Don't know about a B & D tool that sounds like it would be electric driven, but there is a tool found everywhere that is 'claw-like'...twisted metal in the shape of a claw that when you dig it in and turn, the claws churn the soil there...I suppose its easy enough to get through the top soil and down about 4" where you do the work with muscle.
I've not ever needed one but i have seen it in use and it looks to be very effective. If the soil is half-decently not compacted, it works pretty good.

Hi - They call it a "garden cultivator". I haven't tried one but for myself I usually find that larger equipment is the way to go if I need power tools. I use my garden fork more than anything in my raised beds.

Below is a link to a cordless one at amazon.

Hope this helps.

Here is a link that might be useful: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Decker-GC818-Cordless-Cultivator/dp/B000MV7WQM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1291426731&sr=8-1

Nancy,

Please please please do not waste your money. I actually saw one of those today at Lowes and after reading how (un) powerful it is I just laughed. It has just enough power to stir up the sand in a childs play area, maybe

Also there is not a cultivator like that than can do the job better or faster than a quick run with a spade to move your soil around. In fact even with only 1 1/2 hands I bet I could turn a bed better and faster than that useless tool.

Save your money.

There are a few small gas powered cultivators that do work well for light duty work. The Mantis comes to mind.

Bought it and used it and the soil collects on the 3 whirly things and stops it from moving, soil was just moist not wet whatsoever. I returned it and got the small electric tiller at lows, it works alot better.

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Due to back problems, I'm always on the search to make things easier and keep the chiro off my back (so to speak).
The claw like thing sounds like a "garden weasle" and I have a couple of those. They work pretty well, but I still have to stop every 15 minutes or so and rest the back.
I guess I'll keep up the search! NT

Hi...I too remember that 'mini' tool from B+D...here's what i just posted on their FB page. "My Fav. B+D tool was what i called the 'Claw', a small electric arm length hand garden cultivator with 3 prongs. I can't live without it!! but can't find that you sell it anymore, or do you?? I have the long handled 'garden cultivator' but with arthritis etc., it is very difficult for me to use. Would you please!! consider bringing back my little 'Claw'? With us aging 'boomers' still wanting to garden, i'm sure there's a huge market for a light weight small cultivator!! What do you think? Thank you." It's on the top of my 'garage sale search list'! Wish i'd never thrown away the one with the dead motor.....

I stopped tilling years ago when my little tiller gave up the ghost. Since then I have just been mulching heavy with leaves and wood chips and the dirt is in better shape then ever.

i was thinking about attaching something to a drill! what kind of auger did you use? yes, it was the 70's....just s short time ago! thanks.

They're called a "bulb auger" - Amazon has several around $15. They're great for planting bulbs and drilling air holes in big compost heaps.

David, yep! I used them to fluff up pots, raised beds and stuff. Didn't do too well in the rock hard clay, though! Nancy