Homebuilding Verdict
The Black & Decker MultiEvo Multi Tool is a tempting proposition, three tools in one. It's a real money-saver for occasional DIYers and a more than adequate tool for sanding, drilling, and sawing. So, if you don’t own a drill, a detail sander, or a jigsaw, this is a tool you should add to your ‘I need’ list. However, battery life isn’t its strong point, limiting how long you can work on DIY projects.
Pros
- +
Includes sandpaper, drill bits and jigsaw blades
- +
Comes in a toolbox
- +
Multiple use
- +
Easy to swap heads
Cons
- -
Low-capacity battery
- -
Long charging time
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Why do I need a multi-use power tool? This is exactly what I was thinking when the Black & Decker MultiEvo Multi Tool arrived. Surely it can’t be as good as my single-use power tools. But at the same time, I was prepared to give it a go without any preconceptions.
As an experienced DIYer, I’ve used a lot of Black + Decker tools (I still have my drill from over 10 years ago), and they haven’t disappointed, so I thought it could be a real winner. Offering plenty of versatility at a price point that occasional DIYers will like.
But there’s always one point of contention with cordless tools: battery life. How will the MultiEvo Multi Tool perform compared to other best multi tools in our tests? Read on to find out.
Specs and features
- Battery voltage: 18v
- Battery type: Lithium Ion
- Weight: 4kg
- Guarantee: One year
- Speed: Variable - up to 7500rpm
- Features: Magnetic bit holder, LED work light, Torque adjustment collar
- In the box: 1 x hammer drill head, 1 x Jigsaw head, 1 x sanding head, 1 x 1.5Ah battery, 1 x charger, 1 x 16" toolbox, 5 x drill bits, 5 x Jigsaw blades, 5 x sander sheets.
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Unboxing and first impressions
The Black & Decker MultiEvo Multi Tool is neatly packed in its own sturdy 16-inch toolbox. All I needed to do was remove the cardboard wrapper, and I was ready to go. Unlike some carry cases that come with kits or sets, this wasn’t a cheap add-on. It was well-made and seemed built to last, I reckon, as long as the tool itself.
The toolbox provided the perfect carry case for the multi tool body, attachments, and battery charger, with just enough room for an extra attachment if needed. It also features a couple of neat storage compartments integrated into the lid, perfect for storing the included drill bits and jigsaw blades.
The body of the tool felt sturdy, and I liked the rubber handle, which offered a good grip. I also noticed a magnetic drill bit holder positioned on top of the body. The double-ended bit was definitely staying put until needed – a simple but neat touch that shows thought has been put into the design of the MultiEvo.
Setting up drill, sander and saw attachments
A multi-tool requires more effort to prepare your preferred attachment, but luckily, the process is straightforward and intuitive. Each attachment slides and clicks into place neatly, and changing them is as simple as pulling back the quick-release button and extracting the attachment.
The drill attachment offers various options, including torque and hammer settings, which are easy to understand. The sander attachment only needs a pad attached, while the jigsaw involves a bit more work, but remains simple to change blades. One safety feature I particularly liked is that the trigger locks when an attachment is removed, so there's no need to remove the battery to swap heads. If you're unsure how to use any of the attachments, each one comes with a manual included in the set.
How well did the Black & Decker MultiEvo work?
Unlike a single-use power tool, there’s more to consider with a multi-tool. First, the body and attachments need to be put together. This was easy for all, and the first attachment we tested was the detail sander. Included are five good-quality pads in various grits – P60, P80, and P120 – that cover most sanding DIY tasks. The pad's position relative to the body made it really easy to use.
I tested by sanding stairs, walls, door frames and plywood shelving, which I am putting together. The pad ensured I got into all corners and did a decent job. There is an easy-to-use exhaust attachment to help redirect dust. No bag, though.
Next up was the drill attachment. Again, easy to attach, set up and use. We tried the typical tests with the provided drill bits. The wood bits were better than the masonry bits, a small point, and you can buy drill bits like this BLACK+DECKER 50 Pc. Mixed Drill and Screwdriver Bit Set from Amazon, if you need. There were various torque settings and a hammer setting that gave a little extra oomph when drilling into walls.
We made good use of the Phillips and flat-head double-end drill bit. There’s only one included, so you will need to invest in new screwdriver bits quite quickly, but you can buy reasonably priced sets like this DEWALT Screwdriver Bit Set from Amazon to keep you going.
Last up was the jigsaw attachment. This came with five 10 TPI wood blades (also usable on plastic), making it a good all-round choice. Inserting the blades was quick and easy. A small handle at the back of the attachment needs to be pushed down for a quick fit. I suggest inserting the blade before adding the attachment, it's just easier and safer in my opinion.
To test the saw, we kicked off by cutting 18mm plywood. The MultiEvo provided enough power to slowly cut through the plywood. It was pretty straightforward to use; the blade worked as well as any other jigsaw blade I've used. Next, we tried it on 6mm hardboard, which, as you might expect, was easier to cut through than the plywood. Finally, it was a plastic plumbing pipe which it breezed through.
Battery life
Battery life is critical on cordless tools, and with the Black & Decker MultiEvo Multi Tool we were left wanting more. Included is a small, lightweight 1A Charger and a 1.5Ah battery. These are the minimum requirements for a cordless tool. There’s no doubt that a larger battery and faster charger would have pushed the MultiEvo towards five stars.
Straight out of the box, the battery took three to four hours to reach full capacity, which lasted 30-45 mins (depending on the job). This makes it ideal for small DIY projects, but if you’ve got a sanding project, the battery time wouldn’t be enough to complete it, which can be annoying.
My recommendation for any cordless tool is to get a backup battery and keep it fully charged so you can continue working when you want. And, this is definitely the case for the Black & Decker MultiEvo Multi Tool.
THE FINAL VERDICT
If you don’t own a cordless drill, electric sander or jigsaw – or are in the market for a replacement – this multitool is a budget-friendly, multi-talented tool that is a top choice, especially for novice and occasional DIYers.
Not only do you get the three attachments (typically the most commonly used in my opinion), but you get the extras you need (drill bits/sanding pads/jigsaw blades) to use the multi-tool straight out of the toolbox
And you are not restricted to the three attachments; Black + Decker has a whole range of attachments (like this BLACK+DECKER Multievo Multi-tool Impact Driver Attachment from Amazon) and this Black and Decker MULTiEVO Multi Tool Oscillating Attachment from Tooled-Up, that can make the tool even more valuable. There are even attachments outside the DIY sphere.
It's this versatility and the toolbox that make the MultiEvo the complete package. But there is a downside, admittedly one that can be easily remedied. The battery life is limited, and the charging times are long. But invest in an additional, larger Ah battery (like this BLACK+DECKER 18V 4.0Ah Lithium Ion Battery from Amazon), or even a couple, and charge overnight, and you will get much improved battery life and a lot less time waiting between charges.
