Black & Decker 20V MAX* Cordless Drill with 49-Piece Home Project Kit

First impressions and setup

I put the Black+Decker 20V drill kit to work on a weekend’s worth of small house projects—hanging shelves, assembling a cabinet, and installing some closet hardware. Out of the bag, the kit gives you the basics: a compact 20V drill/driver, one 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery, a jack-plug charger, a storage bag, a magnetic bit extender, and a sprinkling of driver and drill bits alongside a few hand tools. It’s clearly aimed at homeowners who want an all-in-one starter bundle rather than a pro-grade tool stack, and that’s exactly the mindset I brought to testing it.

The battery arrived partially charged; a full top-up took a while on the included charger (it’s not a rapid charger), but it was ready in time for the afternoon’s tasks. I appreciate that the battery is part of Black+Decker’s POWERCONNECT 20V MAX platform, so it can migrate to other B&D tools. If you already own one of those tools—or plan to add more later—this becomes more compelling.

Drill performance

As a driver, the drill feels right at home tackling typical household jobs. The variable-speed trigger gives decent control when starting screws, and the keyless chuck held onto bits without drama through my test set. Driving cabinet screws into softwood studs was smooth, and the drill didn’t bog down unless I got too ambitious with larger fasteners. For pre-drilling pilot holes in studs and pine shelving, it was perfectly adequate, and it handled hardware installation (hinges, pulls, brackets) without overdriving when I feathered the trigger.

You can find more powerful 20V drills, but for light-to-moderate tasks—furniture assembly, drywall anchors, light carpentry, basic repairs—this one does the job. It’s not a hammer drill, so I wouldn’t pick it for masonry or heavy structural work. If your plan involves big lag screws, hole saws, or frequent use of large spade bits, you’ll want a heavier-duty driver with more torque and a higher-capacity battery.

Battery and charging

The included 1.5Ah battery (30 Wh) keeps the tool light and compact, which I liked for overhead work and awkward angles. Runtime with a 1.5Ah pack is best suited to on-and-off project days rather than marathon sessions. I could complete a room’s worth of shelves and hardware on a single charge, with a break or two to plan layout. For continuous work or larger projects, a second battery (ideally 2.0–4.0Ah) is a smart upgrade so you’re not waiting on the jack-plug charger.

One advantage: the battery holds its charge well in storage. After sitting for weeks, it still had enough juice to drive a handful of screws without a top-up. That’s great for occasional users who don’t want to babysit batteries.

Ergonomics and control

This is a nicely balanced, easy-to-handle drill. With the 1.5Ah battery, weight is reasonable for most users and fatigue was minimal during ceiling work. The grip is comfortable, and the overall size makes it easy to work in cabinets and closets where space is tight. The keyless chuck speeds up bit changes. I found the magnetic bit extender surprisingly handy for reaching fasteners tucked inside flat-pack furniture and for keeping a favorite driver tip close by.

Noise and vibration are typical for a homeowner drill—nothing out of the ordinary or fatiguing.

Accessories: usable, but plan to upgrade

The kit’s 49-piece assortment is a convenience play, not a premium set. The driver bits are fine for light-duty tasks and disposable enough that I didn’t mind the inevitable wear. The drill bits got me through pilot holes in pine and MDF, but when I tried a small bit on dense hardwood, it snapped. That’s a common weak point in budget kits. If you plan to do more than very light drilling, I’d budget for a small set of higher-quality titanium or cobalt bits; they pay for themselves quickly in less frustration and cleaner holes.

The hand tools—basic hammer and utility knife—are functional in a pinch. The hammer is light, which works for picture hooks and tap-ins, but it’s not something I’d use for framing or heavy demo. The knife’s body feels plasticky; I ended up using my own. Think of these as emergency spares rather than long-term staples.

Storage and organization

The soft bag is compact enough to tuck on a closet shelf, but it has no internal pockets. That means the bit holders and accessories tumble around once you start using the kit, and odds and ends can work loose. I solved this by adding a couple of zippered pouches: one for driver/drill bits and one for hand tools. It’s not a deal-breaker, but if you’re the type who wants everything neatly in its place, you’ll want to supplement the bag.

The overall kit weight is listed at 6.8 lb, and it feels easy to carry from room to room.

Platform and warranty

Compatibility with the POWERCONNECT 20V MAX line is the sleeper feature here. Being able to share batteries across other Black+Decker tools—like a small circular saw, jigsaw, inflator, or vacuum—adds long-term value. If you’re starting from zero, this kit is an accessible entry point. If you already have a couple of B&D 20V batteries, consider buying the drill bare or adding a higher-capacity pack to this kit.

A two-year limited warranty backs the tool, which is reassuring for a homeowner-grade product.

Where it shines

• First-time homeowners or renters who want a one-and-done kit for common tasks
• Apartment and condo work where compact size and lower weight matter
• Furniture assembly, shelving, hardware installation, light carpentry, small repairs
• Infrequent users who appreciate a battery that holds a charge between projects

Where it struggles

• Extended or heavy-duty projects that demand higher torque and longer runtime
• Drilling into masonry (this is not a hammer drill)
• Users who expect premium accessories—the included bits and hand tools are basic
• Anyone who wants tidy storage without additional organizers

Tips to get the most out of it

• Add a second battery. A 2.0Ah or 4.0Ah pack reduces downtime and expands what you can tackle in one go.
• Upgrade the bits. A modest set of quality driver and drill bits will immediately improve results and reduce breakage.
• Organize the bag. Small zip pouches keep accessories together and prevent damage.
• Match the task to the tool. Use pilot holes for larger screws, and don’t force oversized bits—this drill rewards a measured pace.

Value and verdict

Judged as a general-purpose homeowner kit, the Black+Decker 20V drill kit makes sense. The drill itself is the standout: easy to handle, capable for everyday jobs, and part of a flexible 20V platform. The battery and charger are acceptable for casual use, with the caveat that you’ll want a second pack if you work for longer stretches. The accessories will get you started but aren’t built for tough materials or repeated use; expect to replace the most-used pieces with higher-quality versions.

Would I recommend it? Yes—with context. If you need an affordable, ready-to-go setup for light to moderate DIY around the house, this kit is a practical choice. It covers the basics well, the drill performs reliably for the tasks it’s designed for, and the battery platform offers room to grow. If your projects lean heavier—deck work, frequent large-diameter drilling, or any masonry—skip the kit and look for a more powerful driver, a hammer-capable model, and better accessories out of the gate.