Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger Review Power When You Need It Most

The Black+Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger delivers reliable, on-the-go power when your vehicle battery fails, combining a powerful jump starter with a versatile portable charger. Compact yet robust, it features built-in safety protections, USB ports for device charging, and an easy-to-read LED display—making it an essential emergency tool for drivers. Whether you’re stranded in cold weather or need to power up electronics on the road, this unit ensures you’re never left powerless.

Key Takeaways

• Reliable jump starter: Powers dead batteries in seconds, even in extreme cold.
• Multi-function charger: Doubles as a USB power bank for devices on the go.
• Compact and portable: Lightweight design fits easily in trunks or glove compartments.
• Safety first: Built-in surge protection prevents damage to your vehicle or electronics.
• Long-lasting charge: Holds power for months, ensuring readiness when needed most.
• Easy-to-read display: LED indicators show battery level and charging status clearly.

When Your Car Won’t Start: A Real-Life Wake-Up Call

It was a freezing December morning. I stood in my driveway, keys in hand, watching my breath turn to mist. My car had been acting up for days—sluggish starts, dim headlights—but I ignored the warning signs. Then it happened: the dreaded click-click-click of a dead battery. No amount of coaxing or waiting would bring the engine to life. I was late for work, the jumper cables were buried in the garage, and my neighbor was already gone. That’s when I realized: I needed a reliable backup plan—something compact, powerful, and easy to use. Enter the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger.

Since that morning, I’ve tested this little powerhouse through snowstorms, road trips, and even power outages. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend adventurer, or just someone who wants peace of mind, having a portable jump starter can be a literal lifesaver. In this review, I’ll walk you through my real-world experience with the Black Decker Start It. We’ll cover what it does well, where it falls short, and whether it’s worth adding to your emergency kit. No fluff—just honest insights to help you make the right call.

What Is the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger?

A Compact Powerhouse for Modern Drivers

The Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger is a portable lithium-ion battery pack designed to jump-start vehicles and charge electronic devices. Unlike traditional lead-acid jump boxes, this model is lightweight, fits in a glove compartment, and doesn’t require constant recharging to stay functional. It’s marketed as a “plug-and-play” solution for dead car batteries, but it does a lot more than that.

At its core, it’s a 12V jump starter with built-in safety features like reverse polarity protection and spark-proof clamps. But it also doubles as a power bank for phones, tablets, GPS units, and even small electronics like cameras or portable fans. Think of it as a Swiss Army knife for roadside emergencies and off-grid power needs.

Who It’s For (And Who It Might Not Be For)

This device is ideal for:

• Urban drivers who park on streets or in tight garages where jumper cables are hard to use.
• Frequent travelers who want a reliable backup for long road trips.
• RV or camper van owners needing a lightweight power source.
• Parents and caregivers who want peace of mind in emergencies.

That said, it’s not designed for heavy-duty commercial vehicles. If you drive a diesel truck or a large SUV, you might need a higher-capacity model. But for most sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers, the Black Decker Start It handles the job just fine. I’ve used it on a 2.0L Honda Civic, a 3.5L Toyota RAV4, and even a 2.5L Subaru Outback—all with consistent success.

Key Features That Set It Apart

Jump-Starting Power: 800 Peak Amps, 400 Cranking Amps

The Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger delivers 800 peak amps and 400 cranking amps—enough to start most 12V gasoline engines up to 6.0L. (Diesel engines typically need more, so check your vehicle specs.) In my tests, it started a completely dead battery in under 30 seconds. Even better, it worked after being stored for two months without charging—a big win for reliability.

One standout feature is the smart clamp system. The clamps have built-in sensors that detect incorrect connections. If you accidentally reverse the polarity (positive to negative), the device won’t activate and flashes a red LED to warn you. This prevented a major mistake when I was jump-starting my car in the dark and misaligned the clamps. No sparks, no damage—just a gentle reminder to fix the connection.

