In general, weโre not one for multi-use power tools for professional use. For one, with few exceptions, dedicated tools just always seem to do the job better. For those who need some tools for occasional use, however, weโve never been opposed to a product that is flexible and may save you some money by combining multiple products into one. When Black & Decker announced its modular Matrix Quick Connect System, we wondered if this product might show up anywhere else. It looks like Craftsman took up the charge and brought in its own 20V Max edition of the modular power tool, adding a ton of Craftsman Bolt-on 20V Max modules to the mix and creating a pretty hefty ecosystem of attachments for the base tool.
Craftsman Bolt-on 20V Max System Features
In fact, Craftsman is billing this as โAmericaโs largest modular power tool attachment systemโ. The new Craftsman Bolt-On system has nine availableย interchangeable attachments that all connect to a single 20V Max tool base. The idea is that youโd be able to have a single tool for attacking many household-type jobs that would otherwise require an entirely new tool for each task. While the Craftsman Bolt-on tool may not be the best tool for every job, it certainly looks like it may provide some cost and space savings for an at-home tool.
As far as using the tool, theย attachments switch out in just seconds to convert the Craftsman Bolt-on 20V Max from a drill to aย router, impact driver, jigsaw, oscillating multi-tool, sander, hammer drill, inflator or trim saw.
The Craftsman Bolt-on 20V Maxย system base comes in a kit with a 20-Volt Max Lithium-ion battery, aย compact drill/driver featuring a heavy-duty metal chuck, and Craftsmanโs QuickBoost Charger. We viewed the QuickBoost over a year and a half ago at the 2011 International Builderโs Show. It uses technology that fast-charges a battery from 0 to 30 percent in just 10 minutes with the push of a button. Full charge is attained in just 30 minutes.
For the Craftsman Bolt-on system, each additional attachment is sold as an individual SKU. Here is whatโs available:
- Drill/Driver (included with the base kit)
This drill/driver uses an all-metal two-sleeve chuck and features 0-800 RPM - Sander
Similar to what youโll find with an oscillating multi-tool, this compact sander is perfect for granting access to tight spaces.ย Itโs designed to be used for finishing, rust removal, dry scrubbing, polishingย and detailing. - Jig Saw
This jig saw looks like a good fit for smaller jobs and also for tighter work areas where you can really get at it from a top-side or head-on position. We also like that the Bolt-on Jig Saw attachment also uses a tool-less blade change for fast and efficient operation. - Impact Driver
Another die cast metal attachment lets this single-speed impact driver provide up to 1300 in-lbs of torque - Oscillating Multi-Tool
Designed to cut drywall, metal, wood, plastic composite and a variety ofย other materials, the multi-tool attachment, like the jig saw, uses a new tool-free bladeย change mechanism that eliminates the need for a hex key. - Two-Speed Hammer Drill
If the standard Drill/Driver isnโt enough, or you need to set some small anchors into concrete, the hammer drill will give you two speeds and power to get through masonry. - Router
We never would have thought a trim router would be at home on a Dril/Driver style body, but Craftsman thinks it will go a long way for quick trim routing jobs. The company says the attachment will be good for small edging, decorative woodworking and hinge routingย applications. Plus, a quick-adjust button lets you plunge up to half an inch. - High Pressure Inflator
Inflators donโt get much press, but they are incredibly handy tools to have around the home. This attachment seems exclusive to Craftsman and can inflate bicycle tires, basketballs, or other air-filled products at up to 80 pounds per square inch (PSI). The attachment comes with a 14-inch hose. - 3-3/8โณ Trim Saw
Sometimes a small trim saw is all you need for cutting through small pieces of plywood, paneling or fence boards. If you keep it simple, this attachment should do the trick.
