Reviews about Handheld Power Tools

diveh20 says "Very hard to start, not recommended" about Craftsman 25 cc Propane Straight Shaft Trimmer Powered by LEHR

diveh20 — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 22:39:54 GMT

I bought my 25 cc Propane Straight Shaft Trimmer Powered by LEHR two weeks ago. When I got it home, I filled it with oil and attached the propane fuel then proceeded to start it. I expected it to start right off especially from reading about it at the store but it did not. It finally started after at least 50 pulls. I thought maybe this was due to it being new and the fuel system needed purged of air; this was not the case. I have used it 4 more times and it simply does not start without pulling for 10-15 minutes with breaks to give my arm a rest. Once started and warm, it starts in 1-2 pulls. My arm just won't take the initial task of starting it cold. I'm going to return it.

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ebgwd says "Great homeowner chain saw" about Stihl 029super

ebgwd — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 13:25:20 GMT

My Stihl 029super chain saw has been through the paces. It came with an 18" bar but it is long gone. I have both a bow and 20" bar for the saw. We cut firewood and heat our home with wook in our buckstove every winter. The saw is several years old and still going strong. The trick is keeping the chain sharp. An electric battery powered chain sharpener is my choice. I can use it in the woods with the tractor battery or at the truck. My saw has a new drive sprocket and both my bar and bow are sized so that I do not have to change the sprocket each time I swap to my preferred chain(s). The saw is lightweight and great for anything 20" or smaller. If you need a larger bar then you will need a larger saw. It has ALWAYS cranked on the first or second pull. It is NOT cold natured and starts everytime after pouring cold fuel in the tank, during refills. Parts are still available for the saw and my dealer is a real asset. For the homeowner or firewood cutter, this saw...

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MattJernigan says "Great Power, Feels Solid" about Craftsman 79117

MattJernigan — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:17:44 GMT

I have been looking at gas powered string trimmers for over a year now. Craftsman had the features, the price and the quality I was looking for. I brought home the 33cc Full Crank String Trimmer, model #79117, opened the box, mixed fresh oil and fuel, followed the initial start-up instructions, and boom, I'm off to the races. After the initial warm up, this trimmer runs really fast, literally mowing down anything in its path. The long straight shaft really helps extend your reach and helps keep any debris from coming at your legs. Another thing I consider a high point is that this thing is loud, and I like that. Mufflers restrict power and though this one is CARB compliant, is still allows the engine plenty of power. This unit feels exceptionally solid and the power shaft is compatible with a number of additional Craftsman attachments including a pole saw, and an edger, both of which were additional reasons for purchasing this unit. Could not be happier. I would thoroughly...

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johncannaday says "Line wears down to quick on the Craftman 32cc Gas Line trimmer " about Craftsman 32cc 2 cycle Gas Line Trimmer

johncannaday — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:59:49 GMT

First of all I find myself spending more time with the precut line and changing it out in the 4 line Craftman 32cc 2 Cycle Gas Line Trimmer. The line wears down to fast, and you have to shut off the trimmer so to change out the wore down line & replace it with new precut line. Its also hard to start taken at least 6 or more pulls on the pull rope when cold or hot. There is a lot of vibration, and your hand will tingle after short use of the trimmer, not to mention its heavy, and not balanced very well. I used this trimmer last season. It appeared to be a good price at $129.00 on sale, but it does not compare to the Echo line trimmer that I have now, I can spend more time trimming my lawn without changing out precut line and pulling on the starter rope. I paid $159.00 for the Echo on sale.

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gabyw says "Great Chainsaw." about Craftsman 18 in. Gas Chainsaw, 42cc

gabyw — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:21:11 GMT

Great Chainsaw! Overall good price. Easy to start once I read directions. Light weight. Had to get a smaller chain saw since I am female and not very tall. Was worried that it wouldn't have enough torque to cut throught large stimps but boy was I wrong. In fact, my husband says he thinks I enjoy using it a little too much. I cut down a 25 year old, 30 foot flowering plum tree with relative easy. Of course, I had to do it in steps, but again, I still can't believe how easy it was. Just make sure you hold it with both hands and make sure you have a stead grip when you start it.

