When it comes to DIY projects, I’ve had a steep learning curve. I can visualize a finished project, but getting from start to finish (especially in three dimensions) can be a challenge for me. I’ve timidly ventured into the world of DIY just a few times on TS, usually to share simpler projects, but I started warming up to power tools along the way. When it came to making these mid-century bookcases, or this desk with gold hairpin legs, a drill came in handy and made the projects so much easier. There’s only so much a screwdriver can do, and whether it’s installing table legs or hanging a wall mirror, drills make the task easy and do-able every time. My latest DIY project is another bookcase hack, but this time my project is a little more involved. I’ll be sharing all the steps in the next few weeks, as I wrap up the finishing touches, but I have a sneak peek for you today (involving my new compact Black+Decker drill)! Plus, enter to win a drill and circular saw at the end of this post.
As you may recall, I had two GERSBY bookcases in my bedroom with light blue backs, and my little sister also added two to her bedroom. Her bookcases recently got an upgrade, and I was starting to get tired of the blue on mine, so I decided to combine them all together to form a wall of shelves behind my new desk. I chose a dark cool-grey and used my drill to attach them side-by-side. Since they’re IKEA pieces, they tend to warp a little, so lining them all up is not possible without the help of a drill! Now that they’re all attached, they’re also much sturdier. I’ll be refacing them with some wood, so stay tuned for more of from project soon! And don’t forget to enter to win your own drill below…
To enter to win, follow these steps:
1. Take a look around Black+Decker’s website to check out the features of their new drill and see their gallery of ideas and inspiration.
2. Comment below your favorite feature of the drill, or the DIY project you’d like to accomplish if you won a compact drill and circular saw.
Winner will be chosen from the comments below and contacted by email for shipping information. Giveaway ends 7/4/16.
Good luck!
This post is sponsored by Black+Decker, but all text, images, and opinions are all my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that keep Thou Swell running!
I’d love this drill! I want to build a fun toy box/bench for my son.
I like the power and duration they provide.
I would like to make a set of shelves for my movie memorabilia.
email –> [email protected]
I’d make a nerf gun holder for my sons wall.
I would use this lightweight (love that feature) drill to make a neighborhood free library box for our front yard.
Fits in tight spaces is my favorite feature, seems every time I try to hurry and fix something, my drill is too big. I will use this to help build security for my chickens from that pesky fox.
Cordless is always a win!!!
Cordless! Thats a win!
I really love the light weight… 2.5 lbs makes it easier for me to use for sure! ([email protected])
the DIY project I would like to start (and my brother said he would help me lol) is a cedar arbor/trellis for the back yard !
love that its light weight and cant wait to use it finish my book shelves
I like that it is light weight, I would love to make a coak rack with mine
There is nothing worse then trying to get screws into tight places. A small drill with lots of power and flexibility is a God send. If you have big hands and a big drill profanity tends to follow. Yea for a small powerful drill
When your 70 years and alone you need something easy to use like this.
I like how light weight it is and I would like to put built in book shelves
Lightweight – so my arm won’t get so tired.
wow
Light weight !! I put shelves in my closet I was very impressed with myself!!
The compact design is the best feature.
I like the led light.
I like that it is small and lightweight!
Keyless chuck for easy use
My favorite feature is the fact that the 20V MAX* Lithium Drill/Driver has key-less chuck allows for easy and on the spot bit changes.
versatileer(at)gmail(dot)com
So many wonderful features. I guess my favorite is that it has a lithium ion battery so it way beats my very ancient corded black & decker drill.
lithium drill driver
We need to build new stairs off our ‘patio’ door, so these would be great for that project! Thanks and God bless! ILuvTheEucharist (at) aol.com
For some reason, I had a difficult time finding the DIY projects – all of the links seemed to go to a “not found” page, but of the drill features, I’m liking the illumination it provides and the fact that it’s smaller to fit into those tight spaces. I’m a big reader, and good bookshelves are EXPENSIVE, so I’d love to put together some new bookcases for myself with a new drill and circular saw 🙂
I like the LED light.The compact size is what I need in small spaces and the 20vol tLi-polymer battery !
Cordless and lightweight – it doesn’t get any better. Mine has a cord and I’m always in search of an extension cord.
