BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 Review

product image of BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 40V Lithium Ion Sweeper/Vac Baretool

Our rating: 4 stars Good  

Customer rating: 1600+ reviews

Price: $112.84*        Buy from amazon.com

* including battery and charger

The BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 is cordless sweeper and vacuum, designed for lighter tasks mostly on hard surfaces. Easy to use, with solid battery run time and speed adjustment dial, only the power is just too low.

Pros:
  • Easy to use, not loud
  • Speed control
  • Battery run & recharge time
Cons:
  • low power
  • air intake on left side
Key specifications:
  • Air speed: 120 mph (adjustable)
  • Air volume: 90 CFM
  • Battery time (according to users): 15-30 minutes
  • (more specifications)

Black & Decker 36V Lithium Sweeper/Vacuum – Review

Note: This video shows it with the older 36V battery – but there’s no big difference between those two.

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Easy to Use – No Cord, Noise or Mixing Fuel

getting rid of leaves around garden furnitureThe Black+Decker LSWV36 is very similar to the popular cordless sweepers meant for light, cleanup jobs on hard surfaces like walkways or garage floors – only with an added vacuum-mulcher option. So what do users say about it?

It’s quite compact and lightweight, easy to carry and use with just one hand. The handle with a soft grip is comfortable and large enough to be used even with gloves.

And it offers the traditional advantages of battery powered tools – acceptable level of noise, no hassle with an extension cord, no mixing of fuel, maintenance or problems with starting. Also, very little assembly is needed.

Don’t Expect Large Power

While looking at the pictures, many people see the resemblance to electric blower/vacs and expect a similar performance. But make no mistake, the LSWV36 is only a sweeper, designed for smaller jobs primarily on hard surfaces like sidewalks, patios, decks, garages or driveways.

And on those it works well, getting rid of leaves, dust, grass clippings and other debris, plus the built-in scraper helps to loosen stickier stuff.

On the other hand, it lacks power for all harder tasks like blowing debris from bushes or dealing with any kind of heavy or damp stuff. Leaves on grass are problematic as well, manageable only if the grass is short and leaves dry.

For hard surfaces

Also, users are not happy with the air intake located on the left side – unless you hold the unit away from your body or with left hand, it can suck your pants occasionally (no big deal but it bothers you).

Vacuum Rather Slow

Similar things can be said about the vacuum and mulcher – they work ok with dry stuff but you have to be patient, sucking the leaves only in small amounts and giving it enough time to grind them up. Otherwise they’ll stick in the tube and power will drop – so do not hurry. Also, it uses only a plastic impeller, not metal.

The conversion between blower and vac is pretty easy, the trash bag could have been bigger but at least it doesn’t get heavy or in the way in narrow places.

Speed Dial – Useful Feature But Wrong Location

The speed dial and charge indicator on battery

The LSWV36 enables you to regulate power as well – which is useful for more delicate tasks.

There is a dial with 6 speed settings, but unfortunately it’s located on the back of the unit where it isn’t as convenient – placing it under the thumb would be better (an on/off switch is located there).

Solid Battery Working Time

The Black+Decker cordless sweeper/vac can be used both with the 40Volt or older 36V batteries and users report a solid working time of about 15-30 minutes, depending on the selected power.

On the back of the battery there is a test button with 4 LEDs indicating the amount of remaining juice and the recharge is pretty quick as well – just over an hour.

Also, the batteries are compatible with other B+D 40V power tools like string trimmer, chainsaw or hedge trimmer.

Conclusion:The BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 is a decent tool, but its use is quite limited. If you need a cordless blower with vacuum function and plan to use it only on light duties (cleaning hard surfaces), then it would be a great choice and we can recommend it to you.

But the power is too low for any harder jobs so if you need a more capable model, take a look at the brushless GreenWorks 24322. Or, if the extension cord is something you can live with, an electric blower/vac would be an even better option – more powerful and cheaper.

>> Read more or buy the BLACK+DECKER LSWV36 here

using the vacuum near a pool      cleaning a garage

Specifications:

  • Vacuum: yes
  • Weight: 5.4 lbs
  • Warranty: 2-year
  • Battery: 40-Volt Lithium-ion
  • Battery time (according to users): 15-30 minutes
  • Battery power indicator: yes

(compare with others)

Frequently asked questions:

How should I treat the battery to ensure maximum lifetime?

Always store the batteries inside your house in reasonable temperatures – never leave them on direct sun or outdoors during winter! It is also advisable to recharge the battery as soon as it is out of power.

Is a charger included?

If you get the version with a battery included, a charger is present as well.

Are there any accessories I should buy?

If you have a large area to clean, consider getting a spare battery as well.

Is it compatible with the older Black+Decker 36V batteries?

Yes, it is.

Is there any maintenance needed?

No, the motor is an enclosed unit so no maintenance is required. Just ensure a proper care to the battery (see above) and clean the machine from debris and dirt.



 

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