Black & Decker Gutter Clean Attachment For Blower

Cleaning gutters can be one of those dreaded chores, especially when it involves the precarious balancing act of climbing a ladder. When I came across the Black & Decker Gutter Clean Attachment for Blower, model BZOBL50, I was intrigued by the possibility of safely cleaning my gutters from the ground.

The concept behind this tool is simple yet promising. The attachment system is designed to fit most blowers, making it versatile for various brands and models. It features a quick-connect extension system composed of four tubes, which collectively provide an impressive 12 feet of reach. This, in theory, allows you to clean gutters without ever leaving the safety of solid ground. The flexible tube design further adds to the maneuverability, making it easier to navigate the often awkward angles of gutters.

Upon unboxing, the first thing that struck me was the lightweight nature of the attachment. Weighing in at just 5.45 lbs., it’s not cumbersome to handle. The setup was relatively straightforward, though I quickly noticed that attaching it securely to my blower required a bit more effort than I anticipated. The included ratcheting strap did not inspire confidence, as it seemed flimsy and inadequate for holding the attachment in place against the force of the blower.

My initial test run confirmed my concerns. Within minutes, the attachment disconnected from the blower. After some trial and error, I discovered that adding a hose clamp significantly stabilized the connection, allowing for a more seamless operation. While this workaround was effective, it’s disappointing that such an adjustment was necessary. A more robust attachment mechanism would have made a world of difference.

Once securely attached, the gutter cleaner performed admirably. The extended reach was indeed a game-changer, allowing me to clean gutters on a two-story house without any ladder. The flexible tube made it easy to navigate around corners and tighter spots, ensuring a thorough cleaning. However, I did find the tool somewhat cumbersome when fully extended. Balancing the blower and managing the long extension tube required a bit of finesse, and having a shoulder strap for the blower would have been beneficial.

The performance of the gutter cleaner was impressive when dealing with dry leaves and debris. It quickly and effectively cleared out the gutters, saving me a significant amount of time and effort. However, it struggled with wet leaves, which tended to stick and required multiple passes to dislodge. This could be a limitation of my blower’s power rather than the attachment itself, but it’s worth noting for anyone considering this tool.

Durability is another aspect that gave me pause. The plastic construction, while lightweight, did not feel particularly sturdy. After a few uses, I noticed some wear and tear on the connecting points, which raised concerns about the long-term viability of the product. For a tool designed to be used seasonally, I would have preferred a more durable construction to ensure longevity.

Despite these drawbacks, the Gutter Clean Attachment for Blower has some clear advantages. The ability to clean gutters from the ground cannot be overstated. It eliminates the risks associated with climbing ladders, making it a safer option, especially for those who are not comfortable with heights. The quick-connect system, while not perfect, does provide a convenient way to assemble and disassemble the tool, making storage easier.

In terms of ease of use, the tool has a bit of a learning curve. It’s not as effortless as the packaging might suggest, but with a bit of practice, it becomes manageable. The key is finding the right balance and grip, which can be achieved more easily with the addition of a shoulder strap for the blower.

The Gutter Clean Attachment for Blower by Black & Decker is a mixed bag. On one hand, it offers a practical solution to a common problem, making gutter cleaning safer and more accessible. On the other hand, it suffers from design flaws that impact its overall performance and ease of use. The attachment mechanism is the most significant drawback, requiring modifications to function as intended. Additionally, the tool’s durability is questionable, raising concerns about its long-term reliability.

Would I recommend this tool? It depends. If you’re willing to make a few adjustments and are looking for a safer way to clean your gutters, this attachment could be a valuable addition to your toolkit. However, if you’re expecting a plug-and-play solution with hassle-free operation, you might find yourself disappointed. The potential for the tool is there, but it falls short of being a perfect solution due to its design limitations.

In conclusion, the Black & Decker Gutter Clean Attachment for Blower is a functional yet flawed tool. It serves its primary purpose of making gutter cleaning safer and more convenient, but not without requiring some user modifications and adjustments. If you’re up for a bit of tinkering and patience, this tool could save you from the dangers and inconvenience of ladder-based gutter cleaning. However, for those seeking a more straightforward and durable solution, it might be worth exploring other options or waiting for a design improvement from the manufacturer.