Black & Decker Cordless Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit

I’ve been putting this Black & Decker combo through the kind of mixed chores that make a homeowner reach for a driver ten times in a weekend: assembling flat-pack furniture, hanging shelves, swapping cabinet pulls, driving deck screws, and setting a few small lag bolts into studs. It’s an entry-level two-tool set, but after a few weeks of use it’s clear where it shines, where it compromises, and who it’s best for.

What you get and how it feels

The kit includes a compact drill/driver, an impact driver, one 20V lithium battery, a basic charger, and a couple of starter bits. Both tools are lightweight and well-balanced, and neither made my wrist bark after a couple of hours of on-and-off use. The drill has a keyless chuck that tightens predictably without slipping, and the impact driver uses a 1/4-inch hex quick-release collet that makes one-handed bit swaps fast and fumble-free.

There’s a small LED on the drill that helps in a cabinet or a dim corner. The impact driver doesn’t get a light, which I missed while driving pocket screws inside carcasses and framing nooks. A built-in bit holder on the drill is a nice touch for stashing a backup Phillips or a countersink, though it only holds one.

The single 20V battery fits both tools and is part of Black & Decker’s POWERCONNECT line, so if you already have batteries from other orange-and-black tools, you’re covered. The motors are brushed and the charger is the basic jack-plug type—not a rapid charger—so expect a slower top-off compared to pro-grade systems.

The drill/driver: capable and controlled, but geared for light duty

This drill is tuned for control over sheer speed. With a top speed of 600 RPM and an 11-position clutch, it’s squarely aimed at the everyday drilling and fastening most folks do around the house. The clutch is accurate and does a good job preventing cam-out and chewed-up fasteners on cabinet screws and softwood trim. I leaned on it for pilot holes in pine, drilling hardware holes in melamine, and occasional 5/32- to 1/4-inch hole work in mild steel with cutting oil—no surprises and no drama.

Where the drill shows its limits is with larger bits and hole saws. It will turn a 3/4- to 1-inch spade bit in softwood with patience and a steady hand, but it’s not the set I’d grab for drilling a dozen door locksets or boring big holes for plumbing. There’s no multi-speed gearbox, so you don’t get a higher speed range for cleaner small-bit drilling or a dedicated low gear for big-bit torque. If your projects skew toward heavier carpentry or you often drill in hardwood, you’ll want more tool than this drill provides.

That said, for typical DIY tasks—shelf pins, hinge plates, anchoring into studs with 3/16-inch pilot holes, and driving short to medium screws—the drill is easy to control and comfortable to use.

The impact driver: a helpful power bump for stubborn fasteners

The impact driver is the star of the set. At up to 3000 RPM and with 1375 in-lbs of torque, it handled 3-inch deck screws snugging down joists, long structural screws into studs (with a proper pilot), and a few 1/4-inch by 3-inch lag bolts without protest. It’s not a high-torque monster, but it reliably breaks free stubborn hardware on outdoor projects, drives fasteners without stripping heads, and dramatically reduces the wrist-twist you get when a fastener suddenly bites.

Bit changes are quick with the spring-loaded collet, and the slim head gets into tight spots where a drill’s chuck can bump out. As with most impacts, it’s loud—ear protection is wise for extended driving—and it vibrates more than a drill. I do wish it had a work light, especially for pocket holes and cabinet installs, but that’s a tradeoff at this price point.

For automotive lug nuts or big structural ledger screws, you’ll want a heavier-duty impact. For everything else in a typical home shop, this one covers a lot of ground.

Battery and charging

The included 1.5 Ah battery is on the small side, but it’s also light and keeps the tools nimble. In practice, I could assemble a couple of cabinets, hang a curtain rod, and drive a handful of 3-inch screws on a single charge. Larger jobs—like decking or framing a shed—will drain it quickly, especially if you lean on the impact driver. Since there’s only one battery in the box, your workflow can bottleneck while it charges.

My advice: pick up a second POWERCONNECT battery if you plan to work in longer sessions. The included charger is the basic style and is slower than rapid chargers, so a spare battery is more than a luxury here; it’s the difference between finishing in one go and waiting mid-project.

Ergonomics and usability details

• The drill’s LED helps in low light but doesn’t flood the work area; expect some shadowing near the bit.
• Both tools are compact enough to work inside cabinets and between studs; the impact’s stubby profile is especially handy.
• Trigger modulation is smooth, which makes starting screws cleanly easier than on some budget kits.
• The plastic housings and rubber overmolds wipe down easily after dusty work.

Noise and heat were typical for brushed-motor, DIY-grade tools: the drill ran cool under light loads, the impact warmed up after sustained driving but never overheated or cut out.

Durability and warranty

These are homeowner-grade tools with brushed motors and plastic gear housings. Treated appropriately—proper pilots for big fasteners, sharp bits, and reasonable duty cycles—they should last for many years of weekend projects. They’re backed by a two-year limited warranty, which aligns with the segment and gives some peace of mind.

If you intend to use a driver all day, every day, on a jobsite, look toward a higher-spec professional line with brushless motors, metal chucks, and multiple batteries. For what this set is intended to be, the durability looks appropriate.

What could be better

• Only one 1.5 Ah battery in the box. For a two-tool kit, that’s limiting.
• The drill’s 600 RPM cap and single speed make it less versatile than kits with a two-speed gearbox.
• No work light on the impact driver.
• Basic charger with slower top-off times.
• Minimal accessories; you’ll want a proper bit set right away.

Where it excels

• Everyday drilling and fastening around the house: shelving, hardware, drywall anchors, and wood repairs.
• Driving longer screws and small lag bolts with the impact driver, especially in framing and deck work.
• Lightweight, compact control that’s easy for beginners and satisfying for experienced users who don’t need jobsite power.

Who it’s for

This combo is a smart fit for homeowners, renters, and DIYers who want a simple, affordable pair of cordless tools to cover 90% of everyday tasks. It’s also a useful trunk kit for quick fixes—light enough to keep around, capable enough to get you out of a bind. If you’re building decks every weekend or drilling large holes in hardwood and metal regularly, step up to a higher-spec kit with more speed, torque, and at least two batteries.

Tips for getting the most from the kit

• Use the drill’s clutch aggressively on finish work; it’s the best way to avoid stripped screws and crushed fibers.
• For lag bolts and long structural screws, drill proper pilot holes and let the impact do the final seating.
• Keep a compact bit set with hex-shank drill bits to take full advantage of the impact driver in tight quarters.
• Add a second battery; it transforms the kit from occasional-use to project-ready.

Final recommendation

I recommend this Black & Decker combo for budget-conscious DIYers and homeowners who need a reliable, easy-to-use drill paired with an impact driver that can handle tougher fasteners. The set is light, straightforward, and covers the core tasks most people face without overcomplicating things. Its limitations—one small battery, a slower single-speed drill, and no light on the impact—are real but manageable, especially if you add a second battery. If you understand those tradeoffs and your projects are more “household and hobby” than “heavy construction,” this kit is a sensible, value-forward choice.