I am having difficulty finding Black & Decker's Email address. Where is it located on your web site?
You can email Black and Decker's on line customer service team by clicking on the "How to contact us" tab (see the top of this page, under the "Customer Service" tab). This will allow you to author an email and send it directly to Black & Decker's on line service team. You will then receive an automated response proposing some suggestions for Answers to your query, and be issued a unique incident number that can help you track your email.
Where can I find contact details of my nearest repair agent?
You can find details of your nearest repair agent by clicking on the "Agent Locator" tab (see the top of this page, under the 'Home' tab). You can search by postcode, town or city.
How do I obtain parts which were missing from product I recently purchased?
Please contact the on line customer service team by clicking on the "How to contact us" tab (see the top of this page, under the "Home" tab). They will then inform you of the local procedure for replenishing missing parts.
I've lost my instruction manual, can you supply me with a new one?
You can download available instruction manuals by clicking on the "Instruction Manuals" tab (see the top of this page, under the "Home" tab). Please note that if you can't find an instruction manual using this link then it is not available. Instruction manuals are not supplied in hard copy.
What is the average length of brush life?
On average brushes last approximately 150 hours. This can vary depending on the useage of the tool. For example brushes will wear faster if blunt drill bits or blades are used regularly. If too much weight or pressure is applied to the tool to make it work better, this will add to faster wear on brushes. If the tool is used when the motor is very warm (e.g. after a strenuous job), this will also contribute to faster brush wear.
Are the rechargeable cells in my battery replaceable once they reach the end of their life?
On many products the cells are in a self-contained plug-in pack for your convenience. Some products with on board cells can still have their cells replaced, please contact your local repair agent for details. You can find your nearest repair agent by clicking on the "Agent Locator" tab (see the top of this page, under the 'Home' tab).
What is memory effect on a battery and how can I prevent it?
In the early days of nickel cadmium cells, it was noticed that the cells discharged a little charge each day and then when recharged would eventually 'remember' this amount and would never deliver more than this amount of use. Current manufacturing techniques have all but eliminated this effect. We recommend that you charge and recharge your product as described in the instruction manual, to gain the maximum benefit and life from your battery.
Where can I get a drawing and parts list for my tool?
Information on spare parts and related diagrams are available on this site by clicking on the "Spare Parts & Technical Information" icon.
How can I remove the chuck from my drill?
Firstly check to see if the chuck is secured with a screw. If it is then the screw will have a left-hand thread and must be turned clockwise to undo it. Once the screw has been removed place a suitable Allen Key in the chuck and tighten the jaws. You should then tap the end of the Allen Key to ease the chuck off (the chuck has a conventional thread so unscrew it in an anti-clockwise direction).
Can I use a keyed chuck in place of a keyless chuck?
Yes. The replacement chuck must be the same capacity as the original chuck. Motors and transmissions are designed to handle a specific maximum load. Replacing a 3/8" chuck with a 1/2"(13mm) chuck is not recommended. Make sure when you buy your replacement chuck, that you buy a chuck for the spindle size of your drill. Most drills are either 3/8"-24(10mm) or 1/2"-20(13mm).
What does the abbreviation SDS mean?
SDS stands for "Schnell Drilling System". SDS bits are widely used in larger rotary hammer drills. The special slot milled into the bit provides greater holding power when compared to round shank bits in a standard three-jaw chuck. The extra holding power is required when working on heavy-duty masonry drilling operations.
Do you need to lubricate drill bits when drilling?
Lubricating the drill bit and drilling material extends bit life and improves cutting action, accuracy and hole quality. Most materials require some form of lubrication or cutting fluid. See the information below to select the right lubrication for various jobs: Aluminum - Kerosene, Brass - SAE 20, Bronze - SAE 20, Cast Iron - Dry, Copper - SAE 20, Plastics - Dry, Steel - SAE 20, Wood - Dry, Wrought Iron - SAE 20.
Can I drill in masonry without using the hammering action?
Drilling in masonry is possible without using hammering action, by using masonry drill bits to complete the task. However, it is strongly recommended that a drill with hammer action is used for masonry work. This is for two reasons 1). the drilling capacities for masonry drilling are higher on hammer action drills (one of their main functions being to drill into masonry) and 2). the hammer action function also allows you to drill faster, with more accurate holes and generates less wear on the drill overall.
Should I leave the battery in the tool when I have finished with it?
Where possible the re-chargeable battery should be removed from the tool, this is to prevent accidental damage should the product be inadvertently turned on. As with all tools care must be taken to prevent unauthorised use, especially by children.
Can I use blades of various sizes when operating my circular saw?
No. For safe operation and to prevent any possible damage to your tool, circular saws should only be used with the size of blade specified. Undersized blades are hazardous because the guard will not properly cover the teeth of the blade. Larger blades will not provide enough clearance for chip exhausting and can interfere with the guards. Please only use the size of blade specified for your circular saw since alterations may cause the tool to be unsafe and may cause the warranty to be void.
What features and benefits do hammer drills have to offer, over standard drills?
A standard (or "rotary" drill/driver) moves the drill bit in a clockwise motion enabling the drill bit to bore into the material being drilled. A hammer drill has this function but also has a "hammer" feature that moves the drill bit in a forward motion as well. This function makes drilling into masonry a great deal easier, as masonry presents a lot of resistance to the standard rotary drilling method, meaning it will take longer to drill the area required.
Can I shift between high and low gears on my drill whilst the motor is running?
No. Our drills use planetary gears that shouldn't be shifted when the motor is on. You should ONLY shift between the two speed ranges when the drill is not running. If shifting does take place whilst the drill is running, wear will start to occur on the planetary gears and cause the drill to miss shift when changing takes place.
The Answer to my Question is not here, what do I do now?
Please contact the on line customer service team with your Question by clicking on the "How to contact us" tab (see the top of this page, under the "Home" tab).
The string on my trimmer will not feed properly. What can I do to correct it?
Please view the attached document for several causes and possible solutions. If after reviewing this document you continue to have problems with your string trimmer please contact the Black & Decker service center in your area for additional assistance. Need to link doc somewhere as full page.
The sanding pads will no longer stick to the bottom of my sander. Why?
If the sanding paper is attached to the sander with Velcro pads, then these have probably become damaged. These can become damaged when holes appear in the paper and you continue sanding. If the paper is secured by clips the springs are probably faulty and will need replacing. You can find your nearest repair agent by clicking on the "Agent Locator" tab (see the top of this page, under the 'Home' tab).
Can my Hedge Trimmer blade be sharpened?
Hedge Trimmer blades are specially hardened and can not be sharpened.
If I accidentally suck up small pebbles or pine cones will this damage my Leaf Buster?
The Leaf Buster is designed to pick up leaves. However small pebbles and pine cone pieces will pass harmlessly through the shredder without damaging it.
What type of oil do I use in my Chainsaw?
We recommend that you use only one type of oil during the life of the chainsaw because mixtures of different oils could cause the oil to breakdown and drastically shorten the life of the saw. When new, your chainsaw was supplied with Black & Decker chainsaw oil. To purchase more oil to top up the reservoir, please contact your nearest repair agent. You can find your nearest repair agent by clicking on the "Agent Locator" tab (see the top of this page, under the 'Home' tab).
