Black & Decker 20V MAX MATRIX Cordless Combo Kit, 6-Tool

A modular kit that actually earns its keep

I like tools that pull double duty, but the Matrix 20V kit pushed that idea further than I expected. One power unit, six heads, and a small case turned into my grab-and-go solution for nearly every small project I handled over several weeks: hanging hardware, cutting in a cabinet, trimming edges, sanding touch-ups, and a handful of odd cuts in drywall and plywood. It’s not a pro-grade replacement for dedicated tools, but as a compact ecosystem for home projects, it’s impressively capable.

Setup and the quick‑connect system

Swapping attachments is the whole point of Matrix, and it’s done well here. The locking collar clicks positively, and the heads seat without fuss. There’s a little rotational play if you try to wiggle an attached head by hand, but under load I never noticed it affecting accuracy for typical DIY tasks. The shared power unit means the grip, trigger, and balance remain consistent as you switch from drill to sander to oscillating tool—nice when you’re working through a list of small tasks.

The kit includes the six attachments (drill/driver, impact driver, jigsaw, detail sander, router, oscillating tool) plus a handful of starter accessories and a compact case. Nothing fancy, but it’s organized, and I could stash it on a shelf and haul it out without playing Tetris.

Battery and power

The included 20V (nominal 18V) 1.5 Ah battery keeps the weight down but also sets expectations. For light drilling, driving, sanding, and the oscillating tool, I was getting project-length runtime—think an hour of on-and-off use—before wanting a recharge. Continuous cutting with the jigsaw or routing drains it more quickly. I recommend adding a second battery if you plan to tackle longer sessions or heavier material. On a positive note, the pack holds charge well between uses; I left it sitting for weeks and it still had juice when I came back.

The upside to the smaller pack is ergonomics. With any head attached, the setup feels nimble and maneuverable, which matters more than sheer power for a lot of household work.

Attachment performance

Drill/driver

The 3/8-inch keyless chuck and 11-position clutch cover most of what I do around the house: pilot holes in wood and plastic, driving cabinet screws, and installing wall anchors. The clutch is predictable and saved me from overdriving in softwood. This is not a high-torque drill—use sharp bits and reasonable expectations. I kept to spade bits up to 3/4 inch in pine and hole saws up to 2 inches with patience. For masonry or frequent large hole saw work, you’ll want a heavier tool.

Impact driver

This head is the pleasant surprise of the set. It accepts standard 1/4-inch hex bits, has a smooth trigger response, and the “reduced kickback” feel is noticeable: it’s controlled rather than violent. For decking screws, lag screws with a pilot, and stubborn fasteners, it outpaces the drill/driver and saves your wrist. It is noisier (as impact drivers are), and it will gobble battery faster than the drill when pushing long or thick fasteners.

Jigsaw

Tool-free blade changes are convenient, and with a fine-tooth blade the jigsaw handled plywood and laminate cleanly. With the included wood blade, I made quick cuts in 3/4-inch pine and notched shelving. There’s more vibration than a dedicated jigsaw and I didn’t see an orbital setting, so it’s slower on long rip cuts. For curved cuts, scribing, and occasional straight cuts, it’s perfectly serviceable. Clamp your work and let the blade do the work—don’t force it.

Oscillating tool

This is the Swiss Army attachment. I used it to undercut door casing for flooring, clean up a notched outlet, and make a flush cut on a protruding dowel. The universal adapter and included wood/metal blade got me started; I recommend picking up a small assortment of blades for wood, metal, and grout to unlock its full potential. Vibration is moderate, and it’s much more controllable than a recip saw when you’re working near finished surfaces.

Router

Think “trim and detail,” not “full-depth joinery.” With a small roundover or chamfer bit, it tidied up edges nicely. I also used it for shallow hinge mortises with a straight bit and a guide. Depth adjustments are straightforward, but passes need to be conservative—this is a compact attachment, not a powerhouse. If you’re routing hardwood with wide profiles, plan for multiple light passes.

Detail sander

For corners, door jambs, and small patches, the triangular pad earns its keep. The included grits are a good starter set, and hook-and-loop sheets are easy to find. It’s not a stock-removal machine, and like most detail sanders it’s louder than you’d expect for its size. I’d love a dust port; in the meantime, I sand near a vacuum and wear a mask.

Ergonomics, balance, and control

The power unit’s grip is comfortable and the balance changes predictably with each attachment. The jigsaw and router add front weight, which I prefer because the nose stays planted. The drill and impact are compact enough to get into cabinets and work over your head without strain. Trigger response is linear across attachments, making it easy to feather speed for delicate starts.

Noise and vibration are typical for consumer-grade cordless tools: manageable, but consider hearing protection with the impact and oscillating heads. I didn’t notice excessive heat buildup, even during contiguous cutting with the jigsaw—another benefit of sticking to moderate loads.

Accessories and storage

You get enough consumables to start: a few sanding sheets, a jigsaw blade for wood, an oscillating wood/metal blade, a sanding platen for the oscillating head, and a universal adapter. You’ll want to add a multi-blade pack for the oscillating tool, a small set of jigsaw blades for different materials, and a pair of commonly used router bits. The case keeps everything in its place and fits on a closet shelf. At about 15 pounds for the full kit, it’s easy to carry room to room.

One nice ecosystem note: Matrix attachments are cross-compatible within Black & Decker’s 20V platform. I had older heads that clicked right on, and the battery fits other 20V Black & Decker tools, which helps justify building around this kit.

Limitations and tips

• Plan around the 1.5 Ah battery. A second battery prevents downtime; a higher-capacity pack extends runtime but adds weight.
• Use pilot holes for large screws and lag bolts; the impact driver will thank you with straighter, faster drives.
• With the jigsaw, choose blades for the material and let the cut develop—forcing it increases tear-out and battery drain.
• Take light passes with the router. You’ll get cleaner results and reduce the chance of chatter.
• Keep extra sanding sheets on hand. Detail sanders go through paper quickly.
• For oscillating tasks near finished surfaces, blue tape and a depth guide are your friends.

Who it’s for

This kit makes the most sense for DIYers who value space savings, versatility, and convenience: apartment dwellers, new homeowners, and anyone who doesn’t want a dedicated tool for every task. If you’re a contractor or regularly push tools hard—long, deep cuts; heavy timber; large-diameter drilling—dedicated, higher-powered tools will be faster, tougher, and more comfortable for daily use.

Recommendation

I recommend the Matrix 20V kit for general home projects and light woodworking because it covers a broad range of tasks with a compact footprint and thoughtful attachment design. The quick-connect system works reliably, the attachments are genuinely useful (especially the impact driver and oscillating tool), and the whole kit is easy to store and carry. Its limitations are clear—modest power and a small battery—but manageable with reasonable expectations and a spare pack. If your priority is getting common household jobs done with minimal clutter and maximum versatility, this system is a smart, budget-friendly choice. If you need pro speed and endurance day in and day out, look elsewhere and build around dedicated tools.