Reviews (3)

An excellent compact screw driver with some flaws
Really handy for driving screws.

Fits in your pocket while climbing a ladder.

Fits in a small tool-box.

Good for low-clearance uses (6 or 6-3/4 inches from driver tip to heel).

Plenty of torque for medium duty. Sinks drywall screws without pre-drilling.

At 130 rpm, it's painfully slow for drilling.

Nice feel, ergonomic handle and triggers.

A great value, especially if you find it with single digit pricetag at discount store beginning with "W".

The owners manual says to use only alkaline batteries (4-AA), but you'd be a moron to do that. 2100 mah NiMH rechargables work great, last a long, long time, and only cost as much as 2 or 3 sets of throw-aways.

One disappointment is the spindle lock, which you can use when hand turning a really stubborn screw. It does not disable the motor, so it does not serve as a safety OFF when stowing. It would be nice if the spindle auto-locked whenever the trigger is not pressed and if some safety OFF mechanism was included.

Great small tool for small jobs!
I had been looking at drills for a while in order to do those small jobs around the house, such as hanging pictures and shelves.I didn't feel it was necessary to get a large drill with many attachments for these types of jobs.When I came across this drill/driver I was absolutely thrilled! This tool is very easy to use and small enough that it doesn't take up too much storage space when not in use.Additionally, the cost of the tool is very affordable. I highly recommend this product!

Great for light to medium applications.
The driver feels very solid and nice in your hand.It comes with 4 hex-shank bits - a medium philips, medium flathead, 3/16 and 1/16 drill bits, which should be fine for most jobs.While there is plenty of torque for drilling, there is no torque range adjustment, so you'll have to be careful not to overtighten screws. For that purpose, it has an intuitive manual spindle lock that clicks firmly into place, allowing you to use it like a regular screwdriver.

The bit holder shaft has a convenient quick connect sleeve.You simply pull back on the sleeve insert or remove the bit. The bits have a groove at the end to keep them in the shaft when you work, solving the common problem that I always run into previous power screwdrivers and drills, where for various reasons, the bit gets stuck in the hole or screw when I pull away.

The handle has cartridge style battery pack. Also included with the drill/driver are 4 AA batteries, 20 screws, and 20 plastic inserts (for dryway)-- everything you need to get started.It comes with a full 2-year home use warranty.

I really like this unit. It was very inexpensive, does the job, has the fit and finish quality that one expects from Black and Decker, and has an ergonomic look and feel.

While it would have been nice for this drill/driver to run a bit faster (it runs at only 130 rpm versus the more desirable 180/rpm) and have a torque adjustment ring for worry free screw driving, I think the price makes up for it considerably.

Overall, the AD600 is an excellent value. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)   

Features

• Two-year home use warranty
• Lightweight, compact design at 6 pounds
• Rubber overmold grips
• Lock-off switch
• Pivoting shoe with open channel

Reviews (1)

What the heck Black and Decker
If you are buying the 14.4V Firestorm to go with your other previously purchased 14.4V Firestorm tools (like your drill and circular saw) be warned.For some unfathomable reason Black and Decker uses a different battery for this new reciprocating saw.This means you are stuck with the horrible trickle charger that they supply with the saw and can't share your batteries with your other tools.Black and Decker, what were you thinking!?!?!?!I don't even know if B&D offers a fast charger for this battery or how much or how available replacement batteries are.Batteries and chargers for the other Firestorm tools are interchangeable with Dewalt chargers and batteries and therefore available everywhere.

This appears to be a change with the K models this year.The older 144 model appears to use the same battery as the other Firestorm tools.I have no clue why B&D made this change.Perhaps this is the new battery design for all new Firestorm tools to differentiate them from Dewalt.The new battery is bigger and slightly heavier than the old one (by two ounces.)Perhaps B&D increased the power in the newer model.If so, the increased power is completely negated by the lack of convenience and if you wanted more power you could have always used the bigger Dewalt battery.The newer battery design looks to be shared with all "K" tools so if you buy only the newer K versions you will be OK.

