Black & Decker Firestorm

Got it out of retirement, At the time they came out some 10-15 years ago (May 2025 now ) I think, they were the best. Bought 3 of them over a couple of years, because I kept dropping them from a height of a meter or less, and the plastic body broke nearly right across. So I found this was one big problem with them, the other smaller problem was that somehow it was very easy to snap the head of screws, even 14 gauge ones, if I was not careful. In every other aspect they were excellent. Stopped using it when I bought an 18 volt AEG PRO lithium ion drill. Well, dropped this one many times too, and it did not brake. Still works as new. All the best everyone.

Good quality on a budget – My old man's first cordless drill was a B&D which replaced his 15 year old B&D corded drill; The drill withstood years of childish abuse (sorry Dad) but kept on performing until finally the batteries wouldn't charge. Given it had lasted so long, built many skateboard ramps and survived the abuse, it was replaced with another B&D drill only to find the original batteries and drill were still fine! It took a further few years of abuse, 2 bathrooms, a kitchens and out door entertaining area to finally kill it.

After finally moving out and realising how often I used his tools I was in need for a drill. Supercheap had a super special and the Firestorm (along with the B&D 18v driver) was an obvious choice. The latest version is by far the best and most powerful, it does chew through the batteries relatively quickly but by keeping 1 on charge while working I've never run out. The drill itself is a lot neater and more practical than other version and seems that some of the weaknesses have been resolved. The weight is a lot more balanced too, it feels more stable in your hand and is a lot more stable when free standing, where as the first firestorm tended to tip over forwards when placed upright.

Most would suggest that the Ni-Cad batteries are its biggest limitation however usage and lifespan need to be factored in when considering your choice. The Li-Ion batteries are without doubt a better battery, but far from superior. Where Li-Ion will stay charged longer, provide more power for far less weight, charge much quicker and can be charged more frequently, in the low end price range they have a very short lifespan, around 2 years (regardless of usage, hence the short warrantee). The Ni-Cad should last 4 years plus (personally 10 years plus) and will die much slower meaning that even as it dies can still be used. If you're going to use your drill for weekend projects or to put together a bookshelf look no further, any of the B&D range will satisfy your needs and more for longer than anything else. Reliable, long lasting, cheap, powerful, good function, good warrantee, quick strong chuck, well balanced, Battery dies fast in masonry (hammer) and hardwood,

Great all rounder – Very impressed. Does a great job around the house. Battery recharges from flat in as quoted 30 min. 3 speeds is great. Laughs at masonary with a good drill bit. 10mm no problems. Recommend on 2nd speed for masonary otherwise can tend to make the hole a little bigger than desired. Feels solid and good balance. 3 speeds. Huge varience on clutch. Hammer drill setting. Quick battery charge. Good weight Not as much feel or adjustment on the clutch at low speed. Even on lowest setting on 1st speed tends to keep on powering on with out the clutch slipping