One Cordless Power Tool, Attachments for Every Application
Black & Decker has just released released a new cordless power tool with a totally revolutionary design. To get straight to the point, the new Matrix is essentially a power tool body with a head that’s been geared to accept attachments. The result is a cordless tool with a detachable head that can be changed and interchanged between seven different attachments, each one geared and ready to perform a different application.
The Matrix and the Quick Connect System
The Matrix comes standard with an drill/driver attachment and is available in both 12V and 20V models. Six different detachable heads (an impact driver, jigsaw, an oscillating tool, a router, detail sander and a trim saw) are available for purchase separately. This allows you to choose the pieces that are most specific to your needs and build upon the tool from there.
Each piece in the Quick Connect System, from the tool itself to each of its detachable heads, is relatively affordable. The 12V Matrix runs about $50, the 20V Matrix is about $70, and each of the attachments costs between $30 and $40 (significantly less expensive than a complete tool). This allows you do a lot more and to save a lot more in the process. – According to Black & Decker, more Matrix Quick Connect attachments are on the horizon.
The Matrix itself is compact and lightweight allowing for easy use in small spaces and awkward or overhead applications. It’s pistol grip design is easy to handle and maintains balance with each different attachment. The tool is powered by lithium ion battery technology that allegedly holds a charge for up to 18 months and definitely provides enough power for the tremendous amount of tasks that are possible with this tool. While the 12V model (model number BDCDMT112) is perfect for most DIY applications, the 20V model (model number BDCDMT120) offers more power for heavier-duty tasks. Each kit includes, the drill/driver attachment, a double sided bit tip and a lithium ion battery and charger.
How it Works (in a very small nutshell)
In case you’re wondering how the Quick Connect System actually works, I’ll explain it very briefly in very basic terms. The motor on the Matrix turns a metal male joint. Each of the Matrix Quick Connect attachments have a matching female joint which securely connects to the tool’s motor. Durable nylon housings additionally contribute to the secure connection between tool and attachment. The motor feeds power to each of the attachments which are geared to perform their specific task. For safe performance between each attachment, the tool also features a mechanical lock which prevents the reverse functionality of the drills from engaging while being used with other heads.
Attachments
So the tool itself is compact and lightweight. It has a variable speed motor and the chops to perform a virtually endless number of applications. But what about the attachments?
The Drill/Driver (included)
For starters, the included drill/driver attachment does everything you’d expect it to be able to; it’s compact and happily performs the entire spectrum of drilling and driving tasks (with respect to the voltage of the tool, of course). The head delivers big power and offers the small profile needed for close-quarter work.
The Impact Driver (BDCMTI | sold separately for about $40)
The impact driver attachment is similarly compact and offers up to 10x the torque you’d receive from the drill-driver head. The thing delivers power and precision without kickback, drives large screws and fasteners with ease and includes a Phillips #2 bit.
The Jigsaw (BDCMTJS | sold separately for about $30)
The jigsaw head offers tool-free blade changes and accepts both T and U-shank blades. Because the tool offers variable speeds, the jigsaw can match speeds to each cutting task and maneuvers easily. This attachment includes one T-shank jigsaw blade.
The Oscillating Tool (BDCMTO | sold separately for about $40)
The Matrix oscillating head attachment offers tool-less accessory changes and accepts a variety of Black & Decker accessories. This allows users to do everything from flush cuts and plunge cuts in drywall, wood, plastics, metals and etc, to sanding, grinding and scraping. The tool’s variable speeds allow for an always precise performance and the attachment includes a plunge cutting blade, a sanding platen and two pieces of sandpaper.
The Router (BDCMTR | sold separately for about $40)
The router head offers a powerful and accurate performance to tackle most decorative, edge forming and hinge routing applications. A Quick Adjust button allows for fast depth adjustment up to 1-inch and a spindle lock allows for single wrench bit changes.
The Detail Sander (BDCMTS | sold separately for about $30)
The detail sander attachment is compact for use in corners and small spaces and is ideal for a huge range of sanding applications from finish sanding to polishing and rust removal. The head utilizes a hook-and-loop paper attachment system for easy and reusable paper changes, and variable speeds ensure you have the right amount of juice for each project. The detail sander head includes six sheets of sandpaper ((2)60-grit (for rough sanding), (2) 120-grit (for middle-of-the-road-sanding), (2) 240-grit (for fine sanding)).
The Trim Saw (BDCMTTS | sold separately for about $30)
The trim saw attachment comes with a 3-3/8-inch, 24-tooth carbide blade that, coupled with the big power of the tool, is ideal cutting plywood, fence boards, paneling and etc. It’s lightweight, compact design make the saw easy to use and maneuver and its portability make the tool incredibly handy to have around.
Because each of the attachments are sold individually, users can be particular about which heads to invest in. This helps crafters do a lot more with (and for) a lot less. At the end of the day, the tool is built right and comes at a really great price; the attachments are incredibly more affordable that buying an entirely new tool and they perform most applications with inspiring vigor. – I would only suggest you also invest in a second battery. Even though these lithium batteries are the cream of the crop, it’s always good to have another on hand.
Posted in Drills, Featured Tool of the Month, Routers, Sanders, Tool Info by Mallory Kramer. 4 Replies
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