For the rest of us, this is a "NO SALE."I returned mine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Saws    5. Reciprocating Saws    6. (Sawzalls)    7. (Sawsalls)    8. (Volt)    9. (V)   

Editorial Review

With a VersaPak storm light, you won't have to fumble around looking for the flashlight next time your power goes out. This home emergency safety light automatically comes on when the power goes out, so you can find it easily, even in stressful emergency situations. Its tough, durable design includes a nonslip rubber-molded handle that's comfortable to hold. The on/off switch is small enough to be easily managed by a child, if necessary--a nice feature. The adjustable beam provides both a spot focus for specific illumination and a wide flood beam for general area lighting. The convenient VersaPak battery will charge either in the flashlight or in the wall-mounted charger and has two hours of run time on a single charge. You can buy a second battery and keep it ready to go in the charger, giving you four hours of illumination. --Tim Block ... Read more

Features

• Two year home use warranty
• Two hour run time on a single charge
• Adjustable beam for spot and flood lighting
• Light automatically comes on when power fails
• Charger mounts conveniently to the wall

Reviews (13)

Great Light unless you burn out a bulb
I had this for about 1 year when the bulb burnt out.I have been unable to find a replacement since.I went to the closest Black and Decker service center and they did not have one.I could order one and wait and come back.The hours of the store are only M-F 9-5 so stopping by after work is out of the question.

The best flashlight I have ever owned.
I've had mine for at least 4 years.I've never had any problems with it.No more buying batteries for flashlights again.No more having to scramble around looking for a flashlight that works when the power goes out.Recently, after 4 years of usage, the battery doesn't last as long and I'm going to have to buy a new one.But that is nothing compared to the amount of money I would have had to spend on normal batteries.

Super Product, have used it for around seven years
The main purpose for this review is to help folks find replacement bulbs.I ordered mine from dewalt.com.Do a search for part number 284847-00.They're $2.34 each.The model number of this flashlight is VP210, which you can also use to find the bulbs.

Replacing the bulbs takes a little twisting to separate the various parts, but it's easy once you have it apart. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Lights    5. (Volt)    6. (V)   

Editorial Review

Remember the old, reliable Black & Decker drill your dad kept in his tool shop all those years ago? Other tools would come and go, but he always relied on that shiny silver drill to get the job done, and it did. Well, Black & Decker has brought back that classic styling with its commemorative, polished aluminum, 14.4-volt cordless drill/driver kit. This 85th-anniversary drill may look like a throwback to days gone by, but inside it's as 21st century as they come. An illuminated, electronic level ensures straighter, more accurate drilling. Microtorque adjustments allow the drill to handle a variety of applications. A single-sleeve keyless chuck with automatic spindle lock makes switching bits a breeze. The drill is powered by a matching 14.4-volt battery pack and features a rubber-enhanced grip for better comfort and control. A touch-sensitive trigger provides infinite speed control at either of two gear settings (0 to 350 and 0 to 1,100 rpm), and a rugged, nylon carrying case keeps the drill well protected when taking it on the job. --Carl Thress ... Read more

Features

• Two gear ranges -- 0-350/0-1,100 rpm -- to provide added control on both high-torque and high-speed applications
• Attractive, heavy-duty die-cast aluminum housing for added durability
• Electronic leveling with LED display that lights up at all 90-degree angles (up, down, and straight)
• 24-position clutch to help prevent stripping of screws
• One-touch battery level indicator to let you know how much charge remains

Reviews (16)

Buying a drill?... buy something else.
Buying a potential collectors item?... buy this.I must admit I had a rush of nostalgia when I saw this drill (I had one of the originals and it literally served me for decades before I finally killed it), and I raced out a bought one (for considerably more money than it is offered here).Athough it looks like the original, all comparisons should stop there, and as a drill I must say this was a major disappointment.First, the chuck is the cheapest chuck I have ever had on any drill at anytime.I defy anyone to get it tight enough to hold drill bits without slipping in use, on driver bits and holders it's fine.Second, if I had a nickle for everytime I've pinched my finger in the trigger I wouldn't need to worry about making a living using tools.Hard to explain but there is a gap between the metal case and the plastic trigger, and when you pull the trigger the gap opens, and when you let the trigger go my finger is generally in that gap... youch!And finally, the drill cannot stand on it's battery it must be laid down flat.All it would have taken to rectify this was a miniscule adjustment of the angle of the battery to the handle.

