Craftsman Tool Lineup Review: V20 Brushless Tools, RP Batteries, Nailers and a 298-Piece Mechanics Set

Introduction

Craftsman has been a household name for decades, and the modern lineup shows just how far the brand has come under Stanley Black & Decker. Walking a full Craftsman section today, the volume is striking: an entire V20 battery platform, a deep mechanics tool catalog, storage, and lawn and garden gear, all positioned at aggressive prices aimed squarely at the value-conscious buyer.

We spent time hands-on with four parts of the lineup that cover the widest range of needs: the V20 brushless power tool line, the newer V20 RP batteries, the 298-piece mechanics tool set, and the V20 cordless nailers. Each one earns its spot for a different reason, and each has trade-offs worth knowing before you buy.

How We Evaluated These Picks

The focus was on everyday usability rather than spec sheets. For the power tools, that meant side-by-side speed tests, ergonomics, noise, and how the brushless models compare with their brushed counterparts. For the mechanics tools, build quality, organization, and value at the price point mattered most. The nailers were judged on kickback, weight, and how practical they are without a compressor. Throughout, the question was simple: does this tool make sense for a homeowner or DIYer, and where does it fall short for tradespeople?

Craftsman V20 Brushless Power Tool Line

The V20 brushless line is the core of the platform, and the brushless impact driver is a highlight. It drives fasteners significantly faster than the brushed combo-kit version, features a metal chuck, and has a considerably more compact head. The brushless reciprocating saw is another surprise: it has a distinctive wind-up sound, two speeds, and cuts smoothly with solid ergonomics and a compact form factor.

The brushless jigsaw impressed most of all. With an adjustable throw setting, a blade brake, a toolless bevel adjustment with positive stops, and an interchangeable removable bottom plate, it cuts half-inch birch plywood cleanly with minimal deflection and feels like a genuinely good tool, not just an affordable one. The compact circular saws split the difference: the small 5 and 3/8-inch model is light, quick, and easier to control for 2x4 work, while the larger brushless model adds a magnesium plate, blade brake, and an onboard light, though the cut quality is more run of the mill.

The drills are the weakest link in the combo kit. The brushed drill is loud, has noticeable chuck play, and a full 4 amp hour battery could not complete a demanding cut, so it is fine for light DIY but not for trades work. The compact palm router, however, is a straight buy: it has a robust edge guide with micro-adjustability, a brake that higher-end brands often omit, and clean ergonomics, though the motor feels best suited to light duty work like roundovers. The 3-inch cutoff tool is also a strong pick, with real power, three included blades, and the practical flat-bottom battery that lets it stand upright on a bench.

If you are starting or expanding a V20 collection, the brushless tools are where the platform earns its keep. Skip the brushed drills unless your needs are genuinely light.

Craftsman V20 RP Batteries

The RP line is Craftsman’s newer tier of batteries, sold alongside the traditional packs and bundled with the RP-branded tool models. Visually and functionally they slot into the same V20 system, and the RP tools built around them, like the compact and angled-head impact drivers, add features you rarely see at this price: multiple speeds, an adjustable clutch, and on-board bit magnets.

One genuine standout across the whole system is the chuck design. The impact drivers use an automatic chuck, so bits drop in and out without needing to pull the sleeve back, a feature even some bigger brands omit. On the downside, the included chargers are small and easy to lose track of, and the more compact RP models trade power for size, with the smallest impact driver feeling noticeably weaker in side-by-side runs.

The practical takeaway is that RP batteries and the RP tool models are worth choosing when you want the extra features and newer designs, while standard V20 packs remain perfectly serviceable for the rest of the line.

Craftsman 298-Piece Mechanics Tool Set

The 298-piece set is the headline grabber of the mechanics catalog, and it delivers a genuinely large assortment: chrome sockets in standard and metric, ratchets with plenty of teeth, extensions, specialty sockets, and a nice bonus in the form of ratcheting open-end wrenches rather than plain ones. Build quality across the contents feels solid, with labeled trays and consistent chromium finish.

The two drawbacks are real, though. First, there is no case, just plastic trays, which is an odd omission at a price around $307, since most buyers of a set like this are homeowners who need somewhere to put it. Second, the price itself feels high; comparable or better sets can be found for less money. If you already have drawer space for the trays, the contents themselves are hard to fault.

Beyond the big set, smaller purchases from the mechanics line are easy to recommend: a 40-piece drill and drive bit set for about $40 with a conveniently low-profile container, a well-made mechanical torque wrench with clearly printed micro adjustments in red, a 2.25-ton floor jack that comes with a storage case, and a full brake service kit covering both drum and disc work. The 5 mm to 600 mm wrench range and the foldable creeper and stool round out a hand tool lineup that clearly keeps the homeowner in mind.

Craftsman V20 Cordless Nailers

Cordless nailers are always a compromise between convenience and clunkiness, and Craftsman’s versions are no exception in size. The 23-gauge pin nailer is the most manageable of the group: light, with a slow but tolerable trigger pause of roughly half a second to a second, and remarkably almost zero kickback, which makes it pleasant for trim and small fastening work.

The 16 and 18-gauge nailers are bigger and heavier, with large noses and no bump mode, but they also produce surprisingly little kickback and work exactly as expected out of the box. For anyone getting started who does not want to invest in a compressor, hoses, and a pneumatic gun, they solve a real problem at an accessible price. One unit in testing showed signs of prior use and failed to fire, so check your nailer carefully when it arrives.

The pin nailer is the easiest recommendation of the three for most buyers, with the 18-gauge a sensible step up if you use that size regularly.

Buying Advice

Across the lineup, Craftsman’s strategy is clear: a huge selection at volume-friendly prices, going after brands like Ryobi rather than premium players. That shows up in what to buy and what to skip. The brushless tools, especially the jigsaw, reciprocating saw, router, and cutoff tool, offer genuine value and features that punch above the price. The mechanics tools are well made and affordable, with the big 298-piece set being good but arguably overpriced for what it includes. The nailers are clunky but capable, and best for occasional users who value cordless convenience.

If you are a professional or you drive fasteners and bore holes all day, this is not your platform. If you are a homeowner, a weekend woodworker, or someone building a first tool collection, there is a lot here that makes sense, especially if you commit to the V20 battery system early and buy brushless where it counts.

Conclusion

Craftsman’s modern catalog is far better than its budget-tier reputation suggests. The brushless V20 tools and RP battery models deliver real features like automatic chucks, blade brakes, and positive stops at prices that undercut the bigger names. The 298-piece set offers breadth with a couple of practical flaws, and the cordless nailers bring compressor-free convenience to occasional users. Buy with the trade-offs in mind and the lineup rewards you.