Black & Decker VP650 VersaPak 7.2-Volt Cordless Multi-Purpose Saw

by Black & Decker

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The 7.2-volt VersaPak cordless multi-purpose saw from Black & Decker is ideal for straight or scroll cuts in 1-inch dimensional materials. It cuts tree branches, PVC, plywood, up to 2-inch dimensional materials, and more. Plus, the compact design makes it easy to cut in tight areas. Your purchase includes two Versa-Pak batteries, charger, and a jig saw blade. 2,700 rpm. 5/8-inch stroke.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 3.1 x 14.9 inches ; 3.6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B0000302VG
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: VP650
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #344,030 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Little projects, June 5, 2000

By 

Brad Felber - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker VP650 VersaPak 7.2-Volt Cordless Multi-Purpose Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is not a replacement for a real saw, and I don't think it was made to be. It cuts short and thin peices of wood 2X4's, but is no match for a longer piece of wood. And about cutting tree branches, it's a recroprating blade, so the branch ends up moving with the blade and not cutting. I actually do use it quite frequently, but still lug out my curcular saw if I'm making more than 2 cuts in something.

This is handy to have for a quick cut.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Disposable but comes with batteries, December 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Black & Decker VP650 VersaPak 7.2-Volt Cordless Multi-Purpose Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I actually use this thing ALL the time. It's super light-weight and handy for all sorts of SMALL projects. So why only 2 stars?

First, the manufacturer claims that you can scroll cut 1-inch and cut up to 2-inch wood. They have got to be kidding. About the most I would recommend would be 3/8" wood. 1/8" to 1/4" is more its comfort zone. The batteries wouldn't even last through cutting a single 2-by-4 (which is only 1-1/2" on a side) assuming you had the patience. Yes, I have a big recip saw.

Cutting anything large you will run into its first serious flaw. If you break a blade off, most likely, you cannot remove the broken-off part. Trust me, I took the entire thing apart, cut, pounded, and filed before I realized this. Thus, my first one went in the trash after about 3 uses. Lesson: You have to be especially sensitive to blade dimensions. For example, the DeWalt blades (ironically = Black and Decker) are a few thousandth's thicker and won't ever come out if you break them off. This leaves you with trying to find blades on the small side.

Starting with my second one of these tools, I have been especially careful about blades, but I have not found a good manufacturer of undersized shank blades. As a result, I go through blades like crazy.

The next major flaw with this tool is that the gearbox is a simple worm gear with a peg in it. Sawdust and especially drywall dust will mix in with the grease in the gear and jam it up. Then it's take-apart time, again.

Another weakness is that the safety is much more difficult to press than the trigger. It's also in an awkward position which causes a lot of fatigue and sore hands. I remove the trigger on mine which is significantly more dangerous, but significantly less difficult to use.

Finally, like all the VersaPak tools, the batteries do have memory and only last a few years.

As a result, after using several of these for several years, I give it 2 stars. It is an incredibly handy tool, but unfortunately, no one makes a quality "micro-SawZall" which is what this really is. The saving point for this otherwise poor product is that it comes with 2 batteries which are worth about twenty bucks, so the real cost of this tool is also about twenty bucks which is a little more consistent with its durability.

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars love it, May 11, 2000

By 

"doug_llewelyn" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker VP650 VersaPak 7.2-Volt Cordless Multi-Purpose Saw (Tools & Home Improvement)

I absolutely love this tool. It is perfect for cutting up branches that fall in the yard or for trimming branches off of trees. I enjoy the versatility that the cordless feature offers. Like any cordless product, battery life is limited and if you work for extended periods buy a corded version or just a hand-powered saw. But this is a great tool for short, small projects. At times, keeping the trigger safety depressed while manipulating the trigger can be awkward, but is not too troublesome.