BLACK+DECKER MOUSE Detail Sander 1.2 Amp (BDEMS600): problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-19

Summary

The BDEMS600 is a light (2.4 lb), low-cost corded detail sander for corners, trim and small refinishing jobs. The recurring owner complaint is heat at the pad tip that can melt the plastic around the pad screw and drop the tip off, and dust capture is mediocre. It is a good buy near $36-50 and poor above $65, and the only running cost is sandpaper.

Common problems and fixes

Mediocre dust collection — owners say dust still flies everywhere and the canister does not make much of a difference, and a Reddit thread asks specifically about dust collection bags for the mouse sander. The manual’s troubleshooting table blames poor collection on a full canister or misaligned sandpaper holes, so empty the canister often and check hole alignment. [2][4][5][6]
Replacement pads and paper not fitting — aftermarket hook-and-loop sheets may not line up with the dust holes, and owner-reported replacement pads have not fit. No fix is documented; check hole alignment before buying. [4]
Finger attachment breaking and noise — scattered owners report the finger attachment breaking and complain about noise levels. [5]
Hard to find finer-grit paper — one owner reports difficulty finding finer-grit paper for the tool. [4]
Use restrictions and a fire warning — the manual says extended drywall sanding is not recommended for this product and warns that dust from coatings such as polyurethane or linseed oil can self-ignite in the dust canister, so empty it frequently. [2]

Parts and consumables

Sanding pad — replacement pads have been reported not to fit, and no manufacturer parts catalog was found. [4]

Yearly running cost

Not enough data.

When it is a good buy

About $36-50 is reasonable for occasional home use: BLACK+DECKER’s own store lists the BDEMS600 at $35.99 and Home Depot’s browse page shows $50.51 (October 2026). [1][9]
$50-65 is weak-to-fair: McLendons lists it at $64.99 and Gateway True Value at $62.99, while several generic 1.2-1.6 A mouse/detail sanders with comparable or higher OPM and included paper assortments sit in this band. [7][8]
Above $65 it is poor value for a 1.2 A, single-speed, plastic-bodied tool with documented heat-related failure reports. [1][4]
The newer BLACK+DECKER BDEMS200C (10.3 in long, 2.5 lb, includes a sandpaper assortment) is the better choice when you want paper in the box; the 20V MAX cordless BDCMS20B (12,000 OPM) is the better choice when you want to work without a cord. [10]