Mar16
Black & Decker SS12C 12-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver
on March 16, 2012 at 10:35 pmPosted In: Drills 12-Volt
Black & Decker SS12C 12-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver
- SmartSelect Clutch; Choose your project icon and the drill automatically adjusts the power and speed for optimal results
- Gear indicator; 2-speeds indicates high or low setting
- High torque motors delivers 130-Inch-pounds
- Metal chuck for durability
- Ergonomic design for improved comfort and control
Black & Decker Smart Select Technology allows the user to select the application and the drill adjusts to optimal power and speed. 12V. 2 speed gear box indicated high or low speed. High torque motor delivers 130 in./lb. of torque. Slide pack battery is easy to remove and install. Keyless metal chuck for quick and easy bit changes and durability. Soft grips for added comfort. Includes drill, 1 battery pack, charger, and double ended screwdriver bit tip. 2 year warranty.
List Price: $ 79.36
Price: $ 33.40
How it Failed…Later,
Pros:
Good Design
Powerful 130 inch Torque
Fast Re-Charge to Finish few more screws
Tight Chuck–Plastic & Metal
Cons:
Battery won’t hold charge long
No battery low indicator
No replacement battery or charger
New batteries are just as expensive as the drill itself.
When I first bought it 3 years ago I was thrilled for the amount of money it was and how it chewed through my projects. BUT then the battery stopped working, either it was charging too long and ruined the battery, or it just does not last I am not sure but it no longer holds a charge very long. I tried using it today for a few small screws and it died right in the middle of my project, which now I know can be blamed on the NiCad Battery tech, which takes much to long to charge and does not hold a charge like Lithium batteries. It also takes all night to charge fully.
The battery drains faster when you are outside in cold weather, as in most NiCad sets, but after 3 years it’s to be expected. If you want the battery to last, just run the drill completely dead, either by using, or leaving it off the charger, then charge it all night. It holds up better and longer. DO NOT leave it charging either, it won’t hold the charge and it seems to deplete the battery rather than charge it. If you know you will need it, I suggest you charge it the night before you plan your project. But if you are like me who does not use it, then needs it right away without it being on a charge, it’s not a good choice. Lithium holds battery charges for those who need it, then won’t need the drill for a long time it’s still charged.
It has more torque than the new lithium models from B&D. Which is surprising, seeing as they might want more power with more volts. My mother has had the 7.2 volt drill for 10 years, and it still is going strong, only had to replace the batteries once.
It does charge quickly, but drains just as fast. The easy design for bits, and strength levels is really helpful but I wish it had a battery meter/light so I would know when to stop charging it, or it was low. Not to mention the batteries are replaceable but 34 dollars! Just as much as if I bought a brand new one of these drills. Since I have had the same battery for 3 years, it’s only expected the battery would not last now, but I got my 40 dollars worth on this drill and then some.
I wish I had invested in a better, higher quality drill for my many needs. It was fun while it lasted, but wasn’t long enough. I had better luck with the 7.2 volt version of B&D, and I use their products often, but with this drill it didn’t have the longevity I was looking for. If you don’t mind buying a new battery for it, for the same amount of money of a new drill then get it, the motor in the drill works just as great as the day I bought it.
If you need a drill for small house projects, like hanging a picture, putting in cabinet hardware, installing a shelf this drill is great and it can work for you. BUT if you need it for farm, building, or construction needs DO NOT use this one, it’s not a heavy use drill.
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|finally the end to trying different cordless screwdrivers,
they just don’t pack the punch of a drill. i can steady one hand underneath this while pressing ‘THE TRIGGER’ with the other. otherwise i never would have been able to install the screws on my door hinges. i know it’s a drill so i probably shouldn’t wish it could be smaller, but i do wish it was smaller. : And a tad lighter. there. i’m done.
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