CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCD700C1 Drill/Driver Kit Review: An Affordable First Drill for Homestead Projects
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Every homestead needs a drill, and most of us start with something affordable. The CRAFTSMAN V20 cordless drill/driver kit (model CMCD700C1) is an entry-level half-inch drill built for everyday projects: raised beds, shelving, gate hardware and quick barn repairs. Here’s what’s in the kit, what independent testers found, the warranty, and how to use it safely.
The Kit at a Glance
- Model: CRAFTSMAN CMCD700C1 (CMCD700 drill/driver kit)
- Chuck: 1/2-inch keyless
- Speeds: 2-speed gearbox, 0–350 and 0–1,500 rpm (no load)
- Power: up to 280 unit watts out (CRAFTSMAN rating); brushed motor
- Clutch: adjustable, plus a drill mode
- Light: LED work light
- In the box: drill/driver, one compact V20 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, V20 charger, double-ended bit
- Charging: CRAFTSMAN says the charger refills the included battery in 60 minutes or less
- Warranty: 3-year limited warranty from CRAFTSMAN (2 years on batteries, per the owner’s manual); see craftsman.com
Features
The half-inch keyless chuck takes common drill and driver bits without a chuck key, and the LED helps in dark corners of the barn or under a shelf. The two-speed gearbox gives you a low range up to 350 rpm for torque and bigger bits, and a high range up to 1,500 rpm for faster drilling. An adjustable clutch helps you drive screws without stripping them or sinking them too deep: start at a low setting and work up. The drill runs on CRAFTSMAN V20 batteries, so it works with other V20 packs if you already own some.
A note on specs: CRAFTSMAN’s own materials list the included battery differently in different places, and sources disagree on the number of clutch settings, so we haven’t quoted either figure. Check the listing for the kit you’re buying.
What Independent Testers Found
Reviewers agree this is a good-value drill for ordinary jobs, with clear limits on heavy work. TechGearLab found it drilled 16-gauge steel and completed their hole-saw test, but it couldn’t fully drive a large lag screw, and the single small battery ran down well before the best drills. ToolGuyd rated it lower-powered and slower than many drills but capable, and a strong value. Consumer Reports also notes limited run time per charge.
- Handles well: ordinary drilling and driving screws
- Struggles with: large lag screws, and long days on one small battery
Safety: Work Smart
These points come from the CMCD700 owner’s manual:
- Wear eye protection: ANSI Z87.1 safety glasses, plus hearing protection and a dust mask when needed.
- Clamp your work and use a wood backup block so the piece can’t spin or split.
- Remove the battery before changing bits or making adjustments. Never tighten the chuck by holding it while running the motor.
- Hold the drill firmly. In drill mode the clutch won’t slip, so if a bit binds the drill can stall and twist suddenly. Brace yourself, use both hands on bigger bits, and let go of the trigger right away if it stalls.
- Check for hidden wiring and pipes before drilling into walls.
Honest Limitations
- One small battery. Plan on recharging, or buy a second V20 battery for long jobs.
- Not for heavy work. It’s a brushed, entry-level drill that struggles with big lag screws and large bits.
- No carrying case in the kit.
- Not a hammer drill, so it isn’t meant for masonry or concrete.
Who It’s For
New homesteaders and DIYers who need a first drill, or anyone who wants a light-duty backup. It suits raised beds, shelving, gate hardware, fence and deck screws, and quick repairs around the coop and barn. If you’re building fence lines with lag bolts every weekend, look at a more powerful drill or an impact driver.
The Bottom Line
The CRAFTSMAN V20 CMCD700C1 is an affordable, capable first drill for light homestead projects, backed by a three-year limited warranty. Expect to recharge often, skip the heavy lag-bolt jobs, and follow the basic safety rules.
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