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The flashlight lasts a long time with the lithium cell and it will probably outlive the rest of the kit. I don't usually bother to write reviews, but in this case I just concluded a series of projects around the house that showed the weakness of the VPX kit. The "power screwdriver" isn't a drill at all, but can save you some time if you're assembling something.
Basically, this kit is good for hanging pictures, very, very light-duty cutting and for assembling baby toys where a low power screw driver is helpful. I'm probably going to buy another kit shortly and keep the VPX around until the batteries fail. Beyond that it's just not built to last, so don't expect it to do so.
I'm not a power tool guy, but I bought this kit last winter when I moved into a new apartment and need to get some things done. I use the past tense here because the saw has broken after I tried to cut a tree branch of about 1" in diameter with it. It's disappointing that B&D put a good battery in such a mediocre tool kit, no wonder it was discontinued.Given that the kit is priced for close-out now, it's probably a decent value for $50 or less, but I still can't recommend the VPX platform.
I ended up buying the actual VPX Drill and VPX Compressor separately (the drill works fine for light duty, not real construction, the compressor is convenient for inflating tires and baby pools). The cutsaw was useful for cutting some drywall and some 3/8" plywood, but it really ate up batteries.
None of these are hefty tools, however, and they don't give you a firm feel like better-made tools. I bought this as a second set of tools for convenience and light-duty jobs; I have not been disappointed in it given my expectations. Don't buy this package thinking that you are getting a heavy duty tool set, obviously. They are quite useful for jobs that don't require much power. Good for basic around-the-house jobs. It's strengths are that the tools are lightweight, easy-to-handle, and maneuverable. I have used the driver most often and it has decent power given it's small size.
I'm not kidding, folks. Don't buy this JUNK. It can't handle much more than this. You will regret buying this is you need to do more than tighten a screw lodged in jello. I bought this - it fell apart - Amazon said it was not eligible for return (It fell apart days after I received it) and I ended up throwing away. I see this set in stores and only laugh.
black and decker has always made good tools.This is not heavy duty stuff,but totaly heavy enough for home use.The 7.2 volt lithium ion battery light works quite well,and is small.The battery powers all three tools.The small screw driver has a 2 speed gearbox and a hexagonal chuck to accept bits,The saw is a small jig saw that has a blade changing lever instead of the allen set screw of other saws,blade changing is easy and quick,and uses any standard jig saw blade.All in all if you need these type tools,you can't go wrong with this set.Very good value for your money,I can't belive you get so much for so little money.
The bad news is that B&D somehow failed in the marketing department - and this extraordinary product has left most retailer shelves.A store manager said that the VPX product line confused the consumer, who otherwise buys other lithium powered units at twice the price. market, the product that offers the most for the money should succeed.
Rather, it's the benefit (profit) to the retailer that influenced the decision - and that's just plain wrong.I have the whole suite of VPX tools with a few duplications, made significantly less costly due to promotional prices. If that story is valid, in this case the product's failure has nothing to do with merit, or with benefit to the consumer.
First, I'm in my eighth decade and am experienced with tools.This product concept, and its execution, create the most cost-effective set of lithium-battery tools on the market. In the U.S.
However, I would consider these tools a bargain at their original MSRP. The tools are excellent, the price is right, and so far everything seems both effective and indestructible despite hard usage.The A123 batteries are incredible as to their power (current dumping), ability to store energy for long periods, and recharge times.
If he's right, that's the last reason to discontinue the VPX line.
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