Black & Decker Rechargeable Screwdriver

A compact helper for light-duty tasks

I’ve kept a small cordless screwdriver in a kitchen drawer for years, and this one slid into that role with very little fuss. The Black & Decker rechargeable screwdriver is a straightforward, no-frills tool built for everyday jobs: assembling flat-pack furniture, tightening cabinet pulls, swapping out switch plates, and chasing the dozen little fasteners that loosen around a home.

What sets it apart at first glance is the built-in charger. Instead of a separate wall wart or dock, the tool plugs directly into an outlet. You finish a project, flip the forward/reverse switch back to neutral, and stick it on the wall to top up. That simplicity is the main reason I reached for it so often.

Design and controls

The driver is lightweight and compact, and it feels closer to a beefy manual screwdriver than a drill. At 0.6 lb, it’s easy to hold for long stretches and nimble in tight spaces. The forward/reverse rocker is placed where my thumb can naturally reach, and I had no trouble toggling direction mid-task without shifting my grip. There’s also a spindle lock: when engaged, the motor is out of the equation and the shaft locks solidly, letting you use the tool as a manual screwdriver to start threads or snug a screw without overdriving it.

You get a double-ended bit out of the box, which covers the basics. On my unit, that bit seated securely and didn’t wobble. I would have liked on-tool storage for a couple of additional bits, but for quick fixes around the house, the included combination handled most of what I did.

There’s no adjustable clutch, and there’s no work light or battery gauge. None of that is a surprise for a driver this small, but it’s worth noting if you’re used to drill/driver conveniences.

Power and performance

This is a 2.4V driver powered by internal NiCd cells, which tells you a lot about its ceiling. It’s not a replacement for a drill, and it’s not intended to sink long wood screws or drive lag bolts. Used where it makes sense, the power is adequate and the consistency is good.

Here’s where it shined in my hands:
- Furniture assembly with pre-drilled holes. It kept screws moving at a steady pace without cam-out, and the spindle lock made it easy to finish by hand to avoid overtightening.
- Electrical cover plates and hardware. Low torque is a plus here; I could snug screws without cracking a plate.
- Cabinet hinges and drawer pulls. Small fasteners seated cleanly, and the light weight made one-handed positioning easy.
- Small household fixtures. Hooks, clips, and brackets into plastic anchors or pre-drilled wood went smoothly.

Where it struggled:
- Long screws into dense material. Even with pilot holes, the driver bogged down as friction rose. I could finish by engaging the spindle lock and turning by hand, but for structural fastening, you’ll want a higher-voltage driver or a drill.
- Removing stuck or corroded screws. The torque just isn’t there. I switched to manual mode for stubborn fasteners.

The motor is quiet, and vibration is minimal. Bit control is predictable, and I didn’t experience sudden stalls or abrupt jerks—the power ramps in gently, which is helpful for delicate tasks.

Battery and charging

The integrated plug is the headline feature. The convenience is real: no separate charger to misplace, no cradle to hog a countertop. I could park the tool directly on the outlet near my workbench and it was always right where I left it.

There are trade-offs. Because the tool itself occupies the outlet while charging, it can block adjacent sockets on crowded wall plates or power strips. I also found that charging takes a while, so this is best used as a “charge between jobs” tool rather than something you top off in a few minutes before a big project.

The NiCd pack behaves like most NiCd packs I’ve used: it holds up fine during active use, but if you leave the driver in a drawer for weeks, expect to top it up before a task. I got through a side table assembly and a handful of household fixes on a single charge without trouble. When the battery starts to fade, it does so gracefully—you’ll notice screws taking longer and torque dropping off before it stops, which gave me a chance to switch to manual spindle lock mode to finish.

A couple of practical tips:
- If it’s a weekend workhorse, leave it plugged in after projects so it’s ready to go.
- If you haven’t used it in a month, plan a charging session ahead of your task.

Ergonomics and usability

The shape and weight make it comfortable over long sessions, and the simple control layout means there’s almost no learning curve. The spindle lock is the unsung hero—it’s very satisfying to start a screw by hand for perfect alignment, hit the trigger to drive most of the way, then lock and finish by hand for a precise stop. That workflow is efficient and reduces the risk of stripped heads or crushed hardware.

Because it’s compact, it gets into cabinet interiors and other tight spots better than a drill. The lack of a work light is noticeable inside dark boxes; I used a headlamp or small flashlight when needed.

Balance is neutral, and the grip is secure. Even with small screws and narrow hardware, bit tracking felt confident.

Durability and build

The exterior is plastic but doesn’t feel flimsy. The bit holder remained tight through several bit swaps, and the forward/reverse switch still clicks with authority. I didn’t baby it—mine knocked around in a utility drawer, and it came out unscathed aside from a few scuffs. With small drivers, longevity often comes down to the battery more than the body. NiCd packs can last a long time if you charge them consistently and avoid deep neglect; just be realistic about eventual battery aging, which is typical for tools in this category.

Where it fits in a kit

I think of this driver as a “household first responder.” It’s perfect for:
- Apartment dwellers and new homeowners who want a simple, inexpensive powered screwdriver for small jobs.
- DIYers who already own a drill/driver but want something lighter for hardware and trim.
- Anyone assembling furniture who values a compact tool with a manual override to prevent overdriving.

It’s not the right choice if:
- You frequently drive long or large-diameter screws.
- You need an adjustable clutch, a work light, or a battery gauge.
- You want lithium-ion runtime or fast charging.

What I’d change

• Add on-tool bit storage so a couple of extra bits stay with the driver.
• Include a simple battery status LED so I know when I’m close to empty.
• Offer a slim spacer or angled plug accessory to reduce outlet blockage while charging.

None of these are dealbreakers, but they’d elevate the everyday experience.

The bottom line

Used within its lane, this small rechargeable driver is genuinely handy. The built-in charging plug reduces friction—no cradle to find, no battery pack to swap—and the spindle lock gives you precise control you don’t get with many compact powered screwdrivers. The trade-offs are limited torque, slow-ish charging, and a basic feature set.

Recommendation: I recommend this screwdriver for light-duty household tasks and furniture assembly. It’s easy to live with, simple to operate, and comfortable for long sessions, and the spindle lock makes it safer and more precise on delicate hardware. If you need higher torque, faster charging, or pro features like a clutch and work light, look to a higher-voltage lithium-ion driver. But as a grab-and-go household tool, this one earns its spot in the drawer and pays for itself every time you avoid stripping a screw or cramping your wrist.