When I bought the fore-father of this "look-alike" Black and Decker made industrial quality tools for use and abuse on a daily basis, today they make "consumer products" that happen to include "tools".This drill is a classic example of the poorly designed, poorly made in China junk B&D now try and fob off as real tools.If you want a drill for daily use, buy something else, if you want something that is a potential collectors item buy this.But don't make the same mistake as I did and take it out of the package and use it... it then becomes worthless as both a tool and as a collectors item.

Black@ Decker 14.4 Anniversery Drill.
I have had the oppertunity to use this drill a number of times in the past week and use it many as a secondary unit when I am using more than one drill at a time. When I am drilling and filling woodholes with screws I don't like to change out my bits so I find it is very good for putting in screws and does take somewhat of a licking. Good value for the money. Barrie Dale

A very nice drill
I am very impressed with this drill. A great all-around drill with a lot of nice features. Seems well built and solid, with the right amount of accessories to fit every need around the house and in the shed. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Gifts    4. Home    5. Tools   

Editorial Review

The Black & Decker FireStorm drill kit is a sensible choice for the home handyperson who requires strong, dependable performance at a reasonable price. The drill runs at speeds from 0 to 800 rpm--with a maximum of 115 inch-pounds of torque. At 1-1/2 amps, the battery also provides more power than other consumer-grade cordless drills and snaps on and off easily and securely. In addition, a 24-position clutch provides all the torque adjustment you'll need to handle any household project.

One feature we especially appreciate is the one-handed keyless chuck, which is usually found only on more expensive contractor-grade models. Not only does this chuck make changing bits quick and easy, but its all-metal construction also ensures it will have a long, dependable life. Other nice touches include a molded plastic handle with a rubber grip, which gives the user more control, and a well-placed forward/reverse control mechanism that makes it easy to switch directions with your trigger hand. Although this drill's plastic housing isn't as thick as the housing on more expensive models, it also isn't as heavy--in fact, the FireStorm is remarkably lightweight and well balanced.

The drill comes in a sturdy plastic carrying case with a battery charger and one driver bit that fits in a handy slot in the top of the drill. The bottom line? You'll have no problem completing any basic household projects with the FireStorm. If you have major home improvement plans, though, you may want to consider stepping up to a professional-grade model. --Tim Block ... Read more

Features

• 3/8"" keyless chuck for easy bit changes
• Variable speed switch with electric brake
• High output, fan cooled motor for longer life
• Mid handle balanced design
• Two year home use warranty

Reviews (8)

Goes toe to toe with Dewalt.
I Have this 12 Volt model and I use it for drywalling and installing Satellite Dishes, where I have to sink 3 inch lag screws.I also have a Dewalt 14.4 Volt which I also use as a standby in case I forget to charge the batteries on my B&D drill.I have found that the B&D can go toe to toe with my Dewalt 14.4 and alot of times lasts longer than the Dewalt for battery life.Plus the batteries don't cost an arm and a leg like they do for a Dewalt 14.4.And can be obtained at most any retailer.I have mostly B&D tools and use then extensively with outstanding results.I have an old B&D 3/8 inch electric drill with the steel housing that my grandfather owned, which I still use to this day.Some of you people that knock down B&D need to realize that sometimes you get faulty equipment, its that way with anything.That is why they have warranties on them.I just have to say, keep up the good work.

