Black and Decker: A Leader in Power Drills
From woodworking and mechanic trades to the home hobbyist and DIYer, there are few shops or garages that don’t have at least one good drill within arms reach. Versatile and invaluable tools for many different projects, drills come corded or cordless and vary in size, speed, and power.
Today we’ll be looking at the best Black and Decker drills including the types of drills they make, their different power sources, what to look for in a Black and Decker drill, and our top picks. So, stick around to see which Black and Decker drill may be right for your next project.
Our Top 3 Picks
Best Value: The Black + Decker 4-Amp Electric Corded Drill
This lightweight and compact drill packs enough power to tackle a variety of projects with ease. The MATRIX Quick Connect System with interchangeable attachments adds versatility and allows the user to complete many different tasks with just one base tool, making this drill the best value for its price range.
Budget Pick: The Black + Decker 8-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver
This super lightweight Black and Decker cordless drill features a built-in battery and easy-grip handle for increased balance and control. Built to handle most household and DIY projects it’s a great cost-effective tool to get the job done.
Customer Choice: The Black + Decker 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
Compact and easy to handle, this Black and Decker 20V drill makes household and DIY projects a breeze. With ample power and torque, an integrated LED light, and convenient built-in bit storage, it’s no wonder this drill is the most popular among consumers.
About Black and Decker
In 1910, S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker began a small machine shop in Towson Maryland with machines designed for dipping candy and making bottle caps for glass milk bottles. Six short years later, they filed a patent application for the world’s first ½-inch portable electric drill with pistol grip and trigger switch features – this would be the first of many ground-breaking tools the company would create throughout its history.
Since its beginning, Black and Decker has been a global leader in the design and innovation of power tools and accessories, electric yard and garden tools, security hardware, and household small appliances. Rebranded from the original Black & Decker to Black + Decker in 2014, the company remains one of the most popular brands on the market.
What Other Tools Do Black and Decker Make?
In addition to drills, Black and Decker’s line of power tools includes, corded and cordless reciprocating saws, jigsaws, electric chop saw, powered handsaws, corded and cordless circular saws, corded and cordless power sanders (belt, palm, random orbital hand sanders, detail sanders), impact drivers, a range of inflator tools, and cordless screwdrivers. They also have a number of batteries, chargers, and accessory options for each of their cordless tools.
Their lawn and garden tool selection includes lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers and sweepers, watering and plant care, and more.
They even have a range of toy tools your littlest helpers can use to work alongside you in the shop or the garden.
Black and Decker also has an extensive line of home cleaning tools and small appliances to make everyday living that much easier, as well as a personal medication management system to help you keep track of your medications and health.
What to Look for in a Black and Decker Drill
There are a variety of Black + Decker drills to suit different projects and budgets. When choosing the one that is right for you it’s important to look at a few key features. These include:
- Speed and power: You want to make sure the drill has enough juice to meet the demands of the project you want it for.
- Corded or Cordless: Do you need a drill that will work constantly for extended periods of time? Or is the freedom to move around your workspace a more important feature.
- Type: Will you be doing basic drilling tasks that a traditional drill or drill/driver can handle with ease, or will you be drilling through concrete and need something that offers a bit more punch to get the job done?
- Additional features: Do you need an extra bit of light in your workspace? Or do you need a tool that can perform several tasks with just a quick change of the attachment?
Whatever your project, there is a Black and Decker drill that will meet your needs and expectations.
The Best Black & Decker Drills
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill
The Black + Decker 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver is an ideal drill for a variety of home repairs and DIY projects. It runs on a 20 Volt, lithium-Ion battery that provides ample power and is compact and lightweight. The 11-position clutch provides the right amount of torque for drilling into various materials and prevents stripping of screws while in driver mode.
At 3.4 pounds with a 3/8” chuck, the drill is lightweight and easy to handle. It boasts an integrated LED light source to aid in the illumination of darker work areas as well as built-in bit storage to keep bits close to where they’re needed. The drill comes with 1 LBX20 20-Volt Maxx Lithium-Ion Battery, 1-Lcs20 Charger, and 1 double-ended bit.
Additional features of the Black and Decker 20V Drill include:
- Speed – 650 RPM
- Wattage – 1500 Watts
- Torque – 115 Inch Pounds
- Battery Life – 1-hour average
- 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Three-to-five-year battery life
- Strong enough to drill through concrete and most other materials
- Operates in reverse
- Variable speed trigger
- Part of the 20V MAX System (maximum initial battery voltage – measured without a workload – is 20 volts. Nominal voltage is 18 volts.)
