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Craftsman Jump Starter: Which One Fits Your Garage

Comparing every Craftsman jump starter model, specs, and real customer reviews to help you pick the right one for your garage or glove box.

Todd Bandel

31 Oct 2026 • 13 min read

Craftsman sells five jump-starting products in 2026: the CMXCESM264 (1500A lithium pack), CMXCESM256 (1200A AGM power station), CMXCESM253 (100A plug-in charger/starter), CMXCESM233 (250A wheeled charger), and CMXCESM274 (175A wheeled charger). The CMXCESM264 suits glove-box emergencies, the CMXCESM256 adds air compressor and power-station features but has a weak review record, and the wheeled models suit stationary garage use.

Choosing a jump starter sounds simple until you realize that "amps" doesn't mean the same thing across all Craftsman products. Some models measure peak amps for a battery-powered pack you toss in your trunk.

Others measure cranking amps for a wheeled charger that lives in your garage and plugs into an AC outlet. Mixing those numbers up is the easiest way to buy the wrong tool for your vehicle.

This guide walks through every Craftsman jump starter and battery charger/starter combo currently documented on craftsman.com, plus what reviewers are saying about real-world performance.

What Craftsman peak amp jump starters are available right now?

Craftsman's current jump-starting lineup splits into two categories: portable battery packs you can carry in a vehicle, and plug-in chargers designed to live in a garage. Here's how the five models stack up at a glance.

Model	Type	Starting Power	Power Source	Best For
CMXCESM264	Portable lithium jump starter	1500 peak amps	Lithium-ion (internal)	Glove box, emergency roadside use
CMXCESM256	Portable power station	1200 peak amps	AGM battery (internal)	Multi-tool power station, camping, tire inflation
CMXCESM253	Plug-in charger/starter	100A engine start	AC outlet	Home garage charging, battery diagnostics
CMXCESM233	Wheeled charger/starter	250 cranking amps (12V)	AC outlet	Stationary garage use, heavier-duty starts
CMXCESM274	Wheeled charger/starter	175 cranking amps (12V)	AC outlet	Garage use, lighter-duty starts

Notice that the portable packs (CMXCESM264 and CMXCESM256) are rated in peak amps, while the plug-in and wheeled units (CMXCESM253, CMXCESM233, CMXCESM274) are rated in cranking amps. These aren't directly comparable figures — peak amps describe a brief burst of current a battery pack can deliver, while cranking amps describe the sustained output of an AC-powered charger. Don't assume a "250" rating beats a "1500" rating just because the number is bigger; they're measuring different things.

CRAFTSMAN Portable Car Battery Jump Starter & Power Bank, 12V – CMXCESM264

3-in-1 Device - Jump starter, USB power pack, and LED light. Immediate Jump-Starting Power - Delivers a 1500-amp jump start strong enough to start 8.0L gas and 4.5L diesel engines.

Amazon

CMXCESM264 1500A 12V Lithium Jump Starter and Portable Power Pack

The Craftsman CMXCESM264 is a 1500-peak-amp, 12V lithium jump starter and portable power pack, built to start vehicles with engines up to 8.0L gas or 4.5L diesel, according to Craftsman's product page. It's designed around a compact, glove-box-friendly form factor rather than a heavy-duty garage tool.

Key features:

Up to 35 jump starts per charge, per Craftsman's listing
2.4A USB port for charging phones and small devices
Recharges in 3 hours via the included 12V DC car charger, or 5-6 hours via USB-C
Built-in cold-weather pre-heat function and pre-charge boost for deeply discharged batteries
LED area light with flashlight, SOS, and strobe modes
8-gauge, 24-inch booster cables with color-coded clamps
Ships with a 12V DC car charger, USB-C cable, and a carrying case with built-in cable storage
2-Year Limited Warranty

Pros:

A ShopSavvy TLDR review (published Feb 6, 2026) found the CMXCESM264 reliable across trucks, ATVs, and boats, often starting engines on the first try
Reviewers described it as easy to use, compact enough to store permanently in a vehicle, and typically arriving nearly fully charged
The built-in LED light doubles as a practical emergency tool

Cons:

Craftsman's own site shows a single review with a 1.0-out-of-5 rating, flagged as incentivized, describing poor operation and difficulty locating the manual. That's a tiny sample, so treat it as one data point rather than a verdict
ShopSavvy's review noted inconsistent quality control, with some units arriving broken or failing to hold a charge

Choose the CMXCESM264 if you want the smallest, most portable option for emergency roadside use and don't need extra power-station features such as an air compressor or an AC outlet.

CRAFTSMAN Car Battery Jump Starter & Power Station, 12V – CMXCESM256

5-in-1 Device - Jump starter, LED work light, 100-PSI air compressor, inverter, and portable power station. Immediate Jump Starting Power - Delivers 1200-amp jump start strong enough to start 8-cylinder engines

Amazon

CMXCESM256 power station features and product details

The CMXCESM256 is a 1200-peak-amp jump starter and portable power station built around an internal AGM battery rather than a lithium battery. It's positioned as a multi-tool: part jump starter, part air compressor, part charging hub.

