Black & Decker VPX903X1 Li-Ion VPX Starter Set with Power Screwdriver, Cut Saw, Flashlight, and VPX Battery with Charger
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Black & Decker VPX903X1 Li-Ion VPX Starter Set with Power Screwdriver, Cut Saw, Flashlight, and VPX Battery with Charger
Customer Review: Great Idea, terrible in design.
Summary: 1 Stars
Two big problems with this product line. The system isn't variable speed and when you release the trigger the tool continues to operate. Don't buy to try since the restock fee and shipping run about half the cost of the product.Customer Review: Great Starter Set Done Right!
Summary: 5 Stars
Finally, a great starter set done right!!! The starter set contains a selection of often used tools all utilizing an interchangeable Lithium-Ion battery that has no "memory". You can keep the battery charged and it will always be there when you need it! No more dead battery when you pick up your tool to use it.
The VPX System also has great add-on accessories that people need.
Customer Review: Great battery, worst tools!
Summary: 2 Stars
I got the VPX system for two reasons, to get the unmatched and ingenious Inverter tool, and because all the tools were very inexpensive on close out. I figured, "How bad can the rest be?" The answer, awful.
I wanted the inverter, because it's the only one out there that outputs a straight USB port except the Milwaukee M12 system, which would cost hundreds to invest into for just one tool. Additionally, the VPX inverter outputs a low amperage 110VAC so you can plug in a 'wall-wart' charger in case you don't have a USB cable for your equipment. The inverter, great if chunky. It'll be in my camping kit for a loooong time.
The batteries are phenominal, but it's hard to gauge their carrying capacity since I hate using the tools every second I have them in my hand. Judging by the fact that RC enthusiasts buy up these batteries in bulk to modify them into their own high capacity packs, i'd say they're alright.
The screw driver: The trigger is awful, has play, and only two positions; off and on. There are only two small ports for the fan to exchange air and cool the motor. The plastic is cheap and creaky. The sliding collar that accepts the 1/4" drive bits is crap for two reasons. You must push the collar in, instead of pulling it out, to retract the ball bearings that retain the bits. You must also push the collar in to insert a bit. Most 1/4" chucks allow you to insert the bit fully by just pressing it into place, you've only got to actuate the collar to release the bit. Pushing the collar in is not a natural motion compared to pulling it. My first task for this tool was to see if it would drive screws to hang a door. It did, but I had to keep a great amount of pressure on the tool to keep the bit in the screw. It was a phillips, so I forgave this fault, it's not an impact gun after all. The next day, I had to assemble a bunch of power equipment at work. T27 torx self tapping screws into plastic and pre-threaded into metal. It drove all the screws, but nearly twisted my arm off in doing so. The grip is just not shaped in an ergonomic fashion that would allow you a more positive grip. Bottom line, this is not a tool i'll be using often.
The cutsaw: Haven't cut anything with it yet, i'm not looking forward to the prospect. This thing feels like it is going to shake itself apart. I have a decent bit of HDPE barrels to cut into specific shapes that i'll try this on. Maybe it can handle that. Perhaps i'll use it on some leatherworking projects i've got. Definitely not on wood or metal.
The flashlight: Dissapointing for a few reasons, but not useless. It *is* 2007 technology, so i've got to cut it some slack. The three LEDs are a lot dimmer than I had thought. They work, and the unit is solid. The button is a sealed rubber dome. I'll probably end up modifying this with some 200 lumen CREE LEDs. The body and battery would be an alright base for such a project.
The charger: Charges. It's slow, but you would need a forced air system to keep the battery cool enough for rapid charging.
In short, it's too bad B&D made such an awesome battery and mated it with such useless tools. It's still cheaper to buy this starter kit, an inverter and an extra battery if you're only after the flashlight and inverter.
Customer Review: Great for the basic diy projects
Summary: 4 Stars
Ideal for my basic diy projects. The Vpx system could be withdrawn so please do check with the manufacturer if concerned with that. Great battery power. Perfect for the small jobs where pro equiptment is just not worth the investment.Customer Review: JUNK JUNK JUNK!
Summary: 1 Stars
Don't buy this JUNK! 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! I'm not kidding, folks. You will regret buying this is you need to do more than tighten a screw lodged in jello. It can't handle much more than this!