Cons:
- Does not come with a carrying case
- May not hold up to commercial projects
BLACK+DECKER Electric Drill
The Black + Decker 4-Amp Electric Corded Drill features the MATRIX Quick Connect System, which includes interchangeable attachments allowing the user to complete a variety of tasks with just one base tool. The 4-Amp motor has enough power to handle any of the jobs the available attachments can tackle, and the 11-position clutch offers ample torque and increased control, helping to prevent overdriving and stripping of screws.
Weighing in at 3.31 pounds and featuring a 3/8-inch chuck, this drill is compact and lightweight making it easy to use in a variety of locations. This drill comes with a base drilling/driver matrix attachment and one double-sided bit tip. Available attachments include an impact driver, oscillating multi-tool, jigsaw, detail sander, router, and trim saw.
Additional features of the 4-Amp Electric Corded drill include:
- Speed – 0 – 1200 RPM
- Voltage – 120 Watts
- Torque – 128 Inch Pounds
- 2-year warranty
Pros:
- With attachments that are compact and lightweight, this drill is ideal for users with limited storage or workspace
- Able to drill through concrete and various other hard material
- The available attachments fit the corded or cordless models of drills
- Twist chuck to hold bits in place
Cons:
- Does not come with a storage case
- Does not include a built-in light
BLACK+DECKER Corded Drill
The Black + Decker 5.2-Amp Corded Drill is powerful enough for use on a range of materials and a variety of tasks around the home. The variable speed offers greater control and built-in bit storage keeps everything in one place.
This compact and lightweight drill is 3.25 pounds with a 3/8-inch chuck and includes 1 double-ended screwdriver bit.
Additional features of the 5.2-Amp Corded drill include:
- Speed –1500 RPM
- 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Keyless chuck
- 6-foot power cord
- Trigger controlled speed
- Reversible
Cons:
- Does not have a clutch
- Not recommended for drilling through concrete
BLACK+DECKER Electric Drill
The Black + Decker 7.0 Amp, ½-Inch Electric Drill boasts a 360-degree side handle and variable speed that provides increased control while drilling. The ½-inch metal keyed chuck adds better bit retention, and the comfort grip handle allows for increased comfort while in use. This powerful drill is ideal for drilling holes and driving fasteners through a variety of materials including, wood, metal, and plastic, and is powerful enough to handle heavier-duty projects.
At only 3 pounds, this drill is lightweight and easy to handle. The drill includes one chuck key and holder, and one side handle.
Additional features of the 7.0 Amp, 1/2-inch Electric drill include:
- Speed – 0 – 900 RPM
- Voltage – 120 volts
- 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Reverse action
- The side handle is removable and able to adjust to any position.
- Trigger lock
- Powerful enough to drill through concrete
Cons:
- Does not come with a carrying case
BLACK+DECKER 8V MAX Cordless Drill
The Black + Decker 8-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver features a built-in battery that recharges with a jack plug charger and a mid-handle design that provides better balance and control.
This 1.32-pound drill is compact and lightweight making this Black and Decker cordless drill a great tool for most at-home and DIY projects. The 3/8-Inch keyless chuck makes changing bits quick and easy. This drill includes one jack plug charger and one double-ended bit.
Additional features of the 8-Volt Cordless Drill/Driver include:
- Easy Grip Handle
- Speed –400 RPM
- Voltage – 8 volts
- Battery Cell Type – Lithium-Ion
- 2-year warranty
Pros:
- Reversible
- Fits standard drill and screwdriver bits
- Long battery life and fast recharge
- Ideal for residential applications and small DIY projects
Cons:
- Not suitable for mid- or heavy-duty projects
- No torque control or variable speed
- No carrying case
Extra Black + Decker Chargers
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Lithium Battery Charge
The Black + Decker 12V20V MAX Lithium Battery Charger conveniently charges 12V MAX and 20V MAX lithium-ion slide pack batteries on a single unit. Batteries typically recharge within forty minutes and the green light indicator lets you know when the battery is charging and when it is ready. This charger comes with a two-year limited warranty.
BLACK+DECKER SMARTECH Bluetooth 20V MAX Lithium Battery
The Black + Decker Smartech Bluetooth 20V MAX Lithium Battery is part of the 20V MAX System. When paired with the Black + Decker App, this battery has programmable alerts and reminders, and features to locate, lock, and unlock your tools, and monitor your battery’s charge. There is also a built-in charger for charging phones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Works with the 20V MAX Lithium Battery and comes with a two-year limited warranty.
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Lithium Battery
The Black + Decker 20V MAX Lithium Battery 1.3 Amp Hour 2-Pack boasts improved performance and extended run times making them able to stand up to various projects. Compatible with the 20 Volt Max Lithium-ion cordless power and yard tools, these batteries hold a charge for up to 18 months and come with a 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty.
