Black & Decker FSMVC 9.6-18Volt Fast Charger

So far this product has performed as advertised. I am extremely satisfied with the drill motors themselves and have purchased other tools utilizing the same 18 volt battery. So far, all 4 of the chargers that have come with these tools has failed and failed quickly. That is why I offer the caveat 'so far' (1 month of use)

B&D Fast Chargers are great. But to avoid disappointment as expressed by some of the reviewers, it's important to note the following:

B&D 18v batteries come in (at least) 3 varieties: 1.2, 1.5, and 2.1 ampere/hours. The 1.2 comes with most tools and has 2 terminals. The 1.5 (comes with some kits) and 2.1 "Silver Extreme" (sold as a "high performance" accessory) have 3 terminals - the third terminal apparently detects over charging.

B&D chargers also come in (at least) 3 varieties:
1) "Dumb" chargers that supply a constant charge current/voltage, i.e., like the charger that comes with most B&D products that has the brick that plugs in the wall and a small piece that slips onto the battery; these have 2 terminals.
2) "Semi-intelligent" 2 stage chargers that supply a constant charge current/voltage for charging, but then drop to a "maintenance charge state". These also have 2 terminals.
3) "Intelligent" fast chargers that charge at a faster rate, can sense overcharging and modify charge current accordingly, and then drop to a "maintenance charge state" once the battery is charged. These chargers have 3 terminals.

The (dumb) charger that comes with most B&D products that has the brick that plugs in the wall and a small piece that slips onto the battery does charge ALL the 18v batteries in about 6 hours - BUT - the manual warns not to leave the battery on the charger or battery life will be diminished (no "maintenance charge state", just constant contiuous current).

Semi-intelligent chargers charge at twice the rate as the "dumb chargers", thereby charging ALL 18v batteries in about 3 hours. These are chargers that come with the 3 piece garden set, dual chargers that come with some combo kits, etc. You can leave the batteries on these chargers "indefinitly" according to B&D.

The "intelligent" fast chargers (single & dual) will charge the 2 terminal 1.2 A/H battery in about 3 hours (same as the semi-intelligent chargers) BUT will charge the 1.5 & 2.1 ampere/hour batteries (with 3 terminals) in about 90 minutes. And, you can also leave the batteries on the fast chargers "indefinitly" according to B&D.

Hope this helps
Rod

It got to my house quick and works well. It is a lot better than the one that came in the box. Fast charging. I use 3 batteries for my weed whacker and this can keep up.

This charger is so much better than the original one that came with the drill.

The charger is easier to use than earlier units produced and is much faster. It plugs into a standard outlet without a large unit blocking use of other outlets.