Black & Decker Cordless Sweeper

Black & Decker's Cordless Sweeper, model LSW321, is a tool designed for those who value convenience and ease of use in their yard maintenance routines. Over the past few weeks, I've put this sweeper through its paces, focusing on driveways, sidewalks, patios, and even the garage. Here, I'll share my insights on its performance, build quality, and overall value.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the LSW321 impresses with its lightweight design, tipping the scales at just 3.7 lbs. This makes it exceptionally easy to maneuver, even for extended periods. The microtextured soft grip adds to the comfort, ensuring a secure hold without causing strain on the hands. However, I did notice a few points where the build quality could be improved. The plastic components, while reducing weight, don't inspire confidence in long-term durability.

Performance

The sweeper boasts an airspeed of up to 130 MPH, which sounds impressive on paper. However, in practice, this tool is more of a light-duty sweeper than a heavy-duty leaf blower. It handles dry leaves, grass clippings, and small debris with ease, especially on hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt. However, it struggles with heavier, wet leaves or debris stuck in corners or crevices.

The POWERBOOST function is a welcome addition, offering a noticeable increase in blowing power at the push of a button. Unfortunately, the button needs to be held down continuously, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable during extended use. This design choice detracts from what could have been a more seamless user experience.

Battery Life and Charging

Battery life is always a concern with cordless tools, and the LSW321 is no exception. With a 2 Ah 20V MAX* Lithium-Ion battery, the sweeper offers a runtime of up to 25 minutes. In real-world use, I found this to be sufficient for quick cleanups but limiting for larger tasks. Having additional batteries on hand is advisable if you plan to use the tool for more extensive jobs.

Charging the battery takes about 60 minutes, which is reasonable. The included wall-mountable charging base is convenient, helping keep your workspace organized. However, the longevity of the battery itself is questionable; I've read about batteries failing after less than a year of light use, which is concerning.

Noise Level

One of the standout features of the LSW321 is its low noise operation. Compared to gas-powered blowers, this sweeper is whisper-quiet, making it a more neighbor-friendly option. This feature alone could make it a worthwhile investment for those living in noise-sensitive areas.

Usability

The tool's lightweight design and ergonomic grip make it exceptionally easy to use. I found it particularly handy for quick cleanups, like blowing dirt out of the garage or clearing grass clippings off the sidewalk. However, its limited power means it's not suited for more demanding tasks. The sweeper works best as a supplementary tool rather than a primary leaf blower.

One significant drawback is the need to continuously hold down the POWERBOOST button for maximum performance. This can lead to thumb discomfort and makes the tool less user-friendly than it could be. A toggle switch for the boost mode would have been a more ergonomic and practical solution.

Versatility

While the LSW321 excels at light-duty tasks, its versatility is limited by its power constraints. It performs well on hard surfaces but struggles with more substantial yard work. If your primary needs are quick, light cleanups, this tool fits the bill. However, for more intensive tasks, you might find yourself reaching for a more powerful alternative.

Value for Money

The LSW321 is priced attractively, making it an affordable option for those looking to add a cordless sweeper to their toolkit. Its compatibility with other Black & Decker 20V MAX* tools adds value, as you can share batteries between devices. However, the question of long-term durability and battery longevity does raise concerns about whether it's a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker Cordless Sweeper LSW321 is a mixed bag. Its lightweight, quiet operation and ease of use make it an attractive option for quick, light-duty cleanups around the house. However, its limited power, the cumbersome POWERBOOST button, and questions about battery longevity temper my enthusiasm.

Would I recommend this tool? It depends on your needs. If you're looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use sweeper for simple tasks and you already own other Black & Decker 20V MAX* tools, the LSW321 could be a good addition to your collection. Its convenience and low noise level are significant advantages.

However, if you require a more powerful blower for heavier yard work, you might want to consider other options. The LSW321's limitations in power and battery life make it less suitable for demanding tasks. In such cases, investing in a more robust tool, even at a higher price point, could provide better long-term value.

In summary, the LSW321 shines in specific scenarios but falls short as a versatile, all-around yard tool. Evaluate your needs carefully before making a purchase, and consider whether its strengths align with your requirements.