Black & Decker reviva 4V MAX Cordless Screwdriver, USB Chargeable

Why I reached for a 4V driver

A few weekends of flat‑pack assembly and hardware swaps reminded me that not every task needs a drill/driver. For small fasteners and confined spaces, the reviva screwdriver hit a sweet spot: light, compact, and just strong enough to do the everyday jobs without tearing out threads or fatiguing my wrist.

Build, feel, and ergonomics

At 1.4 pounds, the reviva screwdriver feels sturdy but not heavy. The casing has a slightly textured finish that’s easy to grip even when your hands are dusty. The most unusual element is the pivoting trigger. Instead of a traditional straight‑pull trigger, this one rocks through a small arc. In practice, that let me press in a more natural, almost “push‑drive” motion that kept the bit engaged in the screw head. I found it reduced cam‑out on stubborn screws, especially working one‑handed overhead.

The form factor is compact enough to snake into tight cabinet corners, and the balance sits forward of the hand, which helps keep pressure on the bit. There’s a forward/reverse switch exactly where you expect it, and a hex spindle for quick bit changes. The bit socket held onto 1-inch bits securely during my tests, and the included set covers most household profiles: Phillips, slotted, square, Pozidriv, and hex. I do wish an extension or a couple of 2-inch bits were included; reaching recessed screws with only short bits can be tricky.

Light duty power, predictably tuned

On paper, the reviva screwdriver tops out at 48 in‑lbs and 180 RPM. In hand, that translates to enough muscle for cabinet knobs and pulls, electrical cover plates, small hinges, bracketry, and furniture assembly. It’s not a drywall gun and it’s certainly not a deck‑building tool—but that’s not the point.

In softwood, it drove 1-inch to 1‑1/4‑inch #6 screws cleanly, especially with pilot holes. In denser material or longer screws, I could feel the motor bog and stop rather than strip the fastener, which I actually appreciate on a tool like this. I’d rather it stall than twist the screw head into oblivion. Starting screws by hand and finishing with the driver produced the most consistent results.

There’s no adjustable clutch, so you’ll want to rely on a light trigger touch and your ears to avoid overdriving. For assembling flat‑pack pieces, I set screws until snug, then gave a final quarter‑turn by hand with a screwdriver for feel. That combination kept cam‑out to a minimum and prevented crushed fiberboard edges.

Battery, charging, and runtime

The integrated 4V battery charges via USB and, from empty, took about an hour in my testing—right in line with the spec. That’s a big convenience for apartment dwellers or anyone who doesn’t want to manage proprietary chargers. I topped it up off a standard USB wall adapter and a power bank with no issues.

Runtime was solid for its class. Over a few light‑duty projects—assembling a storage cabinet, swapping doorstops and hinge screws, and hanging a handful of hooks—I didn’t need to recharge. The manufacturer’s claim of driving a few hundred small screws on a charge (under ideal conditions) seems plausible given my experience. There’s no swappable battery, so if you run out mid‑project you’ll be waiting on a recharge; that’s typical for compact 4V drivers. A simple battery gauge would be a welcome addition, as there isn’t one onboard.

LED work light and real‑world visibility

The integrated LED doesn’t turn this into a flashlight, but it does a respectable job illuminating the fastener. It’s placed close enough to the bit that you don’t get pronounced shadows when you’re tucked into a cabinet or under a desk. I appreciated it most when aligning small screws in low‑contrast hardware. It turns on with the trigger and shuts off immediately, which conserves power but means you can’t pre‑light the area without spinning the motor.

Sustainability notes

The housing material includes Tritan Renew via a certified mass‑balance process, with recycled content equivalent to four 16.9‑ounce single‑use bottles per unit. That won’t change your experience driving screws, but it’s a thoughtful step in a category that doesn’t often talk about material origin. More importantly, the fit and finish don’t suffer for it—the housing felt robust and resisted scuffing during tosses into my tool bag.

What it does well

• Compact control: The size, balance, and pivoting trigger make it easy to keep the bit planted without a lot of wrist strain.
• Right‑sized torque: Enough power for everyday household tasks without turning small fasteners into scrap metal.
• USB convenience: Charging from common USB power sources is genuinely handy around the house or in a pinch off a power bank.
• Useful starter bit set: The included 10 bits cover the profiles you’ll see in furniture and general hardware.
• Thoughtful extras: LED work light and a simple forward/reverse switch keep operation fuss‑free.
• Warranty peace of mind: A 2‑year limited warranty is fair for a compact driver at this price point.

Where it comes up short

• No clutch: Without torque settings, it’s easy to overdrive in soft materials if you’re not careful. Finish sensitive fasteners by hand.
• Limited speed: 180 RPM is fine for most tasks, but longer screws feel slow compared to some higher‑speed 4V competitors.
• No extension: Only 1‑inch bits are included; recessed screws will have you wishing for a bit holder or longer bits.
• Integrated battery: Convenient to charge, but you can’t swap a second pack to keep going on bigger projects.
• Not for drilling: With its hex spindle and modest speed, this isn’t a drill substitute. Make pilot holes with a proper drill or hand awl.

Best uses and tips

• Flat‑pack furniture: Pre‑start screws by hand, use the driver to snug, finish by hand to avoid over‑tightening cam locks and confirm alignment.
• Cabinet hardware: Match the bit precisely and keep inward pressure; the pivoting trigger helps maintain engagement on vertical faces.
• Electrical and hardware swaps: Ideal for cover plates, door hardware, and brackets; keep torque modest to protect threads and finishes.
• Tight spaces: The compact head and LED are helpful inside cabinets and under shelves. Add a 2‑inch bit for recessed fasteners.

Durability and maintenance

After a few weeks of tossing it in a tool bag and using it around the house, the reviva screwdriver shows minimal cosmetic wear. The bit socket still feels tight, and there’s no new play in the trigger. Keep the spindle clean, avoid loading it up with long, large‑diameter screws, and it should hold up well for household duty. If you anticipate daily use or heavier fasteners, step up to a higher‑voltage driver with a clutch and replaceable battery.

The bottom line

The reviva screwdriver thrives in the role most of us actually need a powered driver for: small fasteners, light assemblies, and quick projects in tight spots. It’s comfortable, simple to use, and delivers the right amount of torque for household tasks. USB charging and a sensible bit set make it easy to keep at the ready, and the recycled material story is a nice bonus rather than a compromise.

Recommendation: I recommend the reviva screwdriver for homeowners, renters, and DIYers who want a compact, no‑nonsense powered driver for light duty work. It’s not a replacement for a drill/driver, and the lack of a clutch and limited speed mean it’s not the best match for delicate electronics or heavier carpentry. But as a handy, always‑charged companion for furniture builds, hardware installs, and general upkeep, it’s well executed and easy to live with.