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NiMH needs "special care" which ARE in the instrucions (yes. Then cut 2x4s to see how strong the cutting power is (no problem when held solid to wood) & when the battery would get noticeably weaker. If I run into a problem I'll let you know.One day Update: Cut nails easily in tight spaces. to get it started working well & long term. The protective box is rather big making access/angle of some cuts more difficult, but still do-able.
Too bad B&D didn't use an Eneloop battery pack. That's already more & thicker wood than I expected out of this small unit anyway, especially on the first, warm up, charge.I let it cool & plugged it into the charger again. So it's not a Grab-'n-Go type of tool battery set up. With the short throw & small size I bought this to get nails that are in spaces too tight to reach with a sawsall.With the battery recommendation to NOT keep it on the charger (you'll ruin it)., and that it will achieve full battery power after several uses, it sounds like this is a NiMH battery, not the usual NiCad or Lit folks are used to for a power tool. But they are weird if you aren't used to them.I charged 9 hrs before using. After six 2x4s, with a bit of rest to cool down after each pair, I noticed a very slight decrease in power. If I can I'll run it down & charge the day before I really need a lot of cutting, that's the best system I can think of. But I'm too lazy to fully fully run it down test anymore, and don't have a lot of jobs for it, just a few hard to reach nails I want to get rid of.The other thing about NiMH is that it self-discharges so it will need to be used a bit & charged perhaps every couple of months to keep the battery fresh, could be a hassle.
they are). It may have just been me getting tired. The battery is very strong as expected. I'll expect that it will only get stronger over the next uses.
Because of the fast strokes, the mess is minimal -- I usually hold a box lid under the cutting area to catch the dust. I am an engineer and like to be my own handyman at home. My dad gave one of these saws to me for Christmas 2007. I am critical on product designs. I can cut holes for electrical outlets or ceiling light fixtures in less than 30 seconds. The blade changing mechanism is the easiest I have ever seen. It bounces like crazy on vinyl siding -- a finer blade might be the answer.
I agree it will not cut hardwoods or 2x4s, but it is great for trimming drywall and trim molding. While I love this saw for drywall and trim molding, it is lousy when used for cutting vinyl siding, 2x4s and 1" or greater thinkness hardwoods. I am amazed the spring-loaded blade holder holds the blade so well and eliminates need for screwdrivers and wrenches to change the blade. There is not enough power in the stroke to handle 2x4s and moderate thinkness hardwoods.
This hand saw was great to use. I have always felt like we do not need one. It charges very quickly and cuts a long time. The cut is a clean cut if you hold it correctly and close to what you are cutting. We do not own a circular saw. We used it to orgainaze my outside storage room, cutting peg boards and 1/8 inch plywood to make shelving. I believe that,"having the RIGHT tool makes the job a whole lot easier and faster." The storage room looks GREAT. It will not cut any thing over 1 inch thick.
I'm a "little old lady" who only uses power tools for minor jobs. I have a B&D variable speed drill which I use with no problem. I found it impossible to cut a round dowel because there is only one speed (fast).It would have been possible if you could have "set" the cut at a slow speed.
Wear safty glasses. Lacks power when used on hard woods. Hard to see cutting line. Cutting material needs to be on solid surface. Works OK for small cuts. Broke a few blades. All depends upon your needs. Blade change really quick and EZ.
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