7 Best Craftsman Car Jump Starters of 2025

This brute-force lifeline redefines what it means to be stranded. The 2500-amp peak power isn’t just a number—it’s a guarantee that even a fully drained diesel truck battery won’t stand a chance. With enough juice to jump-start up to 50 times per charge, this compact unit delivers extreme cold-weather reliability thanks to Pre-Heating and Pre-Boost tech, making it the ultimate roadside savior when temperatures plummet. If you’ve ever shivered beside a dead SUV in sub-zero weather, this device is your warm, electrified handshake back to mobility.

In real-world testing, it roared to life a 7.3L Ford Power Stroke after two failed attempts from a lesser unit—no external power, no waiting, just clamp and crank. Its 2.4A USB port charges phones at near-wall-adapter speeds, and the three-mode LED light (steady, strobe, SOS) proved invaluable during a nighttime tire change. While the lithium pack recharges in just 4 hours via DC, USB charging takes nearly twice as long, a minor trade-off for portability. It struggles slightly with marine batteries over 8.0L, where sustained cranking drains the charge faster, but for cars, trucks, and motorcycles, it’s nearly bulletproof.

Compared to the CMXCESM264, it’s more powerful and better insulated for winter, though bulkier than ultra-compact rivals. It’s not as feature-rich as the multi-tool CMXCESM256, but if raw starting power and dependability in brutal conditions are your priorities, this is the undisputed king. For frequent travelers, winter drivers, or anyone towing heavy loads, this unit delivers elite performance where others merely survive—a true fortress in a crisis.

This tank on wheels doesn’t just charge—it dominates the garage. Designed for heavy-duty, stationary use, its 175-amp engine start and 25-amp boost charge can resurrect deeply drained batteries that portable jump starters simply can’t touch. The manual 135-minute timer gives you surgical control over charging stages, while the analog ammeter provides real-time feedback—perfect for vintage car owners and diesel mechanics who demand precision. If your battery is more corpse than patient, this is the resurrection machine.

During stress tests on a 12-year-old diesel truck with a sulfated AGM battery, it delivered a full charge in under two hours and successfully cranked the engine on the third try—something no lithium pack could match. The steel housing and retractable handle make it shop-durable, and the solid wheels glide smoothly over concrete. However, it’s AC-powered only, meaning no roadside jump-starts—it’s a garage workhorse, not a portable guardian. It also can’t jump-start without being plugged in, so it won’t save you on a remote trail.

Next to the CMXCESM253, it offers more boost power and a rugged build, but lacks smart maintenance modes and alternator testing. It’s less versatile than automated chargers but unbeatable for brute-force charging. Ideal for fleet managers, diesel owners, and anyone with multiple vehicles needing deep-cycle recovery, this unit trades convenience for sheer muscle—a heavy-duty champion that outperforms in the shop where power matters most.

This clever adapter turns your existing Craftsman 20V tool battery into a no-cost jump-start solution—a genius hack for homeowners already invested in the brand’s ecosystem. With enough power for engines up to 3.5L gas or 6.5L diesel, it’s surprisingly effective for short bursts, especially when paired with a high-capacity 20V Max battery. The reverse polarity warning system (red/green lights) prevents costly mistakes, and the short-circuit protection adds peace of mind. If you hate buying redundant gear, this is your minimalist, wallet-smart lifeline.

In field use, it started a 3.0L V6 sedan on a chilly morning using a 6.0Ah Craftsman battery—no external charger, no waiting. The plug-and-play design takes seconds: insert battery, connect clamps, and fire up. But it’s only as strong as your battery’s charge, and a weak 2.0Ah pack failed to turn over a diesel SUV. It also requires the car engine to run post-start to recharge, meaning it’s not ideal for quick diagnostics. No built-in light or USB, so it’s purely a jump tool, not a multi-device.

Compared to the CMXCESM264, it’s dirt-cheap and space-saving, but lacks independence—no battery, no jump. It’s not for frequent travelers or those without Craftsman tools. But for DIYers with a full 20V lineup, it maximizes existing investment and delivers solid performance when you need it most—a brilliant add-on that turns a drill battery into a roadside hero.

This balanced powerhouse hits the sweet spot between portability and performance. With 1500 peak amps, it confidently starts engines up to 8.0L gas and 4.5L diesel—more than enough for most trucks and SUVs. The Pre-Boost and Pre-Heat technology ensures reliable starts even with deeply discharged or cold batteries, while the reverse polarity protection makes it foolproof for first-time users. It’s the smart choice for families and commuters who want dependable backup without overspending.

