Black & Decker Impact Multi-Tool Attachment with Storage Case

Why I reached for the Matrix impact attachment

I’ve been using Black & Decker’s MATRIX platform for quick swaps between tasks, but my kit was missing one crucial piece: an impact option for stubborn fasteners and larger hardware. The Matrix impact attachment slotted into that gap neatly. It’s a compact, quick-connect module that turns the MATRIX power unit (sold separately) into a proper impact driver, complete with a quick‑release collet and a tidy storage case. After several weeks of driving structural screws, pulling weathered fasteners, and bouncing between other MATRIX heads, here’s how it fared.

Setup and compatibility

If you’re already in the MATRIX ecosystem, setup is as simple as it gets. Press the release on your base unit, slide the attachment on, and you’re in business. The quick-connect interface is one of the reasons I still like this platform: I can go from drilling a pilot with one head to driving a lag with the impact attachment in seconds without juggling full-size tools.

A quick heads-up on bits: this is a hex-collet impact head, so plan on using hex-shank accessories. Traditional round-shank drill bits won’t fit unless they’re hex-shanked. The attachment comes with a single 2-inch screwdriver bit, which is fine for getting started, but you’ll want a small set of impact-rated bits for real work.

Build quality and ergonomics

The attachment feels solid in hand, with a sturdiness that matches the rest of the MATRIX lineup. Nothing rattles, the collet action is smooth, and there’s no slop between the attachment and the base unit. The overall balance depends on the MATRIX power unit you pair it with, but with my 20V base it sits well—nose-heavy in a good way, which helps keep the bit planted. The form factor is compact enough to get into cabinet carcasses and between studs, and it isn’t oversized compared with standalone compact impact drivers.

The included storage case is a nice touch. It’s compact, organizes the attachment and the included bit, and keeps everything from banging around in a drawer or tool bag. If you carry multiple MATRIX heads, you’ll appreciate having each one cased and clearly identifiable.

Performance in wood and light metal

The first test I always run on an impact is straightforward: driving 3-inch deck screws into pressure-treated lumber. The attachment pushed them in consistently without cam-out, even when I intentionally skipped pilot holes on a few runs. For framing and deck repairs, it has plenty of punch. Moving up to larger hardware, it handled 1/4-inch lags (with pilots) into SPF without complaint. It isn’t pretending to be a top-tier pro impact with blistering speed, but the torque feels appropriately “impact” versus a standard drill/driver—exactly what you want for big fasteners and stubborn screws.

On light metal work, like self-tappers into sheet steel and driving fasteners into Unistrut, the control is predictable, and bit retention is tight. The impacts kick in quickly under load, which helps avoid burning up bits. I wouldn’t choose this for heavy structural steel, but for the kind of mixed material tasks a homeowner or light-duty tradesperson sees, it performs well.

Removing stubborn and rusty fasteners

This is where an impact earns its keep, and this attachment did the job. I pulled a handful of corroded deck screws and a couple of grimy machine screws from an outdoor gate bracket that had seen better days. A dab of penetrating oil, a good-fitting bit, and the hammering action broke them free without stripping the heads. The short bursts of torque are more effective here than a drill/driver’s steady push, and the attachment’s compact size helps you keep the bit square to the fastener, which is half the battle with rusty hardware.

Bit changes and the quick‑release collet

The quick‑release collet is one of the highlights. It’s a true one-handed operation—pull the collar, slide the bit, release, and you’re locked in. Bits seat positively with minimal wobble. It’s a small thing, but swapping between a #2 Phillips and a T25 Torx quickly turns a scattered deck repair into a smooth workflow. After repeated changes, the collar action remained crisp and didn’t feel loose or gritty.

Noise, vibration, and control

Impacts are loud by nature, and this attachment is no exception. Wear ear protection if you’re driving fasteners for any length of time. Vibration through the handle is present but not fatiguing, and the short impulse bursts give you good control at the start of a drive when alignment matters. I found feathering the trigger easy enough for careful starts, and the impact mechanism takes over when resistance climbs, reducing the tendency to cam-out or chew up soft screw heads.

Runtime and power considerations

Runtime depends entirely on your MATRIX power unit and battery. On my 20V base, I got through typical weekend tasks—deck board replacements, cabinet screws, a few lags—on a single compact battery, but sustained heavy impact work will drain cells faster than drilling or simple driving. That’s normal for impacts. If you anticipate a lot of large fasteners, keep a second battery handy.

In terms of power, the attachment is well matched to household and light jobsite tasks. If your day-to-day relies on driving 6-inch structural screws, long ledger screws, or large lag bolts into dense hardwoods all day, a dedicated pro-grade brushless impact will still be the better fit. For most DIY, maintenance, and occasional renovation work, this attachment supplies all the torque you need.

The storage case: small detail, real value

Black & Decker’s choice to include a storage case matters more than it first appears. The attachment, a bit or two, and a small accessory card fit neatly. For folks who keep multiple MATRIX heads, being able to grab the right case from a shelf is faster and reduces the chance of bits walking off. The case feels tough enough for daily transport in a larger tool bag. My only nitpick: there isn’t much extra room for a larger bit set. I ended up tossing a separate compact bit case in my bag for variety.

Limitations to keep in mind

• Platform lock-in: This only works with MATRIX quick-connect power units. If you don’t own one, this isn’t a standalone impact driver.
• Hex-only accessories: You’ll need hex-shank bits. That’s standard for impacts, but it’s worth noting if your bit collection is mostly round-shank.
• Not a replacement for heavy-duty pro impacts: For all-day, high-torque fastening in dense materials, there are more powerful dedicated tools.

None of these are flaws so much as inherent trade-offs of an attachment-based system.

Who it suits best

• Existing MATRIX owners who want impact capability without adding another full-size tool.
• DIYers and homeowners doing deck work, fence repair, cabinet installs, light framing, and general maintenance.
• Light-duty trades or facilities teams that benefit from the quick-switch flexibility of the MATRIX system and need an impact on tap.

If you’re building your first cordless setup from scratch and plan on frequent heavy fastening, a dedicated impact might be a better anchor tool. But if you already appreciate the MATRIX convenience—or you favor compact storage and modularity—this attachment hits the sweet spot.

Final recommendation

I recommend the Matrix impact attachment for anyone already invested in the MATRIX platform who needs real impact performance in a compact, modular package. It delivers the core benefits you expect—higher torque for large fasteners and rusty screws, a smooth quick‑release collet for fast bit changes, and a tidy storage case that keeps your kit organized—without complicating your setup. It’s not meant to dethrone a top-tier pro impact driver, but as a capable, convenient addition to the MATRIX system, it’s a smart, reliable upgrade that earns its place in the case.