CRAFTSMAN Fully Automatic 6-in-1 Battery Charger and Engine Starter

In this review the CRAFTSMAN CMXCESM253 is judged as a heavy-duty, multipurpose battery solution for owners of trucks, SUVs, and workshop vehicles who need a single tool to charge, start, test, and restore batteries. The bottom line: this unit combines a 100 cranking amp engine start with a microprocessor-controlled charger and built-in diagnostic tools, making it ideal for anyone who wants a rugged, all-in-one car and garage battery device rather than juggling separate chargers, jump packs, and testers.

Key Features

• 6-in-1 Capability: Combines engine starting, charging, maintaining, desulfating and battery and alternator testing in one compact unit so users can handle most battery jobs without extra devices.
• 100 Cranking Amps: Provides a powerful 100 cranking amp engine start plus a 30 amp boost mode for reliable starting of SUVs and trucks that have larger batteries.
• Smart Charging: Microprocessor-controlled charging automatically adjusts voltage and charge rate and switches to a 2A maintenance mode when the battery is full to protect battery life.
• Wide Battery Compatibility: Works with 6V and 12V standard, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle batteries so it covers a broad range of vehicle and accessory battery types.
• Diagnostic Tools: Built-in battery and alternator tester lets users diagnose electrical faults and check charge percentage on the bright digital display before attempting repairs.
• Battery Restoration: Advanced desulfator mode can help recover sulfated batteries to improve performance and extend usable life.

Who It's For

This unit is aimed at DIY mechanics, fleet owners, and homeowners who maintain larger vehicles and need a single, durable tool for charging, maintenance, diagnostics, and emergency starts. The combination of a 100 cranking amp starter and multi-mode charging makes it particularly useful where portability and versatility are priorities.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who only need a tiny trickle charger for occasional lawn mower batteries or riders who want a lightweight, pocketable jump starter; the CRAFTSMAN is heavier and more feature-rich than basic maintainers or compact jump packs.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• All-in-one functionality reduces clutter and tool switching in a garage or shop.
• Smart, microprocessor-controlled charging balances fast charge with battery health.
• Clear digital display and integrated battery/alternator testing simplify diagnostics.
• Long combined cables (about 12 ft total) give flexible reach around vehicles.

Cons

• At this feature level the unit is larger and less portable than small jump packs for quick roadside use.
• Advanced restoration and diagnostic functions require some familiarity to use correctly.

Specifications

Product Type	Fully automatic battery charger and engine starter
Functions	Charger, maintainer, engine start, desulfator, battery tester, alternator tester
Cranking Amps	100 cranking amp engine start
Charge Modes	30A boost, 6A charge, 2A maintain
Battery Compatibility	6V and 12V: standard, AGM, gel, deep-cycle
Cable Reach	12 ft combined power and battery cables

Our Verdict

The CRAFTSMAN CMXCESM253 is a solid value for anyone who needs a capable, garage-grade charger and engine starter in one package. It saves time and storage space by replacing multiple tools, offers smart charging to protect battery life, and includes diagnostics and a desulfator for longer-term battery care. Buy it if you service trucks, SUVs, or a mix of vehicle battery types and want a dependable all-in-one solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can this unit start a truck battery?
Yes, the unit provides 100 cranking amps and a 30A boost mode designed to start larger vehicle batteries such as those in trucks and SUVs.

Will it work with AGM and gel batteries?
Yes, it supports both 6V and 12V AGM and gel batteries as well as standard and deep-cycle types.

Does it maintain batteries after charging?
Yes, the microprocessor automatically switches to a 2A maintenance mode when charging is complete to keep batteries topped without overcharging.