I like that the drill is cordless…I hate dragging cords around. aliasr2 at gmail dot com
I need to put shelves and hooks up in the garage
My favorite feature would be the more compact size
My favorite feature has to be that it is lightweight. I am getting older and I am not as strong as I use to be. I love these bookcases you are building.
I would love to build a simple book shelf for all of my books!
I really can use it do remodel the living room wall, thank you kindly for the opportunity!
I would use it to make a coffee table for my living room.
The compact size is what I need in small spaces and the 20volt battery I could play with it just about all day.
I am doing home upgrades now. I need this drill for new sheetrock on the ceiling.
I love that its lightweight and has a led light. I would use this drill to finish my closet shelves.
our back deck need a lot more work
If I won, I know exactly what I would do-build myself a nice, large Tri-Loom. It’s a large triangle, with small nails around the perimeter (lots of drilling!), for making triangular shawls or woven triangles which can be pieced together for larger items. My very old drill isn’t up to the challenge, so I haven’t even started. AND, the cuts to the boards would be so much easier with the circular saw.
The 11 position clutch helps prevent stripping screws or damaging material.
My hubby would love this! The new lightweight design makes me happy!
I would give this to my husband as a gift then make him finish his abandoned projects around the house.
love the keyless chuck feature that allows for easy bit changes. my dad would surely love this
i want to try the DIY Entry Bench Bookcase
I really like the led and that its light weight.
With all of the awesome tutorials available, I have become a DIY junkie. I would love to have this drill with all of its useful features! It has plenty of power but is still small enough to maneuver in tight situations – not to mention an LED. Also, because it’s made by Black and Decker, I know it is going to be good quality. I have the perfect loving home for this drill (and it’s siblings?). Another item to add to my “I Neeeed It” tool wish list!
I really like the Backyard Playground idea
i like that it is smaller and can fit in smaller spaces.
heavensent1988 at yahoo dot com
I like the LED light.
I love that its cordless and easy to use. I have lots of projects to finish since we just moved into a new home.
I love that the 20V MAX is compact yet is still powerful. I’d love to try and make my own DIY headboard.
Finally build the coffee table I’ve been putting off!
I want to build some bookshelves in my office, this drill would be helpful for that!
I love the lightweight and compact design as well as the LED light!
Love that it’s cordless
Love the smaller size and lightweight design.
I would love this drill, its keyless, rechargeable, variable speeds, its light. Its perfect. I do alot of dyi projects. Improvements and upgrades and this would be great to my collection and help tremdously!
I would love to use this for home projects.
my favorite feature is the 11 position clutch helps prevent stripping screws or damaging material.
I like it because it seems really lightweight and small. Perfect for working in my entire house 😉
I like the compact size and would use it to install shelving in my children’s closets.
The built in light would make putting shelves together much simplier and easier.
The size and weight is definitely something I like and would want
I like it because it is more compact and lighter!
The project that I would do with the compact drill and circular saw is I would make would be a book case.
I love that it’s compact and lightweight. It would be helpful with lots of stuff around the house.
My favorite feature of this drill is that it is lightweight. I have owned a couple of drills before because I like to do things myself and not have to ask my husband to do every little thing for me. I had surgery on my right elbow several years ago and I am right handed, so the weight of a drill definitely makes a difference in what I am able to accomplish while using it.
I love that its lightweight and I would finish my Dry wall project with this!
I absolutely love the lightweight design factor of the drill. I would like to build a little deck off the back door of my boyfriends home with his help of course
i like there led light and id like to finish building cabinets and a dresser
The lightweight design and built in light would be perfect for all those tight space projects – cabinets, shelves etc. Thanks.
I would love to win this! I am always working on projects around the house where this would come in handy.
I like that it’s lightweight and compact. The keyless chuck is so handy too. I can’t wait to put the saw and drill to work along with my Kreg Jig to build a bathroom vanity. 🙂
My favorite would be the size. I am tiny and I am a miss fix it at home. I need something I can tote around with me.
The compact size will reduce wrist fatigue which I get with larger drills.
The LED light is a wonderful aspect! Would be very useful in tight, dimly lit spaces!
I like the compact size!
