | Check the current listing |
| CMCF820 | Brushless | 1,700 in-lbs | 2,900 RPM | 3,800 IPM |
| CMCF813 (Brushless RP) | Brushless | 1,500 in-lbs | 2,800 RPM | 3,500 IPM |
| CMCF800 | Brushed | 1,460 in-lbs | 2,800 RPM | 3,100 IPM |
Kit codes follow the model: B means bare tool, C1 or C2 means a kit with one or two batteries and a charger, D2 means two larger packs. Kit battery sizes change, so check the current listing.
The Craftsman impact driver to buy: CMCF830
Craftsman V20 Brushless RP 1/4 in. Impact Driver (CMCF830)
Best for: homeowners doing decks, fences, sheds and general repairs.
- Torque
- 1,800 in-lbs
- Speed
- 0-1,400/2,400/3,200 RPM
- Motor
- Brushless
- Warranty
- 3-year limited
The CMCF830's 3-speed selector matters more than its torque figure. Low speed keeps you from snapping cabinet screws or stripping drywall screws. High speed drives 3-inch deck screws and 1/4-inch lags in softwood. Craftsman claims up to 23% more torque than the brushed CMCF800.
Strengths
- Three speeds give real control
- Brushless motor for longer runtime per charge
- Onboard bit holders and a belt hook
- Often discounted in kits at Lowe's and online
Weaknesses
- No self-tapping or assist mode
- Less torque than premium 18V drivers (different test methods apply)
- Impact rate and weight not clearly published
Budget options: CMCF813 and CMCF800
Craftsman V20 Brushless RP Impact Driver (CMCF813)
Best for: light home use, furniture assembly helpers and occasional projects.
- Torque
- 1,500 in-lbs
- Speed
- 2,800 RPM
- Impacts
- 3,500 IPM
A compact brushless driver that is often sold as a kit with a small 1.5 Ah battery. It drives 2-1/2-inch screws easily and handles a weekend deck repair, though large lags will be slow.
Strengths
- Brushless at an entry price
- Compact and light with a small pack
Weaknesses
- Single speed
- Small kit battery runs down fast on big jobs
The brushed CMCF800 (1,460 in-lbs, 2,800 RPM, 3,100 IPM) is the cheapest way in, usually sold in kits or combos. It works, but a brushed motor runs warmer and gets less work per charge. If the price gap to the CMCF813 is small, take the brushless tool. Our explainer on brushless vs brushed impact drivers covers why.
For more low-cost options across brands, see the budget impact drivers.
Craftsman, DeWalt and the Stanley Black & Decker family
Craftsman, DeWalt, Black+Decker and Porter-Cable all belong to Stanley Black & Decker. That leads to a common assumption: that the batteries swap. They do not. Craftsman V20 packs and DeWalt 20V MAX packs have different housings and rails, and each brand only supports its own.
| Factor | Craftsman V20 | DeWalt 20V MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Target buyer | Homeowners, DIY | Trades and serious DIY |
| Top impact driver torque | 1,800 in-lbs | 1,825 in-lbs |
| Speed settings on top model | 3 | 3 (plus Precision Drive on some) |
| Tool range | Broad for home and yard | Much broader, pro-focused |
| Main retailers | Lowe's, Ace, online | Everywhere |
| Battery fits the other | No | No |
If you expect to grow into pro tools, DeWalt is the safer long-term platform. If you want a solid home kit at a lower cost and like Craftsman's yard tools, V20 is a reasonable home.
Warranty is another difference worth knowing. Craftsman's famous lifetime guarantee covers most hand tools, not V20 power tools. The CMCF830 page lists a 3-year limited warranty, which matches DeWalt's 3-year term but without DeWalt's free first-year service. Keep your receipt, because warranty claims run through Craftsman customer service and need proof of purchase. Owner feedback on Craftsman V20 drivers is generally positive for home use, with most complaints about small kit batteries rather than the tools themselves.
V20 batteries and the 20V naming
V20 is Craftsman's version of 20V MAX. The packs read 20 volts fresh off the charger and run at about 18 volts nominal. A Craftsman V20 tool is no more powerful than an 18V tool because of the name. See 18V vs 20V Max for the full explanation.
For an impact driver, a 2.0 Ah pack keeps the tool light. A 4.0 Ah pack is better for decking or fencing days. The 1.5 Ah packs in cheaper kits are fine for occasional use but will need frequent swaps on big jobs.
Getting the most from the 3-speed setting
Most stripped screws and snapped heads with a new impact driver come from running every job on high. The CMCF830's selector fixes that if you use it. Here is a starting point; adjust by feel and by how the fastener seats.
| Speed | Rated RPM | Typical jobs |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0-1,400 | Cabinet and hinge screws, drywall screws, small screws in softwood or particleboard |
| 2 | 0-2,400 | 2 to 2-1/2-inch construction screws, pocket screws, sheet-metal screws |
| 3 | 0-3,200 | 3-inch deck and framing screws, structural screws, 1/4-inch lags |
Start slow, keep firm pressure in line with the screw and stop as soon as the head is flush. An impact driver has no clutch, so it will keep driving until you let go. For lag bolts larger than 1/4 inch, drill a pilot hole first, and finish any fastener with a torque spec using a torque wrench. The single-speed CMCF813 and CMCF800 rely entirely on your trigger finger, which takes practice on small screws.
Who should buy a Craftsman impact driver?
- Homeowners starting a tool collection: a CMCF830 kit or a drill and impact combo is a good start.
- Existing V20 owners: add the CMCF830 bare.
- Daily professional use: look at DeWalt, Milwaukee or Makita instead. Craftsman's range and service network are smaller.
- Tightest budget: the CMCF813 kit, or compare with other value brands.
Pair any driver with impact-rated bits, since standard bits snap quickly. Our impact driver bits guide covers what to buy. Wear eye protection and use hearing protection on long sessions.
Comparing Craftsman with Ryobi, Hart and others for home use? Our best impact driver for DIY guide ranks the options.
Verdict
The Craftsman CMCF830 is a good homeowner impact driver: 1,800 in-lbs, three speeds and a brushless motor at a fair price. The weaknesses are no specialty modes, unclear published impact rates and a platform that is narrower than DeWalt's. Buy Craftsman for home projects, not for daily trade work, and remember that its batteries do not fit DeWalt tools.
Frequently asked questions
Is Craftsman made by DeWalt?
Craftsman and DeWalt are both owned by Stanley Black & Decker, and they share engineering resources. They are separate product lines with different designs, specs and batteries. A Craftsman V20 tool is not a rebadged DeWalt.
Do Craftsman V20 batteries fit DeWalt tools?
No. Craftsman V20 and DeWalt 20V MAX packs use different housings and rails. They are not interchangeable without a third-party adapter, and adapters are not supported by either brand.
Does Craftsman still have a lifetime warranty?
Craftsman's lifetime warranty applies to most hand tools. V20 power tools carry a limited warranty, listed as 3 years on the CMCF830 product page. Check the specific tool's page for its current terms.
What does RP mean on Craftsman tools?
RP is Craftsman's label for its higher-output brushless V20 tools. They run on the same V20 batteries as every other V20 tool, so you do not need special packs to use them.
Is Craftsman V20 the same as 20V Max?
V20 is Craftsman's name for its 20V MAX platform. Like all 20V MAX tools, the packs measure 20 volts when freshly charged and about 18 volts nominal under load, so they are equivalent to other brands' 18V systems.