USB Charging: Power for Your Devices

Beyond jump-starting, the device has a 2.1A USB-A port and a 1.0A USB-A port. I used it to charge my iPhone 13 from 10% to 60% in about 45 minutes—not the fastest, but reliable when you’re stuck with a dead phone. I also charged a Bluetooth speaker and a GPS unit during a camping trip. The ports are covered by a rubber flap, which helps keep out dust and moisture.

Tip: Use the 2.1A port for faster charging. I once left my phone plugged into the 1.0A port overnight and it only reached 85%. Not a dealbreaker, but good to know.

LED Work Light and Safety Features

The built-in 100-lumen LED light is surprisingly bright. It has three modes: steady, SOS strobe, and emergency flash. I used the SOS mode when my car broke down on a dark highway at night. The flashing light caught the attention of a passing truck driver who stopped to help—another real-world win.

Safety features include:

• Reverse polarity protection
• Over-current protection
• Short-circuit protection
• Low-voltage protection (won’t jump-start if battery is below 2V)

Recharge Time and Battery Life

The internal lithium-ion battery takes about 3–4 hours to fully charge using the included wall adapter. It can also be charged via a 12V car outlet (cigarette lighter), which is handy if you’re on the go. A full charge holds enough juice for 3–5 jump-starts, depending on engine size and ambient temperature.

I tested the battery life by jump-starting a 2.4L sedan twice, then charging a phone to 50%. The device still had 2 out of 4 LED bars left—plenty for another jump or charge. In cold weather (-10°C), performance dropped slightly, but it still worked. Just give it a minute to warm up if possible.

Real-World Testing: How It Performs in the Field

Urban Commuting: The Daily Grind

I live in a city with frequent street parking. My car often sits for 3–4 days between uses, which drains the battery. Last winter, I came home after a long workday, and the car wouldn’t start. The Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger was in my trunk—charged and ready.

• Connected the clamps in under a minute.
• Waited 10 seconds for the green “ready” light.
• Turned the key—engine fired up immediately.

No waiting for roadside assistance. No awkward calls to coworkers. Just a quick fix that got me home. The compact size made it easy to store under the driver’s seat. I’ve since made it part of my daily carry.

Road Trips and Remote Areas

During a 500-mile road trip through rural Pennsylvania, I used the device twice:

1. At a rest stop, my phone died (no signal, no maps). I charged it from 8% to 70% in 60 minutes while eating lunch.
2. On a mountain pass, my car’s battery died after leaving the lights on. The jump starter worked flawlessly, even at 2,000 feet elevation.

The included carrying case kept the clamps and cords organized. I appreciated the rubberized grip on the clamps—they didn’t slip when my hands were cold.

Extreme Weather: Cold, Heat, and Humidity

Here’s where most portable jump starters fail. I tested the Black Decker Start It in:

• Winter (-15°C): Jump-started a 3.0L SUV after 3 days of subzero temps. Took two tries (first attempt showed low battery warning), but succeeded on the second.
• Summer (38°C): Used in direct sunlight. No overheating. The LED light helped during a nighttime breakdown.
• Rain: Used under a tarp during a downpour. The rubber flap kept the ports dry. No issues.

Note: Extreme cold reduces battery efficiency. Store the device in an insulated bag or your car’s cabin (not the trunk) in winter.

Pros and Cons: The Honest Breakdown

What I Loved (The Pros)

• Compact and lightweight: Weighs just 2.6 lbs. Fits in a backpack or glove box.
• Fast jump-starts: Consistently started my car in 30 seconds or less.
• Smart safety features: Reverse polarity protection saved me from a costly mistake.
• Multi-functional: Jump-start + power bank + flashlight = great value.
• Reliable in cold weather: Performed well below freezing.
• Clear LED indicators: Easy to see charge level and status (green = ready, red = error).

Where It Could Improve (The Cons)

• No USB-C port: Only USB-A. Modern phones and laptops are shifting to USB-C.
• Limited cranking amps for large engines: Not ideal for diesel trucks or 8-cylinder SUVs.
• Recharge time: 3–4 hours is average, but competitors offer faster charging.
• No battery level display: Only 4 LED bars (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%). No exact percentage.
• Clamp cord length: 18 inches is a bit short for some engine layouts.

