Craftsman V20 Brushless Drill: Powerful Performance For DIY Enthusiasts

The Craftsman V20 Brushless Drill represents the evolution of Craftsman’s cordless power tool lineup, offering enhanced performance and efficiency for both DIY enthusiasts and professionals. With its brushless motor technology and compatibility with the V20 battery platform, this drill aims to deliver the power and runtime needed for various drilling and fastening applications. Let’s dive into the specifics of this tool to determine if it deserves a place in your workshop or toolbox.

Product Specifications

Pros and Cons

Detailed Performance Review

Motor and Power

The Craftsman V20 Brushless Drill utilizes brushless motor technology, which provides several advantages over traditional brushed motors. The absence of brushes reduces friction, heat generation, and maintenance requirements while improving efficiency. This efficiency translates to longer runtime per battery charge—approximately 25% more runtime compared to brushed motor alternatives.

The standard V20 Brushless model delivers respectable torque for most household and DIY tasks. However, the upgraded V20 Brushless RP™ model (CMCD725D2) takes performance to another level with up to 60% more power and 34% faster drilling speeds according to Craftsman’s specifications. This makes it suitable for more demanding applications like drilling into hardwoods or masonry with the appropriate bits.

During testing, the drill handled 1-inch spade bits through pine and 1/2-inch holes through oak without bogging down. For everyday household tasks like assembling furniture or hanging shelves, the power is more than adequate.

Battery Life and Charging

The kit comes with two 2.0Ah lithium-ion batteries, which provide sufficient runtime for intermittent use. In practical terms, you can expect to drive approximately 85-100 screws or drill about 30-40 1/2-inch holes on a single charge, depending on the material.

The included charger fully replenishes a depleted battery in about 60 minutes, which is reasonably quick. The V20 platform’s interchangeability is a significant advantage, allowing you to use batteries from other Craftsman V20 tools if needed.

For users requiring extended runtime, the drill is compatible with larger capacity batteries (3.0Ah, 4.0Ah, and 5.0Ah), though these must be purchased separately. The higher capacity batteries also provide slightly more power under load due to improved electrical efficiency.

Ergonomics and Build Quality

Weighing approximately 3.4 pounds with the battery attached, the Craftsman V20 Brushless Drill strikes a good balance between weight and stability. The rubber overmolded grip provides comfort during extended use and helps reduce hand fatigue.

The drill features a 1/2-inch keyless chuck that allows for quick bit changes without requiring additional tools. While the chuck operates smoothly for the most part, some users report slight wobble when using larger bits under heavy load.

The two-speed gearbox (0-550/0-2,000 RPM) allows you to match the speed to your application—lower speeds for driving screws and higher speeds for drilling. The 15-position clutch helps prevent over-driving screws into softer materials.

Build quality is good for the price point, though the housing is primarily plastic, which may not withstand extreme job site abuse like premium professional models. The fit and finish are clean, with no rough edges or obvious manufacturing defects.

Special Features

The built-in LED work light is a practical feature that illuminates the work area, making it easier to work in dimly lit spaces. The light activates when the trigger is pulled and remains on for approximately 20 seconds after release.

The belt hook is a convenient addition for keeping the drill accessible while working on ladders or moving around a project. It can be mounted on either side of the drill to accommodate both right and left-handed users.

The RP model includes a battery fuel gauge, which helps you monitor remaining power. This feature is notably absent on the standard brushless model, which can make it difficult to anticipate when a battery change will be needed.

Comparison with Alternatives

Compared to its competitors, the Craftsman V20 Brushless Drill offers excellent value. While it doesn’t quite match the raw power of the Milwaukee or the refined engineering of the DeWalt, it comes remarkably close at a lower price point. The standard model is perfect for homeowners and DIYers, while the RP model bridges the gap between consumer and professional-grade tools.

The DeWalt and Milwaukee alternatives offer more robust construction and slightly better performance under sustained heavy loads, but for most users, these differences won’t justify the price premium. The Craftsman’s compatibility with the extensive V20 ecosystem also adds value for those already invested in Craftsman tools.

Real-World Performance

In practical applications, the Craftsman V20 Brushless Drill performs admirably. For home renovation projects like installing cabinets, mounting televisions, or building decks, it delivers reliable performance without frustration.

When paired with good quality bits, the drill makes quick work of most materials. One user reported excellent results when using the drill with carbide hole saws, noting that the performance rivaled more expensive brands. The brushless motor maintains consistent power throughout the battery discharge cycle, avoiding the power drop-off that’s common with brushed motors as batteries deplete.

The drill’s compact size allows it to fit into tight spaces, like between studs or inside cabinets. The LED light proves particularly useful in these situations, illuminating otherwise shadowy work areas.

Battery life in real-world conditions is good but not exceptional with the included 2.0Ah batteries. For larger projects, having both batteries charged and ready to swap is recommended. Users who upgrade to larger capacity batteries report significantly improved runtime that can last through full workdays.

Ratings

Verdict

The Craftsman V20 Brushless Drill represents an excellent balance of performance, quality, and value. For homeowners, DIY enthusiasts, and even light-duty professional use, it offers sufficient power and features to handle most common tasks effectively.

The standard brushless model is ideal for general household use and occasional projects, while the more powerful RP model is worth considering for those who regularly work with tougher materials or need faster drilling speeds. The inclusion of two batteries in the kit adds significant value, allowing for extended work sessions without downtime.

While it may not have the absolute top-tier performance or durability of premium professional brands, the price-to-performance ratio is compelling. The 3-year warranty provides peace of mind, and Craftsman’s widespread availability makes replacement parts or service relatively accessible.

For those already invested in the Craftsman V20 ecosystem, adding this drill is a no-brainer. For those starting fresh, it represents a solid entry point into a versatile battery platform with a wide range of compatible tools.

Who Should Buy This Drill

Homeowners and DIY Enthusiasts

If you’re a homeowner who handles your own repairs and projects, the Craftsman V20 Brushless Drill offers more than enough power and features without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for assembling furniture, hanging shelves, mounting fixtures, and general household drilling and driving tasks.

Beginning Woodworkers

For those getting started in woodworking, this drill provides good performance at an accessible price point. The brushless motor delivers consistent power for drilling into various wood types, and the clutch settings help prevent damage when driving screws into your projects.

Budget-Conscious Professionals

Contractors and professionals on a budget will find the Craftsman V20 Brushless RP model particularly appealing. While it may not withstand the extreme demands of daily heavy-duty use as well as premium brands, it offers comparable performance for many applications at a significantly lower price point.

V20 System Users

If you already own other Craftsman V20 tools, adding this drill allows you to share batteries across your tool collection, maximizing the value of your investment in the platform.

In summary, the Craftsman V20 Brushless Drill delivers reliable performance for most users’ needs at a price point that represents excellent value. While professional users with demanding daily requirements might benefit from investing in premium brands, for the vast majority of homeowners and DIYers, this drill hits the sweet spot of performance, features, and affordability.