Rechargeable Screwdriver

Features

  • Plugs directly into wall outlet for charging
  • No external charging cradle required
  • Spindle lock for manual screwdriving
  • Forward and reverse switch
  • Includes double-ended screwdriving bit
  • Lightweight and compact

Specifications

Battery Included Yes
Power Source Cordless (wall-plug rechargeable)
Voltage 2.4 V (MAX)
Internal Battery Cells Two AA 1.2V NiCd cells (approx. 800 mAh) - (reported)
Gtin 00885911015004
Height 11.6 in
Length 4.8 in
Width 2.8 in
Weight 0.6 lb
Includes Double-ended screwdriving bit

Cordless screwdriver intended for furniture assembly and general household repairs. Recharges by plugging directly into a wall outlet. The tool is lightweight and offers a spindle lock for manual screwdriving and a forward/reverse switch for driving and removing screws.

Model Number: DP240

Black & Decker Rechargeable Screwdriver Review

4.1 out of 5

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.



Project Ideas

Business

Flat-Pack Assembly Pop-Up

Offer on-demand furniture assembly for students and new movers. Price per item (chairs, nightstands, small desks). The compact, wall-plug rechargeable driver travels light, and spindle lock lets you hand-snug delicate hardware. Upsell a 10-minute home tune-up: tighten cabinet pulls, chair legs, and door hinges.


PicFix: Light Mounting Service

Specialize in lightweight installs—hooks, curtain rods, key racks, small shelves within set weight limits. Pre-drill with an awl or tiny bit, then use the driver to finish cleanly; reverse mode helps reposition without damage. Sell a hardware bundle (anchors, screws, pads) for higher margin and clear expectations.


Host & Landlord Micro-Repair Rounds

Subscription service for Airbnb hosts and small landlords. Monthly visits to tighten hardware, replace outlet and switch plate screws, adjust cabinet hinges, and assemble simple items. The cordless, quick-charging driver keeps the kit nimble for multi-stop routes. Provide photo checklists and before/after reports.


DIY Class + Tool Bundle

Run a 90-minute hands-on workshop teaching fastener basics, pilot holes, and material matching. Tuition includes the rechargeable screwdriver and a small bit set. Students build a mini shelf to take home. Partner with community centers or hardware stores; upsell add-on kits and private group sessions.


Tiny Torque Tips Content Channel

Create short videos focused on small builds and fixes ideal for low-torque drivers: hinge swaps, toy repairs, simple organizers. Monetize via affiliate links to the driver and bit kits, sponsored local segments, and downloadable plans. Funnel viewers to your paid assembly and micro-repair services.

Creative

Apartment-Friendly Modular Shoe Rack

Build a light, stackable shoe rack from 1x2 pine frames and thin plywood shelves secured with small wood screws. Pre-drill to prevent splitting, then use the screwdriver’s spindle lock to hand-start screws and the forward switch to finish in tight closet spaces. The compact body fits inside narrow cubbies, and reverse helps reposition misaligned pieces.


Upcycled Crate Storage Bench

Join two wooden crates side-by-side and top with a hinged 1x12 seat for entryway storage. Drive short screws from the inside so fasteners stay hidden. The lightweight driver prevents over-torquing thin crate slats; use spindle lock to snug by hand. Add felt pads and a small handle—an easy afternoon build.


Pegboard Command Center Lite

Frame a 1/4-inch pegboard with 1x2 furring strips assembled using 3/4-inch screws. The screwdriver’s double-ended bit covers common sizes, and its compact profile helps align corners. Mount to wall studs or light-duty anchors after pre-drilling; reverse mode lets you back out screws cleanly to fine-tune level.


Fold-Flat Laptop Stand

Make a portable laptop stand from two interlocking plywood panels joined with small hinges. The driver’s low weight and spindle lock give precise control for tiny hinge screws. Sand, finish, and add non-slip feet. Folds flat for bags and desks—ideal for students or remote workers.


Outlet Charging Shelf for the Driver

Craft a small L-shaped shelf that mounts over or near a wall outlet so the screwdriver can plug directly in to recharge and rest safely. Add a notch for plug clearance, a strap to secure the tool, and a bit holder strip. The compact driver’s built-in plug makes the dock simple and cord-free.