Customer Service Outweighs Average Performance
In a previous review I was very harsh about the product. No doubt, that was the result of failing batteries and battery charger. Well, the Black & Decker people deserve a balanced observation. When the charger died I contacted them directly. I was no longer able to access the charger from Home Depot. B&D Customer Service wasted no time sending me a replacement charger within 3 days, and at no expense.

My expectations may be higher than others, and my do-it-yourself activities at home are probably more than most homeowners. Maybe I need an 18-volt cordless drill. So when I rate the 12-volt system as average that is based on my needs and experience. I only wish this 12-volter was as good as the customer service.

Not a Bang for the Buck
This was my first venture into cordless drills. I relied on the brand name, anticipating a bang for the buck. I am a big-time home, do-it-yourself type. This drill was a severe disappointment. First the drill would not function after about a month. The batteries were charged and the charger worked, but the drill would not drill. Then about 4 months after that (5 months into the purchase) one of the batteries goes dead. I had to buy another one. I need two batteries for the work I do around the house, and that leads me to another complaint. The batteries do not hold their charge for a good amount of time. Finally, yesterday, the charger stopped charging. I went to my local Home Depot to buy another charger, and there were none. I was told to either check out Lowe's and contact Black & Decker. Today, I go online and the Black & Decker cordless drill page won't open up. HHHMMMMMM! Does their IT reflect the quality of their products?

But why do I give it two stars? When the batteries are fully charged this drill can rock 'n roll for a 12-volt. But that's it.

Now here I am with a need to use this drill for an important home project. I can't find another charger in any store and the company web site won't open up for me to access and buy the replacement charger.

Talk about severe disappointment. So now I guess it's off to Home Depot and buy a Ryobi. Home Depot has one model made specifically for them in the same 12-volt range, but it comes with a two-year, in-house (Home Depot) guarantee.

BD, you people reflect the kinds of things that are wrong with customer service in this country today. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Cordless Tools    4. (Volt)    5. (V)    6. Drill-Drivers   

Features

• Two-year home use warranty
• Lightweight, compact design at 6 pounds
• Rubber overmold grips
• Lock-off switch
• Pivoting shoe with open channel

Reviews (7)

Ok Product
I bought this saw on ebay for the same price that I could have bought the battery for.I think it is wimpy for any real work other that cutting an occasional pvc pipe or a two by four.It is sure handy to grab this saw and go, instead of running cords and finding the nearest plug.New ones on ebay run less than half of this price

battery life sucks
like the compact weight but the battery even though rated 14.4 volts lasts less than 10 minutes of normal use, had to special order to get replacement batteries, would strongly suggest a better quality tool (de walt etc.) for other than a hobby user

Battery Eater
I have had experience similar to other users.I'm cutting up a few small plum trees, 6 to 8 inches in diameter at the base an smaller higher up.

The fire storm battery didn't last 10 minutes for me.Instructions were ambiguous. One page says "Charge battery for 3 hours before first use." Another page says "After normal usage, your power pack shuld be fully charged in 3 to 6 hors. If the power pack is run-down completely, it may take up to 6 hours to become fully charged. Your power pack was sent from the factory in an uncharged condition. Before attempting to use it, it must be charged for at least 6 hours."

I returned one saw to my local Black & Decker dealer. Their tool salesman thought the saw should provide better than 10 minutes service and replaced the saw no questions.The second saw provided the same story.After over 6 hours charging time the batery indicated 17.3 volts.After about 10 minuts cutting the battery was down to 13.3 volts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Saws    5. Reciprocating Saws    6. (Sawzalls)    7. (Sawsalls)    8. (Volt)    9. (V)   

Features

• Two year home use warranty
• Automatic spindle lock for greater control when starting and finishing screws
• Forward/reverse
• Narrow nose-piece for extended reach in tight places
• Produces 180 rpm and 40 in./lbs. torque

Reviews (1)

Great Little Screwdriver
This little screwdriver packs a punch. Great for around the house and easy to store. Comes with plenty of bits my only compalaint is the handel does not twist into an angle. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Cordless Tools    4. (Volt)    5. (V)    6. In-Line Screwdrivers   

