Craftsman CMCE500B: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-17

Summary

The CMCE500B is a bare-tool, brushed-motor oscillating multi-tool (8,000–18,000 OPM, 2.8-degree oscillation angle) for DIY and light professional work, built for people who already own Craftsman V20 batteries; the battery and charger are sold separately. Reported problems are slow cutting versus professional 3.6–4.0-degree models, basic vibration control, a stiff spring-loaded clamp trigger, and subpar included blades. At $79 (Acme Tools sale, October 2026) it is a reasonable add-on for existing V20 owners; at $99 the brushless CMCE565B becomes the stronger buy for the same money.

Common problems and fixes

Slow cutting — the 2.8-degree oscillation angle and slightly slower oscillating rate left the tool “a little behind everyone else in our speed testing” against professional 3.6–4.0-degree models; the 8,000–18,000 OPM variable range lets you dial it back for careful work. [10]
Basic vibration control — the tool lacks the refined vibration control system found on Milwaukee and Fein, though the milder action does keep vibration down a little compared with more aggressive designs. [10]
Clamp can mis-seat — the clamp can engage without the pins fully seating in place; give it a quick visual check before you turn the tool on. [10]
Brushed motor — less efficient and shorter-lived than the brushless CMCE565B in the same V20 lineup. [1][8]

Parts and consumables

Wood blade and bi-metal blade (included) — the two blades in the box; a weak point per some owners, with no scraper included for the bare tool. [1][15]
V20 battery and charger (sold separately) — the bare tool needs both; speed and runtime vary with capacity (2.0Ah versus 4.0Ah or 6.0Ah). [1]

Yearly running cost

Not enough data. Blades and sandpaper are the only wear items, and no replacement prices were reported in the research files; the battery and charger are one-time purchases. [15]

When it is a good buy

$79 at Acme Tools (sale, marked down from $99, October 2026), $99 at Ace Hardware, from $75 per Consumer Reports: reasonable for existing V20 battery owners. [3][4][2]
At $99 or more, the brushless CMCE565B (19,000 OPM, $99–$129 at Acme Tools) is the stronger buy for the same money; above $100 the CMCE500B’s value case weakens. [3][8]
The CMCE501D1 kit (same tool body plus a 2.0Ah battery and charger) at $79 at Lowe’s is the better choice if you do not already own V20 batteries. [6]
Community members on r/Craftsman describe V20 tools as “good, serviceable tools” and recommend the brushless V20 RP models whenever possible for more power and longevity; a r/BuyItForLife thread on going all-in on V20 reports being happy so far. [11][13]

Alternatives:

Craftsman CMCE565B (brushless RP, 19,000 OPM), $99–$129 at Acme Tools — the better choice when you want brushless efficiency, power and longevity. [3][8]
Craftsman CMCE501D1 kit, $79 at Lowe’s — the better choice if you need a battery and charger with the tool. [6]
Competing 20V platforms (DeWalt, Milwaukee, Ryobi) — worth comparing for accessory ecosystems and performance. [10]