The 5 Best Black + Decker Drill Drivers

Black + Decker is one of the biggest names in the home improvement industry. Founded in 1910 in Baltimore, Maryland, Black + Decker set out to create the world’s first portable power tool. With that in mind, they continued to grow their product portfolio, ultimately becoming a household name in the 1950s.

In 1960, Black + Decker’s parent company, Stanley Black + Decker, purchased another big name in the home improvement industry, DeWalt. Under Black + Decker’s leadership, DeWalt was rebranded as the high-end brand for professionals, while Black + Decker became the brand for consumers. 

In short, DeWalt is marketed towards professionals, while Black + Decker is a do-it-yourself (DIY) and consumer-friendly brand. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean that DeWalt offers better drill drivers than Black + Decker. Which brand and type of electric drill is best for you depends on what projects you plan to work on, your expectations, and a host of other factors. 

Read on to learn more about the advantages of Black + Decker drills, how they differ from other brands, and the top five Black + Decker drill drivers. We’ll also cover how to choose the best Black + Decker drill driver for your workbench.

The 5 Top Black + Decker Drill Drivers

Now that you know what makes Black + Decker drills unique, let’s take a look at the top five Black + Decker drill drivers in 2022.

Black + Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8” Drill Driver

Black + Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver Description and Specifications

The Black + Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver is a highly portable and lightweight medium-duty tool. It’s particularly great for mobile and overhead applications. 

Every purchase of this product comes with a:

• Black + Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver
• 20V POWERCONNECT MAX lithium-ion battery
• Charger
• Double-ended bit

Why the Black + Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver Is Great

This drill driver is great for driving and drilling in plastic, wood, and metal. Equipped with AutoSense technology, this tool has an automatic clutch that drives most screws on the first try. The automatic clutch also reduces the likelihood of stripping screws.

This drill driver comes with an LED work light for illuminating dark spaces and work surfaces. Additionally, its 20V MAX POWERCONNECT battery can be used with other POWERCONNECT tools.

Pros and Cons of the Black + Decker BDCDE120C 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver

Black + Decker BDCDHP220SB-2 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 1/2” Drill Driver

Black + Decker BDCDHP220SB-2 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 1/2″ Drill Driver Description and Specifications

The Black + Decker BDCDHP220SB-2 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 1/2″ Drill Driver is a high-performing lightweight drill that delivers 412 in.-lbs. of torque.

Every purchase of this tool comes with a:

• Black + Decker BDCDHP220SB-2 Cordless Drill Driver
• ‎BDCDHP220(2) 20V MAX* battery
• Charger
• Soft bag
• Screwdriving bit

Why the Black + Decker BDCDHP220SB-2 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 1/2″ Drill Driver Is Great

The Black + Decker BDCDHP220SB-2 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 1/2″ Drill Driver boasts two speed options, allowing you to work on a wide range of jobs. It’s lightweight and compact, allowing you to perform driving and drilling tasks in confined spaces with ease.

This tool has a single-sleeve chuck that makes bit retention easier. Its lithium-ion battery can also hold a charge for up to 18 months.

Pros and Cons of the Black + Decker BDCDHP220SB-2 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 1/2″ Drill Driver

Black + Decker LDX172C 7.2V Li-ion Cordless 3/8” Drill Driver

Black + Decker LDX172C 7.2V Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver Description and Specifications

The Black + Decker LDX172C 7.2V Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver is one of the most lightweight medium-duty drills.

Every purchase of this item comes with a:

• Black + Decker LDX172C Cordless Drill Driver
• Double-ended bit 
• Charger

Why the Black + Decker LDX172C 7.2V Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver Is Great

The Black + Decker LDX172C 7.2V Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver is a budget-friendly and convenient drill driver for DIYers. It has a mid-handle design that gives you more control and balance than comparable tools. 

This drill driver has two speed modes and forward and reverse modes, allowing you to drill through a variety of materials. It also has a fan-cooled motor to extend the life of the tool. 

