Customer Reviews

Black & Decker AS600 6-Volt Alkaline Battery Cordless Screwdriver

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

Here's what I like about this electric screwdriver:

1. Unlike most Black & Decker electric screwdrivers, this uses four standard AA batteries. This means that you don't have to worry about using B&D re-chargeables that are always dead when you need them. I load mine with Eneloop low-discharge rechargeable AA's, which retain their charge for up to a year. When they go dead, I just replace them with another set and I can continue using it.

2. It is smaller than other B&D electric screwdrivers.

3. It has a manual mode that allows you to use it as a regular screwdriver.

4. You can switch the bit from flathead to phillips.

i bought a house last year and after a few months, i picked up this item at target. oh...my...GAWD... why didn't i have one of these years ago? why would anyone use anything else? i've had to screw and unscrew hundreds of things around the house and this screwdriver does it with ease. it's surprisingly strong, too.

really not too much to say about this little device; it's strong, well-built and carries a great name. i actually got mine for $11. batteries seem to last quite awhile. longer than i thought, really.

my only complaint is that sometimes when i press the "screw" or "unscrew" button, it hesitates. sometimes i have to press harder than i think i should. maybe there's a short, or maybe it just needs new batteries, but it's done this from the beginning. it works fine, but sometimes you have to press it just the right way.

You can get this one from Wal*Mart for $8.90 only. It's doesn't have strong torque but sufficient for light household tasks. I like this one instead of other cordless screwdriver because I can use my re-chargeable AA batteries. I hate those costly proprietary re-chargeable batteries. For $8.90, I am really happy with this purchase.

I have a bulky and powerful Craftsman professional drill which I've been using for all my home upkeep needs. The Black and Decker AS600 is so much earier to use for typical projects I can't believe I waited so long.
It's not perfect--for instance the bits sometime stay with the screw when you pull the tool away. Also I'd prefer to have the forward and backward switch not in mirror image location. It's necessary to look to see if you are using the right one. Regardless of these minor annoyances, it is worth every penny.

Let me start off saying that I've owned and used several power drills and screwdrivers in the past, both AC and DC powered. There is no question that AC powered devices last longer and in most cases is more powerful. But you can't expect to find an electrical outlet handy everywhere you might need it, so that's where the cordless/battery powered tools come in handy.

In portable applications, rechargeable batteries probably makes the most sense than using disposable batteries because of the economical burden on those that would use these tools everyday. But rechargeable batteries eventual do die (i.e. no longer hold a charge) and would need replacing. Most battery powered high-end tools (e.g. drills, saws, sanders, etc.) usually are designed with replaceable rechargeable batteries.

But here's the problem, most of the cordless screwdrivers have internal rechargeable batteries. What happens when these rechargeable batteries go bad? If you use frequently, it may last only a few months - then what? Throw it away? Send it to the manufacturer for battery replacement and end up paying more that what you original paid for the product?

With this said and finally saying something about the Black&Decker AS600 itself, I bought mine at Target for about $10 and it really does get the job done. There is only one speed, but who cares - it's a screwdriver not a drill. Some of the reviewers mentioned that it has low torque - but I find the torque to be sufficient in most situations. It might get you trying to screw through unpiloted wood or metal. Fortunately for me, my applications already has existing threads.

TIP: when unscrewing, put it to MANUAL and use your own elbow grease to get it started and then put it back to POWER and let the driver do the rest. Same thing when screwing - when the AS600 eventually stops put it MANUAL and tighten it the way you want. You know how most screws get stripped - when it gets screwed on by a power drill at the highest torque setting - almost impossible to unscrew.

I've found that for some reason the reverse button is harder to press then the forward button. Although the instructions seems to insinuate that putting the device in MANUAL will turn off the device. Well, it definitely stops it from going forward or backwards but it's still powered on - i.e. there's no actual OFF switch. That's why when it's not in use, I take the batteries out and keep them in a plastic ziploc bag.

Overall the AS600 is very convenient for me, it's not too heavy so I keep it in my work bag and is ready all the time - no charging and no waiting, just add in the batteries.

That's enough said, thanks for reading my review.

I've had this screwdriver for a few months and I love it. The small size (smaller than most cordless screwdrivers) is perfect to get into small spaces and for carrying around. I use it on my computers and appliances. I have a little computer repair kit. (I own 3 computers and like to modify them) I took the stupid ratcheting screwdriver out of the kit and put this screwdriver in. It has a manual setting to use to start tight screws, but I haven't had to use it yet. It doesn't have a clutch control, but it isn't really powerful enough to need one. It's powerful enough to do the job, but not powerful enough to cause damage to my computers. It says to only use alkaline batteries, but I've had no problem using rechargeable NiMH batteries in it. Only had to recharge it once since I bought it. One of the things that I really don't like about most cordless drivers is the long recharge times, but with my 15 minute charger, it's been a snap. And of course I can always use another set of batteries if I am in a real hurry. It's become my most used tool. You can certainly buy better screwdrivers, but for the size and money this is a good buy.

The title kinda says it all. I do low voltage data cable work and I use this product to detach and install internet jack face plates from the walls. This item is ALMOST perfect for me but I wish it had just a bit more torque and power. As it is, I know it'll never go too fast to crack a face plate but the screws still go in a bit too slow.

Upon reading several reviews on Amazon, this is the only Black and Decker item of this type I would buy since I now don't trust this company's rechargeable batteries. The AA's that these use is perfect for me since I already have my own rechargeables.

If you're realistic and expect a lightweight, motorized screwdriver, you'll like this. It is very handy for installing light fixtures and other tasks where you prefer a small motor turning the low demand fastener. I like these for working in awkward positions when both hands are busy. But, if you need ANY degree of torque beyond the force you can apply with your hand (not arm), look for something designed for those medium-duty+ tasks.

I do prefer the convenience of AA batteries so I can count on this being available when I need it. That's definitely a plus. Thanks to B&D for recognizing that benefit.

(PS.. Shop around. These things go for about $10 in many places.)

I bought this when visiting my wife's grandmother, and I did not want to sink a whole lot of money into another handheld power screwdriver because I already have one at home, and had to leave this behind. I really regret having to leave this there. This got me through 15 mini-blinds installed on one set of batteries, and is still going. This had no trouble putting the screws into the solid-multi layer painted wood. This runs on 4 AA batteries, and has all the power of the rechargable or battery pack ones, just in an affordable unit. I got this rediculously cheap at a large chain, check this out, saves wear and tear on the wrist.

I replaced my 3.6V B&D rechargeable cordless screwdriver with this model. I hated having to keep it on the recharger and half the time I'd forget to plug it in so it wasn't charged when I needed it. After a few years it wouldn't hold a charge long enough to be useful for anything. I can keep this in a desk drawer and it's ready to use when I need it. I consider that a big improvement. It handles almost all my screwdriver needs. I usually use it with a magnetic bit holder similar to the Wera 893/4/1 K Universal Bit Holder with Strong Permanent Magnet. There's also adapters to use this with socket sets (eg Makita 785516-A Square Socket Adapter Hex Drive, 1/4-Inch & Makita 785517-A 3/8" Socket Adapter. The manual lock is sufficient for its intended use. For big jobs there's no substitute for an impact hammer.