Keyless chuck
I like that the keyless chuck allows for easy bit changes, because I am always dropping and losing my bits!
I would love to DIY under sink storage from /black and Decker’s instructions, I would like to do this for both bathrooms and my kitchen.
that it is 20 volt
My 18V Ni-Cad B&D battery just died, and upgrading to something lighter would be great.
I like the led light. I’d use it to build shelves.
My favorite feature is the LED light. I would use the drill to work on the addition of some custom shelving and organization in my craft room, as well as some craft projects.
35% smaller to fit in tighter places is a great feature!
I have three barbecue smokers and I have wanted to build a simple shelter for them since I live in the Pacific Northwest and I don’t like to let the weather dictate my barbecue schedule.
My favorite feature is the led light. I would use it to work on some small projects around our new house.
So – not to insult my fiance, but he is a pain in the butt when it comes to hanging my pictures and decor on the walls. I’ve always waited around for him to do, but I think this might finally inspire me to do it myself! (Then we won’t have all of these beautiful paintings just propped against the wall on the floor waiting to be hung!) Time to take matters in my own hands for sure.
I would like to use the drill to make a shoe storage bench to put beside the front door to keep the floors clean.
It’s lighter than most drills. I have one that at less 20 years old and too heavy for me.
I love how light this tool is for usage. It’s the perfect tool for building my shelves. Thank you so much for this!
As a woman, I have to love the fact that is is lightweight. If I won, I’d get a great start on my raised flower beds.
I like the led light. I’d use it to build shelves.
I like that it is lightweight. I have stair railing to attach and multiple tasks need to be done in the garden. Lightweight is what I need.
I like that it has an LED light that illuminates the project surface.
I love that it’s lightweight.
long batery life
This drill would help with refurbishing an old picnic table we have.
lightweight and easy to handle
I like that the drill is lighter which makes it easier to use.
Looks like a great drill not too heavy.
The drill is smaller to fit in tight spaces. I will use this to install my new kitchen cabinets. The light weight will mean I can hold it above my head when I install my skylight in the bathroom. I will accomplish more quicker and safer.
I like that the drill is lightweight at 2.5 lbs and will provide less fatigue. The drill is also easy to move from room to room. I’d use it to make some new garden boxes!
nikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
I like the light that helps you see where you are drilling.
This tool has so many good features but my favorite is: Lightweight at 2.5 lbs provides less fatigue and makes it easy to move from room to room.
Oh I would love to make a raised garden bed with these! I container garden, but would love to move the vegetables to a raised garden bed so they have more room to grow. I do not have these tools to make it, and would love to win. I think the vegetables would love it too! LOL
landfjacobson @ charter . net
I like all the features and as a women it’s very easy to handle….??
I like the 11 different clutch settings so you don’t strip out screws.
I like that it’s Lightweight at 2.5 lbs, I could hang pictures all day!
We’re building the kids a tree house this summer and this drill would be great!
I would like to put up new curtain rods and install quarter round. We recently ripped up all our old carpet and found hardwood underneath. Yay!
clogzilla(at)yahoo(dot)com
I like that it is smaller and light weight. I would love to be able to have a drill for myself for the projects I can never get my carpenter husband to do when he gets home.
I like the keyless chuck feature because I am always losing the chuck and then I go and buy the wrong one. I want to make another row of steps for my deck.
I like that is 35% smaller than the GC1801 Drill/Driver, allows you to fit in tighter spaces (behind appliances, inside cabinets, inside closets, etc.)and that is light weight
The fact that it is so light weight is such a great thing. The battery pack adds so much weight and bulkiness to cordless drills that it makes it hard to use.
I like that it is compact, has a keyless chuck, and light
I love the speed and more compact design, but the best thing is the keyless chuck. They are either attached and get in the way or you can never find the right one. If I win, I will be using both tools to build a three-sided bench to make a firepit area. Thanks for the giveaway.
The best thing about the drill is the keyless chuck. I hate that the keys are always attached to the cord so you don’t loose them and they get in the way and are a pain to use to change the bit. Whenever I’m doing some project or repair I am always changing the bit mutiple times.
I love both the LED light and the light weight of this drill. I can’t manage heavier drills very well.
