Craftsman C3 19.2 V Impact Driver Review
Written by Todd Fratzel. 
Craftsman C3 Impact Driver
We recently tested the new Craftsman C3 19.2 Volt Impact Driver Kit. These days every manufacturer is selling an impact driver for a good reason…..impact drivers change every! Frankly I can’t imagine not owning an impact driver these days and you shouldn’t either.
Recently while we were attending the 2010 International Builder’s Show we spotted the all new C3 Impact Driver. Obviously we wanted to get our hands on it to compare it to all the other impact drivers on the market. Craftsman has added the C3 Impact Driver and the C3 Impact Wrench to their popular C3 Cordless Tools Series.
The Craftsman C3 19.2 V Impact Driver has a variable speed motor that produces 1,500 in. lbs. of torque and 0-3,500 impacts per minute to drive long screws or lag bolts. The impact driver features a ¼ in. all metal hex coupler for easy bit change and a forward/reverse for added control. The driver also features a built-in LED worklight and an ergonomically designed handle with overmold grip. In addition to a die case gear case, the impact driver includes two screwdriver bits and one socket adaptor. The Craftsman C3 19.2 V Impact Driver (#17080) retails for $74.99.
The Craftsman C3 19.2 V Impact Driver is also available in a kit which includes the impact driver, two 19.2 V Ni-Cd batteries, 1-hour charger, two screwdriver bits, socket adaptor and a tool bag. The kit (#17338) is available for $149.99.
Craftsman C3 Impact Driver Review
Right out of the box the Craftsman C3 Impact Driver has a rugged appearance and a nice weight balance. We tested the C3 Impact Driver installing large timber lock lag screws (4 inch long lags installed into vertical log siding). Furthermore our testing was performed in very cold weather (12°F). The following are our thoughts:
Power
This impact driver has plenty of power to handle large lag screws, bolts heavy threaded connections. The reality is you can’t install large timber locks, truss locks and lag screws with a regular drill. Today’s engineered lumber products and high tech fasteners require a very strong impact driver and this impact driver held up to the task nicely.
Balance
Balance is an import feature with impact drivers and the C3 was nicely balanced. The battery weight is carried nicely by the tools body.
Battery Performance
The 19.2 Volt Ni-Cd battery charged in under an hour and performed nicely. We were able to drive over twenty 4″ long timber lock lag screws and the battery was still working. We also like the fact that the impact driver can use both the Ni-Cd and lightweight lithium-ion batteries.
Overall Impression
The Craftsman C3 Impact Driver impressed us for a couple of reasons. First of all the price point is one of the best in class when you consider the price of the driver, two batteries, charger and carrying case. Secondly this tool matches up specification wise to all of the other brands in this size. If you’re looking for a good quality impact driver at a great price then this is a great option.
Related posts:
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- DEWALT Impact Ready Review | Impact Driver Accessories
- DeWalt DC827KL Impact Driver Review
- Craftsman NEXTEC 12V Lithium-Ion 4 Piece DIY Combo Kit Review
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Picked up this impact drill last week and agree it is a great drill for a DIY’r, one thing I’d like to add is that this drill can also use the new Lithium ion batteries, I purchased a Li-ion battery (and charger) and can now swap between the Ni-Cad and Li-ion.
@ Jboku – Good point….the article does point that out also.
My brother turned me on to impact drivers a few years back. He bought me a 14 volt Dewalt and it has plently of torque.
A 19 volt must have some serious power!!!
@ Concord Carpenter – For a long time all we saw were the HVAC guys using the impact drivers. Now that we use them I frankly can’t imagine construction without them. It’s amazing how much easier it is to screw things in….must have tools!