Customer Reviews

Black & Decker VP7240 Double Action DustBuster Cordless Vac (VersaPak)

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

 

 

This DustBuster, like all other I have had (and I've had many) takes one step forward and one step back. It's better balanced, and since the unit has a 7.2 VDC motor, it screams. But be advised that the Ni/CD (nickel cadmium) batteries it comes with will rapidly develop memory effect unless fully discharged on a regular basis. To keep this from happening, I strongly recommend that you purchase the "Gold" series NiMH (nickel metal hydride) VersaPak batteries that you can get from B&D at their corporate 800 parts number), or from B&D stores. NiMH has no memory effect, and you can wistfully run down the battery just a little or a lot without ever encountering this dreaded effect. Believe me, these batteries are worth the money, for this DustBuster or any other that enmploys the VersaPak system.

This is a good powerful vacuum, but the VersaPak Interchangeable Batteries have a short lifespan. I have to rush to clean up my car because I only have about five to ten minutes before the batteries run out. After they run out, I have to wait another six hours for them to fully recharge. In other words, I have to charge the batteries for six hours for every ten minutes of use! The batteries also have a memory effect, which means that they would eventually supply enough power for only five minutes max (down from ten minutes max), unless they are fully discharged before recharging, and should be done often. I plan to purchase the gold VersaPak batteries because I heard that they last a lot longer and have no memory.

This cordless vacuum with the VersaPak system is always ready with maximum power. Old cordless vacs would lose their "punch" over time, holding a charge for less time with each use. Keeping an extra 2 VersaPak cells in their own charging stand and the DustBuster in it's charging stand means two things: (1) The vac is ready for any sizeable job, and (2) Two more cells in reserve will allow you to finish ANY job you'd ever tackle with a DustBuster with power to spare. Also, this unit seems to have more power than I'd ever expected from any handheld cordless vac.

I/ve fixed our problem with the DustBuster not holding a charge and not re-charging as follows: 1) Push release button and remove motor housing from vacuum 2) Gently remove the motor housing cover plate with a small flat bladed screwdriver 3) Remove four screws (two on outside and two on inside) with a long, small bladed phillips screwdriver (note how on/off switch and release button fits before separating housing 4) Turn switch on and let rotor run completely down...rotor will stop 5) Clean all copper with a Q tip and rubbing alcohol (move the switch back and forth to clean under it) Alclhol will self dry 6) Using a regular finger nail file, gently file contact points on motor and then on charging unit (you'll have to depress and hold charging unit contacts with your small screwdriver to make good contact)7) re-assemble the unit and charge overnight. You'll be amazed!!! After doing this, don't store the vac in the charger full time (it decreases battery power just like on any rechargeable appliance; and, let the battery completely run down about once a month then put it in the charger overnight. GGOD LUCK!

The Versapak never worked on our Dustbuster, the batteries would never charge right, so I had to use my husband's cordless screwdriver battery charger once a week to get the batteries up and running again. I should have returned it right away, but didn't.

My family has used Dusbuster for years and have found all their other products to be excellent. However, the incorporation of the Versapak did nothing for that reputation. Spend less and use the 7.2 V model V7210.

I've purchased and returned 2 of these vac's in 6 months. If it weren't for the great suction and rechargeability (of the one that didn't have charger problem), limited selection in the stores, and good attachment set, I wouldn't even consider this product again. So on the first unit, the charger system failed; on the second unit, the wall mount system failed. What would you do?

I have one of these dustbusters and use it all the time on my stairs and in my car. It works great and is very easy to empty. The attachments make it great for upholtsty and hard to reach spots.

This version of the Dustbuster is decent but still can't hold up to the older models. Bigger in size (more dirt space) and incorporated VersaPak interchangeable system makes this unit impressive on paper, but pale in comparison to models made before 1993. For some reason every model made after 93 have either looked very alike one another with different model numbers or had problems holding a decent charge. This is not a knock on Black & Decker, just a fair notice not to expect too much from this product.

This cordless vac is a great addition to your vehicle, especially on vacations! I know how messy my car can become, even on a short trip, and this vac is just the solution to the problem. No need for a cord, and if you have an adapter, you can recharge the batteries from the cigarette lighter. And it's small enough to fit under the seat in most vans, pickups, and some cars.

Home Depot price: 39.97
Shipping: 4.91
Total: 44.88

You might be able to get free shipping, I didn't look into it...