The fact that it is so light weight is just awesome. We really need to get our new wooden blinds hung, all 11 sets…ouch!
I love the LED light, half the time i am under a table or something where the light is terrible and blind as a bat…that would really help
I like the compact design to get into tighter spaces.
I need a lighter drill and circular saw to make the window boxes and shelving that I have planed.
My favorite feature is that it has light to head see what you’re doing. If I won I’d want to make a coffee table out of pallets.
I like the lightweight feature!
I like the compact design and that it is lightweight.
I really like that it’s so compact. Sometimes it’s hard to get into tight places with a bulky drill, but this sounds like it would fit into more places. I have so many projects I’d love to make with this! The first thing would be a cat tree for my cats.
I like the fact that this is a lightweight drill that I could use for smaller jobs around the house.
Wow, never knew there was an DIY section I would love to make the Overhead Pot Rack from pallets for a shabby chic look using both the compact drill and circular saw.
The fact that it is so light weight is such a great thing. The battery pack adds so much weight and bulkiness to cordless drills that it makes it hard to use.
i’d take a shot at the diy storage towers
I love the fact that it is so light. 2.5 lbs.
This would be so perfect because I am about to start so many new home renovations! I absolutely love the DIY Entry Bench Bookcase- it’s a beauty!!! starla.batesATyahoo.com
For me I like that it is light weight because it makes it so much easier to handle
I would like to add shelves to make a linen closet.
i love that its a keyless chuck allows for easy bit changes, I always lose the key
We don’t have a good drill at home.
Just bought a house that’s over 100 years old, so I have many projects waiting for us and need a drill as nice as this. I plan on tackling wall paneling in the bathroom first.
I would like to put up shelves and storage spaces in the garage.
I like that it is a small drill and can fit in some tight spaces. This will come in handy with my summer cleaning as I will be taking things down and putting up new curtain rods etc.
I’d like to build a bookshelf
The lithium ion battery is the best battery out there. It is long lasting and quick charging. I got a few projects I could use it on.
I would love to use this drill to add a planter to my garden.
I could really use the Lithium drill to install new fencing in our backyard.
I could really use the Lithium drill to build my goat a new house, so my dog will stop dragging him around by his ears.
Have to redo the bathroom
Lightweight is great! When you have lots of drilling to do it can get kinda heavy with the ones we have.
We’re in the process of finishing up our half-bathroom remodel and this would help us finish up the last few things (like baseboard!)
demureprincess7(at)gmail(dot)com
I like the higher RPM speed.
I like that it is lighter weight and compact, important feature for me. i would use the drill for lots of things, like tightening down screws on my deck. The saw would be great for making bird houses and shelves.
Hi Jill! You are the winner of this giveaway – please email me at [email protected] with your shipping information. Thank you!
Thank you!!
Jill Hanson
3806 Greybull River Road
Greybull, Wyoming 82426
307 765-2165
Thank YOU!
Love the light that helps you see where you are drilling!
Ive been wanting to make a toy chest for the kiddos for quite sometime now
Love the light that helps you see where you are drilling.
I sure could use a new one
I got two chairs , very old chairs, from a yard sale. I need to cut wood to fit the seat, and then I can cover them.
LONG Lasting Battery is super important to me, nothing worse than getting the project ready and after minutes having the drill quit! We have lots of work to do on our home we are still building so this would be put to great us. Thanks for the chance.
I love that it’s small and lightweight and has an LED light so I can see.
Love that it’s small and would be easy for me to use. I’ve been wanting to make tables and such so I think this would be great for that. Thanks for the opportunity! Aemgeg4 (@) yahoo (dot) com
great size for small woman hands.
I love that it is small and compact but whops a hefty 20volts so it can keep up. Perfect for DIY jobs around the house.
The power of 20 volts cool.
I would love the drill for making bird houses for the wrens.
Love to build wheelchair ramp for my daughter and mom
I am planning to buy a house with my boyfriend someday and it would be a really good idea to have power tools, especially a drill, just for any need!
I would like to add shelves to my closet
There is nothing better than working on DIY projects. The feeling of satisfaction that I get when I complete another home-made project is priceless. My current project that I hope to complete soon is making a wood door for my deck and adorning it with military items that my dad collects, so it will be a huge surprise to him.
