Black & Decker 4V Pivoting Screwdriver

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.

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)

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.