Black & Decker 3.6V SmartSelect SmartDriver (LI4000)

The SmartSelect family of cordless power tools is designed for the consumer market - home hobbyists and DIYers. People involved in arts and crafts, looking for low-priced power tools that are relatively uncomplicated to use, may also be interested in the SmartSelect line.

The SmartSelect feature on the SmartDriver LI4000 consists of a decal that sits above a 6-position clutch; you turn the clutch to the image on the decal that best approximates the size (length) of screw you will be using. For a cordless screwdriver this is about as uncomplicated as it gets.

A second feature that makes this unit so user-friendly is the extensible magnetic screw holder. The screw holder extends out about 2-1/4", enabling you to easily hold screws of just about any length. The magnet is strong, and easily holds screws in place. There is a work light positioned above the chuck, which shines a bright blue light about the size of a toonie on the work surface. The large power trigger is a nice feature, and a small window on the top of the Li4000 displays the rotating direction. As with all small cordless power drivers the Li4000 has a 1/4" hex chuck. It comes with a selection of drive bits (but no Robertson bits).

Dial and drill

Extendible magnetic screw holder

The LI4000 uses a 3.6V lithium-ion battery that generates 70 in-lbs of torque and has a single speed of 180 RPM. You won't be able to drill holes very large holes with this drill (it comes with a 1/16" drill bit) or set long screws. But it should be sufficient for most basic household tasks. I was able to drill 1/4" holes 1" deep in softwood without much problem; the low speed level precludes drilling anything much larger or deeper.

Directional display window

Work light

The LI4000 did a pretty decent job at setting small screws; I sunk and withdrew 72 1" screws in softwood on a single charge. Recharging the screwdriver took about three hours. Slots on one side of the charger enable you to mount the LI4000 on a wall for convenience.

The use of a lithium-ion battery means that the LI4000 will hold its charge up to about 18 months, depending on the amount of use it gets. If you store the screwdriver on the charger, don't leave the charger permanently plugged in; it will significantly reduce battery life.

There is no shaft lock on the Li4000, so if you can't use it as a conventional screwdriver when you need to apply a bit more torque - a useful feature when trying to set long screws. Even with 70 in-lbs of torque you're limited to fairly short screws;  pre-drilling holes makes it much easier to set the screws.

Nonetheless, the LI4000 is a decent power screwdriver. At just under a pound, it's nice and light, comfortable to use, has a convenient work light for seeing better in confined spaces, that lovely extendible screw holder (great when you can't use both hands to set a screw), and a 2 year warranty.  

Reviewed January 2010