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KyleProctor says "Great saw for the price" about Craftsman 18 In. 42CC Gas Chain Saw

KyleProctor — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:57:23 GMT

I purchased this saw this last weekend. I have a couple of maple trees in my back yard I have to take down. I got one the trees dropped and cut up in a couple of hours. The saw is super easy to start, and does a great job of cutting. The manual indicates that new chains tend to stretch and it did. I had to adjust the chain tension twice. The second time I pinched the saw and pulled the chain off the bar, as the chain was in the process of loosening anyways. It was easy to put back on the bar and adjust the tension.... after that it stayed tight. Overall I'm pretty happy with it.

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greeneyesrsmilin says "Craftsman chainsaw was a disappointment. Too many issues." about Craftsman 358.362180

greeneyesrsmilin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:52:54 GMT

After finally getting it started, we cut up limbs that had fallen over the winter, cut a small tree that had broken and then we had to return it. Following all the instructions about tightening the chain, and all the other things about starting, the chain got stuck and wouldnt movve anymore, each time we started it, it got harder & harder. Finally we decided to return it, they talked us into exchanging it for another as maybe we just got a bad one. ot the new one home, this one much easier to start, then as according to instructions, tightening the chain, the **** tool broke! Just fell apart. I always thought Craftsman was a great product, but after this i have reservations. My boyfriend is meticulous with his "toys" and was very excited to make this purchase, he is very disappointed with it.

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TheTradesman says "220 MPH Wind From My Craftsman Leaf Blower" about Sears Craftsman Model 358.748240 Electric Leaf Blower

TheTradesman — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 21:54:38 GMT

The label fixed to the side on my shiny black leaf blower announces..."Craftsman 220 Mile Per Hour". I understand that a Hurricane wind force, rated @ category #5, is a periodic sustained wind of 156 MPH. Category #5 is usually enough wind force to blow away anything that might be bolted down. The messy leaves, sticks & twigs on my driveway can not withstand the 220 MPH forces of my Sears Craftsman electric leaf blower. I prefer not to use the available vacuum bag assembly because I don't want my blower to ingest dirt, leaves, sticks & twigs and pass the chopped up mess through the plastic fan chamber. I gotta say...."I Feel Powerful" when ever I can control Hurricane Forces with the touch of a button.....Thanks Sears, for the sensation of invincibility.....in my battle against leaves!

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sicobb says "My Craftsman gas blower has been the perfect tool for me! " about Craftsman 25cc Gas Blower with Vac Kit

sicobb — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 02:11:28 GMT

I purchased both the 2-cycle Craftsman 25cc gas blower (200mph), but also the 4-cycle model (215 mph) as well. I have been extremely satisfied with both. In the past, I owned electric blowers made by Craftsman. They too did a great job, but now I don't have the hassle of fumbling with extension cords and the frustrations (getting tangled up, coming unplugged, etc.) that go with them. With my gas blowers, I can go anywhere. And, with the "Sim-Pul" technology, and easy to read instructions pasted right on the side of the blower, starting is a snap. Neither blower has ever failed to start for me, even in the coldest weather of winter. I coulldn't be happier with my purchase and would highly recommend them to anyone.

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WallyP says "Better then I expected!" about Craftsman 32cc 2 cycle Gas Trimmer Mdl # 79186

WallyP — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:33:32 GMT

This line trimmer far exceeded my expectations! Even as someone who sells these I was wary about the P2 technology - just prime and pull, no choke. I assumed good starting the first year, but was very apprehensive how well it would start after being out in the shed for a Michigan winter with no choke. It fired up after about 4 pulls. A very pleasent surprise indeed!