Types of Drills
Traditional
The way a drill functions is fairly simple. Pressing of the trigger switch engages the motor of the drill which, in turn, engages the drive shaft. Once engaged, the drive shaft transfers the rotation through the clutch. The clutch controls the torque of the drill. Once the pre-set clutch setting is reached, it disengages the driveshaft – this causes a rapid clicking sound as the motor turns but the chuck (the piece that holds the bit) and the bit itself does not.
Traditional drills are suitable for smaller projects like drilling holes through wood, drywall, and other thin material, as well as installing small fasteners.
Driver
Drivers operate similarly to traditional drills with one notable difference. Drivers have an adjustable clutch that allows the user to drive screws into a surface at consistent depths without over or under-driving the screw. Additionally, you can turn off the clutch on most models to allow the tool to operate as a traditional drill.
Although they can function as a traditional drill, drivers are specifically designed for light-duty projects in which driving screws and fasteners is required.
Impact
In impact drills, the driver rotates like a regular drill, but when resistance is met, it produces a series of rapid tapping movements that drive the fasteners into a surface and prevent stripping of screw heads.
Ideal for big projects with heavier work, impact drills will drive most screw types and are designed specifically for fastening into metal, pressure-treated wood, and cabinets. They can also be used for standard drilling if needed.
Hammer Drill
The hammer drill is a heavier-duty version of the Impact drill. Where the impact drill produces a rapid tapping motion in addition to the chuck rotation, the hammer drill produces a more forceful hammering action. The additional downward force supplies the drill with more torque than the impact drill allows.
Designed for heavier-duty projects, the hammer drill can effortlessly drill through concrete, stone, block, and brick and is especially ideal for demolition projects. Depending on the model, the hammer motion can typically be turned off allowing the tool to be used as a traditional drill when required.
Different Power Sources
Electric Corded
Corded power drills can be used anywhere there is an available power outlet and are ideal for projects that require constant drilling for extended periods of time or drilling into tougher materials like concrete and brick. They typically have more power or force than a cordless drill and are a great option for anything from driving screws and drilling holes to mixing paint and drywall mud.
The power for corded drills is measured in amperage (amp) and the higher the amp value, the great the power.
Corded drills are available for a variety of functions and in a variety of models from light to heavy-duty.
Notable advantages to corded drills are not having to change or recharge batteries and being able to work non-stop with an endless power source. A potential inconvenience however is having to search for electrical outlets in out-of-the-way locations or extension cords long enough to reach the project location.
Battery Cordless
Battery-operated cordless drills offer the ability to move freely around your workspace while drilling. They are suitable for a variety of projects from light to heavy-duty depending on the battery available for them.
Cordless drills run on power from one of five types of batteries: alkaline, lithium-ion (Li-Ion), Li-iron disulfide, nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cad), and nickel-metal hydride (NIMH). The battery power is measured in voltage (V) and can range from 4V to 36V – with 12V to 18V being the common range for general drilling tasks. Lower-voltage drills are ideal for light-duty projects like installing cabinet door hardware, whereas higher-voltage drills can tackle heavier-duty projects like drilling through concrete or brick.
Advantages of cordless drills also include not having to rely on a nearby power source or be hindered by long cords being in the way. Disadvantages to cordless drills include slightly less power and the need to change or recharge batteries potentially several times a project.
FAQ
Are Black and Decker drills any good?
Simply, yes. With innovative technology, variable speed, and power options, and different tool sizes to suit a range of projects, Black + Decker drills more than stand up to the tasks they’re used for.
What is the Best Black and Decker drill?
Based on speed and performance, the best Black + Decker drill is the 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver. It is a lightweight tool with good torque and speed control making it able to tackle a variety of projects with ease.
Are Black and Decker cordless drills any good?
As with their corded drills, Black and Decker cordless drills offer flexibility in speed, torque, and project size and easily tackle work, home, and DIY projects.
Which is better Bosch or Black and Decker drill?
Bosch and Black and Decker Drills are comparable when it comes to speed, power, and torque. The drill that is right for you comes down to the added features that you like or want in your new drill.
Conclusion
Black and Decker has been a household name for over one hundred years and with a wide selection of light and heavy-duty cordless and corded drills offering various speeds, functions, and features it is no wonder they remain one of the most popular brands of drills and other power tools on the market. We hope this article has helped point you in the right direction to finding the drill that will best suit your project needs.
We’d love to know if you found this article helpful and if you have any questions for us. Until next time!