Black & Decker 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Variable Speed

First impressions and setup

Out of the box, the Black & Decker 20V drill feels approachable and straightforward. The body is compact (about 10 inches long) and light enough at roughly 3.7 lb that one-handed use doesn’t feel like a chore. The grip is neutral and well-shaped for smaller and average-sized hands. There’s nothing fussy about the interface: a variable-speed trigger, a simple two-speed gearbox slider, a direction/reverse switch, and an 11-position clutch ring up front. The 3/8-inch keyless chuck is the expected size for a homeowner-focused drill, and it opens wide enough for common twist bits and most hex-shank accessories.

The kit includes a single 1.5 Ah 20V MAX battery and a basic plug-in charger. It’s the POWERCONNECT slide-pack type, so if you already have other Black & Decker 20V tools, you can swap packs. If you don’t, plan on adding a second battery if you anticipate continuous work.

Design and ergonomics

This is not a heavy, pro-site drill, and that’s a good thing for DIY jobs. Balance with the 1.5 Ah pack is centered under the grip, so driving screws overhead or out at arm’s length doesn’t fatigue the wrist quickly. The housing is mostly plastic with rubber inlays where it matters. The LED sits near the trigger and throws a small pool of light right where the bit meets the work, which is handy in cabinets and closets. It’s not bright enough to replace a separate task light, but it’s effective for framing marks and finding screw heads.

The chuck is a plastic-sleeved unit with metal jaws. Hand tightening is easy, and it holds smooth-shank drill bits without slipping in typical wood and light metal tasks. Like most 3/8-inch chucks at this price, it isn’t perfectly runout-free—fine for general use, not for precision countersinking or tiny pilot holes in brittle materials.

Speed, torque, and control

This drill’s two-speed setup hits the right basic notes. Low gear offers the torque and control needed for driving screws into studs and setting pocket-hole fasteners without cam-out. High gear delivers up to a claimed 1400 RPM, which is where it feels comfortable for drilling pilot holes in lumber, drilling through pine 2x stock with up to 3/4-inch spade bits, and stepping through light sheet metal with the right cutting oil. The trigger modulation is smooth enough that feathering speed at the start of a drive feels predictable.

Torque is adequate for homeowner tasks. It will set 2-1/2 inch deck screws into softwood without complaint and handle 3-inch construction screws with a proper pilot. Push into larger structural screws or big auger bits and you’ll find the limits; it will stall before a higher-voltage or brushless contractor drill would. That said, the clutch does exactly what it should: save fasteners and materials. The 11 settings provide a clear spread, and I found positions 6–8 to be the sweet spot for cabinet hardware and light carpentry, with the drill setting for full power.

Drilling capability

In wood, the drill is at its best. Clean holes in pine, poplar, and MDF are no issue up to the sizes that make sense for a 3/8-inch chuck. With sharp brad-point bits, it tracks accurately. In metal, it does fine with 1/8 to 1/4-inch holes in mild steel or aluminum when you step up sizes and keep the speed in check. Because there’s no hammer mode, masonry is more a “can in a pinch” scenario. With a carbide bit, shallow holes in brick or mortar are achievable if you go slow and avoid heat, but this is not the tool for anchors in poured concrete.

Battery and charging

The included 1.5 Ah pack is light and keeps the weight in check. Runtime is in line with its capacity: plenty for assembling furniture, hanging shelves, and doing a round of anchor holes and pilot drills, but you’ll drain it faster on a day of building out a closet or driving a bucket of deck screws. The charger is a basic plug-in style and not especially fast. If you’re used to fast chargers, plan your workflow or add a second battery to avoid downtime. On the plus side, POWERCONNECT compatibility means you can share packs across other Black & Decker 20V tools, which stretches the system value.

As a brushed-motor tool, expect some audible whine and a little warmth near the vents under sustained load. That’s normal. Give it a rest between heavier runs and it settles down quickly.

Build quality and durability

For a homeowner-grade drill, the build feels solid where it counts. The gearbox switch engages positively, the clutch detents are crisp, and the trigger is linear. The battery fits snugly; there’s a hint of play at the latch that’s typical at this tier, but nothing that causes rattle while working. I’ve banged it around a bit—plenty of drywall dust, a few drops onto subfloor from waist height—and it continues to track true and operate as expected.

One maintenance note: keep the chuck jaws clean and free of packed sawdust, and occasionally blast the motor vents out with compressed air. Those small steps help the clutch stay consistent and keep the motor temps in check.

LED and visibility

The LED is a single-beam worklight that activates with the trigger. It won’t wow you, but it solves the common problem of shadowing your mark with your hand. In confined spaces, the light is quite helpful. On bright job sites, you’ll forget it’s there.

Everyday use cases

Here’s where this drill shines:
- Assembling cabinets, shelving units, and furniture
- Hanging hardware and fixtures, drilling pilot holes in trim
- Light carpentry: fence pickets, closet systems, face frames
- Occasional light metal work: brackets, HVAC screws, electrical boxes

Pair it with a modest bit set and a couple of quality driver bits, and it’s a tidy, capable package for most projects around a house or apartment.

What it’s not

It’s not a hammer drill, an impact driver, or a 1/2-inch high-torque drill. If your workload includes frequent masonry anchors, large-diameter self-feed or auger bits, or long ledger screws, you’ll be happier with a hammer drill or a higher-voltage brushless model and an impact driver for heavy fasteners. The 3/8-inch chuck also limits bit options at the large end, and the basic charger slows the cadence of a big build day unless you add more batteries.

Value and who it’s for

The sweet spot for this Black & Decker 20V drill is the homeowner who wants a reliable, easy-to-use drill/driver for general tasks without the weight, price, or complexity of pro tools. The 2-year limited warranty adds some peace of mind. If you’re already in the POWERCONNECT ecosystem, this drill slots right in and shares batteries with your other tools. If you’re starting from scratch, I’d budget for an extra 2.0–2.5 Ah battery to unlock the convenience this platform can offer.

Tips for best results

• Use low gear for driving and larger bits; high gear for small drill bits in wood and light metal.
• Let the clutch do its job; start at a lower setting and work up to avoid stripping.
• Keep bits sharp. This drill rewards good technique more than brute force.
• For masonry, skip unless it’s a quick, shallow hole in softer material—no hammer mode here.
• Consider a magnetic bit holder and a compact bit set; the 3/8-inch chuck loves hex-shank accessories.

Recommendation

I recommend the Black & Decker 20V drill for DIYers and homeowners who need a dependable, easy-handling drill/driver for everyday projects. It’s compact, the two-speed gearbox and 11-position clutch provide real control, and the POWERCONNECT battery system gives you room to grow. It won’t replace a hammer drill or a high-torque pro driver, and the included 1.5 Ah battery plus basic charger call for a second pack if you’re working continuously. But judged for what it is—a lightweight, capable general-purpose drill—it hits the mark with sensible features, steady performance, and a friendly learning curve.