Black & Decker FHV1200 12-Volt Flex Hand Vac

I thought maybe potential purchasers would like to know that the FHV1200 Flex Vac runs for a little over seven minutes continuously before the motor starts to slow down and lose power. (Never run a NiCd powered product completely dead, some of the battery cells will "reverse" and be permanently damaged.) The time to fully recharge after running the vac this long is about 20 hours (figure a full day to keep it simple). The charger is a small wall adapter type.

I think the power is very good for a rechargeable vacuum (a little more than your average "dustbuster"). As an example, it will easily suck up cat litter, small pebbles, and potting soil, but will have trouble sucking up a glass marbles or pennies.

I don't think mine is too loud. It has that high speed "whine" sound combined with the sound of rushing air, but the combination is somewhat muffled. It definitely doesn't sound weak. It almost sounds like a corded vac.

The FHV1200 smaller than you might expect, and the build quality is very good. I'm not normally fond of Black and Decker, but I like this little machine. ...and the blue LED charge light is cool!

Minus one star because it takes a looooong time to recharge...

For the price only buy if you plan on using for 5 minutes. Very dissapointed in product for the price. I manage a retail store. Bought the item to clean dust ect. First problem is the filter started to clog and had to clean in first 2-3min. This was normal cleaning. After cleaning filter 2-3 min. latter the vacuum lost battery power. For quick, and I mean quick cleanup be ready to to have on the charger 20 hours and cleaning power of 5-6 minutes. Not worth the $69.99 price.

I had just purchased The most popular brand of these hand vacs a year ago and it turned out to be rather worthless. It may pick up a crumb but that is about it. This is just what I have wanted for years.

My need is mostly for getting dog hair off the furniture and not have to drag out the big vac. This is fantastic and comes with a specific pet hair tool. I have a pom so there is a hair issue daily. It also has Nozzle/Brush and Crevice tool.

The instructions tell you to charge for 21 hours the first time and that it may take up to 5 times of 21hr charges and complete dispensing of the power for it to reach it's full charge holding time. I have done this 3 times and each time ran it 20 min and it was still not totally done...but I was. LOL. I love the design and it is easy to hold and the tools are on board, but the holder can be removed when in use.

It has a 2 year warranty which is wonderful. It is good looking also and takes up little space. You can grap it quickly and clean up a spill. Very each to empty the canaster and it will not turn on if you don't have it closed correct which is a good safety feature.

The 4 foot flexable hose is great for reaching and cleaning blinds. You just cannot do all these things with the old fashioned buster kind of vacs.

If there were 10 stars this item would get it from me. Just make sure you do the 21hr charge and don't give up on it until you have done it 5 times. I am satisfied at 3 but if I find it not to hold after 5 or go down I'll come back and let you know.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 186 reviews  3.8 out of 5 stars