Black & Decker Cordless Sweeper

As a homeowner who values both efficiency and convenience in my outdoor tools, I recently had the opportunity to work with the Black & Decker Cordless Sweeper, model LSW221. This lightweight, battery-powered sweeper is designed specifically for clearing hard surfaces like driveways, sidewalks, decks, and garages of debris such as leaves and grass clippings.

Design and Build

One of the first things I noticed about this sweeper is its lightweight design. Weighing in at just 3.7 pounds, it's incredibly easy to maneuver, even for extended periods. This is a significant advantage for those who might find heavier, gas-powered blowers cumbersome. The build quality, however, leaves something to be desired. While it's clear that the focus was on making the tool as light as possible, some components feel a bit flimsy, particularly the nozzle attachment. In my case, the nozzle clip was slightly bent, making it prone to falling off during use.

Performance

The performance of the sweeper is a mixed bag. It boasts an airspeed of up to 130 MPH, which sounds impressive on paper. But in practice, this power is somewhat limited. The sweeper does an adequate job of moving light debris like dry leaves and grass clippings, but it struggles with anything more substantial. Wet leaves, twigs, or any debris that's stuck to the surface often require manual intervention.

One of the features designed to boost performance is the "PowerBoost" button, which provides an extra kick of power when needed. However, this button must be held down continuously, which can be quite uncomfortable over time. I found my thumb getting tired and sore after prolonged use, which detracts from the overall user experience.

Battery Life

The LSW221 comes with a 20V MAX Lithium-Ion battery that promises up to 18 months of charge retention. In real-world use, the battery life is decent but not exceptional. I was able to clear my driveway, sidewalk, and a small portion of my yard on a single charge, but anything beyond 15-20 minutes of continuous use required a battery swap. Fortunately, the battery is compatible with other Black & Decker 20V MAX tools, and I had spare batteries on hand, which mitigated this issue somewhat.

Noise Levels

One of the standout features of this sweeper is its low noise operation. Compared to gas-powered blowers, the LSW221 is significantly quieter, making it a more neighbor-friendly option. This is a considerable advantage if you live in a densely populated area or have noise-sensitive neighbors.

Ease of Use

When it comes to ease of use, this tool excels. The lightweight design and cordless operation make it incredibly convenient for quick cleanups. There's no need to fuss with extension cords or worry about mixing fuel, which is a huge plus. The wall-mountable charging base is also a nice touch, keeping the garage organized and the battery readily accessible.

Limitations

Despite its many conveniences, the sweeper has notable limitations. The most glaring is its lack of power. For light, everyday tasks, it performs adequately, but it's not a replacement for more robust, gas-powered models. The need to hold down the PowerBoost button is another drawback, as it makes extended use uncomfortable.

Additionally, the build quality could be improved. The nozzle attachment issue I experienced, while minor, is indicative of a broader concern about the durability of the tool. Given that this is my third Black & Decker sweeper, I've noticed a decline in quality over the years, which is disappointing.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Black & Decker Cordless Sweeper LSW221 is a tool that excels in convenience and ease of use but falls short in power and build quality. It's an excellent option for those looking for a lightweight, low-noise solution for light debris clearance on hard surfaces. However, if you need a more powerful tool for heavier tasks or larger areas, you might find this sweeper lacking.

Would I recommend this tool? It depends on your specific needs. If you require a lightweight, easy-to-use sweeper for quick, light cleanups and already own other Black & Decker 20V MAX tools, this could be a valuable addition to your toolkit. However, if you need something with more power and durability, you might want to consider other options.