Key features:

Rated for 4- to 8-cylinder engines at 1200 peak amps
Six power outlets: a 12V 6A DC port, a 110V AC outlet backed by a 200W inverter, two USB-C 3A ports, and two USB-A 2.4A ports
Built-in 100-PSI automatic air compressor
LED area light, digital display, and a reverse hook-up alarm
4-gauge, 24-inch booster cables with heavy-duty metal clamps
Includes a 12V port adapter, three hose adapters, and a compressor accessory bag
1-Year Limited Warranty

Pros:

The feature set is genuinely versatile on paper — jump starter, compressor, and power bank in one unit
Some reviewers who followed Craftsman's instructions to fully charge the unit for 72 hours before first use reported it performing well for camping trips and inflating air mattresses
The inverter and USB ports were praised by at least one reviewer for daily reliability

Cons:

This is the model with the most concerning review data in Craftsman's current lineup: 1.6 out of 5 stars across 22 reviews on craftsman.com, with only about 9% of reviewers (1 of 11 who answered) saying they'd recommend it
Recurring complaints center on the air compressor failing or stopping entirely — one reviewer said it stopped working after roughly six uses; another said it ran but produced no air
Other reviewers reported the unit failing to hold a charge or failing to jump-start a truck battery at all
Many of these reviews are flagged as incentivized, and the sample size (22) is still relatively small, so weigh this data as a signal rather than a certainty

Choose the CMXCESM256 if the air compressor and multi-outlet power station genuinely matter to your use case — camping, tailgating, device charging — and you're comfortable with a product that has a rocky review history. If a dependable jump start is your only priority, the review data suggests looking elsewhere first.

CRAFTSMAN 6A Car Battery Charger & Maintainer, 6V/12V – CMXCESM253

Deliver a 100-amp engine start to fire up any 12V car or truck battery, plus a 12- to 30-amp boost charge to quickly restore power to a depleted battery when time matters most.

Amazon

CMXCESM253 for garage charging

The CMXCESM253 is a 100A, 6V/12V fully automatic battery charger and jump starter built for plug-in use rather than portable, battery-powered operation. Think of it as a garage tool rather than a trunk tool.

Key features:

100A engine start, with a 30A boost mode and a 6A-to-2A charge/maintain mode
Works with standard, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle batteries
Built-in battery and alternator tester, bad battery indicator, and desulfation mode for reviving older batteries
Reverse hook-up protection, float mode monitoring, and automatic voltage detection
Digital display for at-a-glance status
2-Year Limited Warranty

Pros:

Craftsman's site lists a strong 4.7 out of 5 rating across 22 reviews — the best review record in this lineup
The built-in diagnostic tools (battery and alternator tester) add genuine utility beyond simple charging
Desulfation mode gives it a shot at reviving batteries a basic charger can't help

Cons:

Requires a constant AC outlet connection, so it's not an option for roadside emergencies away from power
It won't fit in a glove box or trunk the way the CMXCESM264 does

Choose the CMXCESM253 if your priority is maintaining and diagnosing batteries at home rather than carrying emergency starting power on the road.

CMXCESM233 or CMXCESM274 wheeled chargers

For stationary, heavy-duty garage use, Craftsman offers two wheeled battery charger/starter units: the CMXCESM233 and the CMXCESM274.

CRAFTSMAN 6V/12V 10A Car Battery Charger, 250A Engine Start – CMXCESM233

Manual Timer Controlled – 250A Engine Start – 25A & 50A Boost – 135-Minute Timer – Power Sport, Auto, Marine Batteries.

Amazon

CMXCESM233 — 250A 6V/12V Wheeled Battery Charger and Jump Starter

250 cranking amps (12V) for engine starting, plus 50A (12V) and 25A (6V/12V) boost modes, and a 10A (12V) charge setting
Manual operation with a 135-minute timer and built-in ammeter
Steel case, reinforced handle, and solid-core wheels for garage mobility
6-gauge booster cables plus a 6-foot power cord (12 feet of total reach)
2-Year Limited Warranty
No reviews are posted on craftsman.com yet, so there's no review-based track record to lean on

CRAFTSMAN Wheeled 6A Car Battery Charger & Maintainer, 12V – CMXCESM274

2-in-1 Device - Starts and charges batteries Charges Dead Batteries Fast - Delivers 175-amp engine start, 25-amp 12V boost charge, and 6-amp charging.

Amazon

CMXCESM274 — 175 Cranking Amp 12V Manual Wheeled Battery Charger and Jump Starter

175 cranking amps, a 25A boost mode, and a 6A charge mode, with a 135-minute timer and built-in ammeter
12V only (no 6V support), compatible with standard, AGM, gel, and deep-cycle batteries
8-gauge, 6-foot cable with color-coded heavy-duty clamps
2-Year Limited Warranty
Shows a 5.0 out of 5 rating on craftsman.com, but from a single review — too small a sample to draw real conclusions from

Pros of wheeled models generally:

Higher sustained cranking amp ratings than the portable packs, useful for repeated or heavy-duty starts
No battery to charge or degrade over time, since they run directly off AC power
Built for durability with steel cases and wheels for easy movement around a shop

Cons:

Not portable in the way battery packs are — no roadside use away from an outlet
Manual timer operation means you need to monitor charging progress rather than relying on full automation
Review data is too sparse on both models to say much with confidence

Choose a wheeled charger if you need a dedicated garage tool for regular battery maintenance and occasional jump-starts, and portability isn't a factor.

