Screwdrivers and other tools in the Black & Decker home power-tool range use the 3.6-volt VersaPak battery produced by Black & Decker. The battery comes in two forms, each with slightly different specifications.
Which VersaPak Battery?
The VersaPak battery is available in two versions; silver and gold. The silver batteries have a nominal 3.6 volts and a 1.2 amp-hour rating. The gold batteries are slightly more powerful, delivering 3.6 volts with a 2.0 amp-hour rating. The gold battery, in average use, runs for over one-and-a-half times as long as the silver version.
Charging the Silver VersaPak
The standard VersaPak battery, the silver form, employs nickel cadmium chemistry. Using the Black & Decker VP130 or VP131 battery chargers, this battery requires an initial charge of six hours. Recharging varies between three and six hours. Using the larger VP160 battery charger, the recharge time is one hour per battery.
Charging the Gold VersaPak
The gold battery is the high-power version of the VersaPak. Using the VP130 and VP131 battery chargers, the initial charge should take nine hours. Subsequent recharges will require between six and nine hours. Using the VP160 charger, the gold battery requires one-and-a-half hours to recharge.
About the Author
David Robinson has written professionally since 2000. He is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and the Royal Meteorological Society. He has written for the "Telegraph" and "Guardian" newspapers in the U.K., government publications, websites, magazines and school textbooks. He holds an honors Bachelor of Arts in geography and education and a teaching certificate from Durham University, England.