A while back we mentioned the Gecko Grip level from Black and Decker. Though it’s a bit gimmicky I recently ran across one that had been gifted to a friend, and I got to see him put it through its paces.  I found, to my surprise, that it does work as advertised.

The usual argument against the Gecko goes something like, “Who uses a level to hang a picture?” After seeing the Gecko in action I understand that it’s not the level that makes this a useful real-world setup — it’s the adjustable targets on a straightedge that happens to have a level on it.

I watched a 12-year-old align the level’s targets with the wall mount on the back of a picture, then take the Gecko over to the wall, hold it up and check that the bubble level was reasonably straight, and mark the surface with a pen. After mounting the hardware, they hung the picture, shifted it a bit here and there to correct for the room’s “alignment” — and they were done.

The whole thing took about a minute, and no one touched a tape measure or fussed over crookedness. The father also explained that it doubled as a household level and worked pretty well for it, too. He followed up with the remark that it was one of the better Christmas tools he’d ever received.

The lesson here: Not everything gimmicky has to be junk. In this case, the Gecko performs actual household tasks — and it not only performs its original purpose, but also substitutes for other more-expensive, no-gimmick tools that are taken more seriously.

What do you think?  Once a gimmick, always trash?  Or can some of these Christmas grabbers make life better, even in some small way, around the homestead? Let us know in comments.

Street pricing starts at $15.

Gecko Grip Level [Black & Decker]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon [What’s This?] [What's This?]

Regardless of whether you give a damn about this product or what it does (or doesn’t) actually do, you’ve gotta love Black & Decker’s ballsy name for it: the ScumBuster. As far as I can tell, it’s some kind of battery-powered super-scrubber that spins various attachments to make cleaning the bathroom easier. Black & Decker claims a 25-30 minute runtime, and the box is chock-full of various extensions and attachments for scrubbing and rinsing.

But forget all that. It’s the ScumBuster, man. The ScumBuster.

ScumBuster Xtreme [Black & Decker]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Depending on where you live, porch-swing weather may be upon you or closing in. If you don’t already have a porch swing, or if the old one needs to be retired, take a gander at the plans on Black & Decker’s site. Though it’s nothing fancy, it’ll satisfy the basic requirements: space for a butt or two, and something to hang the swing by.

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Here’s a familiar scenario: you want to install a shelf, or a flat-screen TV mount, or something else with those little slots or hooks for wall mounting. You measure the distance between the slots and put some screws in the wall with that same distance between them. But when you go to mount it on the wall, the two screws don’t line up, and even if they do they aren’t level. Black & Decker’s 3′ Accu Mark Gecko Grip level ends this common frustration — and keeps you from scarring up your walls with unneeded holes.

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If you’ve ever had to ask for an extra hand while using a tape measure, check out this deal: Black & Decker’s AutoTape for $10 — marked down from $20 — with FREE shipping from homedepot.com. The offer’s good though April 30.

Black & Decker AutoTape [Home Depot]

Besides its relatively recent recall, Black & Decker’s old CMM1000 lawn mower was a pretty good buy, and a pretty durable piece of gear. What you see above is its successor, the CMM1200. A quick glance shows a few updates, including a simpler height adjustment system. And it continues to offer some of the older mower’s benefits, like a folding push arm — it’ll fit in most car trunks when folded — and a comfy and handy start lever.

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Black & Decker issued a recall on its CMM1000 24V cordless electric lawn mower about two years ago — not a recent recall, but it’s still in effect. Last summer, I found one of these mowers on the side of the road with a sign on it that said ‘Free’. After taking it home, I couldn’t get it to work and figured that’s why it was on the side of the road. While searching for a user’s manual on B&D’s website, I came across this recall. I called up Black & Decker, and sure enough, my model was covered.

The recall involves mowers labeled TYPE 1 through TYPE 4. If you have a TYPE 5 mower you’re already in the clear. According to Black & Decker, “an electrical component can overheat, damaging the lawnmower, and it poses a possibility of a fire hazard. If your mower is included, STOP USING IT IMMEDIATELY and call 1-866-229-5570.” You can call them anytime between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, to arrange for a free repair.

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Which would you rather have: a close-quarter ratchet, or a right-angle drill attachment? Well, thanks to Black & Decker, you never have to make that hard choice. They’ve created the Tri-Ratchet to end this age-old problem you didn’t know you had.