The hassle free head could not be better! I live in a rural area and have a huge chunk of "lawn" that is mostly field grass. The larger black line takes it down no problem. I also have a deep ditch on the road that before was always overgrown... now I can even clear the ditch. I have to slow down on the ditch some, as it will bog out the engine if I dive right in to it, but I don't think that would be any different unless I bought a commercial grade trimmer.

All in all a great product.

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NorthernMaineGuy says "You need to make adjustments to this saw before first use!!!" about Craftsman 18 in. Gas Chainsaw, 42cc

NorthernMaineGuy — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 01:08:56 GMT

This saw works well,one thing i noticed is how the chain popped off when i first time i used it.The chain was damaged,better pick up a spare when you buy this saw.After i figured out the tensioner i liked it.A major part of making this saw last is keeping the chain properly tensioned.Before its used the first time adjust the chain, and after every cut apply the brake, and check the chain. If you can keep the chain right, this saw can last a long time. Also, before each use you should remove the chain and bar assemby and clean the oiler of any sawdust.If you keep on top of this saw all the time, it will last a while. Remember chains are cheap, this saw blowing before 90 day is priceless.

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hart4pups says "The Toro Blower Vac is awesome!" about Toro Ultra Blower Vac

hart4pups — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 16:54:47 GMT

I was hesitant when my husband wanted this blower vac because I thought it wouldn't be put to use - but boy was I wrong! This blower vac is awesome and can be useful in many ways and not just for the lawn. We do use it to blow the leaves, to vaccum the leaves, and we also use it to clean the air filters of my husband's big rig truck - this saves us big bucks on those high dollar air filters. The air filters last longer and we save more money. I highly recommend this blower vac - it is great.

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BernieB says "I Love it!" about Craftsman Variable Speed Blower Vac

BernieB — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:18:16 GMT

I purchased the Craftsman Variable Speed Blower/Vac after reading many reviews. I was originally going to purchase the similar Toro model but the craftsman was on sale. Easy to assemble; I have used it for several hours so far without problems. Blowing power VERY good, love the variable speed capability since the blower is very powerful on highest speed. I found the vac to be good--just don't overload when vacuuming leaves, just vac with slow and steady speed. Mulches excellent, bag ok but of course fills up fast and opening is very wide and not so easy to dump the mulch into paper leaf bags. Best advantage of this model is its metal impeller. I found the blower to be ergonomic--comfortable to use. Noise is average for a power tool--I always wear ear protection so noise is never a bother to me. Only negative is the power cord but still beats gas/oil/exhaust/pollution. My neighbor bought the Worx TriVac and is not nearly as happy with her purchase as I am with mine. I would definitely...

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Greggory says "Why did I wait this long to purchase this time saver" about Craftsman 22 in. Hedge Trimmer

Greggory — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 14:08:04 GMT

I purchased this hedge trimmer after one of my neighbors forced me to use his trimmer. I was always used to using the hedge shears to trim my hedges. Well, this red devil cuts down my trimming time down to 1/3 of the manual shears and improves the outcome. I have not had any issues with the trimmer but had to read the directions to understand the trigger lock. The reason I picked this trimmer over the others was lock-on switch (trigger lock), large blade, bigger motor, and cord retention. Yes, I would purchase this trimmer again.

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TaylorConsulting says "Buy this, you won't regret it." about Black & Decker Grass Hog Cordless String Trimmer

TaylorConsulting — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:38:08 GMT

Black & Decker Grass Hog Cordless String Trimmer: I thought for a long time between buying a rechargeable cordless and a gas powered one. I finally pulled the trigger and bought the rechargeable one and it does a wonderful job. There is a guide for edging the grass that (once you get completely used to it) REALLY does a good job. You don't need to bump it, the string feeds automatically. I've had this bad boy for about a year now and am extremely pleased. Battery life is not bad (actually good when you consider that it comes with two batteries).