A Few More Solid Options:

CRAFTSMAN 1000A Car Battery Jump Starter and Portable Power Station, 3-in-1 Solution-CMXCESM281

3-in-1 Device - Combines a powerful jump starter, USB and DC port power station, and LED work light. High-Powered Performance: Delivers 1000 peak amps from a 12-volt, high-output AGM battery, packing the muscle to jump-start up to V8 engines.

Amazon

What about Craftsman's plain battery chargers?

A few more Craftsman products show up in searches for "battery charger" but aren't jump starters — the CMXCESM259 (1.5A), CMXCESM258 (12A), and CMXCESM162 (15A). These are maintainers designed to keep a battery topped off over time, not to start an engine. If your goal is to jump-start a dead battery, this isn't the right category to shop in.

Frequently asked questions

Which Craftsman jump starter is most reliable based on reviews?

Based on craftsman.com's posted review data, the CMXCESM253 plug-in charger/starter has the strongest track record, with a 4.7-out-of-5-star rating across 22 reviews. The CMXCESM256 power station has the weakest record (1.6 out of 5 stars across 22 reviews), with recurring complaints about the air compressor. The CMXCESM264 and CMXCESM274 each have very small review samples, so their ratings carry less statistical weight.

What's the difference between peak amps and cranking amps?

Peak amps describe the brief burst of power a battery-powered jump starter pack (like the CMXCESM264 or CMXCESM256) can deliver. Cranking amps refer to the sustained output of an AC-powered charger (such as the CMXCESM233 or CMXCESM274). The two ratings aren't directly comparable, so don't assume a higher peak-amp number automatically means more starting power than a cranking-amp-rated unit.

Can I use a Craftsman jump starter without an AC outlet?

Yes, if you choose a portable battery-powered model. The CMXCESM264 (lithium) and CMXCESM256 (AGM) are both self-contained and don't require an outlet to start a vehicle. The CMXCESM253, CMXCESM233, and CMXCESM274 all require a plug-in AC connection.

Is the air compressor on the CMXCESM256 worth it?

It depends on your tolerance for risk. The feature is genuinely useful when it works — some reviewers used it successfully for tire and air mattress inflation. But the compressor is also the most commonly cited point of failure in reviews of the CMXCESM256, with multiple reports of it stopping entirely after limited use. If a working compressor is essential to your purchase, this is worth factoring into your decision.

Where can I check current prices for Craftsman jump starters?

Pricing wasn't verified for this guide, and Craftsman's lineup is sold through multiple retailers. Check current prices and availability directly on Craftsman.com, Lowe's, or Amazon before purchasing, since prices can vary between retailers and change over time.

Which Craftsman jump starter should you actually buy?

There's no single "best" Craftsman jump starter, only the right tool for how and where you'll use it. Picture a frosty 6 a.m. driveway, your breath fogging the windshield and your engine giving you nothing but a sad click. The jump starter you want in that moment depends on where it lives.

Craftsman didn't create one model for everyone. A single photo of Craftsman jump starters lined up side by side shows that. Some are pocket-sized, some roll on wheels, and a few try to do it all. Here's my honest take.

For the glove box: CMXCESM264
If you want something compact enough to ride along in case of an emergency, this is the one I'd reach for. It has the strongest independent review coverage of the bunch, even with a small sample size. Before you buy, check the assembled product width on the listing to make sure it slips neatly into your glove box or under a seat.

For extra features: CMXCESM256
Love the idea of a mini power station? This model packs in bonus features, but go in with eyes open. Its review history is rocky, especially around the air compressor.

For the garage: CMXCESM253
If your jump starter will stay home, plugged in and ready for action, the CMXCESM253's strong track record in reviews makes it the safer bet among the plug-in options. Glance at the assembled product height, too, so you know it'll sit comfortably on your workbench or shelf.

Still unproven: CMXCESM233 and CMXCESM274
These wheeled models look sturdy and capable, but customer feedback remains limited. They may turn out to be great. For now, there just isn't enough real-world proof to say.

You'll be able to view current pricing and availability at Craftsman.com, Lowe's, or Amazon. One quick tip before you check out: read the most recent reviews at the retailer you're buying from. Opinions on these products can shift quickly. And once your new jump starter has rescued a dead battery or two, take a minute to write a review. Your experience could help the next driver stuck in a cold, quiet driveway.

Here's to engines that turn over on the first try,

Thank you for reading!

Your friend,

Todd

CraftsmanJumpStarter #PortableJumpStarter #CarBatteryBooster #EmergencyJumpStart #LithiumJumpPack #RoadsideAssistance #AutoTools #JumpBox #CarEssentials #MechanicAddictsTools

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