Black and Decker screwdrivers are pretty simple tools. After all, just how complicated can a screwdriver be? But, despite their simplicity, they still have issues like all other tools do.
Quite a lot of those had to do with the tool’s bit. If that sounds like what you’re struggling with or just want troubleshooting tips for common Black and Decker screwdriver problems, keep reading!
Troubleshooting 4 Common Black and Decker Screwdriver Problems
- Black and Decker Screwdriver Not Turning On
No tool can function if it can’t even turn on. If your Black and Decker screwdriver has no power, I recommend changing the batteries to see if that does the trick.
Weak or dead batteries obviously can’t power the device. That’s why it might not be turning on. It’s the most common cause for this, as there isn’t much else to blame inside a tool so simple.
That’s why I want you to replace the batteries with new ones to see if that resolves it. I put some in my Black and Decker screwdriver recently too, which you can see in the photo down there.
New batteries will get the tool to turn on again, and you should be able to use it without any further problems. But, if that doesn’t do the trick, there’s likely internal damage.
This kind of thing is rare, especially if your Black and Decker screwdriver is new. I’d recommend claiming the warranty if it’s new or getting a replacement because it might just be dead.
- Screwdriver Bit Not Fitting The Screwdriver
Screwdriver bits not fitting the screwdriver’s chuck is another common complaint, especially among newer users. Without the bit fitting inside the tool, it won’t work properly.
The major reason for this happening is a user error, like using bits that aren’t suitable. This means that you might be trying to use a bit that’s too large or the wrong shape for your screwdriver.
If you’re absolutely sure you’re using the right size and type of screwdriver bit for your Black and Decker screwdriver, maybe it’s the bit that’s damaged.
They lose their shape with regular use or rough storage. After that, they don’t fit well on the tool anymore. Either way, try a new bit that suits the screwdriver, and it should work perfectly.
If even that doesn’t work, there is one other possibility, which is a whole other common issue of its own…
- Dirty Bit Sockets
Dirty bit sockets are incredibly common when it comes to tools like these. It can stop the movement of the bit, preventing proper use, or even stop the bit from fitting entirely.
When you regularly use the Black and Decker screwdriver, there’s sure to be some dirt that burrows its way inside. This can collect so much that it starts causing issues for the screwdriver bit.
So, if the tool’s bit isn’t fitting or moving properly regardless of what you try, forcefully remove the bit. With that off, take a look inside the socket, as I’m doing in the image below.
If you find lots of dirt and debris inside, use something to clean it all up. Something like a cotton swab is great for reaching into tight little spaces like that and removing gunk.
Once it’s all clean inside, the socket should perfectly house your screwdriver bits and allow them to move freely. Test it out to see if that resolved the issue with the screwdriver bit.
If it didn’t, the socket itself may have some damage. There may be denting or bending on the inside that’s preventing it from housing the screwdriver bit correctly, leading to all this.
Users will have to replace the socket to fix that, or maybe get repairs if the damage is minimal. Either way, the tool won’t work right until you deal with this.
- Not Properly Driving Screws
I saw some people complain about the torque on their Black and Decker screwdriver being super low, regardless of whatever setting they were using.
This was leading to the tool failing to drive any screws. Is something like that happening to you as well, and you’re sure you’re using the right torque setting?
In case your answer is yes, I think the motor may be to blame. It’s the component inside these tools that generates different levels of force to match the torque setting users require.
The motor, which you can see highlighted in the image above, can burn out or go bad after lots of use. This leads to it becoming weaker, and not generating the necessary force.
If your Black and Decker screwdriver can’t effectively drive screws even though it’s new, I recommend returning it. But, if it’s old, you may just need a replacement.
I have a short video which shows the process about how I found out that it was the motor on my Black and Decker screwdriver which is problematic. You can watch it below.
My Black and Decker screwdriver was not working and it would spin when I switch it to auto mode.
First, I checked the battery. I used a multimeter to measure the output voltage but it shows a normal reading.
Then, I checked if the battery contact point is tight. It looks normal, but I still tried to use sand paper to remove any rusting on the battery contact surface just to be sure.
I decided to remove the screwdriver cover to take out the screwdriver motor.
I tried to directly connect the motor to the battery, it is still not working. Hence, I can confirm that the motor is faulty.
Some might get the motor repaired or replaced. If the tool is quite old, I suggest buying a new one instead. It’ll save lots of money in the long run, and you won’t have any other issues for a while.
