BLACK+DECKER LDX120C: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-17

Summary

The LDX120C is an entry-level 20V MAX cordless drill/driver (3/8 in keyless chuck, 650 RPM, 11-position clutch, 1.5 Ah battery, 3.3 lb) for household DIY. The most common problem is battery charging failure, including new-in-box units that won’t charge, and Consumer Reports measured recharge at 180-240 minutes against the 60-minute manufacturer claim. Running costs are low — no consumables beyond driver bits — and it is a good buy at $30-50, weak at $50-70, hard to recommend above $70.

Common problems and fixes

Battery won’t charge — the most common issue across owner forums and the most popular forum question for this model; BLACK+DECKER’s own support page has multiple reports of new-in-box units where the charger flashes red continuously and the battery sits at zero after 6 hours. Fix: run the manufacturer’s diagnostic — if the charger is warm after 30 minutes of charging, replace the battery; if cool, replace the charger. The tool and battery carry a 2-year limited warranty. [3][4][5]
Battery dies quickly — listed as a recurring question on the iFixit device page; no fix published beyond battery replacement. [3]
Chuck won’t tighten — listed as a recurring iFixit question for this model; iFixit hosts a chuck repair guide. [3][7]
Trigger sticks — a comment on the iFixit troubleshooting page reports a trigger that will not press while the chuck still works; iFixit hosts a safety switch/trigger chip repair guide. [7]
Charger light never turns off — an owner reports the red charging light staying on no matter how long the battery sits on the charger; BLACK+DECKER documents charger fault codes F01 (shorted cell) through F06 (reverse polarity) to identify the cause. [6][7]
Unit stops abruptly during use — iFixit troubleshooting covers this, with battery overheat as the primary cause. [7]
Slow speed and limited power — Consumer Reports’ 2020 lab tests call it “slow” and “less powerful, limiting use to smaller screws and drills”; not a defect, but it rules out large lag bolts, thick hardwood and masonry (there is no hammer mode). [2]

Parts and consumables

Motor, chuck, gears, light, safety switch — iFixit hosts repair guides for each, so common failure points are fixable with moderate skill. [7]

Yearly running cost

Not enough data. No owner spending figures were published. The only recurring costs are replacement LBX20 batteries and LCS20 chargers as they wear out, plus driver bits; the battery holds a charge up to 18 months when not in use. [1]

When it is a good buy

$30-50: good buy. Covers basic household tasks and shares batteries with the broader 20V MAX ecosystem; Walmart listed the kit at $28.17, marked down from $32.49, in one snapshot. [8]
$50-70: value weakens. The LD120VA hammer drill (750 RPM, 2.0 Ah battery) is about $60 list and is the better choice when you need hammer mode for masonry. [9]
Above $70: hard to recommend unless you already own 20V MAX batteries; Consumer Reports listed it from $69.99 in its 2020 review and placed it below far more expensive competitors like the DeWalt DCD801QQ2 and Makita XFD16T. [2]