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tlnh says "fast, powerful, relatively inexpensive" about black & decker gh700 14" string trimmer

tlnh — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 00:56:48 GMT

The black & decker gh700 14" string trimmer is fast, powerful & relatively inexpensive. Our old Toro string trimmer unexpectedly went up in flames. My wife needed a replacement, light & powerful replacement. We looked at the available reviews & selected the black & decker gh700 14" string trimmer. This trimmer took approximately 1/2 the time to perform the same work as our previous trimmer. We have had this trimmer for approximately 6 weeks. It has exceeded all of our expectations except one thus far. It seems to use a lot of line. This trimmer used all of the included line within day one. I am now sleptical about the amount of line it will use over the long term.

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eagleowl91235 says "Cordless trimmer easy to assemble and use" about Craftsman Weedwacker cordless trimmer

eagleowl91235 — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 01:46:47 GMT

This 18 V weedwacker is lightweight, easy to assemble (2 parts), and fairly light weight. Single line trimmer, no tap and go, automatically extends the line as needed. Easy to replace the line, and inexpensive. Well made, tight construction. Comes with the battery and charger, and a hang-up adapter for the wacker, and hang-up adapter for the battery charger. Well worth the money I paid for it. Good for light trimming, won't dig as deep as a gas powered one, but nice for a woman or young, inexperienced person to use. Not as heavy nor bulky as a gas or electric one. Says it has 8000 minutes of use, no load. Adjustable handle height, and head angle. Can also be used as an edger, with a simple twist of the handle. Good instructions, easily understood....

Gen2ux says "Very good trimmer with a bit of help" about Craftsman 25 cc Propane Straight Shaft Trimmer Powered by LEHR

Gen2ux — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 22:01:09 GMT

I just got my Craftsman Propane straight trimmer and am loving it. When I first opened the box I noticed it seemed a tad heavier than I thought but once put together and using the sholder strap it wasn't bad at all. I trimmed for about 30-40min and shut the unit down. Then about 5 minutes later I tried to start it back up again and nothing. I just kept pulling and pulling but it wouldn't start. If I gave it a little gas I could get it idling again. So today I went back out and started slowly adjusting the idle adjustment screw (after checking the air filter) and ended up turning it 1.5 turns to get it back to a normal steady idle. I went back and finished up what I had to do and it's back to idling when I release the throttle. I'll keep checking it but the issue seems to be fixed with adjusting the throttle.

I love the power of this thing!

I'm all for new technology and propane makes sence. I know there is still R&D for this product but everything had a few bumps and...

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volksgang says "My electric chain saw is great!" about Craftsmen 14" electric chain saw

volksgang — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:36:42 GMT

I never owned a chain saw before but wanted one for when storms knocked down large limbs. I did some research on the Sears website and decided to buy one. A few days later, a tall walnut tree was knocked down by lightning. I am very impressed with the 16" Craftsmen electric chain saw I purchased. It is lightweight and easy to handle. As I am only 5'0" and 130 lbs I didn't want some monstrosity I couldn't handle. Although I've never used any other chainsaw, I am very impressed with how well this one works. Had the tree cut up and wood stacked in no time! Oh yeah, and it has an automatic oiler!

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YardworkingJoe says "Junk...only stays running at full throttle" about Craftsman 19 in. Hedge Trimmer

YardworkingJoe — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 15:25:21 GMT

Don't bother...go get a quality electric one instead. I am usually a faithful Craftsman buyer of gas powered toys but this thing has been absolute junk since the day I bought it, which was several years ago so I obviously cannot return it. It is hard to start and when it finally does start, it only stays running at full throttle which I find to be rather dangerous. Take your finger off the throttle and it will stall. When it does run (at full throttle), it has power and cuts any hedge you throw at it, but I finally gave up and threw it out. I tried tinkering with the carb, but I couldn't get it running right and will soon try an electric model. I think that 2 cycle gas engines this small tend to be quirky. Maybe the local guy who goes through trash on our street on trash day can fix it...

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