Features

• Spring-loaded battery for easy removal and installation
• Sight-Line window provides maximum visibility
• High torque motor with electric brake
• 5-3/8" blade enables the saw to cut through 2X material
• In-line design for control and straight cuts

Reviews (2)

Not so good for Right Handed People
Notice that the open side of the blade faces to the right, unlike most circular saws that face to the left.So if you like to hold the saw with your right hand it is near impossible to see the position of the blade relative to the cut. You have to use the sight window which clogs up very fast with sawdust. It works ok for quick light jobs but forget using it as a big project cutter unless you are left handed. I think this design is more of a gimmick than truly practical.

GREAT PRESENT FOR ANY MAN
I bought this saw for my husband and he absolutly loves it.He would be lost with out it.I also think it's great my house has had a lot of improvements. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. (Black and Decker)    2. (V)    3. (Volt)    4. Black & Decker    5. Circular Saws    6. Cordless Tools    7. Saws   

Features

• Keyless chuck
• Two-speed switch with forward/reverse
• Balanced mid-handle design
• Interchangeable battery system works with all VersaPak products
• Two year home use warranty

Reviews (10)

Dang!
OK, my wife, Rachel, was fixing a cabinet. she needed to use my drill so i let her. when she was drilling, she got a phone call about her mother who had died. She was so distracted that she forgot she was still drilling when the drill couldnt turn anymore. she held it there for about 3 minutes! After i came home, she was still on the phone with the drill in the wall when i reminded her. That drill was so dead after that! The motor got so hot too. So the final day of that drill, i was hanging a picture, when the motor gave up with a puff of light smoke. I dont know why. It wasnt in use that day. Next i bought another one promising that i would never let her use it without supervision. I baught her one too. She loves it even more. So we are happy! .... < Email address 4 comments

a great drill for the weekend warrior
this is a great drill for the light user

however

if you are into heavy duty drilling

you might want to look elsewhere

the batteries have enough charge for my light use

but

if you are driving screws all day long

this is not the drill for you

the price is very nice as well

Spend your money wisely...not here
This was my first cordless drill and my last Black & Decker cordless drill.The main problem with this drill is that it does not have enough power!It strains setting screws and after a handfull of screws the batteries are spent.Also my set came with only 2 batteries; therefore, when the batteries are drained you have to wait several hours before you can use the drill again.Who has time for that!Sure I could buy 2 more batteries so that I always have 2 in the drill and 2 in the charger, but by the time I pay for all that I could buy a more powerful drill with 2 sets of batteries included.My other major problem with this drill is that bits become loose in the chuck over time and fall out of the drill when the drill is pointed down.This is not fun when you are on a ladder.I recommend this drill only for the lightest of tasks such as setting half inch screws in drywall.I now own a 14.4v Milwaukee 0516-22 cordless drill and I am extremely satisfied.I know this drill cost more but is very worth it.I know some people may say that a 14.4 volt drill with 390 in-lbs of torque may be overkill for a weekend home improvement guy, but these same people probably go to the mall in a 4X4 SUV with a 6.0 liter engine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Cordless Tools    4. (Volt)    5. (V)    6. Drill-Drivers   

Features

• One-handed keyless chuck
• Electronic brake
• Saw cuts 2X material
• Sightline window on saw
• Drill has 225 in./lbs of torque

Reviews (6)

B&D Cordless Drill/Saw Combo
I am not a professional contractor - just a DIY around my own home, so this package was very attractive to me.For the most part, I am pleased with this combo.The tools seem to have adequate power for my needs.I wish the carrying case was smaller - either that or B&D should put wheels and handles on it like the big cases that people wheel through airports.The carrying case is actually larger than my suitcase.

The drill is lightweight and has the power I need for my projects.It has a number of clutches which is nice when using the drill to drive screws and bolts.The drill also has a switch to select between higher speed and higher torque.I have not used this feature but can see that it does make the drill more versatile.

