Looking for a handy tool to smooth out those rough edges? We’ve been trying out the Craftsman Surform Pocket Plane, and it’s been a game-changer for our small woodworking projects.
This little powerhouse fits right in our pocket, making it perfect for on-the-go touch-ups. We love how easy it is to use with just one hand. It comes in handy when we’re working on tricky spots.
The metal body feels solid and built to last. We’ve used it on all sorts of materials, from wood end-grain to drywall and even laminate edges. It’s a versatile little tool that’s become a must-have in our workshop.
Changing the blade is a breeze thanks to the thumbscrew tension system. Plus, Craftsman backs it with a lifetime warranty, which gives us peace of mind.
Bottom Line
The Craftsman Surform Pocket Plane is a great addition to any toolbox. Its small size and big performance make it a winner for both pros and DIY fans.
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Discover the Craftsmanship Behind the CRAFTSMAN Hand Plane, Surform Pocket
We’ve been using this nifty little tool for a while now, and we’re impressed! The Craftsman pocket plane is a handy companion for our woodworking projects. Its small size lets us easily slip it into our pockets, ready for quick touch-ups.
The die-cast alloy body feels solid in our hands. We love how it’s made for one-handed use, making it super easy to work on tricky spots. It’s great for smoothing out rough edges on laminates and sheet-rock.
We found the thumbscrew blade tension really useful. It lets us quickly adjust or change the blade without any fuss. This plane has become our go-to for end-grain work too.
While it’s not perfect for big jobs, we think it’s a must-have for small, precise tasks. The compact design does mean it can take longer on larger surfaces. But for DIY enthusiasts like us, it’s a valuable addition to our toolbox.
Compact Design That Fits in Your Pocket
This little plane is super handy! We love how it fits right in our pocket. It’s only 6 inches long, so we can take it anywhere. The gray metal body is tough but not too heavy. We found it easy to grab and use with one hand. It’s perfect for quick touch-ups on the go.
We’ve used it for smoothing drywall and trimming laminate edges. The small size lets us get into tight spots bigger tools can’t reach. It’s not meant for big jobs, but for small tasks, it’s just right. We keep ours in our tool belt all the time now.
Die-Cast Alloy Body for Enduring Quality
We love how sturdy this pocket plane feels in our hands. The die-cast alloy body gives it a solid weight and makes it super durable. We’ve used it on several projects now, and it still looks brand new. The metallic gray finish not only looks sleek but also resists scratches and dings. This little tool can take a beating and keep on working great.
The strong alloy construction also helps it glide smoothly across wood surfaces without flexing or bending. It’s a well-made tool that feels like it’s built to last.
One-Handed Use for Easy Operation
We love how the Craftsman pocket plane fits snugly in our hand. It’s a breeze to use with just one hand, which is great when we’re working on tricky spots. The die-cast alloy body feels sturdy but isn’t too heavy.
This makes it easy to control as we smooth edges or work on end-grain. We can quickly adjust the blade tension with the thumbscrew, letting us switch between tasks without a fuss. It’s handy for sheet-rocking too.
The compact size means we can keep it in our tool belt, ready to go when we need it. We found it super helpful for quick touch-ups on laminates. It’s a simple tool that makes our work easier and faster.
Backed by a Full Lifetime Warranty
We love it when a tool comes with great support, and the Craftsman pocket plane doesn’t disappoint. This handy little tool is backed by a full lifetime warranty. It’s nice to know we can use it without worry. If anything goes wrong, Craftsman has our back.
This warranty shows they believe in their product. We feel confident using this plane, knowing it’s built to last. The lifetime guarantee adds real value to an already useful tool. It’s a big plus for us when choosing between similar options.
Pros and Cons
We got our hands on the Craftsman pocket plane, and wow, what a handy little tool! Let’s break down what we loved and what could be better.
Pros
- Super easy to use with one hand
- Great for smoothing drywall edges
- Fits in our pockets – so convenient!
- Works well on end-grain and laminates
- Tough die-cast alloy body
- Quick blade changes with the thumbscrew
We found this plane to be a real time-saver on our projects. It’s small but mighty, making quick work of smoothing rough edges.
