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Black+Decker 20V Max Impact Driver BDCI20C Review

If you want to add an impact driver without spending an arm and a leg, then this is a great option
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Black+Decker 20V Max Impact Driver BDCI20C Review
Price:  $110 List
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Manufacturer:   BLACK+DECKER
By Ross Patton and Austin Palmer  ⋅  Aug 22, 2024
37
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#10 of 11
  • Speed - 35% 4.0
  • Torque - 25% 4.0
  • Convenience - 20% 4.0
  • Battery - 15% 2.4
  • Noise - 5% 3.0

Our Verdict

The Black+Decker 20V Max Impact Driver is not the most spectacular impact driver we've ever seen. It's a bit noisy, and it doesn't deliver much torque. It has a battery that dies fairly quickly, it's a bit slower than most, and it doesn't include many bells and whistles. However, all of the scores in our review are based on a comparison with the best impact drivers — this is still a very powerful and useful tool. It will easily handle most jobs you can throw at it and at a fraction of the cost of most tools in this category. For the performance it offers compared to its price, it's a decent deal.
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Magnetic bit holder
REASONS TO AVOID
Unimpressive torque
Noisey
Slow

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Tool-Only Impact Driver
  Editors' Choice Award
Best 12 Volt Impact Driver
Price $110 List
$66.98 at Amazon
$135 List
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$129 List
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$140 List
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$120 List
$99.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
37
82
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60
Star Rating
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Bottom Line An affordable impact driver that offers less performance than top models, but still gets the job doneThis impact driver offers fantastic speed and torque in a compact packageIf you want a high performance impact driver that can hang with the best, this is a good choiceA solid addition for those that already have a bevy of DEWALT tools, but carries a heftier price tag than mostWhen it comes to 12-volt impact drivers, it's hard to beat the performance of this model
Rating Categories Black+Decker 20V Ma... Milwaukee M18 Fuel... Makita XDT13 DeWalt MAX XR DCF887B Milwaukee M12 Fuel...
Speed (35%)
4.0
9.0
9.0
8.0
7.0
Torque (25%)
4.0
10.0
10.0
8.0
6.0
Convenience (20%)
4.0
8.0
6.0
7.0
7.0
Battery (15%)
2.4
5.7
6.6
5.1
3.6
Noise (5%)
3.0
2.0
3.0
2.0
3.0
Specs Black+Decker 20V Ma... Milwaukee M18 Fuel... Makita XDT13 DeWalt MAX XR DCF887B Milwaukee M12 Fuel...
Average Measured Total Time for Lag Bolt Test 58 seconds 16 seconds 21 seconds 23 seconds 37 seconds
Average Measured Time: Plywood Ledger Screw Test 6 seconds 3 seconds 4 seconds 4 seconds 6 seconds
Average Measured Fastening Torque 152 ft-lb 300 ft-lb 282 ft-lb 238 ft-lb 143 ft-lb
Average Measured Breaking Torque 220 ft-lb 300 ft-lb 300 ft-lb 300 ft-lb 275 ft-lb
Average Measured Time: 3-2'x12' Ledger Screw Test 6.7 seconds 2.0 seconds 2.8 seconds 2.8 seconds 3.7 seconds
Battery Test Screws Driven 31 68 78 62 44
Measured Length 168 mm 116 mm 126 mm 136 mm 132 mm
Average Measured Decibels While Using 97 dBa 99 dBa 97 dBa 100 dBa 97 dBa
Impact Driver Model # BDCI202 2853-20 XDT13 DCF887 2553-20
Quick Bit Insert No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Bit Holder Yes Yes No No No
Multiple Fastening Modes No Yes No Yes 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


black+decker 20v max impact driver bdci20c - an impact driver that at one time was impressive, but no longer...
An impact driver that at one time was impressive, but no longer stands up against the competition.
Credit: Laura Casner

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.

black+decker 20v max impact driver bdci20c - the black+decker isn't very fast, but it gets the job done.
The Black+Decker isn't very fast, but it gets the job done.
Credit: Laura Casner

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.

black+decker 20v max impact driver bdci20c - the black+decker doesn't produce much torque when compared to the...
The Black+Decker doesn't produce much torque when compared to the best models, but it's infinitely better than using a wrench.
Credit: Laura Casner

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.

black+decker 20v max impact driver bdci20c - we used a torque wrench to measure the capacity of these impact...
We used a torque wrench to measure the capacity of these impact drivers, and unfortunately the ability of this Black+Decker model fell well below others we tested.
Credit: Laura Casner

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.

black+decker 20v max impact driver bdci20c - although the light is a bit dim compared to other models, the design...
Although the light is a bit dim compared to other models, the design makes it great for working in dimly-lit areas.
Credit: Laura Casner

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.

black+decker 20v max impact driver bdci20c - we love the magnetic bit holder on the black+decker.
We love the magnetic bit holder on the Black+Decker.
Credit: Laura Casner

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.

black+decker 20v max impact driver bdci20c - despite being a full size model, this battery doesn't last nearly...
Despite being a full size model, this battery doesn't last nearly long enough to get through a long job.
Credit: Laura Casner

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.

black+decker 20v max impact driver bdci20c - the black+decker bdc120c is better for simple, diy-type jobs rather...
The Black+Decker BDC120C is better for simple, DIY-type jobs rather than professional duties.
Credit: Jason Peters

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.

Ross Patton and Austin Palmer