The saw is lightweight and a great size for my needs.I didn't know if I would find a cordless saw to be as convenient and useful as a cordless drill, but I have found it to be very convenient.Because of the size and weight I can use it to make cuts that I would not use my corded circular saw.

The sightline window is very helpful to start a cut but becomes clouded with sawdust as soon as I start cutting so I cannot depend on the siteline window for a long cut.

I am very concerned about the battery life.I charge the battery per the manufacturer's instructions and am only able to cut between nine and ten 2x4's before the saw stops.In addition, the battery charger is a real disappointment in that there is only an indicator light to show a battery is installed and that the charger is plugged in.Per the manufacturer's information, the charger does not default to trickle mode after the battery is charged.Without a charge indicator I can only assume that the manufacturer's instructions are correct and that nine to ten cuts represent a fully charged battery.

If this combo had an improved charger I would likely have overlooked the other shortcomings and given a five-star rating.However, given the widely available technology in low-cost battery chargers, it is my opinion that this is a very significant shortcoming.

Nice kit, but...
This is a very nice kit, but it is one cent cheaper to but the items seperately and you get an extra charger (one in the basement and one in the garage, in my case).I have this kit and the Dewalt 14.4 Volt Drill, I don't think there any difference, except the price.

Fantastic Value
I was amazed to find this saw/drill combo set for less than I almost bought the Dewalt saw alone for a couple of years ago.I already have a Bosch 12V cordless drill but bought this combi-pack instead of the saw alone because of the extra battery and case that came with it.It was likegetting the drill for free.

The saw and drill are very sturdy...perhapsjust a titch less durable feeling then their Dewalt counterparts.Thedrill is heavier than my Bosch and doesn't feel quite as solid (the plasticbody has more flex.)

The drill has torque to spare and the saw ripsthrough boards with ease.I'm very pleased with their functionality.

Iwas, however, dissapointed in the supplied charger.It is a dumb tricklecharger that takes 6 hours to charge the battery and has no type ofauto-off safety feature whatsoever.My advice is to throw it away BEFOREyou damage a battery pack which you will inevitably do when you accidentlyleave it plugged in for a couple of days.I immediately ordered the DewaltDW9116 1 hour charger (I read in another customers reviewthat the batteries are compatible with the Dewalt 14.4V's.)Consideringthe replacement packs cost about that much it was easily worth it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Combo Packs    5. (Volt)    6. (V)   

Features

• Sightline window for maximum visibility of blade and cutline for straight and accurate cuts
• Saw cuts 2X material
• Bail handle for controlled comfortable cutting at 90 and 45 degrees
• Electric brake allows for more control when cutting
• Two year home use warranty

Reviews (14)

Great saw for small jobs, powerless for big jobs
Let me just add a quick review here since I own this saw and have been using it for almost a year now with the rest of my Firestorm cordless powertools.

For small jobs (cutting lots of thin boards, or making just a few cuts on a couple of big boards) this is a PERFECT little saw. The problem is when you've got a big job and need a circular saw for huge boards or a full day of cutting ... this cordless saw cannot do that.

This is the perfect saw if you are a homeowner who does the odd DIY job around the house but does NOT work with powertools every day or even every weekend. If you need a serious circular saw, there are a couple stronger cordless saws out there ... but so far the best circular saws for keeping up with huge jobs are circular saws that use power cords.

mislead
I read many of the reviews that pertained to this item before I perchased it. Although many of them stated that the battery that came with the saw wasn't up to par, it wasn't a problem for them because they owned some 14.4V DeWalt tool and the batteries were interchangeable so they would use the DeWalt battery and the saw preformed fine. I own two 14.4V DeWalt drills, one 3/8 in. and one 1/2 in. chuck. This gave me four back-up batteries. It was because of these reviews that I purchased this saw, based on the fact that I could use my other batteries as needed to do a job. Well, the batteries are not interchangeable. They are completely different. I guess Black & Decker has changed their design or something, but they are not the same. My beef is, your picture shows the older style. One with a battery that might interchange with DeWalt. Your pictures and review information is misleading. I also read on my invoice that I can return the item, no questions asked, in its new, unopened container. I didn't (couldn't) descover the problem until after I had opened it. Needless to say, I wasn't happy with my purchase.

