Craftsman CMCW221B
Score: 80/100
Ryobi Corner Cat
Score: 78/100Rankings
The Craftsman CMCW221B is a lightweight, cordless detail sander designed for precision work in tight spaces, featuring a variable speed range of 9,000 to 12,000 OPM and a versatile dust collection system. It operates on the Craftsman V20 battery platform and includes a dust-sealed switch and D-handle for ergonomic control during vertical sanding tasks. While ideal for DIYers and professionals seeking portability and clean operation, the bare tool format and non-standard sandpaper sizes are notable trade-offs.
The Ryobi 18V Corner Cat Finish Sander is a cordless tool with a compact triangular base designed for accessing corners and tight spaces during light finishing tasks. Its modest power and battery dependency make it unsuitable for heavy stock removal or extended professional use. It is ideal for DIYers and hobbyists with Ryobi ONE+ batteries needing a lightweight sander for finish sanding corners and edges.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
12,000 RPMbest | 11,000 RPM | |
20 Vbest | 18 V | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.18 kg | 0.87 kgbest |
3 yearsbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Ergonomics & Design(1) | ||
Tool Weight (kg) | 1.18 kg | 0.87 kg |
Power & Performance(2) | ||
Max Speed (RPM) | 12000 RPM | 11000 RPM |
Rated Voltage (V) | 20 V | 18 V |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and editors highlight the Craftsman CMCW221B as a practical and versatile tool for detail sanding. They praise its smooth finish quality, impressive dust management, and excellent ergonomics, particularly for vertical sanding. The tool is positioned as a professional-grade option for clean, precise work, with specific commendation for its variable speed versatility and dust-sealed durability.
Everyday users appreciate the cordless freedom and the effectiveness of the dust bag in maintaining a clean workspace. The tool is commonly praised for its ease of use in tight spaces, such as furniture edges and trim, with the lightweight design and variable speed receiving positive feedback for control and reduced fatigue.
Professional reviewers highlight the tool's value as an inexpensive, compact solution for light finishing tasks. They praise the 23% more compact design and 11,000 OPM speed for corner access, while noting it is not aggressive enough for heavy material removal.
Everyday users appreciate the corner access, ease of use, and battery ecosystem compatibility, often rating the kit highly for DIY projects. Common praise focuses on the compact size and low vibration. Recurring complaints include the tool's modest power for heavy tasks, the inconvenience of battery limits compared to corded options, and frequent stock unavailability.
“very inexpensive unit”
“doesn't take a ton of material off at a time”
