CRAFTSMAN 12A Car Battery Charger and Maintainer, 4-in-1 Solution, Battery Tester, for 6V/12V Power Sport, Automotive, and Marine Batteries, CMXCESM258
Tools

CRAFTSMAN 12A Car Battery Charger and Maintainer, 4-in-1 Solution, Battery Tester, for 6V/12V Power Sport, Automotive, and Marine Batteries, CMXCESM258

Craftsman Tools

Forged
Forged
$56.74Confidence: high
4.6(636 reviews)

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About This Product

  • 4-in-1 Device - Charges, maintains, tests, and reconditions batteries
  • Immediate Charging Power – Delivers 12-amp 12V charging, 3-amp 12V charging and maintaining, and 2-amp 6V charging and maintaining
  • Smart Trickle Charge - Maintains 6V and 12V batteries safely over time without overcharging
  • Wide Compatibility - Works with gas and diesel vehicles, 6V and 12V batteries, including standard, AGM, lithium (LiFePO4), and deep-cycle battery types
  • Battery Reconditioning - Helps extend battery life and improve performance with advanced desulfation mode
  • Built-In Battery Tester - Quickly checks battery health for easy diagnostics
  • Reverse Polarity Protection - Prevents damage to your battery and vehicle if clamps are accidentally reversed
  • Works with Most Vehicles - Ideal automotive battery charger for motorcycle, ATV, car, truck, SUV, and marine batteries
  • AC Powered - This unit, with 6-foot power cord and booster cables, must be plugged in during use
  • Complete Package - Includes (1) CMXCESM258 Fully Automatic Battery Charger and Maintainer, (1) user manual

Why It Lasts

The vintage Craftsman hand tools (pre-2010, made in USA) were forged from chrome vanadium or chrome alloy steel and backed by an unconditional lifetime warranty — walk into any Sears and swap a broken wrench for a new one, no receipt needed. The ratchets used a 40-tooth gear mechanism that was overbuilt for home use. Many of these older tools are still in circulation at garage sales and estate sales.

Known Weaknesses

Modern Craftsman (post-Stanley Black & Decker acquisition) is largely made in China and Taiwan with noticeably lower build quality. The warranty still exists but is harder to use without a Sears nearby. The brand name now trades on nostalgia more than current quality. Power tools under the Craftsman label are particularly mediocre compared to DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Makita.

Durability Breakdown

Warranty
10.0
Materials
9.0
Community
8.6
Brand Rep
8.5
Repairability
8.0

Specifications

Model‎Craftsman CMXCESM258
Item Weight‎3.36 pounds
Product Dimensions‎12 x 16 x 5 inches
Exterior‎Machined
Amperage‎12 Amps

Data Source

View community discussion →

Quick Stats

Overall Score8.9/10
TierForged
BrandCraftsman
CategoryTools
Confidencehigh
Data Points5/5
4.6(636 reviews)

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