Black & Decker Battery Fast Charger

The Black & Decker Battery Fast Charger, model LCS40, is designed to quickly charge 36V or 40V batteries, promising a full charge in under two hours. I've spent a considerable amount of time using this charger with various Black & Decker tools, and my experience has been a mix of satisfaction and frustration.

One of the standout features of this charger is its speed. When it works as intended, the LCS40 can indeed charge batteries impressively fast. For instance, it charges the LBX36 battery in just about an hour, the LBXR36 in 1.5 hours, and the LBXR2036 in around 2 hours. This rapid charging capability is a significant advantage, especially for those who rely on their tools for extended periods and need to minimize downtime. The charge indication light is also a helpful feature, clearly showing when the battery is fully charged and ready to go.

The charger is compatible with all BLACK+DECKER 36V or 40V MAX* lithium-ion tools, which adds a layer of convenience if you have multiple tools from the brand. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to store and transport, which is always a plus in a busy workshop or garage.

However, despite these promising features, the LCS40 has several issues that can't be overlooked. Durability is a significant concern. In my experience, the charger worked fine initially, but over time, it started exhibiting problems. One of the most common issues is the flashing red light, which indicates a charging failure. This problem seems to occur frequently, even with new batteries. It's incredibly frustrating to plug in a battery, see the green light indicating it's charging, only to have it switch to a red flashing light after a short period.

Another issue is the charger's sensitivity to battery temperature. It seems to be overly cautious, often refusing to charge batteries that it deems too hot, even when they've been sitting indoors. This can be a major inconvenience, as it forces you to wait longer than necessary to get your tools back in action.

There’s also a notable inconsistency in the performance of different units. Some users have reported their chargers working flawlessly for years, while others have had theirs fail within a few months. This variability in quality control is disappointing, especially from a brand as reputable as Black & Decker.

Customer service experiences have been mixed as well. While some users have had positive interactions, getting replacements and support, others have found the process frustrating and unhelpful. Given the cost of the charger, one would expect more reliable customer support and a more consistent product performance.

Despite these issues, when the charger does work, it performs its job well. The fast charging times are a real boon, and the convenience of being able to use it with a range of Black & Decker tools can't be understated. However, the frequent and unpredictable failures significantly diminish its overall value.

In conclusion, I find it hard to fully recommend the Black & Decker Battery Fast Charger, model LCS40. Its fast charging capabilities and compatibility with a wide range of tools are excellent features, but the recurring issues with durability and reliability are too significant to ignore. If you rely heavily on Black & Decker tools and need a charger that can handle multiple batteries quickly, it might be worth the risk. However, if you’re looking for a long-term, dependable solution, you might want to consider other options or wait until Black & Decker addresses these issues. The inconsistency in performance and the frustration of dealing with frequent failures make it a less-than-ideal choice for those who need a reliable charger for their tools.