I came a great deal on this Black & Decker 4V Max cordless screwdriver, BDCS20C, which is on sale at Amazon for just $10.
Black & Decker? While we don’t talk about Stanley Black & Decker’s more entry-priced cordless power tool brand here on ToolGuyd very often, I have a soft spot for their cordless screwdrivers.
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Years ago, when Amazon was strategic about growing their online store beyond books, they had Friday tool deals, weekend deals, and special promos. I snagged a Black & Decker cordless screwdriver back when they had a “buy $xx get a free bonus” promo.
The model I had was the B&D LI3000, and when I look at that listing now, Amazon points to the discounted BDCS20C as the “newer model.”
That little 3.6V cordless screwdriver was great. After using it a whole lot I upgraded to a Dremel model, but I found myself continuing to use that small Black & Decker screwdriver.
No, these screwdrivers are not very powerful.
No, there’s no adjustable clutch.
It’s really kind of basic. But, there are lots of around-the-home tasks where you all you need is a small, basic, and simple-to-use cordless screwdriver.
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The model we’re talking about today has a built-in 4V Max rechargeable Li-ion battery. The driver has a 1/4″ hex chuck, 180 RPM speed, and maxes out at 35 in-lbs of torque.
There’s no mention of a variable speed trigger, and so it’s likely an “all or nothing” design.
There’s a reversible switch on top, and large “inline” trigger switch.
From the product images, it looks like there’s a small LED worklight.
I can’t find details about the charger, but it probably has a barrel jack and “overnight” charging time. Tools like this usually recharge in what, 4 hours? I tried to confirm this through an online manual, but both of Black & Decker’s links lead to “file not found” error pages.
Update: It has a 2-pin charging port (thanks Hilton!)
Anyway, if you could use a small and basic cordless screwdriver in your life, or you know someone that could, this Black & Decker model is currently very inexpensively priced right now.
Price: $10.04 as of the time of this posting
There’s also a 3rd party “fulfilled by Amazon” listing that has the screwdriver for a couple cents less.
Thoughts?
Kizzle
When will you be featuring the new Craftsman gyro? Don’t need a full review, but can you just do like an intro or overview post?
Stuart
Like this? https://toolguyd.com/craftsman-gyroscopic-cordless-screwdriver-cmcf604/
I bought one, working on reviewing it.
Kizzle
Yeah. I know you bought one, that’s why I ask. I know full reviews take time, but you sometimes do intro posts, or just first thoughts. Just wanted to get some specs and your initial thoughts on it before waiting a while for the full review. Thanks.
Stuart
Ah, got it. Well, the LEDs are bright that’s for certain. My son asked if it was a flashlight.
So far, I think I like it, will probably give it away locally.
I like Dewalt’s 8V a little better, but my battery failed.
Kizzle
They state that it’s sized like a larger manual screwdriver. Is this your impression? I have the DeWalt as well as the Dremel Go, they’re just on the large size and was hoping the Craftsman was more manageable. The Craftsman doesn’t have speed or clutch settings though like the DeWalt and the Bosch/Dremel Go screwdriver either. I imagine it’s sized like the Dremel go, but with a longer shank. If you’ve tried the Dremel, would this estimation be true? Sorry to derail this post. Thanks
Stuart
The Craftsman is quite large, about comparable to the Dewalt 8V.
Steve
I played with one in store, it’s sized like a huge manual screwdriver, kinda like a flashlight, which, with the LEDs, is probably went Stu’s son thought it was such.
It may not have speed settings but it does have variable speed based on how far you turn the handle.
I wanted one and to gift my dad one for Christmas, then I played with one and I’m now on the fence. It’s bigger than I thought and I’m not so sure about the top speed, maybe out of the packaging it’s faster. I’ll wait for Stu’s review.
Evadman
35 inch-lbs is about 3 ft/lbs. based on your comments, that sounds like it is sometimes enough? The M12 I have is 14.5 ft/lbs, and that seems to struggle when I do tasks around the house, such as screwing in the banister that I did on Tuesday, or the drywall anchor screws I put in for a ceiling light fixture.
What tasks are you finding that work well for this driver?
Stuart
Cordless screwdrivers are usually 30 to 50 in-lbs.
Years ago, I over-drive flat-pack furniture screws with my 3.6V Black & Decker.
It’s good for light assembly or maintenance tasks, the kind you could easily but tediously use a handheld screwdriver for.
Hilton
The charger is a small two pin thing. If you click on the ‘360’ image you can rotate it and see the back.
Robear
I wouldn’t buy this thing for $2.99. Trash!
Diamond Dave
Still have my Craftsman copy of the Ryobi Vtek when Sears clearanced them out 5-6 years ago. Same batteries too! (Purchased the driver light combo pack) Hi/Lo speeds, clutch and exact replica of the Ryobi Vtek at that time. Great little tool!
Diamond Dave
Oops…I think Ryobi called them Tek4
KevinB
same here, my single diehand battery is still hanging in there, also grabbed a Tek 4 flashlight with a AA adapter, when Depot was blowing them out.
Heck I still have my first B&D versapak screwdriver I bought as a teenager, my first cordless.
Todd Barry
Good stocking stuffers, picked up 3
Vic
Only good for switch/outlet cover screws.
JM
I was gonna buy one but after looking at it in person it’s too unwieldy it’s really long they should’ve made it more like the Bosch or Dremel screwdrivers. I have one of the Black & Decker gyroscopic screwdrivers and I never use it it’s just a gimmick
Stuart
The Black & Decker Gyro was awesome! A gimmick yes, but a useful one.
ktash
I have several of the B&D gyro drivers. I use them constantly. I keep different bits in them when working on a project, so I don’t have to stop to switch out phillips, flat head, square drive bits, etc. Because I often make cabinets/furniture, I like them because they won’t split wood, or drive too deep, etc. One of my go-to tools. They get into small spaces with a 1-in bit installed, or narrow ones with a bit/blade installed. So, it depends on your usage. Granted, I got them on excellent sales, so it wasn’t too expensive. I’ll be sorry when the batteries die.
Bill K
After reading this posting I bought one and got it yesterday. So far I’m impressed… the driver is light, feels sturdy and very comfortable in the hand (better than the Gyro). Expect it will become my go-to light duty driver.