Pros and Cons of the Black + Decker LDX172C 7.2V Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver

Black + Decker LDX112C-2 12V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8” Drill Drive

Black + Decker LDX112C-2 12V Max Li-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver Description and Specifications

The Black + Decker LDX112C-2 12V Max Li-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver is a medium-duty cordless drill driver for screwdriving and drilling. Like other Black + Decker tools, its lithium-ion batteries hold charges longer than comparable models. 

Every purchase of this tool also includes:

• A Black + Decker LDX112C-2 12V Max Li-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver
• Two 12V MAX lithium-ion batteries
• A charger
• A double-ended bit

Why the Black + Decker LDX112C-2 12V Max Li-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver Is Great

Compact and lightweight, the Black + Decker LDX112C-2 12V Max Li-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver reduces user fatigue, particularly when drilling and screwdriving in tight corners. A medium-duty drill with a 3/8″ chuck, this tool has an 11-position clutch that provides precise control for drilling and screwdriving into plastic, wood, and metal.

What’s more, this tool comes with powerful 12-volt lithium-ion batteries that last up to 500 days in between uses. That’s five times the battery life of comparable NiCad models.

Pros and Cons of the Black + Decker LDX112C-2 12V Max Li-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver

Black + Decker SSL20SB 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8” Drill Driver

Black + Decker SSL20SB 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver Description and Specifications

The Black + Decker SSL20SB 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver is a medium-duty cordless drill driver that you can use for a wide range of home and garden projects, such as assembling furniture, framing, and building planter boxes. 

Every purchase of this tool includes a:

• ‎Black + Decker SSL20SB 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver
• 20V MAX battery
• Charger
• Storage bag
• Double-ended bit tip

Why the Black + Decker SSL20SB 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver Is Great

Equipped with powerful 20-volt MAX lithium-ion batteries and a formidable motor that delivers 175 in.-lbs. of torque, this is a lightweight cordless drill driver that has a longer run-time than comparable models. 

With just a turn of the dial, SmartSelect Technology will automatically adjust speed and power depending on your project. The drill’s all-metal keyed chuck also provides long-lasting durability and optimal bit grip.

Like many other Black + Decker tools, this drill driver has two speed gear indicators for high and low settings.

Pros and Cons of the Black + Decker SSL20SB 20V Max Li-ion Cordless 3/8″ Drill Driver

How To Choose the Best Black + Decker Drill Driver for You

Before picking the best Black + Decker drill for your workbench, you should consider several factors. These include:

Type

Is your chosen drill light-duty, general-use, or heavy-duty?

Light-duty drills are best for small jobs around the house, such as drilling drywall, assembling simple furniture, and framing. Their batteries usually range from 12 to 20 volts and they typically have fixed, 1/4″ sockets that only accept 1/4″ hex bits. Their motors also produce less torque — the force produced by drills to thrust into materials — than other types of drills. 

General-duty drills are the go-to tool for most DIYers. Equipped with 3/8″ chucks, general-duty drills typically use 12-volt batteries and are more powerful than they appear. Although their motors aren’t heavy-duty and can’t take too much load, they can thrust holes into wood and drive plenty of screws on a single charge. 

Heavy-duty drills are powered by formidable 18- to 24-volt batteries. Equipped with powerful motors, these drills produce enough torque to drill holes and drive large fasteners through steel, granite, and other hard materials. They come with 1/2″ chucks and can accept almost any drill bit, including ones specifically designed for drilling into concrete or brick.

Grip

Before buying a drill, you should test how it feels in your hand. Is the grip ergonomic? If the grip isn’t comfortable and you can’t imagine holding the drill for at least a few hours, you may want to choose another one.

You should also ask yourself if you want a T-handle drill or a pistol-grip drill.

