Black & Decker Drill and impact driver kit

Why I reached for this kit

I like having a clear dividing line between drilling holes and driving fasteners. Switching bits back and forth in a single tool wastes time and usually leads to stripped screws when I get impatient. The Black & Decker kit solves that neatly: one compact drill/driver with an 11-position clutch for controlled drilling and delicate tasks, plus a dedicated impact driver with a quick-release 1/4-inch hex collet for the heavy turning. Over several weeks of home projects—hanging shelves, assembling cabinets, building a small planter, and a few automotive odds and ends—I leaned on this pair to see where they shine and where they fall short.

What you get

The kit includes the drill/driver, the impact driver, one 20V MAX lithium-ion battery (1.5 Ah), a charger, and a soft utility bag. The bag keeps everything together and fits a basic assortment of bits and a small box of screws, though it’s more of a tote than protection. The one-battery setup is workable, but it’s the biggest compromise here: two tools, one pack. If you plan to use both tools in a single session, a second battery is the first accessory I’d buy.

Design and build

Both tools are compact and lightweight, which matters when you’re reaching overhead or working inside a cabinet. The drill’s keyless chuck makes bit changes quick and secure, and the clutch ring has positive detents that make it easy to set and reset torque on the fly. The impact driver’s quick-release collet is fast and reliable; one-handed bit swaps are the norm.

Fit and finish are what I expect from a homeowner-focused kit: durable plastics, decent rubber overmold, and no obvious creaks or flex. These are brushed-motor tools, and that shows up in the sound and heat after extended use, but nothing unusual. The integrated LEDs are basic yet helpful, illuminating dark corners well enough to find screw heads without juggling a flashlight.

Performance: drilling and driving

As a general-purpose drill/driver, the Black & Decker does well with typical DIY materials. It handled pilot holes in softwood, drywall, and plastic cleanly, and it managed light metal work—think pilot holes in mild steel brackets—without drama when I kept the pace reasonable and used sharp bits. For woodworking, it drives pocket-hole screws nicely and has enough control to avoid over-driving screws into soft pine when the clutch is dialed in.

The impact driver is the star for longer fasteners. It zipped 2-1/2 to 3-inch construction screws into studs and deck boards without cam-out and seated them flush with confidence. It also bailed me out on a few stubborn bolts under the hood where a hand ratchet was tedious. In hardwood, I had better results pre-drilling before driving longer screws; without that, the tool can bog and the battery drains faster. For lag screws and truly heavy structural fasteners, you’ll want something more powerful, but for household carpentry and repair, this little driver earns its keep.

Speed, control, and finesse

The variable-speed triggers are responsive and predictable. On the drill, that, paired with the clutch, gives good finesse for tasks like installing cabinet hardware or assembling flat-pack furniture where strip-outs are common. The clutch engages consistently across settings; the lower numbers are gentle enough for delicate materials, while higher settings let you bury screws when needed.

The impact driver doesn’t have a clutch, as expected, so plan on feathering the trigger for final seating. That said, the impulse action gives you better control than a drill/driver when screws fight back. Noise is typical of small impact drivers—sharp and loud enough that I grab hearing protection for longer sessions.

Battery life and charging

A single 1.5 Ah 20V MAX battery is a sensible match for these compact tools. In practice, it’s enough for a room’s worth of shelving or a furniture assembly session, and then some, before I notice performance tapering. Because impact driving draws current in bursts, light-duty work stretches the runtime better than continuous heavy driving.

The included charger is simple and does its job, but it’s not a fast charger. Plan ahead if you’re tackling a bigger project and consider topping up during breaks. The battery slides in and out cleanly and has held its charge well between weekend uses. If you want uninterrupted workflow, a second battery transforms the experience—one in use, one on the charger.

Ergonomics and visibility

Both tools are comfortable for small- to medium-size hands. Balance is slightly forward-heavy on the drill with a longer bit, but not enough to cause fatigue in normal use. The grips are contoured without being bulky, and the triggers have a smooth pull that makes low-speed starts easy. The LEDs are positioned so they don’t completely eliminate shadows, but they meaningfully improve visibility in closets and under cabinets.

Vibration is moderate on the impact driver and minimal on the drill. After driving a couple dozen deck screws in a row, I noticed hand fatigue mostly from the repetitive motion, not from harsh tool feedback.

Limitations to keep in mind

• Only one battery in the box, which bottlenecks two tools.
• Brushed motors, so expect more noise and some heat under sustained load.
• Not intended for heavy masonry, large-diameter hole-saw work, or daily professional use.
• The soft bag organizes but doesn’t protect; don’t treat it like a jobsite case.

None of these are deal-breakers for the target user, but they’re worth knowing so you pick the right jobs and accessories.

Tips to get the most from it

• Use the clutch generously when learning where materials will strip.
• Pre-drill dense hardwoods before driving longer screws to preserve battery and avoid stalls.
• Keep a set of sharp bits and quality driver bits; cheap bits are the fastest way to a bad experience.
• Pick up a second 20V MAX battery if you plan to use both tools routinely.
• Let the impact driver do the work—steady pressure, don’t lean your full weight into it.

Durability, warranty, and value

After several weekends of mixed use, both tools still feel tight, with no wobble in the chuck or collet and no trigger issues. The brushed motors show the usual wear signs—warmer housings after extended driving—yet nothing concerning. Black & Decker’s two-year limited warranty is appropriate for a homeowner kit and provides some peace of mind.

Value-wise, this combo is compelling. You get two genuinely useful tools, a battery, charger, and a bag in a compact package. It’s not meant to be a contractor’s daily driver, but for a first “real” toolkit or as a grab-and-go set for the house and vehicle, it hits the right balance of capability, simplicity, and cost.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and renters who need an all-purpose drilling and driving solution.
• DIYers handling furniture builds, shelving, light framing, and repairs.
• Anyone who wants the convenience of a two-tool setup without jumping into a pro-grade ecosystem.

Trade pros or heavy remodelers will quickly outgrow its power and runtime, but even they might appreciate it as a lightweight backup set.

Recommendation

I recommend the Black & Decker kit for homeowners and DIYers who want a reliable, easy-to-use pair of cordless tools for everyday tasks. The combination of a clutch-equipped drill and a quick-change impact driver covers nearly everything around the house, the compact size makes them pleasant to use in tight spaces, and the 20V MAX battery delivers respectable runtime for light-to-medium work. The main caveat is the single battery; add a second pack and this becomes a far more seamless setup. If your projects are mostly weekend repairs, small builds, and general maintenance, this kit is a practical, budget-friendly choice that will earn a permanent spot on the shelf—and probably in the car, too.