Craftsman Debuts Revolutionary QuickBoost™ Charger at 2011 International Builders' Show

ORLANDO, Fla., Jan. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Craftsman brand debuts a one-of-a-kind,  time-saving technology for its cordless line of 12-volt lithium-ion NEXTEC power tools this week at the 2011 International Builders' Show (IBS), Jan. 12-15, 2011, in Orlando. With its new QuickBoost™ Charger, Craftsman does something that no other major brand can—bring a completely dead battery back up to a 25 percent charge in three minutes, providing the extra "boost" needed to finish up the job at hand. The new charger hits store shelves this spring.  

When does a three minute charge matter? It comes down to productivity. When a battery charge runs out, the Craftsman NEXTEC QuickBoost™ Charger supplies the power needed to get back to work quickly. In the time it takes to get a cup of coffee, the user will have enough power to hang that last curtain rod or drive in those remaining screws.

"The new Craftsman NEXTEC QuickBoost™ Charger is the first product of its kind and was developed in response to our customers' desire for innovative time-saving solutions," said Kris Malkoski, vice president and general manager of the Craftsman brand. "When a battery runs out of power, it can be frustrating to have to wait 30 minutes or more for a charge when the project is almost complete. Now the user only has to wait three minutes and can get back to work right away."

The intelligent circuit board reacts to user commands, and at the push of a button, the charger harnesses all its energy for a three minute quick boost charge or a full charge can be completed in about 30 minutes.  While in use, the charger's on board diagnostics clearly monitor the battery's progress, indicating the battery's status in the process including "charged", "charging", "complete" and "over temperature" using red, yellow and green LED lights.

The QuickBoost™ Charger works with all of the products in the Craftsman NEXTEC product line, including the innovative Hammerhead™ Auto Hammer, Multi-Tool, Circular Saw, TrueFinish ™ Sander, Drill/Driver, LED Light and the newest addition to the NEXTEC line, the Right Angle Impact Driver. The Right Angle Impact Driver provides access to tight spaces where an ordinary drill or screwdriver cannot fit, thanks to its unique 90 degree head shape. A three minute quick boost charge of the Right Angle Impact Driver will allow the user to drive an additional 70 1.25 inch screws.

Specifications:

• Volts: 12.0
• Charge time: three minute quick charge; 30 minute full charge
• Max watts: 43

The Craftsman NEXTEC QuickBoost™ Charger will hit shelves in May 2011. It will be sold separately and as part of selected NEXTEC kits that include the tool, battery and charger.

Other stars of the show?

In addition to the Craftsman NEXTEC QuickBoost™ Charger, the brand will showcase other innovations to launch in 2011 at the International Builders' Show, including:

• New additions to the NEXTEC 12-volt product line, including a 3-in-1 garden tool, string trimmer, hedge trimmer, vacuum, digital inflator, work light and second generation Hammerhead™ Auto Hammer
• Turn Tight™ tractor technology for Craftsman's yard and garden tractors, offering the tightest turning radius available on non-zero turning tractors at just eight inches
• The Craftsman Smart Rider™ Rear Engine Rider, a compact, easy-to-ride mower that is great for smaller lawns where a standard tractor is not needed

For more than 80 years, Craftsman has developed innovative products. Craftsman was ranked as the most trusted Hand Tool brand and Lawn Mower brand in the 2010 Popular Mechanics Readers' Choice Awards. For more information, log on to www.craftsman.com or www.facebook.com/craftsman.

About Sears Holdings Corporation

Sears Holdings Corporation is the nation's fourth largest broadline retailer with approximately 3,900 full-line and specialty retail stores in the United States and Canada.  Sears Holdings is the leading home appliance retailer as well as a leader in tools, lawn and garden, consumer electronics and automotive repair and maintenance.  Sears Holdings is the 2010 ENERGY STAR® Retail Partner of the Year. Key proprietary brands include Kenmore, Craftsman and DieHard, and a broad apparel offering, including such well-known labels as Lands' End, Jaclyn Smith and Joe Boxer, as well as the Apostrophe and Covington brands.  It also has the Country Living collection, which is offered by Sears and Kmart.  We are the nation's largest provider of home services, with more than 12 million service calls made annually.  Sears Holdings Corporation operates through its subsidiaries, including Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation.  For more information, visit Sears Holdings' website at www.searsholdings.com.

SOURCE Sears Holdings Corporation