Black+Decker 12V Max Drill/Driver BDCDD12C Review

Drilling

First off, we got to work testing and scored the performance of the BDCDD12C when it came to drilling holes, which is responsible for 35% of its final score. We used the BDCDD12C to try and drill some holes in a steel sheet with twist drills, a piece of 2x12 with a spade bit, and into a solid door with a large hole saw. It struggled in most of these tests mightily.

This power tool gave an almost pitiful performance with the 5" hole saw. It only made it about 1" in depth before overheating and struggling the entire time.

It didn't do any better with the 1" spade bit. It struggled terribly throughout and couldn't really drill a single hole with it. The BDCDD12C got almost too hot to touch, and we definitely wouldn't recommend using this drill for tasks like this if you want to prolong the longevity of this tool.

The BDCDD12C also had an exceptionally difficult time drilling through the 16 gauge sheet of steel with the ¼" and ½" drill bit. It eventually made it through with the smaller drill but did struggle quite a bit. It stalled out with the larger bit, only making it about halfway through. It also took about four times as long as the other drills just to make it halfway in the time it took them to drill all the way through.

Driving

The BDCDD12C did a tiny bit better in our driving test, though not by much. This category is also responsible for 35% of the total score and is based on the BDCDD12C's performance at driving in standard screws and a giant lag screw.

The BDCDD12C did manage to drive in the 3" long, #9 screws that we used to their full depth, even setting the countersunk head flush in the dimensional boards. It wasn't very easy for this drill, and it protested the entire time, but it could effectively complete this task.

The same couldn't be said for the 5" long lag screw. We drilled the correct size pilot hole, but the BDCDD12C couldn't drive the screw deeper than 2.5", stalling out and unable to drive it any further.

Battery Life

The performance of the BDCDD12C dropped in this next test with poor results in our battery life and charge time tests. Altogether, these battery assessments account for 20% of the total score. We tested this model with a 1.5 Ah battery.

Our battery life test consists of using each drill to alternate between drilling three holes with 1" spade bits and driving in 16 screws — both into 2x12 boards — awarding points proportional to the number of cycles completed. However, the BDCDD12C can't really use the 1" spade bit, so we downgraded it to a ½" twist drill. Even so, this drill only made it through two sets before dying — pretty much the worst in the entire group.

This drill takes absolutely forever to charge its 1.5 Ah battery with the included charger — around 200 minutes.

Convenience

The BDCDD12C did a bit better in our convenience metric, which is responsible for the residual tenth of its final score. However, this drill still did below average compared to the rest of the group regarding its features and functions.

The drill is exceptionally light, weighing just over two pounds, but it is relatively sparse for convenient features. It only has a single operating speed and lacks a belt clip. The chuck also can't open as large as the other drills, maxing out at ⅜".

It does have a built-in work light, but it isn't particularly bright and doesn't stay on unless you are holding the trigger.

The battery can be a bit of a hassle to install or remove, with the locking mechanism requiring a bit of force to engage or disengage. It also lacks a battery charge level indicator.

Should You Buy the Black+Decker 12V Max Drill/Driver?

Finishing in the lower half of the group overall, we don't necessarily recommend the Black+Decker 12V Max Drill/Driver BDCDD12C for most people. It's weak and struggles with most drilling and driving tasks, with unimpressive battery life. However, this lightweight drill can handle the occasional light-duty task without issue and is one of the cheapest options you can get, making it a good choice for someone who cares about spending the least amount of money possible and isn't going to expect too much. The performance on this drill is well below average, and it is not a product we consider to be a good value. It is only a good option if you want to spend the absolute bare minimum and only have minimal tasks to tackle.

What Other Drill Should You Consider?