Craftsman V20 Impact Driver Delivers Power That DIYers Can Rely On
We recently wrapped up testing the best impact drivers featuring names you know and trust. This included everything from premium brands all the way to more affordable DIY-focused models, including our subject for today—the Craftsman V20 Brushless RP Impact Driver (CMCF830). I’m going to highlight what I’ve learned during our testing so you can decide if it’s the right tool for you.
Pros
- Improved power level
- Well-balanced
- Excellent value
- Three speed modes
- Lightweight design
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Craftsman V20 Impact Driver Performance
- No-Load Speed: 0-1,400 / 2,400 / 3,200 RPM
- Impact Rate: 4,200 IPM
- Max Torque: 1,800 in-lbs
- Collet: 1/4 in.
Speed and Power
The Craftsman CMCF830 is powered by a brushless motor that has a top speed of 3200 RPMs and produces up to 1800 in-lbs of torque with an impact rate of 4200 IPM. This is a slight improvement over its predecessor, the CMCF820, that topped out at 2900 RPMs, 1700 in-lbs of torque, and 3800 IPM.
Like the previous model, this impact driver sports a 3-speed gearbox. It features a simple foot-mounted selector switch rather than a blister button or some other complex electronic suite. It’s simple, but effective.
Hands-On Testing
To put these numbers into practice, we ran our standard impact driver tests to see how it compares to other tools we’ve tested. These tests showcase this tool’s driving abilities, as well as its brute strength when breaking loose nuts and bolts and driving large lag bolts.
We started by setting up our OSB test block and driving three 8-inch GRK structural screws until they were flush. On average, the CMCF830 drove these screws in 10.71 seconds—falling just behind the Hilti SID 6-22 with an average time of 10.37 seconds. Compared to the rest of the group, these results fall in the lower third, but they align with what we expect from a DIY tool.
For our first strength test, I torqued eight 1 1/2-inch semi-truck lugnuts down to 150 ft-lbs (1800 in-lbs) to see how fast this impact driver could break them. The cumulative time for all eight nuts totaled 56.32 seconds, or 7.04 seconds on average. These results did put it at the back of the pack during our testing, but it’s still encouraging that a DIY level tool is capable of removing these larger nuts without overheating.
To finish our testing, we set up our OSB test block and drove a 10-inch by 1/2-inch lag bolt for 30 seconds. Results are judged by how much of the bolt is remaining proud after the time is up. The Craftsman CMCF830 came in 8th place with 3.56 inches remaining.
This may seem like a lot, but it’s actually just north of the median remainder, with Flex leaving 0.63 inches as the best and Metabo HPT with 4.38 inches left bringing up the rear. Not to mention, this is a big ask for an impact driver, and only one of our best mid-torque impact wrenches was able to drive the bolt flush.
Craftsman V20 Impact Driver Design Notes
- Model: Craftsman CMCF830
- Power Source: Craftsman 20V battery
- Weight: 2.1 lbs (bare tool), 2.8 lbs (with 2.0Ah battery)
- Head Length: 5.2 in.
Size and Weight
The Craftsman CMCF830 weighs 2.1 pounds as a bare tool, 2.8 pounds with the kitted 2.0Ah battery, and the tool’s head measures 5.2 inches from tip to tail. This is remarkably similar to its predecessor, the CMCF820, that measures 5.5 inches long.
Of all the impact drivers we tested, the CMCF830 is one of the lightest tools in the group, only outdone by the Metabo HPT WH36DC and Skil ID6739B.
Just like the previous model, the grip is draped with a textured rubber overmold that extends around the tools base and motor housing for additional protection.
Overall, this impact driver very well-balanced with the 2.0Ah battery.
One interesting part of the design is that the head sits on a slight angle rather than being perpendicular to the grip. It appears this was done to account for the shorter head length so that the battery wouldn’t make contact with your work surface while using shorter bits.
Magnetic Bit Holders
One of the most unique elements of this impact driver are the magnetic bit holders located on top of the tool housing. While onboard bit storage isn’t a new concept, we typically see this in the form of a retainer clip or molded slot. Instead, Craftsman opted to put two rectangular magnets on top of the tool, granting quick access when it’s time to swap out bits.
LED Light
Looking at the last few models from Craftsman, it appears that they have run the gamut concerning the location of their LED light. Models like the CMCF800 and CMCF813 have a light just about the trigger, while the CMCF820 features a tri-LED setup around the collet—a personal favorite of the PTR staff.
Instead, they opted for a foot mounted LED light with a diffuser that helps illuminate dark spaces. At first, this seemed like an odd choice, but I can see the logic since larger sockets won’t interfere with a foot mounted light. There are certainly benefits to both styles, but I think it all comes down to personal preference in the end.
Additional Features
- One-hand bit insertion and ejection
- Two-position belt hook
- Compatible with all Craftsman V20 batteries
Craftsman V20 Brushless Impact Driver Quick Comparison
| CMCF820 (previous model) | CMCF830 (new model) | |
|---|---|---|
| Max Speed | 2900 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Max Torque | 1700 in-lbs | 1800 in-lbs |
| Impact Rate | 3800 IPM | 4200 IPM |
| Bare Weight | 2.1. lbs | 2.1 lbs |
| Price | $99 | $119 |
Craftsman V20 Impact Driver Price
The Craftsman CMCF830 retails for $119 as a bare tool and $168.99 as a kit. The kit includes two 2.0Ah V20 batteries and a single-port charger. Both options are backed by a 3-year limited warranty.
The Bottom Line
Overall, the Craftsman delivers solid performance for the DIY sector, but it also has potential for the Prosumer market, too. The CMCF830 is a no-frills impact driver, but it also hits the shelves at an incredible price point that’s appealing to weekend warriors and budget-minded Pros. It features solid ergonomics, a lightweight design, and has enough power for most light to medium-duty tasks.
For me, the real star of the show is the price. After reviewing the data, it’s clear that the CMCF830 is not trying to compete with premium brands, but rather, they’re targeting a more price-sensitive shopper. On the other hand, if price is a major factor but you need higher performance, the Ridgid R862312 or Ryobi PBLID04 are compelling alternatives.
