Customer Reviews

Black & Decker CD431K 12 Volt FireStorm Cordless Drill Kit

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

 

 

This drill has an outstanding price but as far as doing serious work, you'd better move to the next model up. After using this drill, I thought it was just too weak. Mostly because it doesn't have the torque/speed switch like the 14.4 and 18Volt models. If you need a drill/driver for light duty this will serve your purpose.

The thing I liked about this drill when I first tried it was that it reacts much better to the button than most other drills I've seen. By that I mean, it's gets up to speed faster and stops faster.

If you need a commercial quality drill that you will use much of your day every day, you need to look at heavier duty products. If you are like me and need a drill for home (and a high power screwdriver), this drill, in my opinion can't be beat. I compared it to all the major drills on the market that you could buy at Sears, Home Depot, and Lowes.

This drill broke on me fairly easily. Upon taking it apart, I found that the gear teeth had broken. Probably best for light use projects.

I ordered this from the Net so I didn't get a chance to use it mano a mano. The first thing about the Firestorm is the ergonomics - excellent balance and handling. The downside is the power, or sheer lack of it. This is suitable for light home use and nothing more, and even so it lends itself mainly to masonry, wood and gypsum. Anyone requiring concrete and steel performance could do better with a 14V model or a corded. Price is comparable, although I yearn for the days when I still had my corded Hitachi before it was stolen.

I Have this 12 Volt model and I use it for drywalling and installing Satellite Dishes, where I have to sink 3 inch lag screws. I also have a Dewalt 14.4 Volt which I also use as a standby in case I forget to charge the batteries on my B&D drill. I have found that the B&D can go toe to toe with my Dewalt 14.4 and alot of times lasts longer than the Dewalt for battery life. Plus the batteries don't cost an arm and a leg like they do for a Dewalt 14.4. And can be obtained at most any retailer. I have mostly B&D tools and use then extensively with outstanding results. I have an old B&D 3/8 inch electric drill with the steel housing that my grandfather owned, which I still use to this day. Some of you people that knock down B&D need to realize that sometimes you get faulty equipment, its that way with anything. That is why they have warranties on them. I just have to say, keep up the good work.

In a previous review I was very harsh about the product. No doubt, that was the result of failing batteries and battery charger. Well, the Black & Decker people deserve a balanced observation. When the charger died I contacted them directly. I was no longer able to access the charger from Home Depot. B&D Customer Service wasted no time sending me a replacement charger within 3 days, and at no expense.

My expectations may be higher than others, and my do-it-yourself activities at home are probably more than most homeowners. Maybe I need an 18-volt cordless drill. So when I rate the 12-volt system as average that is based on my needs and experience. I only wish this 12-volter was as good as the customer service.

This was my first venture into cordless drills. I relied on the brand name, anticipating a bang for the buck. I am a big-time home, do-it-yourself type. This drill was a severe disappointment. First the drill would not function after about a month. The batteries were charged and the charger worked, but the drill would not drill. Then about 4 months after that (5 months into the purchase) one of the batteries goes dead. I had to buy another one. I need two batteries for the work I do around the house, and that leads me to another complaint. The batteries do not hold their charge for a good amount of time. Finally, yesterday, the charger stopped charging. I went to my local Home Depot to buy another charger, and there were none. I was told to either check out Lowe's and contact Black & Decker. Today, I go online and the Black & Decker cordless drill page won't open up. HHHMMMMMM! Does their IT reflect the quality of their products?

But why do I give it two stars? When the batteries are fully charged this drill can rock 'n roll for a 12-volt. But that's it.

Now here I am with a need to use this drill for an important home project. I can't find another charger in any store and the company web site won't open up for me to access and buy the replacement charger.

Talk about severe disappointment. So now I guess it's off to Home Depot and buy a Ryobi. Home Depot has one model made specifically for them in the same 12-volt range, but it comes with a two-year, in-house (Home Depot) guarantee.

BD, you people reflect the kinds of things that are wrong with customer service in this country today.

this is a great drill and does everything you could want it todo. It has torque control and a reverse button...