Black+Decker 20V Max Impact Driver BDCI20C Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product Black+Decker 20V Max Impact Driver BDCI20C | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Impact Driver | Best Tool-Only Impact Driver | |||
Price | $70 List $66.98 at Amazon | $179 List $134.49 at Amazon | $135 List $117.00 at Amazon | $129 List $97.76 at Amazon | $140 List $110.00 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | An affordable impact driver that offers less performance than top models, but still gets the job done | If you want an ultra-fast and strong impact driver with an efficient battery, this model is the one | This impact driver offers fantastic speed and torque in a compact package | If you want a high performance impact driver that can hang with the best, this is a good choice | A solid addition for those that already have a bevy of DEWALT tools, but carries a heftier price tag than most |
Rating Categories | Black+Decker 20V Ma... | Kobalt XTR Max 24V | Milwaukee M18 Fuel... | Makita XDT13 | DeWalt MAX XR DCF887B |
Speed (35%) | |||||
Torque (25%) | |||||
Convenience (20%) | |||||
Battery (15%) | |||||
Noise (5%) | |||||
Specs | Black+Decker 20V Ma... | Kobalt XTR Max 24V | Milwaukee M18 Fuel... | Makita XDT13 | DeWalt MAX XR DCF887B |
Average Measured Total Time for Lag Bolt Test | 58 seconds | 13 seconds | 16 seconds | 21 seconds | 23 seconds |
Average Measured Time: Plywood Ledger Screw Test | 6 seconds | 3 seconds | 3 seconds | 4 seconds | 4 seconds |
Average Measured Fastening Torque | 152 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 282 ft-lb | 238 ft-lb |
Average Measured Breaking Torque | 220 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb | 300 ft-lb |
Average Measured Time: 3-2'x12' Ledger Screw Test | 6.7 seconds | 2.1 seconds | 2.0 seconds | 2.8 seconds | 2.8 seconds |
Battery Test Screws Driven | 31 | 117 | 68 | 78 | 62 |
Measured Length | 168 mm | 139 mm | 116 mm | 126 mm | 136 mm |
Average Measured Decibels While Using | 97 dBa | 96 dBa | 99 dBa | 97 dBa | 100 dBa |
Impact Driver Model # | BDCI202 | KXID 124B-03 | 2853-20 | XDT13 | DCF887 |
Quick Bit Insert | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Bit Holder | Yes | No | Yes | No | No |
Multiple Fastening Modes | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Our Analysis and Test Results
If you're looking for an impact driver that won't hit your bank account too hard but still offers a good deal of performance, we think you should consider the Black+Decker BDCI20C. One feature that sets it apart is the magnetic bit holder on top of the tool body.
Performance Comparison
Speed
To score each impact driver for speed , we divided the metric into two tests — one using ledger screws and one using a large lag bolt. For the ledger screw portion, we drove five 3-⅝" screws into a stack of plywood, timed each trial, and then calculated an average. The Black+Decker did fairly well for this assessment. The average for the whole bunch of impact drivers was 7 seconds; this model's average was 6 seconds.
The second half of the speed test was comprised of drilling an 11/32" pilot hole into a stack of 2x12 boards, then timing how long it took to get the lag bolt fully driven, and then how long it took to remove it. The BDCI20C didn't perform quite as well during this experiment. 45 seconds was required to sink the fastener to remove it required 13 seconds. Slowly or not, it did eventually get the job done.
Torque
To test torque, we welded some ½" grade 8 steel bolts to an I-beam to measure how much twisting power each impact driver can produce. First, we used each impact driver to tighten three nuts onto three bolts at their highest setting for 5 seconds. We then used a torque wrench to measure the tightness of each nut. The Black+Decker tightened the nuts to an average of 115 ft-lbs of pressure.
We then used the torque wrench to tighten the nuts to a measured amount of tightness to see how strong each driver was when loosening ceased fasteners. The BDCI20C was able to break nuts free that were tightened to 175 ft-lbs of pressure but failed to break the nuts tightened to 200 ft-lbs.
Convenience
To score convenience, we began by weighing and measuring the dimensions of each driver. Next, we moved to more subjective scoring based on what types of extra features and any innovative elements of the design of every model.
The Black+Decker has a measured length of 168 mm — it's one of the bulkiest drivers in our impact driver review. Weighing two pounds without the battery, it's not especially heavy. One way the BDCI20C fell short was the lack of a belt clip. We've found that belt clips are very useful, so it's a bit disappointing that the designers of this tool chose to leave this feature out.
The light on the Black+Decker is a tiny bit on the dim side, but it does the trick when it comes time to light up a fastener. We loved this model because you can turn the light on by slightly depressing the trigger but without activating the actual driver. This is useful when you need to see what you're doing before tightening or loosening a fastener. One feature that sets this model apart from the others is the magnetic bit holder on top of the tool — it's very useful to be able to have an extra or alternative bit ready to go at all times.
Battery
To test batteries, we used each driver to sink 14 ledger screws, then drive and remove one ½" x 3" lag bolt. We started the stop watch and went until the battery was totally dead.
Unfortunately, the Black+Decker could only complete one entire set of our trials. On the second trial, it completed the 14 ledger screws, and it was able to drive the lag bolt but died before removing it. If battery life is a large concern of yours, it would be wise to go with a model that lasts longer.
Noise
Using a sound meter, we took four individual readings while driving ledger screws to calculate an average. Impact drivers are generally loud, and the BDCI20C is no exception. This model produces 97 decibels while in operation, which is below the average of 98 we measured across the whole group. However, because we've tested impact drivers that are much quieter, we had no choice but to give this tool a poor score for the metric. We recommend that you check with the manufacturer about ear protection.
Should You Buy the Black+Decker 20V Max Impact Driver?
During our testing process, the Black+Decker BDCI20C wasn't the most impressive impact driver. While it isn't the most spectacular impact driver, it still easily handles most jobs — especially lighter-duty projects.
What Other Impact Drivers Should You Consider?
We would be hard-pressed to recommend the Black+Decker BDCI20C to anyone who would like to own an impact driver. Put another way, there are better options at a similar price point. For a few bucks more, you can get the Makita XDT13, which bests the Black+Decker in every way. For working professionals, it may be worthwhile to spend a few extra dollars to upgrade to an award-winning driver like the Milwaukee M18 Fuel.