Black & Decker SSL20SB-2 20-Volt MAX Smart Select Lithium Ion Drill/Driver

by Black & Decker

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Black & Decker SSL20SB-2 20-volt max Smart Select lithium-ion drill/driver incorporates the Smart Select clutch. You choose your project icon and the drill automatically adjusts the power and speed for optimal results. It has a gear indicator with 2 speeds indicating a high or low setting. Black & Decker 20-volt max lithium-ion batteries deliver extended run-time, and hold their charge five times longer than NiCd batteries. The high-torque motor delivers 175 in.-lbs. The drill/driver has a full metal chuck for durability and strength. The handle is ergonomically designed for improved comfort and control. At two-thirds the size of comparable NiCd models, Black & Decker's latest lithium-ion drills provide compact power and are comfortable and easy to use. This set includes a drill/driver, 2 lithium-ion batteries, the LCS20 20-volt max lithium-ion charger, a double-ended screwdriver bit, and a storage bag.

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 5.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B004BVPA3G
• Item model number: SSL20SB-2
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,228 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #27 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Combo Kits

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Average drill, bit over average batteries, September 18, 2011

By 

Andrew Kim "Multix" (Chicago, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Black & Decker SSL20SB-2 20-Volt MAX Smart Select Lithium Ion Drill/Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

I'll give the package 3.5/5 stars.

The batteries included are 2200mAh batteries, _NOT_ the high capacity batteries that come with other tools in the B&D line. The build quality is average. Yes, the drill is light, with the battery which is Li-Ion type. However, the torque is bit less than average of the drills that I own in the similar price range. It high dual range of speed has lower maximum speed than my other drill from Craftsman, Panasonic, and some other brands.

Overall, it is a drill that is average, nothing special, other than that it uses same battery that is used in the B&D line of gardening tools. If the battery fail, I will get the high capacity battery next time.

Maximum RPM = 0-400/0-1300. Max Torque =175in-Lbs. In my experience battery life is par with other major brand batteries, and nothing special.

Only special features are: 1) Lightness of the tool, 2) Lithium-Ion battery.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Light weight and powerful, October 2, 2011

By 

Seanana (Alaska) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Black & Decker SSL20SB-2 20-Volt MAX Smart Select Lithium Ion Drill/Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

I bought this drill/driver with no published reviews because this model comes with two speeds and two LI batteries. Since the batteries are so expensive to buy separately, it sells at a very attractive price. I have only used it twice so far, but it has performed very well both times. The second time was a big project driving 2.5" screws and the battery held up very well. It is light weight and comfortable to use. I rate it four stars because I was surprised how long it takes to charge the batteries and because the "Smart Select" dial isn't particularly accurate for the uses shown. Also, the high speed selector is on the dial rather than a switch. There are only three high speed positions so there are not as many speed/power options as I've had on other models. That said, anyone who has used a cordless drill/driver with a numbered dial will have no trouble adjusting this unit for the job at hand.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great balance of power, weight, and price!, November 19, 2011

By 

fem - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Black & Decker SSL20SB-2 20-Volt MAX Smart Select Lithium Ion Drill/Driver (Tools & Home Improvement)

The "savings" mentioned by Amazon is a bit of an overstretch. But anyway, $90 for a 20Vmax cordless B&D drill (18V under load) with 2 Li-ion batteries (plus soft case and double-ended bit) is a great buy. Some other reviewers mentioned they found it cheaper elsewhere, but that drill is the previous model (no smart select) with only one battery...
The time it takes to charge the battery is extraordinary (couple of hours or more), but with 2 batteries and a little bit of fore-planning you will be fine. Anyway these batteries hold their charge for long time so you can charge them now, let them be, and use the drill weeks or months later with no problem (I imagine, I haven't had it for so long). If you need faster charge times, get a DeWalt with 30-min quick charge (but also pay 2-3 times as much).
The quality (although mostly plastic to keep the weight down) is nice and the drill appears sturdy, but only time will tell. The chuck grips securely and I haven't noticed any slipping (although my larger drill bits have a 3-flat base - maybe there is slipping with traditional round-base drill bits). The smart-select clutch is a new one for me, but the concept is pretty much the same as with numbered clutches. There is low-speed setting for driving with different amounts of torque, and a high speed setting for drilling. I am still trying to figure out how accurate this is... The handle provides a nice grip for my medium-large sized hand. The drill is lightweight (but not featherweight) and has plenty of power to do typical tasks (driving and drilling into wood, drywall, metal studs) and even some more demanding tasks if you need to.
It is definitely not contractor grade (you cannot use it to drill hard steel and drive thousands of 3-inch screws every day), but for the homeowner/DIY/honey-do is a perfect balance of weight, power and price. If you don't need the power and want a smaller tool predominantly for driving screws in tight spaces and just some light drilling, the 12Vmax from B&D is even lighter and tackles most tasks around the house equally well (I tried it but didn't keep it).