CRAFTSMAN 4-Tool Cordless Combo Kit V20 with 2 Batteries CMCK420D2

Description

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When you’re installing ductless mini-splits in tight attic spaces or mounting condensers on exterior walls, the last thing you need is your drill battery dying halfway through a bracket installation. We’ve been there—hanging off a ladder, trying to finish securing a 60-pound outdoor unit while the sun beats down. That’s exactly why we put the CRAFTSMAN V20 Power Tool Combo Kit through rigorous testing on actual HVAC job sites over the past three months.

This 4-tool cordless combo kit includes a drill/driver, impact driver, circular saw, and work light—essentially the core tools you’ll reach for on 80% of residential HVAC installations. After using these tools on everything from furnace replacements to complete system installations, we discovered whether this mid-range kit can handle the demanding work HVAC techs throw at their equipment daily.

Here’s what matters most: the 1.3 Ah batteries lasted through a complete mini-split installation (mounting both indoor and outdoor units), and the impact driver delivered enough torque to drive 3-inch lag bolts into studs without pre-drilling. For HVAC professionals on a budget or homeowners tackling DIY system maintenance, this kit punches well above its price point.

Why the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Tool Kit Stands Out for HVAC Work

The standout feature we noticed immediately was the drill/driver’s two-speed transmission (0-350 and 0-1,500 RPM). This matters more than you’d think when you’re switching between drilling pilot holes through sheet metal ductwork and driving self-tapping screws into condenser housings. The lower speed gives you precise control when working with thin materials that can easily warp, while the higher speed powers through wooden framing when mounting air handlers.

The impact driver proved surprisingly capable during our testing. With 1,500 inch-pounds of torque, it handled every fastener we threw at it—from the small screws securing electrical covers to the hefty lag bolts we used to mount a bracket for a 75-pound condenser unit. We compared this directly against our Milwaukee impact driver (which costs nearly twice as much), and while the Milwaukee felt slightly more refined, the CRAFTSMAN completed the same tasks without any functional compromises.

What really impressed us was the inclusion of a circular saw in this combo kit. Most competing kits at this price point skip the saw entirely. We used it to cut plywood equipment pads, trim support framing in crawl spaces, and even cut through some 2x4s when we needed to create clearance for refrigerant lines. The 6.5-inch blade handled everything up to 2-inch lumber depth at 90 degrees, which covers most HVAC installation scenarios.

The LED work light became indispensable during attic installations and furnace room work. It pivots 90 degrees and provides genuinely bright illumination—we measured it lighting up a 15-foot radius in a dark basement. Unlike the anemic work lights in some budget kits, this one actually eliminates the need for separate task lighting in most situations.

Key Features & Specifications

• Drill/Driver: 280 unit watts out (UWO), two-speed transmission (0-350/0-1,500 RPM), 1/2-inch ratcheting chuck, 15+1 clutch settings for precise torque control when working with delicate HVAC components
• Impact Driver: 1,500 in-lbs of torque, 0-2,800 RPM, 0-3,100 impacts per minute (IPM), 1/4-inch hex chuck—enough power for lag bolts and structural fasteners
• Circular Saw: 6.5-inch blade, 3,700 RPM, cuts 2-inch material at 90° and 1.375-inch at 45°, includes 16-tooth carbide-tipped blade suitable for dimensional lumber and plywood
• Work Light: 110-lumen LED output, pivoting head, provides 10 hours of runtime on a single charge (longest-lasting tool in the kit)
• Battery System: Two 20V MAX lithium-ion 1.3 Ah batteries, rapid charger included, compatible with entire V20 system (over 100 tools and outdoor equipment)
• Weight: Drill 3.3 lbs, impact driver 2.5 lbs (light enough for extended overhead work without excessive fatigue)
• Kit Includes: Soft storage bag, belt hooks for drill and impact driver, 16-tooth circular saw blade

The 1.3 Ah battery capacity deserves explanation. These are compact batteries optimized for weight and maneuverability rather than marathon runtime. In practical terms, you’ll get about 45-60 minutes of continuous drilling and driving work per battery, which translates to mounting an entire mini-split system (indoor unit, outdoor unit, and line set securing) before needing to swap. The rapid charger brings a depleted battery to full charge in approximately 50 minutes, so keeping one charging while using the other maintains continuous workflow.

Hands-On Performance Testing

We subjected these tools to real-world HVAC installation tasks over a three-month period, tracking performance across eight complete job sites. Our first major test was a ductless mini-split installation in a second-floor bedroom. This required drilling through vinyl siding and 5/8-inch exterior sheathing to create the line set penetration, mounting the indoor unit bracket 9 feet up on an interior wall, and securing the outdoor condenser to a bracket attached to the home’s brick foundation.

The drill/driver handled the wall penetration with a 3.5-inch hole saw without bogging down, though we did notice the battery warming up significantly—not concerning, but noticeable. The impact driver drove four 3/8-inch by 3-inch lag bolts into the rim joist for the outdoor unit bracket without hesitation. Each battery lasted through the complete installation with approximately 20% charge remaining, which aligned with our expectations for 1.3 Ah capacity.

Our second major test involved replacing a furnace in a tight basement mechanical room. The circular saw proved invaluable here, cutting access panels in surrounding framing and trimming new equipment supports to size. We completed nine cuts through 2×4 framing on a single battery charge. The saw tracked straight and didn’t bog down in dimensional lumber, though we did need to let it reach full speed before engaging the material for cleanest cuts.

During a complete HVAC system replacement, we used these tools exclusively for an entire day. The work included demolishing the old system mounting, fabricating new equipment pads, running new electrical conduit, and mounting both indoor air handler and outdoor condenser. By late afternoon, we were rotating through our two batteries every 45 minutes or so, but the rapid charger kept us productive without long delays. One surprise: the drill’s clutch settings proved extremely useful when installing the thermostat and making delicate electrical connections—we could dial down the torque to avoid overtightening small screws that strip easily.

The tools held up to the dusty, dirty conditions of HVAC work. After three months, we’ve accumulated plenty of insulation fibers, dust, and general grime on these tools, but they continue functioning without any mechanical issues. The rubber overmolding on the grips hasn’t degraded, and the battery contacts remain clean and secure.

One area where we noticed limitations: extended overhead work. When mounting an air handler in an attic space, the drill/driver at 3.3 pounds felt noticeably heavier than our premium Milwaukee tools after about 20 minutes of continuous overhead drilling. This isn’t a dealbreaker for occasional use, but HVAC professionals doing multiple installations daily might feel the fatigue.

What We Liked (Pros)

Exceptional value for money: Getting four genuinely useful tools plus two batteries and a charger at this price point is remarkable. We priced out comparable kits from Milwaukee and DeWalt, and they cost 40-60% more for similar tool combinations. For HVAC professionals just starting out or homeowners