Black & Decker 20V MAX MATRIX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit, White

I first picked up the Black+Decker Matrix drill/driver to handle a weekend stack of small projects—assembling a storage rack, hanging a handful of shelves, and swapping out cabinet hardware. By the end of the day, I understood exactly where this compact system shines, and the limits you’ll want to respect if you plan to build out the attachment ecosystem.

What you get out of the box

The kit includes the Matrix power unit, the drill/driver attachment, a 20V 1.5Ah lithium-ion battery (30 Wh), a charger, and a double-ended bit. The standout is the MATRIX quick-connect interface: pop off the drill head and you can click on other attachments (sold separately) like an impact driver, sander, or reciprocating saw. As a platform, the concept is smart—one motor, many tools—especially if you’re tight on space or budget.

Design, ergonomics, and controls

The Matrix drill/driver is compact and easy to maneuver. At 3.9 lb with the battery, it’s light enough for overhead work and comfortable for extended screwdriving. The handle shape fits well in the hand, and the balance feels centered even with longer bits.

Controls are straightforward:
- 3/8-inch keyless chuck: quick bit changes, decent grip on round and hex shanks.
- 11-position clutch: helpful for preventing overdriving and stripping threads.
- Variable-speed trigger: smooth ramp-up for controlled starts.

There’s no 2-speed gearbox here; the motor tops out at 800 RPM. That matters for both torque and drilling speed—more on that below. I also didn’t find an onboard bit holder or work light on the drill head. Those omissions aren’t dealbreakers at this price, but worth noting.

Power and performance

For general homeowner tasks, the Matrix drill/driver gets a lot right. It drove hundreds of cabinet screws and drywall anchors with precise control thanks to the clutch. In pine and plywood, it handled pilot holes and countersinks cleanly. With sharp brad-point bits, it bore clean 1/4-inch holes with minimal tear-out and didn’t chatter in drywall or MDF.

Pushing into heavier material reveals its limits. At a top speed of 800 RPM, small-bore drilling in metal is fine—think 1/8-inch pilot holes in mild steel using cutting oil—but larger holes will feel slow. In framing lumber, spade bits up to about 3/4 inch are workable with a steady hand. Bigger than that, and the motor bogs unless you feed very gently. This is where the lack of a high-speed setting or 1/2-inch chuck shows. If you regularly run 1-inch spade bits, hole saws for locksets, or long augers, you’ll want a more robust drill.

On the driving side, the drill is well-suited to furniture assembly, cabinet work, and general screwdriving. It handled 2-1/2-inch construction screws into pine studs with pilot holes just fine. For 3-inch deck screws into pressure-treated lumber, pre-drilling is your friend; without it, you’ll feel the motor labor or the clutch slip on the higher settings. If you foresee a lot of long fasteners or lag bolts, consider adding the Matrix impact driver attachment—that’s where the platform flexibility pays off.

The MATRIX system in practice

Swapping attachments is quick and positive. I tested the drill/driver head extensively and also spent time with a reciprocating saw and sander attachment. The convenience of carrying one power unit and a few compact heads is real—you can jump from drilling to light pruning to finish sanding without packing separate tools.

The trade-off is shared power. The central motor has to be a jack-of-all-trades, and under continuous heavy loads you’ll feel it. The reciprocating saw attachment, for example, will trim small PVC, cut thin pine, and prune small branches, but it’s not a demolition tool. When I pushed it through thicker, green branches, the motor heated up quickly and I had to back off to avoid cooking it. Treat the saw as a light-duty, occasional-use accessory and you’ll be happier (and your motor will live longer).

There’s a bit more play in the interface compared to a dedicated drill, and you’ll notice some extra wobble with longer bits or when bearing down. It’s manageable, but precision-minded users should be aware.

Battery and charging

The included 1.5Ah pack is compact and keeps weight down. Runtime is good for typical homeowner use: I got through a full afternoon of mixed drilling and driving—roughly 80–120 2-inch screws, a scattering of pilot holes, and hardware installs—before needing a recharge. Heavy drilling or any cutting with the reciprocating saw attachment will obviously drain it faster.

The charger is on the slower side. Expect a few hours for a full charge from empty. If you plan to lean on the system, a second battery is a smart add. The good news: the tool runs on Black+Decker’s POWERCONNECT 20V batteries, which are easy to find and available in larger capacities that meaningfully extend runtime.

Build quality and durability

Construction is what I expect from a well-priced DIY platform: durable plastics, tidy fit and finish, and no rattles or loose panels. The chuck held bits securely and released cleanly. The clutch ring clicks into place with consistent detents. After months of household use, the drill/driver attachment still feels tight on the interface.

My only caution is heat management when using high-draw attachments or pushing oversize bits. The motor warms up quickly if you overfeed. Give it breaks on tough cuts and let it cool if you notice the telltale hot-tool smell. This is a light-to-medium-duty system—respect that boundary and it will serve you well.

Practical tips from use

• Use the clutch. For cabinet hinges, outlet covers, and hardware installs, settings 3–6 keep screws snug without crushing material.
• Start slow. The variable trigger gives great control for clean starts in harder materials and reduces cam-out.
• Pilot and step-up. In denser wood or metal, drill a small pilot and step up sizes to reduce load.
• Pair with the right attachment. If you need to drive long screws or tap-cons, the Matrix impact driver attachment is a worthwhile upgrade.
• Add a battery. A second pack (or a higher-capacity one) makes the platform far more practical.

Who it’s for—and who should look elsewhere

If your tool needs center on furniture assembly, shelf installs, picture hanging, light carpentry, and occasional odd jobs, the Matrix drill/driver is an easy recommendation. It’s compact, forgiving for beginners, and the clutch plus variable speed make it hard to overdo it. The Matrix ecosystem is a bonus for apartment dwellers and casual DIYers who want capability without a closet full of tools.

If you’re a heavy DIYer or a pro who routinely drills large holes, sinks long structural screws, or cuts for long sessions, this isn’t the platform to bet on. You’ll be better served by a 1/2-inch, two-speed drill/driver with higher RPMs and torque, and dedicated saws for cutting.

Recommendation

I recommend the Black+Decker Matrix drill/driver for homeowners and casual DIYers who value versatility and compactness over brute strength. As a drill/driver, it’s easy to control, comfortable to use, and well-suited to everyday tasks. The 11-position clutch prevents mistakes, the 3/8-inch keyless chuck makes quick work of bit changes, and the 20V battery system is widely compatible. Add a second battery, pick your attachments thoughtfully, and respect its light-to-medium-duty limits, and you’ll get solid value from a small, flexible system. If your work skews heavy or frequent, step up to a more powerful drill and keep the Matrix concept in mind for occasional, light-duty convenience.