Comparison to Competitors

Here’s how the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger stacks up against popular alternatives:

Feature	Black Decker Start It	NOCO Boost Plus GB40	DBPOWER 800A
Peak Amps	800A	1000A	800A
Cranking Amps	400A	500A	450A
USB Ports	2x USB-A	2x USB-A, 1x USB-C	2x USB-A
Weight	2.6 lbs	2.4 lbs	2.8 lbs
Recharge Time	3–4 hrs	2.5 hrs	3 hrs
Work Light	100 lumens	100 lumens	50 lumens
Price (approx.)	$89	$119	$79

The NOCO has better specs (USB-C, faster charging), but costs 30% more. The DBPOWER is cheaper but heavier and less bright. The Black Decker strikes a great balance—especially for the price.

Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Black Decker Start It

Proper Charging and Storage

• Charge every 3 months: Even if unused, lithium-ion batteries degrade over time. Set a reminder on your phone.
• Store in a cool, dry place: Avoid direct sunlight or freezing temps. A car’s glove box or under-seat compartment works well.
• Use the wall charger first: It’s faster than the 12V car outlet. Save the car charger for emergencies.

Jump-Starting Best Practices

1. Turn off the car and remove the keys.
2. Connect the red clamp to the battery’s positive (+) terminal.
3. Connect the black clamp to a metal, unpainted surface (not the battery’s negative terminal). This reduces spark risk.
4. Wait for the green “ready” light.
5. Start the engine. If it doesn’t work, wait 2 minutes and try again (max 3 attempts).
6. Disconnect clamps in reverse order (black first, then red).

Pro tip: Keep a small towel or rag to wipe off battery corrosion. It helps ensure a good connection.

Extending Battery Life

• Don’t drain it completely: Recharge after every use, even if you only used 25%.
• Avoid extreme temps: Don’t leave it in a hot trunk or cold garage overnight.
• Use the right cables: The included 18-inch cables are fine, but consider a 3-foot extension if your battery is hard to reach.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Black Decker Start It?

After months of real-world use, I can say this: the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger is one of the most practical tools I’ve added to my car. It’s not perfect—no USB-C, slightly short clamps, and no exact battery percentage—but it delivers where it matters most: reliability, safety, and ease of use.

It’s saved me from being stranded twice, charged my phone when I needed it most, and even helped me signal for help during a nighttime breakdown. At around $89, it’s more affordable than most roadside assistance plans (which cost $100+ per year). Think of it as an insurance policy that pays for itself after one use.

If you drive a standard gasoline vehicle (under 6.0L), live in a cold climate, or just want peace of mind, this jump starter is a smart investment. It’s not for diesel trucks or tech enthusiasts who want USB-C, but for everyday drivers? Absolutely yes.

Final tip: Pair it with a basic toolkit (tow strap, first aid kit, flashlight) and you’ll be ready for almost anything the road throws at you. Because when your car won’t start, you don’t need hype—you need power. And the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger delivers exactly that.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger stand out?

The Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger delivers reliable portable power with a high-cranking-amp design, making it ideal for emergency jump-starts. Its built-in safety features, like reverse polarity protection, ensure user-friendly operation even for beginners.

Can the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger charge devices other than car batteries?

Yes, this model includes USB ports to charge smartphones, tablets, and other small electronics, adding versatility beyond jump-starting vehicles. The dual function makes it a handy tool for road trips or power outages.

How long does the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter hold its charge?

The internal battery can hold a charge for up to 6–12 months when stored properly, thanks to its low self-discharge rate. For best results, recharge it every few months if unused.

Is the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger safe for all vehicle types?

It’s compatible with most 12V gasoline and diesel vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light trucks. Always check your vehicle’s manual to confirm amperage requirements before use.

How quickly can this jump starter recharge after use?

The Black Decker Start It Jump Starter Charger fully recharges in 8–12 hours using the included wall or car charger. A quick-charge mode provides enough power for a single jump-start in under an hour.

Does the Black Decker Start It Jump Starter come with a warranty?

Yes, it typically includes a 1- to 3-year limited warranty, depending on the retailer. Register your product online to ensure full warranty coverage and support.