One of the few unpowered hand tools Black & Decker offers, the Tri-Ratchet is a 3/8^“ ratchet with a very big handle. Though you can use it like a plain ratchet, the Tri-Ratchet becomes unique when you can’t swing the handle. In that situation, you can twist the big handle like a screwdriver to drive the ratchet on the end, so you don’t have to swing on the ratchet to keep turning.

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Black and Decker’s VPX tools and accessories are hitting the clearance bins at many home improvement stores less than four months after the products’ initial release. It seems that some stores simply removed their VPX stock from display, but others, such as the Home Depot shown above, are offering their leftovers at a sweet discount.

While we wouldn’t recommend these tools for heavy-duty work even at clearance prices, they’re decent homeowner-grade products that you may want to keep an eye out for, next time you’re at the store. Although I’ve heard rumors that the VPX system has been discontinued, several online stores and discount retailers are still offering a variety of VPX tools and add-ons at full price.

Many thanks go to MrsMcDreamy at Slickdeals.net for sharing the above photo recently taken at Home Depot.

VPX Tool System [Black and Decker]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
VPX Starter Set Via Amazon [What's This?]

Think of the PSS100B as the Run DMC of Black & Decker’s “Power To Go” line, wrapping a big-ass SLA battery, a 120V inverter, LED lights, and an AM/FM digital radio all up in a package that Funkmaster Flex would’ve happily carried ’round. And don’t forget the MP3 player compartment — complete with an audio tap and a USB power source for charging.

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Though as Toolmongers we probably see more orange Black & Decker gear than their appliances, here’s one that’s made for the kitchen — but kick-ass for the shop: the Slice Right electric knife. It’ll carve the toughest turkey, but you’ll wish you had one the first time you try cutting any foam.

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While we have yet to test any of the products in Black & Decker’s still-new VPX line, we’re truly impressed by their choice of applications — like this single-VPX-battery-powered inflator. It looks way more practical than lugging around a 12V cigarette-lighter-driven box — especially if you’re just planning to inflate soccer balls or bike tires.

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Sometimes a Mini-Maglite provides all the light you need, but when you‘re itching for a little more oomph, try the 20 million candlepower Vector VEC192. With the power of the Vector’s badass double halogen bulb in your hands, you’ll probably be tempted to set up your own SETI program or communicate with airline pilots.

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If you’re in the market for a chainsaw this season — they’re great for chopping up the Christmas tree in January so the local trash guys’ll pick it up — you might want to check out Amazon’s current $80 deal on this Black & Decker cordless — with free shipping.

This light-weight (just 6.2 pounds) saw is powered by an 18V NiCd battery which will net you around 150 1-1/2″ diameter cuts per charge. It also features an eight-inch cutting bar, which yields a seven-inch cutting diameter, plus hassle-free on-board blade oiling, a wrap-around handle for multiple gripping positions, and a lock-off switch to prevent accidental start-ups.

You also get a blade cover and a two-year warranty.

Via Amazon [What's this?]
CCS818 Cordless Chainsaw [Black & Decker]
Street Pricing [Google Products]

Cheap-ass Dealmongers, start your engines! Our friend Mike from ReadyMade sent in this “Bargin of the Month” promotion from True Value Hardware. If you’re willing to suffer through a mail-in rebate — and they don’t run out of stock — you can snag the following tools for free:

• a 25-foot Stanley LeverLock Tape measure ($5)
• an Irwin ProTouch retractable Utility knife ($7)
• and a 77-piece Black & Decker drill and screwdriver accessory set ($3)

These promotions are available in-store only so the cost to you is your time and a stamp — and some serious patience.

Bargin of the Month [True Value]
25-Foot LeverLock Tape Measure [Stanley]
ProTouch Utility Knife [Irwin]
77-Piece Drill and Screwdriver Accessory set [Black & Decker]

Just like a Transformer, the BDSL30  level is “more than meets the eye.” Black and Decker’s new 24″ 3-in-1 “Gecko Grip” level crams power and speed into a compact little offering. The fun part: it’s basically a normal 24” level with a torpedo level that slides into one end.

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Add this one to your holiday list: Amazon is selling this Black & Decker 6-Volt impact screwdriver for $30 — with free shipping.  The impact driver provides 315-inch/pounds of torque and turns at 2100 RPM powered by a 6-volt NiMH battery. It features a quick-connect chuck and comes with eleven accesories and a wall-mountable charging station.

Via Amazon [What's this?]