Craftsman Drill/Driver 3/8-Inch 7-Amp: Full Size and Specs Guide

If you searched for the craftsman drill/driver 3/8-inch 7-amp, you are probably trying to figure out exactly what you are buying before you spend the money. The name alone tells you the chuck size and the motor rating, but not what those numbers mean in your hands.

This guide breaks down the real dimensions, weight, chuck capacity, and power output of this drill. It also shows how the 3/8-inch chuck size compares to everyday objects so the measurement actually makes sense.

Quick Answer

The Craftsman drill/driver 3/8-inch 7-amp (model CMED731) is a corded electric drill with a 3/8-inch keyless chuck and a 7.0-amp motor. It runs at up to 2,500 RPM, measures about 11 inches long, and weighs roughly 4.2 pounds. It typically sells between $69 and $85.

Craftsman Drill/Driver 3/8-Inch 7-Amp: Quick Spec Table

Retailer listings sometimes show slightly different figures for the weight and dimensions of the CMED731. Some list it closer to 4.1 pounds and 10.3 x 9.75 x 2.15 inches. Craftsman’s own product page lists the specs shown above, so this guide uses those as the primary reference.

What the Top Search Results Actually Show

The pages currently ranking for this keyword are almost entirely retailer and marketplace listings. Craftsman’s own product page, Amazon, Lowe’s, Rona, eBay, and reseller sites like U-Buy and Noon dominate the results.

That is useful to know, because it means most of what ranks is short, transactional, and repeats the same manufacturer copy. Few pages actually explain the chuck size, compare it to a competing drill, or translate the specs into something easy to picture.

Lowe’s does publish a general drill buying guide, but it is not specific to this model and stays broad, covering chuck sizes from 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch across every brand it sells. This guide focuses specifically on the CMED731 instead.

3/8-Inch Chuck Size Explained

The “3/8-inch” in this drill’s name refers to the maximum chuck capacity, not the overall tool size. It tells you the widest drill bit shank the chuck can close around.

Here is how 3/8 inch converts to other common units.

A 3/8-inch chuck is the most common size on mid-range corded and cordless drills sold today. Larger 1/2-inch chucks show up on heavier-duty models built for bigger bits and hole saws.

If you want to convert other fraction sizes on your own, General Measurements’ fraction to decimal converter handles this instantly, and the millimeters to inches converter works the other direction for metric bit sets.

What 3/8 Inch Looks Like in Real Life

Numbers on a spec sheet are easy to skim past. These everyday references make the 3/8-inch chuck opening easier to picture.

A 3/8-inch drive socket wrench. This is an exact match, since the tool is literally named for its 3/8-inch drive size. If you already own a socket set, you are holding the same measurement.

A sheet of 3/8-inch plywood. Standard 3/8-inch plywood is a very close match, though actual thickness can vary slightly by manufacturer due to sanding tolerances.

A length of 3/8-inch rope or paracord. Hardware stores sell rope in labeled diameters, and 3/8-inch cord is a common size for clotheslines and tie-downs. This is an exact match by definition.

A standard lag bolt shank. Many lag bolts and machine bolts come in 3/8-inch diameter, which is why this chuck size handles so many general fastening jobs without swapping tools.

How Big Is the Craftsman 3/8-Inch 7-Amp Drill/Driver?

The chuck size tells you what bits it accepts. The overall dimensions tell you how the tool feels to hold and store.

At 11 inches long, the CMED731 is almost exactly the length of a standard sheet of US letter paper, which measures 8.5 by 11 inches. Laid on its side, the drill runs about as long as that page is tall.

That length also sits close to a full foot. See how long 12 inches actually is for more everyday references at that size, or use the length converter to check any measurement in inches, centimeters, or feet.

At around 4.2 pounds, the drill weighs close to a standard 4-pound bag of sugar. That is a useful reference if you are wondering how tiring it will feel to hold overhead for several minutes. You can convert that weight yourself with the pounds to kilograms converter.

The 3.3-inch width is close to the diameter of a standard soda can, which is about 2.6 inches, though the drill’s body is a bit wider due to the motor housing and grip.

What Does 7 Amps Actually Mean for Drilling Power?

Amperage measures how much electrical current the motor draws, not torque or RPM directly. A higher amp rating generally means a stronger, more heat-resistant motor that can push through denser material without stalling.

For context, most US household circuits are rated for 15 or 20 amps. A 7-amp drill uses roughly a third to half of a single circuit’s total capacity, which is why it can usually run on a standard outlet without tripping a breaker under normal use.

Among corded 3/8-inch drills, 7 amps sits solidly in the mid-to-upper range. Budget models often run 5 to 6 amps, while some higher-output corded drills reach 8 amps or more.

Lowe’s own drill buying guide points to a 7 to 8-amp corded drill as a solid pick for most DIYers, which puts the CMED731 right in that recommended range rather than at the low or high end.

Why Craftsman Chose a 3/8-Inch Chuck

A 3/8-inch chuck strikes a balance that fits most home and light trade tasks. It is wide enough for common twist bits, spade bits, and driver bits, but the motor does not need to be oversized to spin them.

