Black & Decker Home Tool Kit with 20V MAX Drill/Driver (83-Piece)

Why this kit ended up on my bench

I brought the Black & Decker kit home for a long weekend of small projects: tightening cabinet hardware, hanging a few shelves, and assembling a storage bench. I wanted to see how a compact, all-in-one set would fare compared to piecing together tools I already own. The short version: the drill is the star, the accessory selection covers the basics, and the whole package is easy to live with—provided your expectations are aligned with light- to medium-duty household tasks.

Drill/driver: light, functional, and simple to use

The 20V MAX drill/driver is what makes this kit worth considering. It’s light enough for one-handed use on a ladder and balanced well enough that my wrist didn’t feel taxed after a few dozen screws. The grip is comfortable, and the trigger response is predictable, which makes starting a screw cleanly less of a dance.

A few features stood out:

• 11-position clutch: This is the right level of adjustability for household work. I used lower settings to drive cabinet screws into particleboard without blowing out the back and higher settings to sink 2-inch wood screws into studs. The clutch kept me from overdriving and reduced the risk of stripping fasteners.
• Keyless chuck: Changing bits is quick and secure. It holds drive bits and small drill bits firmly; I didn’t experience bit walk-out during stops/starts.
• Integrated LED: It’s not a floodlight, but it’s enough to see the pilot hole or screw head in a dim corner or under a shelf. The LED placement avoids casting a big shadow from the chuck.
• Forward/reverse switch: The selector is a standard, easy-to-flick toggle above the trigger. If you’re new to drills, the simplest tell is to watch the arrows on the chuck or squeeze the trigger gently in the air to confirm direction before engaging work.

Black & Decker’s 20V MAX system (nominal 18V) has enough oomph for wood, drywall, plastics, and light metal. This drill is not a hammer drill, so don’t plan on using it for concrete or masonry. Think furniture, shelves, hinges, light brackets, and pilot holes in softwood and you’ll be in its sweet spot.

Performance on common household jobs

For assembly tasks, the drill had no trouble driving assorted screws into pine and cabinet-grade materials. When hanging shelves, drilling clean 1/8-inch pilot holes into studs was straightforward, and the drill maintained control when switching to a driver bit. I also made a few holes in thin aluminum brackets; the included bits handled this fine with a dab of patience and light pressure.

Where it will start to feel limited is in sustained heavy driving—long lag screws, large spade bits, or repeated drilling in hardwoods. The clutch will save you from overtaxing both the fastener and the tool, but if your routine includes building decks or boring big holes, you’re shopping in the wrong aisle. For household maintenance and small projects, though, it’s capable and confidence-inspiring.

Battery, charger, and runtime expectations

The kit includes a single 1.5 Ah lithium-ion battery and a compact charger that uses a jack plug connection. One battery is fine for occasional use and short sessions. I got through a typical apartment’s worth of tasks—mounting a few items, assembling a piece of furniture, and some odds and ends—on a single charge. For a full day of projects or if multiple people will be using the drill, an extra POWERCONNECT battery is a smart add-on.

The charger is functional, not fast. Plan to charge between tasks rather than counting on a quick top-up. The upside is compatibility: the battery fits other Black & Decker 20V MAX tools, so if you already have a tool in that ecosystem, you can share packs.

The hand tools and accessories: a practical starter bundle

Beyond the drill, the kit includes a useful selection of hand tools: pliers, hex wrenches, a hammer, tape measure, torpedo level, and a basic screwdriver, plus a variety of drill bits and screwdriving bits. Here’s how they stack up for real-world use:

• Bits: The assortment covers the common sizes you’ll use for pilot holes and the typical Phillips/flat/Pozi/hex driver bits. They’re perfectly serviceable for occasional use. If you expect to drive hundreds of screws or work in tougher materials, consider upgrading to a higher-grade bit set over time.
• Hammer: Light and handy for picture hooks, tacks, and gentle persuasion. It’s not a framing hammer, but I had no trouble driving anchors or tapping in finish nails.
• Pliers and hex keys: Handy for small fixes—tightening a trap under the sink, adjusting a bike seat, assembling flat-pack furniture. The fit and finish are appropriate for the price and purpose.
• Tape measure and level: Both do exactly what you need for hanging pictures and shelves. The torpedo level is small enough to sit on narrow trim and the tape’s markings are clear.

The soft storage bag is nicer than a cardboard box and better than a hard blow-molded case for home use. It opens wide, swallows everything easily, and stows in a closet. There’s enough structure to keep things from collapsing into a jumble, but it’s still a soft bag, so delicate items should be placed thoughtfully.

Ergonomics and ease of use

This drill is designed to be approachable. The compact size, light overall weight, and simple controls all help new users feel comfortable quickly. The LED makes a surprising difference under shelves and inside cabinets. The clutch detents are distinct, and the chuck tightening ring turns smoothly. I also appreciate that the kit doesn’t overcomplicate things—no unnecessary modes, no extra toggles.

A couple of small notes:

• The kit weight listed is for the entire package, not just the drill. The drill itself is lighter than the 7.9 lb spec might suggest.
• There’s no belt clip, which I occasionally missed when working on a ladder.
• The included charger uses a barrel jack instead of a slide-on base, so be mindful when connecting to ensure a positive seat.

Durability and warranty

In use, nothing felt flimsy. The chuck held bits reliably, the clutch didn’t slip unexpectedly, and the battery connection was solid. As with most all-in-one kits, the accessories are tuned for household use, not abuse. The two-year limited warranty on the tool adds a layer of confidence, and the POWERCONNECT platform support means your battery investment isn’t locked to a single tool.

What I’d improve

• Include a second battery: It would better match how people actually use a cordless drill—work while one charges.
• Upgrade the charger: A faster, slide-on style charger would reduce downtime.
• Slightly richer bit set: A couple of extra sizes for pilot holes and a few longer driver bits would cover more tasks without immediate upgrades.

None of these are deal-breakers for a home kit, but they’re worth noting if you plan a lot of weekend projects.

Who this kit fits best

• New homeowners or renters who need a reliable, easy-to-use drill and a basic set of tools for everyday tasks.
• College grads moving into a first place, where storage space is limited and convenience matters.
• Occasional DIYers who want one purchase to cover 90% of household fixes and simple builds.

If you’re a contractor or an avid builder driving fasteners all day, you’ll outgrow this quickly. But that’s not its mission.

Value and the bottom line

As a package, this kit makes practical sense. Buying a decent drill, a starter bit set, and a handful of basic hand tools separately adds up, not to mention the logistics of mixing brands and storage. Here you get a competent 20V MAX drill/driver, enough accessories to start immediately, and a bag that keeps it all together. The compromises—single 1.5 Ah battery and a modest charger—are understandable at this level, and both are easy to address later if your needs grow.

Recommendation

I recommend the Black & Decker kit for homeowners, renters, and casual DIYers who want a straightforward, dependable setup for everyday tasks. The drill is comfortable, the clutch and LED make it forgiving to learn on, and the included tools cover the most common jobs without a run to the store. If you anticipate longer work sessions, add a second 20V MAX battery; if you plan heavy-duty projects or masonry work, step up to a more powerful drill with hammer capability. For its intended role—household drilling and driving with a practical spread of hand tools—this kit is a solid, hassle-free choice.