Black and Decker Firestorm Tool Kit – the Perfect Power Tool Kit?
Buying any brand of power tools can be a challenge at times. There are no shortage of name brand tools, from DeWalt to Craftsman and so many other brands as well. But this new Black and Decker package really caught my eye, so I took a good look at it. The combo kit includes a circular saw, hammer drill, reciprocating saw and a stud sensor, as well as 2 slide pack batteries and a nice sturdy carrying case to hold everything neatly in place.
One of the first things I took note of was the price for the kit; it was under $200. If you have done much shopping in the tool department at your local Lowes, or Home Depot, then you know this is a good deal.
The cordless drill includes a keyless chuck system which makes changing drill bits a much easier task to say the least. It provides plenty of power, even for those difficult 3 inch screws. The circular saw was easy to use and also provided plenty of power in cutting through 1/2 inch plywood and my studs too.
If you have every used cordless power tools in the past then you know that battery life is always an issue. I can’t tell you how many times I would be in the middle of a big job and the battery would go dead. Frustrating is not the word for it! The Black and Decker Firestorm batteries were pretty impressive to me. They lasted a lot longer than I was expecting. That is a tribute to the advancements in battery technology.
The only drawback I found was that it took quite a while for them to recharge. Letting them charge overnight is your best option, but your best bet is to have an extra backup battery to prevent having to shut down your work for the day.
As for the reciprocating saw, it was great. I was able to easily cut through plywood, metal and heavy pvc tubing. The stud sensor that comes with the combo kit is a nice addition for anyone who has a need to know where all those hidden studs are located.
I would give the Black and Decker Firestorm 18V 4 Tool Combo Kit two thumbs up. For anyone who is looking for a complete power tool kit that is quality made and will last for years to come, you would hard pressed to find a better deal. These kits can be found at any of your large lumber yards or tool stores such as Lowes and Home Depot.