Consider choosing a T-handle drill if you want to reduce wrist strain and you’re working long hours. T-handles distribute the weight of the tool to improve balance and reduce strain. On the other hand, if your projects demand accuracy, consider buying a pistol-grip drill. Pistol-grips allow you to drill more efficiently on vertical and horizontal surfaces because they place your hand behind the chuck, allowing you to control the amount of pressure applied to the bit while drilling and driving.

Weight and Size

While testing your chosen drill’s grip, lift the tool above your head as if you were installing a smoke detector. Is it too heavy? How does it feel when you twist your hand in the other direction? If it’s too awkward to hold in certain positions, you may need to pick a more comfortable drill. 

Controls

Test your drill’s controls. Do you like how the switches, triggers, and dials work? If some of the controls feel off or get stuck often, get another tool. Your drill should let you easily switch between modes. Otherwise, you’ll waste a lot of time fiddling with your drill’s controls.

How the Drill Is Sold

Drills are typically sold in three ways:

1. As a bare tool with no battery or charger
2. As a stand-alone tool with a charger and one or two batteries
3. As part of a kit with two batteries, a charger, a carrying case, and some other accessories, such as a belt hook or bit set

If you only need a drill and already have a compatible charger and batteries, pick the first option. If you just want the tool with a charger and some batteries, go for option two. 

If you also want a carrying case, batteries, a charger, and accessories for your drill, consider getting option three. Kits are usually less expensive than buying a drill driver, charger, battery, and bit set separately.

Preferences

Finally, you need to think about your own preferences. If you value budget over performance and you only need a light-duty drill for simple projects, you may want to get a budget Black + Decker drill with modest torque and speed ratings.

However, if you value performance and longevity over budget, consider getting a medium or heavy-duty Black + Decker drill with higher torque and speed ratings. Although they’re not as powerful as Milwaukee or DeWalt drills, heavy-duty Black + Decker drill drivers are sufficient for most DIYers.

What Are the Advantages of Black + Decker Drill Drivers?

Black + Decker drill drivers are lightweight and come in a variety of options for all budgets.

Lightweight

Most Black + Decker drill drivers are incredibly lightweight. This makes them perfect for projects that require a lot of lifting, twisting, and turning, such as:

• Installing ceiling fans
• Framing
• Building garden arbors

Variety

Black + Decker has one of the most diverse product portfolios on the market, meanings there’s something for everyone.

If you need a portable drill driver that you can bring with you on trips, get one of Black + Decker’s lightweight cordless drill drivers. If portability isn’t as important to you as power and consistency, get a corded drill driver that has high torque and speed ratings. 

Black + Decker also offers both budget drill drivers and more expensive, higher-end models. Some Black + Decker drill drivers also have lights that illuminate your workspace, allowing you to work in dimly lit areas and at night.

How Do Black + Decker Drill Drivers Differ From Other Drill Drivers?

Compared to other brands, Black + Decker boasts a robust product line of drill drivers that are best for quick tasks and tight budgets. 

Best for Light Tasks

Black + Decker products are designed for DIY home improvement enthusiasts and hobbyists. Their drill drivers are good for light- to medium-duty tasks such as framing, building miniatures, and assembling bookshelves.

This means that Black + Decker isn’t the best brand if you need heavy-duty tools that can last years. Due to their lightweight design and lower torque and speed ratings, Black + Decker drill drivers aren’t as sturdy or reliable as DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Makita drills.

Budget-Friendly

Black + Decker offers a wide range of drill drivers at competitive prices. Their drill drivers are even more budget-friendly than Ryobi, another popular DIY and consumer-friendly brand known for its great prices. However, these lower prices come at a cost as Black + Decker tends to use lower-quality materials. 

If you’re looking for a high-quality tool that will last you for years, a Black + Decker drill driver probably isn’t your best bet. But if you only need a simple tool for light-duty work, a Black + Decker drill driver is a great deal that’ll get the job done.

Black + Decker Drill Driver Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)