Black & Decker Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainer

The Black & Decker Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainer (BC15BD) is one of those tools that quickly becomes a staple in your garage. It’s designed to charge and maintain various types of 12V batteries, and it truly shines in doing so. Having used this charger extensively, I can confidently say that it has a lot to offer, especially for those who frequently deal with battery issues.

Features and Build Quality

One of the standout features of this charger is its fully automatic high-frequency charging with three-stage charging. This ensures that your battery gets the optimal charge without the risk of overcharging. The three stages—bulk, absorption, and float—make for a comprehensive charging cycle that caters to different battery needs. This is particularly useful for extending the lifespan of your batteries, which is always a plus.

The reconditioning feature is another notable aspect. It aims to rejuvenate batteries that have become sulfated, which is a common issue with older or neglected batteries. This function can be a lifesaver, literally bringing some batteries back from the dead. However, it’s worth mentioning that the manual doesn’t do a great job of explaining how to use this feature, which can be frustrating for first-time users.

The 40 amp engine start capability is a robust addition, allowing for quick vehicle restarts. This is particularly useful if you find yourself with a dead battery and need to get your car up and running quickly. The reverse polarity protection is another safety feature that ensures you don’t accidentally damage your battery or the charger by connecting the cables incorrectly.

User Experience

The LCD screen is a major convenience, providing clear information about the charging status and battery condition. It’s easy to read and makes monitoring the process straightforward. However, I did encounter some issues with the screen occasionally lighting up without displaying any information, which seems to be a common problem among users.

The charger is relatively lightweight at 12.1 lbs, making it easy to move around. The design is also quite sturdy, and it feels like it can withstand a bit of rough handling, which is always a good thing for tools that will likely see a lot of use.

Performance

In terms of performance, the BC15BD generally does a fantastic job. It charges batteries efficiently and can bring a moderately drained battery back to full charge in a reasonable amount of time. For instance, a completely dead battery can be fully charged in about four hours using the 15 amp setting. The reconditioning feature, while not always successful, has managed to save a few batteries that I would have otherwise discarded.

However, the charger does have a quirk: it sometimes fails to recognize batteries that have dropped below a certain voltage. This can be annoying, especially if you’re trying to charge a deeply discharged battery. The workaround is to connect the dead battery to a fully charged one for a few minutes to bring its voltage up, but this is an extra step that some might find cumbersome.

Durability

Durability is a mixed bag. While the charger itself feels sturdy and well-built, there have been instances where it failed after a few uses. Some users have reported that the charger stops working after a year or so, even when well cared for. This is something to keep in mind, especially considering the one-year limited warranty.

Value for Money

The price point is another area where opinions might vary. I picked up mine for around $90, and while I feel it’s worth the investment, others might find it a bit steep. There are times when this charger is available for less, so it’s worth shopping around. Considering its features and performance, I believe it offers good value for money, especially if you can get it at a discounted price.

Final Thoughts

The Black & Decker BC15BD Automatic Battery Charger/Maintainer is a versatile and efficient tool that can meet most of your battery charging needs. Its automatic charging, reconditioning feature, and engine start capability make it a valuable addition to any garage. However, it’s not without its flaws. The occasional issues with the LCD screen and the charger’s failure to recognize deeply discharged batteries can be frustrating. Additionally, its durability over the long term is questionable, given the mixed reports on its lifespan.

Would I recommend this charger? Yes, but with some reservations. If you need a reliable charger that can handle most 12V batteries and you’re willing to deal with its quirks, the BC15BD is a solid choice. Its features and performance generally outweigh its drawbacks, making it a worthwhile investment for most users. However, if you’re looking for something absolutely foolproof and long-lasting, you might want to explore other options.