worthless junk
the battery life makes this saw useless.it makes only 2 or 3 cuts before you notice it loses power.that's absolutely ridiculous.i wasted my money on this tool. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Saws    5. Circular Saws    6. (Volt)    7. (V)   

Features

• Two-year home use warranty
• 7.2-volt uses VersaPak interchangeable battery system
• Accepts standard jig saw blades
• Great for cutting plywood, plastic, PVC pipe, light copper pipe
• Compact lightweight design

Reviews (8)

multi-purpose saw
This saw description makes you think you can do things that it is not up to doing. We returned ours. Only good for balsa wood or any verylight weight material. I cannot rate it because I was disappointed in its performance.

Disposable but comes with batteries
I actually use this thing ALL the time.It's super light-weight and handy for all sorts of SMALL projects.So why only 2 stars?

First, the manufacturer claims that you can scroll cut 1-inch and cut up to 2-inch wood.They have got to be kidding.About the most I would recommend would be 3/8" wood.1/8" to 1/4" is more its comfort zone.The batteries wouldn't even last through cutting a single 2-by-4 (which is only 1-1/2" on a side) assuming you had the patience.Yes, I have a big recip saw.

Cutting anything large you will run into its first serious flaw.If you break a blade off, most likely, you cannot remove the broken-off part.Trust me, I took the entire thing apart, cut, pounded, and filed before I realized this.Thus, my first one went in the trash after about 3 uses.Lesson: You have to be especially sensitive to blade dimensions.For example, the DeWalt blades (ironically = Black and Decker) are a few thousandth's thicker and won't ever come out if you break them off.This leaves you with trying to find blades on the small side.

Starting with my second one of these tools, I have been especially careful about blades, but I have not found a good manufacturer of undersized shank blades.As a result, I go through blades like crazy.

The next major flaw with this tool is that the gearbox is a simple worm gear with a peg in it.Sawdust and especially drywall dust will mix in with the grease in the gear and jam it up.Then it's take-apart time, again.

Another weakness is that the safety is much more difficult to press than the trigger.It's also in an awkward position which causes a lot of fatigue and sore hands.I remove the trigger on mine which is significantly more dangerous, but significantly less difficult to use.

Finally, like all the VersaPak tools, the batteries do have memory and only last a few years.

As a result, after using several of these for several years, I give it 2 stars.It is an incredibly handy tool, but unfortunately, no one makes a quality "micro-SawZall" which is what this really is.The saving point for this otherwise poor product is that it comes with 2 batteries which are worth about twenty bucks, so the real cost of this tool is also about twenty bucks which is a little more consistent with its durability.

For it's intended purpose, it's great
IF you use this tool for its intended purpose, it works perfectly. We call this a "drywall tool" and it is mainly used for cutting outlet boxes in drywall, but also for light cutting duties like door framing, small crafts works (we used it to build a bird box), and other assorted items. I don't think the claim by the manufacturer that it is for outdoor use with trees and branches is very valid though - it is a reciprocating saw, and moves the branches too much while cutting. The batteries seem to work fine and hold their charge, at least until you start to punish the saw with heavier, thicker woods, then it peters out. We used this saw once to cut patterns in some shelving wood that was pretty thick, and halfway through the job we had to switch to a corded jig saw to finish the job.

It is light, easy to handle, and for its intended uses (drywall, small wood cutting, detail cutting) it is pretty much perfect. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Black & Decker    2. (Black and Decker)    3. Cordless Tools    4. Saws    5. Reciprocating Saws    6. (Sawzalls)    7. (Sawsalls)    8. (Volt)    9. (V)