Pairing a 3/8-inch chuck with a 7-amp motor keeps the tool light enough for one-handed overhead work while still giving it enough torque for framing screws, deck boards, and general drilling in wood and light metal.

Drills built for masonry, large hole saws, or heavy steel work usually step up to a 1/2-inch chuck and a higher amp motor, since those tasks demand bigger bits and more sustained torque. For other job-site measurements, General Measurements’ construction category covers paint, tile, and material calculators worth bookmarking alongside this guide.

How to Check Your Drill’s Chuck Size Without a Ruler

If you already own a drill and are not sure of its chuck size, you do not need a tape measure to check.

1. Open the chuck jaws all the way by twisting the sleeve counterclockwise.
2. Look at the label stamped or printed near the chuck collar. Most manufacturers print the max capacity directly on the metal.
3. If there is no label, slide a 3/8-inch drive socket extension into the open jaws. If it fits snugly at full extension, you have a 3/8-inch chuck.

This trick works because the chuck’s rated capacity always matches its widest opening, so a known 3/8-inch object is a fast way to confirm it.

3/8-Inch vs 1/2-Inch Chuck: Which Craftsman Drill Fits Your Job?

The difference between these two chuck sizes comes down to bit capacity and weight, not raw speed.

If your projects mostly involve driving screws, drilling pilot holes, or general household repairs, the 3/8-inch chuck on the CMED731 covers nearly everything you will need. Move up to a 1/2-inch model only if you regularly use large hole saws or heavy-duty bits.

Craftsman CMED731 vs Other 7-Amp Corded Drills

Here is how the Craftsman drill/driver 3/8-inch 7-amp compares to two other well-known corded drills in a similar class.

The DEWALT spins faster and weighs less, but its keyed chuck requires a separate chuck key for bit changes. The Black+Decker is lighter and cheaper but runs a noticeably lower top speed. The Craftsman sits between them, offering keyless convenience with more amps than the budget-tier option.

Common Mistakes When Buying a 3/8-Inch 7-Amp Drill

Assuming a bigger amp number always means more power at the bit. Amperage reflects motor draw, and actual drilling performance also depends on gearing, chuck torque, and RPM range.

Ignoring bit shank size before buying accessories. A 3/8-inch chuck cannot grip bits with shanks wider than 0.375 inches, so some large hole saws and masonry bits will not fit without an adapter.

Overlooking the cord length for the job site. Corded drills like the CMED731 need an outlet or extension cord nearby, which matters for outdoor or upper-floor work.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size chuck does the Craftsman 3/8-inch 7-amp drill/driver have? 

It has a 3/8-inch keyless chuck, which converts to 9.5 mm and accepts standard round and hex-shank bits up to that width.

How much does the Craftsman drill/driver 3/8-inch 7-amp weigh? 

Craftsman’s official listing puts it at about 4.2 pounds. Some third-party retailer listings show closer to 4.1 pounds, likely due to rounding or packaging differences.

Is the Craftsman CMED731 corded or cordless? 

It is corded electric, powered directly through a standard household outlet rather than a battery.

Is 7 amps enough for drilling into metal? 

Yes, for light to medium steel and general metal drilling with the correct bit and speed. Very thick steel or continuous heavy-duty metalwork typically calls for a higher-amp, 1/2-inch chuck drill.

Can I use 1/2-inch drill bits with this drill? 

No. The 3/8-inch chuck cannot close around a shank wider than 0.375 inches, so bits with a 1/2-inch shank will not fit.

What is the difference between the Craftsman corded 3/8-inch 7-amp drill and the cordless version? 

The corded CMED731 runs on wall power with unlimited runtime, while Craftsman’s cordless V20 drills use a rechargeable battery and typically weigh more due to the battery pack, though they offer portability the corded model does not.

Where is the Craftsman CMED731 manufactured? 

Product listings indicate it is manufactured in China, which is standard for most mid-range corded power tools sold in the US market today.

Is the Craftsman drill/driver 3/8-inch 7-amp good for beginners? 

Yes. The keyless chuck, lock-on trigger, and straightforward forward/reverse switch make it simple to operate for first-time drill owners handling household repairs.

Conclusion

The Craftsman drill/driver 3/8-inch 7-amp is a straightforward, mid-range corded drill built around a 3/8-inch keyless chuck and a 7.0-amp motor. At 11 inches long and about 4.2 pounds, it is sized close to a sheet of letter paper and a small bag of sugar, easy references if the spec sheet alone did not mean much.

The 3/8-inch chuck size is the same measurement as a socket wrench drive, 3/8-inch plywood, and 3/8-inch rope, so it is not an obscure number. It simply tells you the widest bit shank the drill can hold, and it covers the vast majority of wood, drywall, and light metal work most homeowners take on.

Against similarly priced corded drills like the DEWALT DWE1014 and the Black+Decker DR260C, the CMED731 lands in a comfortable middle spot. It offers keyless convenience and more motor power than the budget option, without the extra cost of a faster, keyed model built more for tradespeople.

If your projects stay within general household repairs, furniture assembly, and everyday drilling and driving, this drill’s size and power output line up well with that use case.