Shopsmith Forums

I have an old Black and Decker Power Screwdriver (VP720) that served me well when I was working on the bench installing and repairing transit and public safety communications and GPS equipment.

The only FUN job I have had since I retired from the Air Force.

But I regress. During that time one of my most used tools was a Black and Decker screwdriver which I still have and hardly ever use. I can no longer keep the battery charged.

Simple. Go buy a new battery (if they are still available). To my surprise and pleasure, they are (VersaPack Gold, VP110). To my amaze and displeasure, they cost $22.00. I doubt I paid that much for the screwdriver and two batteries when I bought the whole works BACK IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS.

Anyhow, I'm off to buy a new battery or two (while they are still available). Why two? Because the charger is a dual port.

My Black and Decker Workmate still serves me well also. That must have been back when Black and Decker was "under different management" and tools were made to last.

Yep, they seem to be available, but I've about decided that for me it's just not worth it. The price of new batteries would buy a new and better tool altogether.

nsmith01tx wrote:Yep, they seem to be available, but I've about decided that for me it's just not worth it. The price of new batteries would buy a new and better tool altogether.

Don't you just hate to retire a faithful old tool? (no, I'm talking shop tools)
I have a good number of tools that I have had for over 40 years that I just never use at all any more. Some I have given away and a few I have sold. Some of them use things like blade etc. that you can't get any more so they are useless. Still, the thought of chucking them in the trash just rubs me wrong...

robinson46176 wrote:Don't you just hate to retire a faithful old tool? (no, I'm talking shop tools)
I have a good number of tools that I have had for over 40 years that I just never use at all any more. Some I have given away and a few I have sold. Some of them use things like blade etc. that you can't get any more so they are useless. Still, the thought of chucking them in the trash just rubs me wrong...

I know just what you mean. Good quality tools are worth restoring & maintaining, and it just seems wrong to dump them in the trash bin.

The B&D VersaPak tools don't give me that feeling at all.

Having said that, I'll still try to give them away or something .. I can't REALLY throw them away until they're completely unredeemable.

I know the feeling. Just spent over $125 on a new charger and battery for my craftsman 19.2. Add an extra battery for $34 and it's expensive. It cost a bit because I went with the Lithium ion and the multi chemistry charger...up from Ni Cad. Had to answer to upper management on that one.

It has been my experience that upper management can best be managed by tangible evidence. Produce something that management wants/needs.

With regard to batteries for my Black and Decker screw driver, I got lucky yesterday. Management took me to Lowes to help her shop for new kitchen light fixtures and on the way to check out we passed a battery packs on sale. I picked up a package of two, normally $34, for $18.00 and she checked out.

Now my dead for a long time screw driver has been brought back to life. I will use this a lot even though some others are not impressed with B&D.

dusty wrote:It has been my experience that upper management can best be managed by tangible evidence. Produce something that management wants/needs.

With regard to batteries for my Black and Decker screw driver, I got lucky yesterday. Management took me to Lowes to help her shop for new kitchen light fixtures and on the way to check out we passed a battery packs on sale. I picked up a package of two, normally $34, for $18.00 and she checked out.

Now my dead for a long time screw driver has been brought back to life. I will use this a lot even though some others are not impressed with B&D.

Heck, for $18 I think I can revive my interest in 'em