Black & Decker has come out with a new 4V Max cordless LI-ion screwdriver (BDCS40BI) that is built with a pivoting handle.
Similar to the Dewalt 8V DCF680 gyroscopic screwdriver, which was inspired by the Black & Decker Gyro screwdriver, the new Black & Decker BDCS40BI pivoting handle screwdriver has a lockable handle that swings between pistol-grip and inline-grip modes.
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The two handle options means you could use the screwdriver as you would any other cordless screwdriver, or as a straight screwdriver when working in tighter spaces or when there’s a comfort or ergonomics benefit.
The driver is charged via a microUSB port, and comes with a wall charger. It also comes with a small accessory set that includes a picture frame hanging kit and a couple of pieces of additional hardware.
Update: Here are official specs:
- Torque: 44 in/lbs
- Speed: 190 RPM
- Battery capacity: 1.5Ah
- Charging time: 4 hours
Price: $40
ETA: September 2014 at Amazon and October 2014 at Walmart
Buy Now(via Amazon)
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First Thoughts
I like the idea of the pivoting handle, and the screwdriver looks compact enough to where I would probably keep it in inline most of the time. The almost paddle-shaped trigger button looks good, but the reversing switches look a little small. If they’re designed right, then switching motor directions shouldn’t be a hassle. It’s hard to gauge something like this from the images.
Black & Decker says that the included charger is 4X faster than previous chargers. It charges the built-in Li-ion battery at a rate of 400 mA/hr, compared to 100 mA/hr. They don’t explicitly mention the battery size, but I’m going to assume they used a smaller form factor cell with 1000 mAh capacity. If so, this would mean a 2.5 hour charge time, which isn’t bad at all for a tool aimed at consumers and with a built-in battery. The tool has a “state of charge display” that shows charge level and charging progress.
I would have preferred to see Black & Decker package the new cordless screwdriver for a couple of dollars less, rather than bundle it with a picture hanging kit, but the added hardware probably had a very insignificant impact on the final retail price.
Would I buy this? Yes, as I like the form factor and have had good experiences with Black & Decker 4V-class tools. Who should buy this? Anyone looking for a compact cordless screwdriver for casual small fastener-driving applications. Despite the consumerish nature of Black & Decker cordless tools, their 3.6V and 4V Max mini Lio-ion drivers have been quite good.
Grady
I have a pistol style B&D screwdriver that runs off of a 4x AA battery pack. I bought this tool @ Walmart several (about 15) years ago for maybe $19. I have never found it lacking.
Derek
Roughly a month ago I bought the DeWalt 8v gyro screwdriver, and on a scale on 1-10, I give it a 6.
I’m a electrician, and so I love having a powered scrwedriver that is light enough to keep in the tool belt all day, everyday. but my last one was a Makita 7.2v impact driver. Which was WAY better. I’m a fan of screws NOT stripping, which is where an impact driver shines. Unfortunately for me, I broke my Makita, which is now a discontinued product, and nobody out there makes a small impact driver…which astounds me.
Joshua Wiens
Not true, snap on has a 7.2 volt line, they’re more compact than 12 volt tools, and they do have lithium batteries now. For my money I’d step up to a Bosch or Milwaukee 12(10.8) volt tool though.
dirk
Anyone know if one can use double ended philips/slotted bits? Liketo just be able to easily flip bit in the end howevet some don`t have deep enough holding to allow even one inch bits. Terribly inconvenient if one can not use double endedbits due to shallow bit holder. Thisismost important tosomeone who consta tly runs across wallplates all daylong constantly needing both.
Jackie Hunt
The details say that the 4V pivoting B&D cordless screwdriver has a wall charger & powers by USB; does it come with a charging cable? All of my personal charging cable have Apple lightning connectors which I doubt are compatible with this set up so if it does not include a compatible charging cable then that would be a significant disadvantage to me or other Apple users.
Stuart
I can’t tell for certain, but EVERY product I’ve ever opened that came with a power adapter also came with the appropriate cable.
Some products come with charging cables but no wall adapters, but I’ve never seen one that comes with a power adapter and not the cable.