randomaccess's Full Review: Black & Decker VPX Starter Set
Update: Black and Decker discontinued the VPX line. None of the retail sites stock the items anymore. If you need accessories, batteries, or any individual tools, the only place to find them now is on EBay.
I have been following the cordless tool market for a while, looking for a set that would be ideal for me.
Like many people, I only have occasional use for power tools, either for small repairs, or smaller projects around the house. Anything bigger usually means having a local handyman come by.
Many of the larger cordless tools on the market are just too big and overkill for my needs. The 16 Volt and higher capacity tools are large and heavy, and the older ni-cad batteries tend to lose their charge in storage much quicker then the new lithium-ion batteries.
Black and Decker's new VPX line of cordless power tools fit my needs very well. The smaller tools use a single 7.2 volt lithium ion VPX battery, while larger tools with more power requirements use 2 batteries in tandem for 14.4 volt power.
This is a great system, because the smaller tools included in the starter set only require one smaller battery, which is about 60% lighter in weight then the ni-cad batteries. This makes the tools more compact and lighter, thus they don't weigh down your arms after long periods of use.
The starter set contains a single charger, one battery and the 3 power tools: a power drill/screwdriver, cut saw, and a 2 LED flashlight.
At the end of the review I will cut and paste Amazon's specs and product descriptions, which are quite detailed.
Their are small pamphlets for each item, but the tools are simple to use without instructions. The flashlight has 3 LEDs and is very bright, with a rotating head and a carry cord.
The drill/driver is really designed to be a screwdriver, with some minimal functionality as a drill. If you have heavier duty drilling requirements, there is a 14.4 volt Drill available, with 2 batteries and a double charger.
The cut saw is handy for smaller cuts, and some backyard pruning.
This is a well designed set, and there are a number of other VPX tools available already on the Black and Decker site. I am also curious about new tools and household items that might use the same battery technology in the future.
If you are already invested in some other cordless technology, like the Craftsman 19.2 volt sytem, then this is not necessarily the set for you. If you are new to cordless tools, this is a nice starting point.
Only one battery is included in this set, but right now Black and Decker has a free battery link on their site. http://vpxsystem.com/ If this offer expires, it is probably worth buying a second battery for longer projects, or if you need to use two of the tools at the same time.
Below is the detailed product description from Amazon's site: ------------------------------------------------------------------- The Cordless VPX Screwdriver The new VPX1101X cordless screwdriver stays stronger, longer and gets into tight spaces with ease. This compact driver is small enough to fit in the kitchen drawer, but packs plenty of power to take on projects all over the house. This handy model offers two speeds: high speed for assembly and fastening tasks, and low speed for higher torque applications such as small diameter drilling. Easy to grip and comfortably lightweight, the VPX1101X fits conveniently in your palm, and it gets into tight spaces that other power tools can’t reach. You can even use it under counter tops or behind sinks, around corners or between pieces of furniture. The VPX1101X's spindle lock helps to start and finish screws, and it lets you set the screwdriver for manual operation under tricky conditions. This screwdriver comes equipped with a Quick Connect hex-shank collar that quickly, easily accepts hex-shaped screwdriving and drilling accessories. The screwdriver is powered by a single 7-volt VPX battery.
Applications Use the VPX1101X for any around-the-house project, from assembling furniture, hanging pictures, installing blinds and more. It's perfect for all screw-related jobs and light duty drilling applications.
The Cordless VPX Cut Saw Zip through all kinds of cutting jobs with the new 7-volt VPX cut saw from Black & Decker. Power saws can be intimidating, bulky and noisy; and traditional handsaws can be tiring and inaccurate. Neither saw is versatile enough for everyday cutting around the home, but the VPX1301X combines power and a compact design in a lightweight cordless tool. Truly a grab-and-go item, the cut saw is ideal for quick cuts into baseboard, 1-inch pine, PVC, and more. In fact, the VPX1301X cuts almost anything, anywhere, anytime. The cut saw is powered by a single 7-volt VPX battery.
Applications Take the VPX1301X outside to make short work of pruning, or trim your Christmas tree down to a more manageable size. Use it to cut plastic pipe under the sink or to modify the fiberboard back of your entertainment center so you can run cords out to your surround-sound speakers. This saw even cuts Closetmaid shelving to make that perfect custom fit.
The Cordless VPX Flashlight The VPX1401 flashlight is designed to fit right in the palm of your hand, and it features three bright LED lights for plenty of illumination in any position. The flashlight’s pivoting head adjusts so you can direct the light wherever you need it most, and its integrated flat surfaces let you rest the light in three different positions. An adjustable bungee cord can be used to twist the light securely around 2-by-4 beams, pipes or tree branches; or use the belt clip to keep the flashlight close and steady while you walk. The VPX1401 is powered by a single 7-volt VPX battery.
Applications Use the VPX1401 LED flashlight when you're working on anything that needs a little extra light to help you finish the job. The adjustable bungee cord makes the light super-versatile for auto work, duct work, plumbing, or any other kind of repair or installation that might occur in a darkened space.
5-pc. Black&decker Cordless Tool Kit. Set Includes Flashlight, Vpx1301 Cutsaw, Vpx1101 Screwdriver. Also Includes Vpx Battery And Charger. 5-pc. Black...More at Target
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