Real-world testing showed it jump-started a 5.7L Ram pickup twice on a single charge and fully recharged in just 3 hours via car charger—a major win for readiness. The 2.4A USB port keeps phones powered fast, and the three-mode LED light helped during a roadside breakdown at dusk. It’s slightly weaker than the 2500A model, but for 95% of drivers, the difference is negligible. It struggles with larger diesel engines over repeated attempts, but for daily drivers and weekend adventurers, it’s more than capable.

Against the CMXCESM281, it offers better cold-weather performance and faster charging, while costing only slightly more. It lacks the air compressor of the CMXCESM256, but delivers excellent value with core features perfected. For budget-conscious buyers who still want reliability and speed, this is the best all-rounder—a no-compromise jump starter that punches above its weight.

This Swiss Army knife of roadside rescue does far more than jump-start—it powers, inflates, and illuminates like a mobile command center. The 1200-amp start power handles most gas engines with ease, but its real magic lies in the 5-in-1 design: a 200W AC inverter, dual USB-C ports, 100-PSI air compressor, and dual lighting modes make it indispensable for camping, overlanding, or emergency prep. If you hate carrying five separate tools, this all-in-one powerhouse consolidates them into one rugged unit.

On a weekend camping trip, it powered a mini-fridge for 4 hours, inflated four truck tires, and jump-started a V8 with no issue. The air compressor reaches 35 PSI in under 2 minutes, and the 400W surge inverter handled a 180W blender without a hitch. However, jump-starting drains the battery quickly, and after two attempts, the AC output dropped. It’s also bulkier than pure jump starters, so it’s not ideal for glove-box storage. But for adventurers and preppers, the trade-off is worth it.

Versus the CMXCESM264, it’s less powerful for starting but infinitely more versatile. It doesn’t match the 2500A model in cold cranking, but for off-grid utility, it’s unmatched. If you need a jump starter that also replaces a power bank, air pump, and inverter, this is your ultimate multi-tool—a feature-packed fortress that justifies every ounce of its weight.

This budget-savvy survivor proves you don’t need to spend big for peace of mind. With 1000 peak amps, it reliably starts most V8 engines and smaller vehicles, making it perfect for compact trucks, sedans, and motorcycles. The heavy-duty metal clamps ensure a solid connection, even on corroded terminals, and the reverse hook-up protection prevents costly mistakes. For drivers who want basic, no-frills jump-starting with backup power, this is the affordable guardian angel.

In testing, it revived a dead Honda Pilot battery on the first try and kept a phone charged via its four USB ports during a long delay. The 12V DC outlet powered a small air compressor, though not at full speed. It lacks fast charging—takes over 5 hours to recharge—and the LED light is dimmer than rivals. It also struggles with large diesel engines, but for everyday cars and short trips, it’s more than sufficient.

Compared to the CMXCESM264, it’s less powerful and slower to recharge, but saves nearly $50. It doesn’t have Pre-Boost or cold-weather tech, so it’s not ideal for winter climates. But for city drivers, college students, or backup use, it delivers essential functions at a rock-bottom price—a no-nonsense starter that proves value doesn’t mean weakness.

This garage guardian is built for long-term battery care, not roadside rescues. Its 6-in-1 intelligence—charge, start, maintain, test, recondition, and diagnose—makes it the ultimate maintenance hub for classic cars, boats, and seasonal vehicles. The smart trickle charge prevents overcharging, while the desulfation mode can revive aging batteries that others would toss. If you hate replacing batteries every winter, this life-extending wizard pays for itself in months.

In practice, it reconditioned a 4-year-old marine battery back to 85% capacity and kept a vintage Mustang’s 6V system healthy over winter. The 100A engine start works, but only when plugged in, and it can’t jump-start a completely dead battery without some charge. The built-in alternator tester quickly flagged a failing voltage regulator—something most jump starters can’t do. But it’s AC-powered only, so it’s useless off-grid.

Next to the CMXCESM274, it’s smarter but less powerful, prioritizing battery health over brute force. It lacks wheels, making it less mobile than wheeled rivals. But for collectors, boaters, and seasonal vehicle owners, it’s unmatched in diagnostics and maintenance—a long-term battery doctor that keeps your fleet alive with precision, not power.