Black & Decker MATRIX 20V MAX Power Tool Kit

First impressions and setup

I have a soft spot for systems that let one motor do many jobs, especially for small-space DIY. The Black & Decker Matrix kit aims squarely at that: one 20V base, a set of quick‑connect heads, and a case that keeps it all together. Out of the box, the kit feels complete without being intimidating. I charged the included 1.5 Ah battery, snapped on the drill/driver head, and was hanging picture frames within the hour.

Swapping attachments is the headline here. The MATRIX Quick Connect collar is intuitive: pull back, seat the attachment, release, and it locks with a reassuring click. I could change from drill/driver to sander to jigsaw in seconds, which is the whole point of a system like this—less time digging for the “right” tool, more time finishing the task.

A quick note on what you actually get in this kit:
- Power unit with drill/driver head and keyless chuck
- Impact driver attachment
- Sander attachment with 60/120/240 grit sheets
- Jigsaw attachment with a scrolling blade
- Reciprocating saw attachment with a 5/8 TPI blade
- LED work light
- High‑pressure inflator and high‑flow inflator, each with nozzles
- One 20V MAX POWERCONNECT 1.5 Ah battery and charger
- Stackable storage case

The case is better than most pack‑in solutions—stackable, with room for everything, and sturdy enough to toss in a closet without worry. Loaded, the whole kit is roughly 20 lb, so you’re not lugging around a deadweight toolbox.

Ergonomics and ease of use

The base unit has the familiar Black & Decker ergonomics: lightweight, slightly compact grip, and balanced once an attachment is on. The keyless chuck on the drill/driver head held bits reliably, and the trigger modulation is smooth for careful starts. There’s not much in the way of pro‑grade rubber overmold, but comfort was never an issue over an afternoon of small projects.

The LED work light is simple and practical. It’s a separate, battery‑powered light, which I prefer over built‑in drill LEDs for working in dark corners where I’m not necessarily drilling. It’s bright enough for a closet or under‑sink fix, and it sips battery compared to the saws.

How each attachment performed

• Drill/driver (base head): Light duty is its lane. I drilled pilot holes in pine and drove cabinet screws into drywall anchors without drama. Into studs, it handled smaller wood screws fine. For larger spade bits or hole saws, it bogs down—no surprise for a compact 20V system.

• Impact driver attachment: This is where I turned for deck screws and longer fasteners. Torque is adequate for typical DIY tasks—assembling a workbench, framing a small shelf—but it’s not a powerhouse. Lag screws into studs required patience and proper pilot holes. The quick bit changes and compact nose make it great for tight spots.

• Sander attachment: Better than expected. With 120 grit, I smoothed a small side table and knocked down patch compound on drywall. The vibration is manageable, and dust stays reasonable if you vacuum frequently. It’s not a random orbital, so work in lighter passes and let the paper do the work to avoid swirl marks.

• Jigsaw attachment: Handy for curved cuts and light trim. I cut out a semicircle in 3/4-inch plywood for a cable pass‑through; it did the job cleanly if I didn’t rush it. It’s happiest in thin stock and soft wood. Keep a sharp blade and dial back your feed rate on thicker material.

• Reciprocating saw attachment: Useful as a “hack saw with power” for pruning small branches and rough cuts in 2x material. It will cut a 2x4, but you’ll feel the limitations—shorter stroke and more vibration than a dedicated saw. For quick demolition of drywall or PVC, it’s perfect.

• Inflator attachments (high pressure and high flow): Honestly, these are big value adds. The high‑pressure head topped up car tires and bike tires without breaking a sweat; I liked the compact size for roadside checks. The high‑flow head inflated a pool float and an air mattress easily. Both build some noise and heat (to be expected), so short duty cycles are smart.

• LED work light: As mentioned, simple and effective. The ability to park the battery on the light away from the tool is underrated during drywall patching or under‑cabinet work.

Power, runtime, and battery notes

The included 1.5 Ah pack is the kit’s bottleneck. It keeps weight down and works well for drill/driver and light inflator tasks, but runtime on the sander, reciprocating saw, and jigsaw is limited. In my use:
- Light drilling/driving: plenty for a small project list
- Sander: plan on swapping or recharging after a handful of panels or a small table
- Recip saw/jigsaw: bursts of work, then a breather

The charger is the standard compact type and prioritizes cost over speed. I wouldn’t expect rapid turnaround between dead and full—fine for the occasional user, not ideal for a long Saturday of projects. My suggestion: budget for a second battery, preferably a higher‑capacity 2.0–3.0 Ah pack in the POWERCONNECT line. The Matrix system does support battery sharing with other Black & Decker 20V tools, which helps stretch the investment.

I had no connection issues between the pack and tool, and the electronics behaved predictably under load (saws would cut out when I pushed too hard, then recover when I eased off). That said, because the single pack carries the entire kit, test your battery as soon as you unbox and charge it fully before first use. Having a backup battery greatly improves the experience.

Build quality and maintenance

Fit and finish are consistent with homeowner‑grade tools. The quick‑connect interface has minimal play and stayed tight through repeated changes. The sander pads and saw blade clamps show expected wear but nothing unusual. Keep extra sandpaper and a few spare blades on hand; swapping consumables quickly is half the battle with small jobs.

The case takes the daily abuse that compact kits encounter—stacking, sliding, and the occasional drop. The latches are plastic but feel secure, and the molded interior helps keep the smaller nozzles and bits from disappearing.

Who the Matrix kit is for

• New homeowners and renters who want a “one box” solution for common repairs and light projects
• DIYers with limited storage who value compact, modular tools
• Anyone who appreciates the convenience of an inflator built into the same system

Who it’s not for:
- Heavy renovators, deck builders, or anyone expecting pro‑grade runtime and cutting speed
- Users who will sand or saw for hours at a time without spare batteries

What I’d change

• Include a second battery. The kit’s versatility deserves more runtime.
• Upgrade the charger for faster turnaround.
• Add a dust port or adapter option on the sander to connect a shop vac.
• Toss in an extra assortment of blades; the single recip and jigsaw blades get you started but not far.

Practical tips from my use

• Pre‑drill more often than you think. These tools reward patience and good prep.
• Let the saws do the cutting. Excess force invites blade deflection and shutdowns.
• With the sander, step through grits—60 to 120 to 240—to avoid chasing scratches.
• Keep the inflators’ nozzles in a small zip bag inside the case; they’re easy to misplace.
• If you pick up a higher‑capacity battery, reserve the 1.5 Ah pack for the LED light and inflators to maximize productivity.

The bottom line

The Matrix kit is exactly what it presents itself to be: a compact, modular, homeowner‑focused system that handles a wide range of small tasks with minimal fuss. The quick‑connect heads work well, the attachments cover the needs most DIYers encounter, and the case keeps the chaos in check. The trade‑offs are predictable—modest power, limited runtime with the included 1.5 Ah battery, and slower charging—but the convenience and breadth of capability make up for it if your projects lean light.

Recommendation: I recommend the Matrix kit for homeowners and renters tackling light DIY, maintenance, and occasional weekend projects, especially if space is at a premium. It’s a practical, organized way to cover drilling, driving, light cutting, sanding, and inflating without accumulating a dozen separate tools. To get the best experience, add a second, higher‑capacity POWERCONNECT battery. If you need sustained power for heavy carpentry or demolition, a set of dedicated, single‑purpose tools will serve you better.