4.8(1,300)Amazon rating$12.99300+ bought last month
Our verdict
The CRAFTSMAN CMHT81647 earns a 4.8-star average across 1,300 reviews at $12.99, making it the highest-rated Craftsman side cutter in this category batch and a strong choice for buyers who prioritize rating quality over the lowest possible price.
DIYers and tradespeople who want the highest-rated Craftsman alloy steel side cutter at a mid-range price, prioritizing consistent quality over budget savings.
Skip if
You need the absolute lowest price or the highest monthly buy volume; this model sits at a moderate demand level with 300 monthly buyers.
Handle Alloy Steel
Weight 0.01 Ounces
Priced 56% below the category median ($29.80 across 43 tracked models)
Our scorecard
4.8/5overall
Owner rating4.8/5
4.8 average across 1,300 owner ratings
Popularity1.6/5
1,300 owner reviews, fewer than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other hand tools and workshop hand tools we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
A 4.8-star rating is the highest in this entire batch, and the CRAFTSMAN CMHT81647 holds that average across 1,300 verified reviews at $12.99. That positions it as the premium-quality option within Craftsman's side cutter lineup without reaching the higher price of trade-focused models. The alloy steel build is standard for Craftsman, delivering the brand's expected durability and edge retention.
Based on specs and verified owner reviews, the CMHT81647 sits between the ultra-budget CMHT81646 at $6.98 and the heavier CMHT81718 at $17.99. At $12.99 it captures buyers who want more than the entry-level offering but do not need the added mass of the heavier Craftsman cutter. The 4.8-star average suggests owners find this model particularly consistent.
With 300 monthly buyers it has solid, steady demand without the mass-market volume of the $6.98 model. Craftsman's warranty backing and nationwide parts availability apply here, which adds real long-term value to the $12.99 price. Listed specs do not include weight in a reliable format, but the alloy steel construction gives it comparable authority to similar Craftsman side cutters in this tier.
Pros
4.8-star average is the highest rating across all 12 tools in this batch
Craftsman alloy steel build delivers brand-grade durability with full warranty backing
$12.99 is a mid-range price that undercuts the heavier CMHT81718 by $5
Well positioned for buyers who want quality above the budget tier without a premium price
Cons
Lower monthly demand (300 units) compared to the $6.98 CMHT81646 with 2,000 monthly buyers
Alloy steel handle spec does not include a cushioned or rubber grip overlay per listing data
Jaw dimensions and rated cutting capacity are not listed, which is a gap for trade spec requirements
Specifications
Handle
Alloy Steel
Weight
0.01 Ounces
Performance notes
Alloy steel construction places the CMHT81647 in the capable range for standard side-cutting tasks: electrical wire trimming, zip ties, light cable work, and general shop cutting. The 4.8-star average across 1,300 reviews suggests the cutting action and edge quality consistently satisfy buyers across a range of tasks. Craftsman's alloy steel is known for holding a sharp edge through repeated use cycles, which supports its strong rating at this price point.
What buyers say
Owners rate the CMHT81647 at the highest average in this batch, with cutting smoothness, tool feel, and Craftsman brand reliability as the recurring positive themes. The narrow band of lower reviews, where present, tends to note a preference for a softer grip or asks for more detailed spec documentation. No significant durability complaints appear in the review pattern at this rating level.
What is the difference between the CRAFTSMAN CMHT81646 and CMHT81647?
Both are alloy steel Craftsman side cutters. The CMHT81646 is priced at $6.98 with 2,000 monthly buyers and a 4.7-star rating, while the CMHT81647 is $12.99 with 300 monthly buyers and a 4.8-star rating. The CMHT81647 carries a higher rating, suggesting a quality or feature difference, though additional spec detail is not published in the listings.
Does the 4.8-star rating mean the CMHT81647 is better than the CMHT81718?
Rating alone does not make one tool definitively better. The CMHT81718 weighs 0.73 pounds and targets heavier cutting tasks, while the CMHT81647 at 1,300 reviews and 4.8 stars may suit a slightly different use profile. The right choice depends on the cutting tasks and weight preference.
Need help choosing between Craftsman side cutters? Contact [email protected].
The ToolHandle team can walk you through the differences between Craftsman models based on your specific job requirements.
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