Cons
- The metal grate feels a bit flimsy
- Better for small jobs than big ones
- Some users reported losing it easily due to its small size
While we love this tool, it’s not perfect. The build quality could be a bit better, and it might not be ideal for huge projects.
We put this plane through its paces on drywall, wood, and laminates. It worked like a charm for most tasks, but we did notice it struggled a bit with tougher materials.
Authentic Customer Insights
We’ve been using this Craftsman pocket plane for a while now, and it’s been a game-changer for our DIY projects. Many users love how easy it is to smooth out drywall edges. Its small size is a big plus – it fits right in our pocket while we work. We found it super handy for making straight cuts and getting a perfect fit around openings.
Some folks did mention the metal grate feels a bit flimsy. But for most jobs, it gets the job done well. We noticed a few users wishing it was the full 10 inches as advertised.
Overall, people seem happy with this little tool. It’s simple, effective, and hasn’t changed much over the years. We think that says a lot about its design. Just be careful not to misplace it – some users said they go through a couple each year!
Usage Tips for Best Results
We found this little Craftsman hand plane to be super handy! For the best results, we recommend using it with a light touch. Short, gentle strokes work better than trying to remove too much material at once.
Keep the blade clean and sharp – a quick wipe after use goes a long way. When working on drywall, it’s great for smoothing cut edges. Just be careful not to apply too much pressure or you might damage the paper.
For wood, go with the grain to avoid tear-out. The compact size makes it perfect for tight spots, but don’t forget it’s in your pocket! We learned that the hard way.
Remember to adjust the blade tension as needed using the thumbscrew. It’s a simple tool, but these tips will help you get the most out of it.
Conclusion
We’ve put the CRAFTSMAN Surform Pocket Plane through its paces, and it’s a handy little tool for DIY projects. Its compact size makes it easy to carry around, and it does a good job smoothing out drywall edges. We found it especially useful for making quick adjustments when hanging drywall. The sharp blade cuts well, but we noticed the metal grate could be sturdier.
For small jobs, it gets the job done. While it’s not perfect, the Surform Pocket Plane is a useful addition to any toolbox. It’s affordable and simple to use, making it a solid choice for homeowners tackling basic repairs or improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about the Craftsman Pocket Plane? We’ve got answers! Let’s dive into some common questions about this handy tool.
What features can I expect from the CRAFTSMAN CMHT82544 Surform Pocket Plane?
We love the compact size of this pocket plane. It’s easy to carry and use with one hand. The die-cast alloy body feels solid and durable. We found the thumbscrew blade tension super helpful for quick blade changes. It’s great for smoothing edges and working with end-grain.
How does the Surform Pocket Plane perform on different materials?
In our experience, this little tool is a champ on various materials. It works well on drywall, helping us smooth out cut lines. We’ve also used it on wood end-grain and laminates with good results. The sharp blade makes quick work of most surfaces we’ve tried.
Can the CRAFTSMAN Surform Pocket Plane be used for professional woodworking projects?
While it’s great for DIY tasks, we think it’s a bit limited for big professional jobs. It’s perfect for small touch-ups and smoothing work. For larger woodworking projects, you might want a more specialized tool. But for quick fixes and small-scale work, it’s a handy addition to any toolbox.
Are there any specific techniques to maximize the efficiency of the pocket plane?
We’ve found that light, even strokes work best with this plane. Don’t push too hard – let the blade do the work. For drywall, we like to use it at a slight angle to avoid gouging. When working with wood, going with the grain gives us the smoothest finish.
How does the Surform Pocket Plane compare to traditional hand planes?
The Surform is simpler to use than traditional planes. It doesn’t need as much skill to get good results. But it’s not as precise for fine woodworking. We see it as a quick-fix tool rather than a replacement for classic hand planes. It’s great for rough shaping and initial smoothing.
What maintenance is required to keep the CRAFTSMAN Pocket Plane in good condition?
Keeping this tool in top shape is pretty easy.
We clean it after each use to prevent buildup. The blade can be flipped or replaced when it gets dull.
We make sure to store it in a dry place to avoid rust. A light oil on the metal parts now and then keeps everything moving smoothly.
