Black & Decker reviva 12V MAX Cordless Detail Sander with Charger

A compact corner specialist that’s ready when you are

I reached for the Reviva detail sander on a weekend of small fixes: easing paint runs on window muntins, cleaning up an old picture frame, and knocking rust off a garden trowel. This is not a bruiser built for hogging off stock. It’s a grab‑and‑go, cordless detail sander designed for tight spots and light touchups—and used that way, it’s a handy addition to a DIY kit.

Design and sustainability

The first thing I noticed is the size and weight. At 2.9 lb, the Reviva feels compact and easy to steer one‑handed, which matters when you’re working along trim or into a corner. The triangular pad is the right shape for jobsite realities—inside corners, between balusters, along window profiles—where a round or rectangular pad just won’t reach.

There’s also a thoughtful sustainability story here. The housing is made with Tritan Renew that incorporates 50% certified recycled content, equivalent to the weight of eleven 16.9 fl oz plastic bottles. It doesn’t change how the tool sands, but it’s nice to see less virgin plastic in a category that’s mostly disposable housings.

Controls and ergonomics

Controls are simple: an on/off switch latches for continuous operation, so you don’t have to maintain a trigger squeeze. The grip shape and rubber overmold keep your hand in line with the pad, and balance is decent for the size. Vibration is present—as it is on most detail sanders—but the buzz is manageable for the 20‑ to 30‑minute sessions this tool encourages. Noise is on par with similar small sanders; I still wore hearing protection.

I appreciate the charging LED that clearly shifts when the battery is topped off. The charger uses a jack‑plug connection rather than a universal USB‑C, so you’ll want to keep track of the included charger.

Battery, runtime, and charging

The battery is integrated into the tool—no swapping packs. The spec lists 12V max (10.8V nominal) and 18 Wh. In practice, that translated to the manufacturer’s claim of “over 30 minutes” on lighter finish work, and a bit less under heavier pressure. On a trim‑sanding session at P180, I repeated the on‑surface, off‑surface rhythm you learn with detail sanders to keep the pad cool and the battery from sagging, and I consistently got enough runtime to finish a cabinet and a window before needing a charge.

Integrated batteries make for a tidy package and reduce weight, but they also lock you into a charge‑and‑wait cycle. If you expect to sand continuously for hours, you’ll want a corded sander or a platform with swappable packs. For quick projects and occasional tasks, the Reviva’s runtime lives in the right zone.

Pad and paper

The triangular pad gives you three crisp points for getting into inside corners. I like that the sander ships with multiple grits (P80, P120, P180), so you can work through a basic progression right out of the box. The papers attach securely and swap quickly. As with most detail sanders, the tips of triangle papers wear faster than the rest—rotating the paper to a fresh point extends life. For removing varnish on a narrow table apron, I started with P80 for the initial cut, then refined with P120 and finished with P180. The sander kept the paper flat without chattering.

One limitation: there’s no dust bag or vacuum port. You’ll want a shop vac nearby and a brush to clear the work surface between grits. On paint and varnish removal, dust accumulates quickly. Wear a mask and work with good ventilation.

Performance on common tasks

• Smoothing bare wood: On poplar face frames and pine trim, the Reviva left an even scratch pattern and didn’t gouge, provided I let the pad do the work. Feathering edges and easing corners is where it shines.
• Paint and varnish removal: It’s effective for scuff‑sanding between coats and for nib removal. For full removal, it works in small areas, but don’t expect it to strip a full tabletop efficiently. The light weight and compact size encourage control, not brute force.
• Rust cleanup: On a garden trowel and a hinge plate, P80 paper knocked back surface rust while the sander maintained contact across the curves of the metal. Keep your touch light to avoid heating the metal and loading the paper.
• Tight spots: Window muntins, drawer corners, and picture frames are exactly what the triangular pad is for. The three points are easy to index into corners, and the small footprint makes it nimble.

Material removal rate is respectable for a 12V detail sander. It’s a single‑speed tool, which simplifies use but means you don’t get a gentler setting for ultra‑delicate veneers or a higher speed for aggressive stock removal. I adapted by choosing the right grit and backing off pressure.

Comfort and control tips

• Use minimal pressure. Let the paper cut; bearing down just adds heat and vibration.
• Work through the grits. The included P80/P120/P180 progression is a solid baseline—vacuum between grits to avoid re‑scratching.
• Rotate your paper. A quick quarter‑turn refreshes a point, extending paper life.
• Mask adjacent surfaces. Painter’s tape protects glass and delicate edges when you’re working right into corners.
• Take breaks. Short pauses keep both battery and pad cooler, improving consistency.

Durability and warranty

After several sessions, the housing shows no flex and the switch action remains positive. The pad surface is holding up as expected with light use. As always, avoid overheating the pad with heavy pressure; that’s what breaks down hook surfaces on any detail sander. The tool carries a 2‑year limited warranty, which is standard for this class.

What I’d change

• Add dust management. Even a small fabric bag or a vac port would make it cleaner to use indoors.
• Faster or more flexible charging. A USB‑C option would be more convenient than a dedicated jack‑plug charger, especially if you misplace the charger.
• Optional variable speed. A low setting would help on delicate finishes, though I understand the appeal of simplicity at this size and price point.

None of these are deal‑breakers for the intended use, but they’re worth noting if dust control or speed control is high on your list.

Who it’s for

The Reviva detail sander makes sense if you:
- Do occasional DIY projects and want a compact sander for corners and touchups.
- Value cordless convenience and short, focused sessions over all‑day runtime.
- Appreciate a lighter tool that’s easy to control with one hand.
- Want a more sustainable build without stepping up in size or cost.

If you’re outfitting a pro shop for continuous paint prep or furniture restoration, you’ll likely want a corded detail sander with dust extraction and swappable accessories. For most homeowners and hobbyists, this hits the convenience sweet spot.

Pros and cons

Pros:
- Compact and lightweight, easy to control one‑handed
- Triangular pad reaches corners and tight angles
- Simple on/off switch for continuous operation
- Useful included grit assortment (P80/P120/P180)
- Clear charging indicator; integrated battery keeps the footprint small
- Housing uses 50% certified recycled material

Cons:
- No dust bag or vacuum port
- Single speed only
- Integrated battery means downtime during charging and no pack swaps
- Dedicated jack‑plug charger instead of a universal standard

Recommendation

I recommend the Reviva detail sander to DIYers and homeowners who need a cordless, corner‑friendly sander for light tasks—smoothing trim, prepping small surfaces, and finishing touchups—without the fuss of cords or heavy batteries. It delivers the control and convenience this category promises, hits its runtime claims for light use, and adds a welcome sustainability angle. If you require dust collection, variable speed, or long, uninterrupted sessions, look elsewhere. For compact, go‑anywhere detail sanding, this little sander earns a spot on the shelf.