Black & Decker 20V MAX Cordless Impact Driver with Charger and Fastening Bit

Why I reached for this impact driver

I picked up the Black+Decker 20V impact driver to see how far a budget-friendly, compact driver could go on real projects. Over several weekends, I used it on a fence repair, a shed build-out, and a round of general fixes—everything from 3-inch deck screws in pressure-treated lumber to driving small lag screws into framing. I wasn’t expecting pro-grade specs or features; I wanted a reliable, straightforward impact driver that could live in a homeowner’s toolkit without fuss. It delivered more often than not, with a few predictable trade-offs.

What you get and first impressions

Out of the box, you’re looking at a simple kit: the driver, a 1.5 Ah 20V MAX lithium-ion battery, a charger, and a double-ended bit. The shape and size are confidence-inspiring if you prefer compact tools. At 3.6 pounds and roughly 9 inches long, it’s easy to maneuver one-handed and fits into tighter framing pockets than many drill/drivers. The 1/4-inch hex quick-connect collet works as advertised—press, insert, release, and you’re locked in.

Fit and finish are solid for the category. There’s nothing flashy here—no mode selector, no bells and whistles—just a basic, practical tool with a variable-speed trigger and an impact mechanism designed to help you drive fasteners without cam-out.

Performance: torque where it counts

On paper, this driver tops out at 3,000 RPM and 3,900 BPM, with up to 1,375 in-lbs of torque. In practice, it has enough grunt to drive construction screws and structural fasteners in softwood without complaint. I drove a pile of 3-inch decking screws into fresh pressure-treated pine; the driver spun them confidently, and the impact action kept the bit seated well once resistance kicked in. The variable-speed control makes it easy to start screws cleanly, even in delicate material, and then lean on the impacts to finish.

Where you’ll hit the ceiling is with larger lag screws and stubborn fasteners in dense stock. Quarter-inch lags with a pilot hole went in fine; stepping up in diameter or skipping the pilot hole slowed things down. That’s consistent with the torque rating—this isn’t the class-leading muscle you get from higher-priced, brushless pro models. But for general carpentry, furniture builds, fence repairs, and light mechanical work with hex-head screws and bolts, it’s absolutely capable.

One advantage of an impact driver versus a standard drill/driver is the reduced wrist strain when a fastener binds. Here, the mechanism does its job: you feel the hammering and hear it, but the tool doesn’t twist your wrist in a sudden stall. That makes repetitive fastening a little less fatiguing.

Speed control and bit changes

The trigger is linear enough to feather screws in. There’s no multi-speed gearbox or specialized driving modes, so finesse comes down to your trigger finger. That’s fine for most tasks—just be mindful when working near finished surfaces or brittle materials. The quick-release collet is a highlight: it’s easy to swap bits one-handed, and it holds hex shanks securely. If you’re moving between pilot holes and fasteners, consider pairing this impact driver with a separate drill or a quick-change countersink system to keep your workflow moving.

As always, stick to impact-rated bits and sockets. The impulse action will chew up non-impact accessories quickly.

Battery life and charging

This kit includes a single 1.5 Ah battery. On lighter tasks—cabinet mounting screws, pocket-hole joinery, hardware installs—I could work through a good chunk of a project before thinking about a recharge. Long runs of large screws will drain it faster, as expected. If you’re planning all-day work, you’ll want a second battery. The included charger is basic—not a fast charger—so the spare really matters when you don’t want to stop mid-project.

The good news is that this driver sits on Black+Decker’s 20V MAX platform (nominal 18V), so if you’re already invested in those batteries, you’ll get more flexibility. If this is your first tool on the platform and you tackle frequent projects, budgeting for a second 2.0 Ah or 3.0 Ah pack is a smart move.

Ergonomics and handling

The size and weight hit a sweet spot for DIY work. The balance with the compact battery is neutral, so driving overhead or at odd angles isn’t a chore. I worked inside cabinets and along stud bays without feeling boxed out by the tool’s length. The handle shape is comfortable for extended use, and the consistent trigger response helped with controlled starts.

Impact drivers are inherently loud, and this one is no exception. Wear hearing protection if you’re driving a lot of fasteners, especially in echo-prone spaces like garages and basements.

Build quality and durability

This is a brushed-motor tool with a 2-year limited warranty. Over my time with it, the driver held up to drops onto plywood and a few dusty jobsite hours without any hiccups. Under heavy, continuous loads, the housing got warm—which is normal for brushed motors—and a good reminder that this isn’t intended for commercial, all-day production work. Keep it in its lane and it feels dependable.

The lack of extra features (no advanced electronics, no mode selector) isn’t all bad; it also means fewer things to break. That simplicity is part of the charm here.

Where it falls short

• Torque headroom: At 1,375 in-lbs, it’s not built to muscle big lags into dense hardwood without pilots. Pro-grade impacts today push well beyond that number. If you frequently install structural fasteners or heavy ledger hardware, you’ll want more power.
• Single battery, small capacity: The included 1.5 Ah pack is fine for quick projects, but it limits continuous work. It’s a budget kit trade-off—plan on buying an extra battery for uninterrupted use.
• Basic charger: Expect standard charge times rather than rapid turnaround.
• Feature set: No speed modes or advanced control features. Not a deal-breaker in this price class, but worth noting if you’ve used higher-end tools.

What it’s great at

• General carpentry: Decking screws, framing connectors (with the right bits), blocking, fencing, and subfloor fastening.
• Light mechanical tasks: Hex-head screws and small bolts on mowers, outdoor equipment, and household fixtures.
• Finish-friendly starts: The trigger control helps avoid sudden starts that mar surfaces, especially with shorter screws.

Paired with a small drill for pilot holes, it becomes a very capable two-tool combo for most home projects.

Tips for better results

• Use pilot holes for large lags or dense material; it speeds the drive and reduces heat.
• Stick to impact-rated bits and nut drivers to prevent shank twisting.
• Keep an extra battery on hand if you’re running long screws or a high volume of fasteners.
• Let the impact mechanism work—don’t lean excessively on the tool; steady pressure and patience drive better and save bits.

The bottom line and recommendation

I like this Black+Decker 20V impact driver for what it is: a compact, straightforward, and affordable driver that handles the bulk of DIY fastening tasks without drama. It’s comfortable to use, the quick-change collet speeds up bit swaps, and the performance is right in the pocket for homeowners and hobbyists. You give up premium features, torque headroom, and fast charging, but you gain simplicity and a price point that makes sense for occasional and moderate use.

I recommend this tool to DIYers, homeowners, and anyone building out a starter 20V MAX kit who wants a reliable impact driver for common projects—decks, fences, furniture builds, and general fixes. If your work leans toward heavy structural fastening or you need all-day runtime from a single pack, step up to a brushless model with higher torque and grab an extra battery or two. For the intended audience, though, this driver fits well, works well, and earns its place in the toolbox.