Charger specs for cordless screwdriver?

March 29, 2006 10:38 AM

Power-tool help: The people at Black and Decker are behaving like...well...tools...

I have a 3.6V Pivot Driver (model 9078) which I have lost the charger for. I have spent a great deal of time on their website, which then directs me to ServiceNet for looking up the specs on the charger. Why? Because I own several universal AC adapters and should be able to charge it with one of them.

However, the models of chargers specified on the tool label (418337-07 or 5100684-03) are not listed in the documents anywhere. The manual for the 9078 doesn't give the amperage and voltage specs for the charger. Googling those model numbers did not produce any results, either.

Calls to any of the toll-free numbers on the websites result in a recording which says, "None of our agents are available, please call later."

Does anyone have the same unit? Can you look at your charger and tell me what the output is? Or, answer me this - if I get CLOSE on voltage and amperage, what potential damage am I looking at or will it matter?

posted by TeamBilly to grab bag (7 comments total)

You may have already done this, but did you try going to a retailer that carries B&D stuff, like Home Depot, or a mom and pop hardware store? They might have an easier channel for getting this info and will probably even order it for you. They might even have it in stock.
posted by poppo at 10:48 AM on March 29, 2006

No, I haven't done that yet. Wanted to avoid a trip to the store, and didn't want to buy anything. I figured the spec had to be out there somewhere. But I may end up doing it.
posted by TeamBilly at 10:55 AM on March 29, 2006

If you want a DIY solution and are comfortable working with electronics, the label on the battery probably has all the information you need: cell chemistry (e.g., NiCad), voltage, and capacity (in milliamps). However, the recommended method (at least for NiCad and NiMH) involves limiting current, which would involve parts beyond an AC adaptor unless you have one that will limit to a low current.
This site looks like a good place to get started.
posted by exogenous at 11:42 AM on March 29, 2006

Hi TeamBilly,

I had some issues with a Black and Decker product last year, and I cursed loudly at their unhelpful website and the useless 800 numbers.

I relied on non-Internet skills and found a Black and Decker service center in the phone book. They only sell and service B&D products.

The folks were friendly and helpful, and the entire visit probably took less time than I had spent hunting around on the Internet. (I really hate when real life is more efficient than a computer.)

Based on your profile, we live in the same neck of the woods. You shouldn't have any trouble finding a service center in DFW. Try giving them a call or stop by.

Good luck!
posted by mattybonez at 1:19 PM on March 29, 2006

TeamBilly-

Similar problem with a cordless drill that I'd formed quite an emotional bond with over the years.

I could wax for hours about the problem, but the solution was quick and (after a while) painless. I bought a new one. (drill, that is) After FINALLY finding a new charger, the cost of it was DARN close to the cost of a new drill. Costs had come down enough to where I even bought a NICE new Ryobi combo kit that came with an EXTRA battery that I use all the time.
posted by bigbrotherbalrog at 2:25 PM on March 29, 2006

I just went through this last week, with the exact same tool. I had better luck with the service department than you have had so far, though -- in my case they did pick up the phone, and sent me a replacement for about $8.

The replacement charger is marked:

SD36C 5102293-10
Class 2 Power Supply
Input: 120VAC ~60Hz, 20mA
Output: 5.5VAC ~, 130mA

This model number is listed here at the price $5.87, so that might be an alternative way to get your hands on one.
posted by em at 4:03 PM on March 29, 2006

I have the exact same cordless screwdriver and misplaced the charger after I moved. I was going to AskMeFi about it, but I searched first and found this thread.

Then I went to the junk drawer and immediately found the charger, which had apparently been lurking there for nearly two years despite several searches for it.

Thanks, Ask MetaFilter, for helping me find that damn thing!
posted by kindall at 8:03 PM on May 21, 2006