Black & Decker AS600 6-Volt Alkaline Battery Cordless Screwdriver
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Black & Decker AS600 6-Volt Alkaline Battery Cordless Screwdriver
Customer Review: Does what I need it to, but wish it had a bit more power
Summary: 3 Stars
The title kinda says it all. I do low voltage data cable work and I use this product to detach and install internet jack face plates from the walls. This item is ALMOST perfect for me but I wish it had just a bit more torque and power. As it is, I know it'll never go too fast to crack a face plate but the screws still go in a bit too slow.
Upon reading several reviews on Amazon, this is the only Black and Decker item of this type I would buy since I now don't trust this company's rechargeable batteries. The AA's that these use is perfect for me since I already have my own rechargeables.
Customer Review: Exactly What I Needed
Summary: 5 Stars
Let me start off saying that I've owned and used several power drills and screwdrivers in the past, both AC and DC powered. There is no question that AC powered devices last longer and in most cases is more powerful. But you can't expect to find an electrical outlet handy everywhere you might need it, so that's where the cordless/battery powered tools come in handy.
In portable applications, rechargeable batteries probably makes the most sense than using disposable batteries because of the economical burden on those that would use these tools everyday. But rechargeable batteries eventual do die (i.e. no longer hold a charge) and would need replacing. Most battery powered high-end tools (e.g. drills, saws, sanders, etc.) usually are designed with replaceable rechargeable batteries.
But here's the problem, most of the cordless screwdrivers have internal rechargeable batteries. What happens when these rechargeable batteries go bad? If you use frequently, it may last only a few months - then what? Throw it away? Send it to the manufacturer for battery replacement and end up paying more that what you original paid for the product?
With this said and finally saying something about the Black&Decker AS600 itself, I bought mine at Target for about $10 and it really does get the job done. There is only one speed, but who cares - it's a screwdriver not a drill. Some of the reviewers mentioned that it has low torque - but I find the torque to be sufficient in most situations. It might get you trying to screw through unpiloted wood or metal. Fortunately for me, my applications already has existing threads.
TIP: when unscrewing, put it to MANUAL and use your own elbow grease to get it started and then put it back to POWER and let the driver do the rest. Same thing when screwing - when the AS600 eventually stops put it MANUAL and tighten it the way you want. You know how most screws get stripped - when it gets screwed on by a power drill at the highest torque setting - almost impossible to unscrew.
I've found that for some reason the reverse button is harder to press then the forward button. Although the instructions seems to insinuate that putting the device in MANUAL will turn off the device. Well, it definitely stops it from going forward or backwards but it's still powered on - i.e. there's no actual OFF switch. That's why when it's not in use, I take the batteries out and keep them in a plastic ziploc bag.
Overall the AS600 is very convenient for me, it's not too heavy so I keep it in my work bag and is ready all the time - no charging and no waiting, just add in the batteries.
That's enough said, thanks for reading my review.
Customer Review: Excellent Light Duty Screwdriver
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this cordless screwdriver for light duty screw installing and removing especially when there are a lot of long threaded screws. It's a real time saver and easier to use than a drill.
It feels good in your hand, easy to manipulate and I like the fact that it uses AA batteries (4). I use my AA rechargeables and can even use alkalines in a pinch.
Customer Review: Good value
Summary: 5 Stars
You can get this one from Wal*Mart for $8.90 only. It's doesn't have strong torque but sufficient for light household tasks. I like this one instead of other cordless screwdriver because I can use my re-chargeable AA batteries. I hate those costly proprietary re-chargeable batteries. For $8.90, I am really happy with this purchase.Customer Review: Gouging on the price...
Summary: 3 Stars
MSRP on this model (AS600) is $22. Similar model (AS603) is 9.99 from Target.
These are excellent light duty screwdrivers, handy for those small jobs. Three stars only because of the outrageous mark-up of this vendor.