Black & Decker VPX

[i386]

Remember VersaPak? It was B&D's set of proprietary tools and batteries.

Well now there's VPX from B&D. Their new slogan is it's time to "re tool".


Is this really new and improved or just an excuse to buy all new tools?

discuss

 

[vess]

Re: Black & Decker VPX

I believe they are the lithium-ion batteries, which are much better than the metal hydrides of past. My neighbor has the Makita lithium-ion hammer driver, and it is an amazing tool, especially for its size. It is much smaller than the usual drill, and so strong. The charge lasts much longer, it seems. Now, I don't know if B&D will be better or worse, but I am sure there will be improvement over the last go around.

 

[dolluper]

Re: Black & Decker VPX

Welcome to the new age of deposible tools ,buy 2 keep one till it quits

 

[mscher]

Re: Black & Decker VPX

I have most ot the Versa-Pak tools, which have held up really well for over 12 years, for occasional use. I really pounded on the screwdriver and it always seems to have great torque, up until the battery is dead.

The original Ni-cad batteries are long gone, which was true of most Ni-cads. The Ni-Mh replacements hold up pretty well.

The flaslights are great, especially the snake-light.

The sawzall is only good for light stuff, but works well.

The mini hedge trimmer work good for small jobs.

Since I have upgraded to beefier cordless tools, I generally now just use the flashlights and the cordless drill as a backup.

IMO, if the VPX set is an "improvement" over the Versa-Pak, they should serve the average, non-pro user quite well.

 

[SgtMaj]

Re: Black & Decker VPX

I'll wait til they come out with capacitor batteries. Until then, li-ion is just a more expensive version of the same rechargable battery.