My favorite feature is the LED light that illuminates the project surface.
Digicats {at} Sbcglobal {dot} Net
Would love to win this.
Lightweight at 2.5 lbs provides less fatigue and makes it easy to move from room to room. That is my favorite feature!
I would love to build an outdoor sink if I won, thanks for the chance! Aka Brenda Haines
I’d build a new small cabinet for my kitchen to store foods in!
I would like to add shelves to my closet
The Lithium Ion battery holds charge for a super long time. Unlike other battery types that drain when not in use. You could have it sitting on your shelf for a year or more and still have juice to run the drill!
I like the lithium which will last longer and I would work on my cabinets.
making it easier to use, and do a better job on small objects
I like that it can fit in tight places. I always seem to have to get into a small space on my projects.
I’d like to try making the Rustic Door Revamp Bed Frame. That sounds like a great idea for a bed frame plus I’m barn door crazy right now.
the high torque is the best feature. I would like to fix my kitchen up.
I like the higher torque which is what I always need.
I like that it’s lightweight, great for me to use it rather than asking hubby to do all the DIY projects that involve a drill.
I love the higher torque which is what I always need!
It fits in small places and is easy to use. I am always looking for useful ways to make my life easier!
Love to make a new Layout table in my loft
I want to make a new outdoor picnic table with my husband. Our old one broke and we need a new one because that is what we like to do is get all the family outdoors around the picnic table. Thanks for a chance to win!!
jewelwood55(at)gmail(dot)com
I have been planning to build a storage shelving unit in my garage to get better organized and tidy up the space
I would love to build the DIY Entry Bench Bookcase. That piece of furniture is fantastic. Love that it has hooks to hang coats on it.
A toy box would be perfect for my son. He definitely needs one of those!
It can fit into tight spaces. I want to redo my bathroom. It looks like the 70s threw up in there.
I love the fact that it’s small and compact. It will be much easier for me to handle. The first project would be to build raised vegetable beds for my garden.
We are planning to make toy boxes for each of our 2 grandchildren. we could really use this.
eswright18 at gmail dot com
Would love to win, Then I could get my husband to do a honey do list, about a mile long!!
I love that it is compact and lightweight. Another feature I love is the LED light so you can see. That is awesome! We in in the middle of doing some remodeling and I also want to build some storage shelves so these would be so nice to have!
I could accomplish many things with a Drill and Circular Saw. All those unaccomplished chores would be history! thank you so much for the opportunity! Have a Wonderful Day!
My porch needs so much work. This would be great.
we have to refurbish our back deck
Long lasting battery!
the long lasting lithium battery is my fav 😉
My fave feature is the The keyless chuck allows for easy bit changes.
dlatany at gmail dot com
I would like to do floor to ceiling shelving/bookcases for better storage/displaying of things
I plan to install organizational stuff, like hanging strips, in the garage to clean up the mess. A small drill like this B&D would be perfect.
We have a bookcase project to finish, just need to do trim, a mini bookcase for the cleaning closet to build, sofa table maybe, shelving, I could go on!
We are working on building a custom baby/ dog gate for our stairs. This drill would be awesome to help us finish the gate.
I’d like to install in wall and in ceiling speakers for home theater setup
I’d use it to do an on-the-cheap version of those fancy closet systems for my daughter’s bedroom closet.
The LED light is a very unique feature. I can think of a few projects where the light would come in handy, particularly when installing a ceiling fan. I would use this drill for building some TV trays for those rare instances when we eat in the living room.
I would use the drill to build a wood storage unit for the kid’s toys and play things; I may also use it to build shelves in the garage to get stuff off the garage floor. Thanks for the chance 🙂
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
I am working on joining three Ikea bookcases and adding some trim and crown molding to make it look cohesive. I really could use this drill!
I just moved, so this would be so helpful!! I have art to hang, shelves and hooks to put up (especially since my new place is short on storage) and who knows what else!
I’d build some outdoor furniture for my porch.
I would like to create a toy box for my the playroom and have my kids decorate and paint it.
prettyinhotpink6 at gmail dot com
I would use this for new wall arts that I want to hang.(: