Buying guide for Best BLACK+DECKER drills
BLACK+DECKER invented the pistol grip drill and trigger way back in 1917. So to say the company has extensive experience in the market is a bit of an understatement! That basic design has changed little and since then, it has been adopted by every drill manufacturer in the world.
BLACK+DECKER remains one of the leading brands, with an extensive range of quality tools at affordable prices. Whether you want to fix a handle on a drawer or punch holes through cinder blocks, there’s a drill to do that. In fact, few competitors offer such an extensive collection. BLACK+DECKER has continued to innovate, too, with a number of unusual and valuable features.
Here at BestReviews, we’ve been looking at all the latest models so we can help you pick the BLACK+DECKER drill or drills best suited to the jobs you need to tackle. While many are very versatile, there are still power alternatives and different functions that make one better than another for particular tasks. The selection above showcases a range of popular models that can provide an ideal solution for many. The following buying guide looks at them in more detail.
Key considerations
Corded vs. cordless
We’re not going to spend a lot of time on the pros and cons of corded and cordless drills. It’s a subject that has been well covered elsewhere. In a nutshell, cordless drills are more convenient, giving you the ability to go anywhere for as long as the battery lasts. You can extend that time with spare batteries, but eventually, you need to plug them into a charger, so you don’t have complete freedom.
Corded tools go on and on and on as long as you have somewhere to plug them in. An extension cord will give you up to 100 feet of additional movement. If you’ve got a portable generator, you have almost as much freedom as with a cordless drill, albeit considerably more weight!
In terms of price, corded BLACK+DECKER drills are invariably cheaper than their cordless equivalent.
Expert tip
While this might sound odd, I suggest holding the store display model over your head for 30 seconds before buying a drill. You need to know if the weight is right for you, and 30 seconds is more than enough time to drive a screw or wall anchor up high. If you're shopping from home, lift a small item of the same weight as the model you're considering.
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Power options
Judging performance is made difficult by the fact that corded drills are rated by amps (A) and cordless drills are rated by voltage (V). You can’t directly compare the two (you need to know resistance and wattage to make that calculation). However, we can say that a bigger number means more power.
Corded: An entry-level corded drill runs around 4 amps. General-purpose DIY models produce 5 or 6 amps, and BLACK+DECKER’s most powerful hammer drill runs 7 amps. The inclusion of an additional handle at the front of the latter is an indication of how powerful it is — you can maintain a firm grip with both hands. You may often need it, but it can be removed if it gets in the way.
Cordless: BLACK+DECKER is one of the few manufacturers producing a compact 8-volt drill. It’s small, easy to use, and ideal for those little maintenance jobs that are always cropping up around the house. There are also 12-volt models that are ideal for medium-duty tasks, and 20-volt drills that rival their corded counterparts in terms of speed and torque. If you’re looking for a general-purpose all-rounder, we would recommend the latter.
Type
Do you want a drill or a drill-driver? The former is generally cheaper; the latter has a clutch and offers more flexibility. You won’t find a clutch on hammer drills, which have an impact mechanism instead.
Did You Know?
With cordless drill batteries, ampere-hours (Ah) are like fuel. The higher the number, the longer the battery will run between charges. You can’t do much about what comes with the drill, but it’s something to think about maximizing if you’re buying a spare.
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Features
Chuck
An indication of a drill’s intended use is the size and type of chuck. Typically light- and medium-duty drills have a 3/8-inch chuck, heavy-duty models have a 1/2-inch chuck. Most are keyless: you just tighten them by hand. On high-performance hammer drills, you’re likely to find a keyed chuck. They can be done up more tightly, so there’s no danger of the drill bit coming loose under the increased pressure involved.
Size
Weight is a consideration if you’re using a drill all day, particularly if you often have to work above your head. If you frequently work in tight spaces, you might want to check the length of the drill from chuck to back end. Some are more compact than others.
Speed
On all BLACK+DECKER drills, speed is adjusted by trigger pressure. However, some also have two speed ranges. You still have the full range of trigger movement, but you get more precise control.
Extras
BLACK+DECKER drills come in lots of different kit configurations. Some include drill bits or other accessories, some have spare batteries, and some include a carry bag. Once you’ve decided on the drill you want, it’s worth investigating the options available. It’s often cheaper to buy a drill set than buy the extras individually.
Both corded and cordless BLACK+DECKER drills frequently have onboard storage for screwdriver bits, which is convenient. Cordless models often feature LED task lights.
A depth gauge is great for repetitive drilling to the same depth. If your drill doesn’t have one, simply wrap a piece of paper tape or insulating tape around the drill bit at the required distance from the tip.
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Innovations
There are two BLACK+DECKER drill models that have introduced unique feature sets.
The BLACK+DECKER 20 Max SMARTECH delivers all the power of the other 20-volt models, but the batteries are also Bluetooth enabled. That means it’s possible to locate them remotely, lock them so they can’t be used, and monitor the charge level, all via an iOS or Android app. There’s also a port so you can charge your phone or tablet from the battery.
The BLACK+DECKER Matrix Quick Connect System has a 20-volt drill at its core, but the drill head can be easily removed and replaced with an impact driver, jigsaw, oscillating multi-tool, router, or sander. All use the same 20-volt battery, and all are very manageable. You can buy the drill and add the other attachments one at a time or buy a complete kit in its own case.
Expert tip
Make sure replacement batteries are compatible with your model before buying. Some manufacturers offer newer batteries but they may not fit your older drill.
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Accessories
Drill bits and drivers: BLACK+DECKER Screwdriver and Drill Bit Set
While people often amass different sets of drill bits over time, it’s a good idea to start with a general-purpose set. Having a wide selection of screwdriver bits means you’ve always got the right size, so you won’t damage the heads. This great value collection answers both needs in one convenient case.
Eye protection: DEWALT Safety Goggles
Any form of eye protection is a good idea. Safety glasses are one alternative, and they are very light and convenient. However, in a dusty environment, goggles will protect your eyes from flying debris as well as small airborne particles that tend to get everywhere and can cause severe irritation.
For Your Safety
When drilling, you never know what’s going to get thrown at you. Always wear eye protection. A lightweight dust mask is also a good idea.
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BLACK+DECKER drill prices
Inexpensive
BLACK+DECKER has long had a reputation for affordability, and that’s as true as ever with reliable corded drills and the 8-volt cordless model starting at under $30.
Mid-range
The vast majority of BLACK+DECKER drills cost between $30 and $80, everything from lightweight 12-volt cordless models to heavy-duty hammer drills.
Expensive
Only one BLACK+DECKER drill exceeds $90 on its own, but if you’re looking for a drill-driver combination or the clever Matrix system, there are a number of great value kits available. Even then the prices rarely exceed $200.
FAQ
Q. Are there any brushless cordless drills in the BLACK+DECKER range?
A. There have been in the past, but at present we are unable to find any. While brushless motors do make more efficient use of battery power, they’re considerably more expensive. As the majority of BLACK+DECKER drills are aimed at the DIY market, this was no doubt a consideration in making sure they’re all very affordable. The performance advantage of a brushless is probably negligible for most home users.
Expert tip
Read about the charging time needs of your battery. Some batteries should be removed from the charger when fully rejuvenated while others can remain in the charger.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert
Q. Is having a clutch important on a BLACK+DECKER drill?
A. First you have to decide whether you want a model purely for making holes — in other words a drill — or one for driving screws as well — a drill-driver. BLACK+DECKER makes both, and a clutchless model (drill) will usually save you money. If you do want to drive screws or other fixings, then yes, a clutch is a major benefit. It allows you to adjust the torque so you don’t over-tighten them or strip the threads. Multiple settings give the versatility required for screws of different sizes and materials of different densities.
Q. How do I replace the integrated battery on the 8-volt cordless BLACK+DECKER drill?
A. Unfortunately, you can’t. It charges via USB cable, which for many is simple and convenient. Modern lithium-ion batteries have a much longer working life than older style nickel-cadmiums and are much more efficient, but they will eventually stop taking a charge. At that point, replacing the drill is the only option. BLACK+DECKER doesn’t give a figure, but most lithium-ion batteries last between 300 and 500 full charges. A light-duty DIY model isn’t designed for frequent use, so that’s likely to last you at least several years.
