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Head-to-head · Best Cordless Drills

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver vs Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 4.3). The gap is mostly about contractors needing a lightweight, durable tool — read the strengths below before deciding.

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
Ranked #8 in Best Cordless Drills
BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver
4 sources3 derived

The Black+Decker 20V Max PowerConnect LD120VA is a budget-friendly, lightweight drill designed for simple household tasks like hanging artwork or assembling prefabricated furniture. Reviewers noted it lacks the power for demanding jobs, with one test showing the drill smoking while drilling through a door. While it includes a full set of bits and a bit holder, its single-speed operation and underpowered performance make it unsuitable for serious construction work. It's best for occasional users who need a basic tool for light-duty projects.

Strengths
  • — Relatively lightweight at 2.6 pounds
  • — Comes with a complete set of drill bits including Phillips, flatheads, and twist sizes
  • — Includes a bit holder integrated into the body
Watch-outs
  • — Not built for tough work or heavy-duty tasks
  • — Only one speed setting
Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Cordless Drills
Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
4 sourcesall derived$103.25as of Aug 1

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL ½ Inch Drill/Driver delivers impressive performance in a lightweight, compact design ideal for finish work and confined spaces. Reviewer Wayne Cormier praised its ease of use, rubber grip, and ability to handle demanding tasks like 2" hole-saws without slowing down. The tool's durability was confirmed through drop tests from 3 to 8 feet. While reviewers noted the battery removal could be improved, the drill's brushless motor and low weight make it a strong contender for professionals seeking a versatile 12V option. It's particularly suited for contractors who need a lighter alternative to M18 drills but still want substantial power.

Strengths
  • — Lightweight at 2.6 lbs, half the weight of larger M18 drills
  • — Key-less chuck accepts all standard bits
  • — LED indicators on top and below chuck for visibility
Watch-outs
  • — Battery removal mechanism feels awkward and could be easier
  • — Limited to 2.0Ah and 4.0Ah battery options
$103.25 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver

The BLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver is the lightest and most affordable in the group, but it's underpowered compared to the Milwaukee M18 FUEL or DEWALT 20V MAX XR. Unlike the Ryobi ONE+, it includes a bit holder and removable battery, but it's not suitable for serious construction work like the Makita 18V LXT or Bosch 18V.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver

The Milwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver is lighter and more compact than the Makita 18V LXT or DEWALT 20V MAX XR, but it's less powerful than the Milwaukee M18 FUEL. It's not as versatile as the Bosch 18V or Ryobi ONE+, but it's more durable and better suited for finish work than the Black+Decker.

Specs side-by-side

SpecBLACK+DECKER 20V MAX Cordless Drill/DriverMilwaukee M12 FUEL Brushless Cordless Drill/Driver
Chuck Size⅜"Key-less
Battery Voltage20V MaxXC4.0 4.0Ah
Battery Capacity1.5 amp-hour2.0 Ah
Weight2.6 lb2.6 lb
Voltage20 volts12 volts
No-Load Speed—Low and high speed settings
Torque—350 in-lbs
Motor Type—Brushless
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