Black and Decker

Major Product Innovations

In the fall of 1910, Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker invested $1,200 in a dream of making specialized machinery. Their first shop was on Calvert Street in a Baltimore industrial district. Their product line, manufactured under contract for other companies, was diversified. It included a milk bottle cap machine, a lettergraph, a vest pocket adding machine, a postage stamp splitting and coiling machine, machinery for the U.S. Mint, a candy-dipping machine, a shock absorber, and a cotton picker.

• 1916 - The world's first portable 1/2" electric drill with pistol grip, trigger switch and universal motor was developed and marketed.


• 1923 - A number of other power tools featuring the unique pistol grip & trigger were developed during the 1920's, including the first all-sleeve-bearing power drill in 1923.


• 1936 - The first electric hammer developed with a special Black & Decker® patented design proved more effective and easier to handle.


• 1946 - A major market breakthrough was achieved when Black & Decker® introduced the world's first portable electric drill for consumers.


• 1953 - The first finishing sander and jigsaws for consumers were offered, expanding Black & Decker®'s prominence in the do-it-yourself market.


• 1957 - Black & Decker® began to move outdoors with the first electric lawn edgers and hedge trimmers for consumers.


• 1962 - The world's first cordless outdoor product, a hedge trimmer, was introduced.


• 1968 - Black & Decker® developed a unique power head for the Apollo Lunar Surface Drill to remove core samples from the moon.


• 1973 - The Workmate® combined workbench and vise was introduced.


• 1979 - The Dustbuster® hand-held cordless vacuum cleaner was marketed, creating an entirely new category of household appliances.


• 1985 - The Automatic Shut-Off Electric Iron set a new standard for iron performance.


• 1987 - The revolutionary Piranha® carbide-tooth circular saw blade signaled a major focus on power tool accessories.


• 1988 - The Univolt® Universal Voltage Charging System was the world's first global battery charger, capable of charging power tool battery packs ranging from 2.4 to 24 volts.


• 1989 - Kwikset® locks and Price Pfister® faucets were among the home improvement products added as a result of the acquisition of Emhart Corporation.


• 1994 - The VersaPak® Cordless Interchangeable Battery System that was able to power a wide range of tools for the workshop, garden and home. The SnakeLight®, Flexible torch.


• 1997 - The 3-in-1™ Sander combining the benefits of a detail, finish and random orbit sander in one tool.


• 1998 - Further introductions to multi functional tools with VersaPak® battery-powered Quattro 7.2v 4-in-1 combination tool and the Mouse® Sander/Polisher.


• 2000 - The Scorpion® Handsaw/Jigsaw, continued the Expansion of multi functional products. For the garden the revolutionary 4x4® lawnmower was launched with 360 swivel wheels.


• 2001: The consumer power tool product range changes colour from Jade to Orange reflecting modern industrial designs.


• 2003: The GEL TECH ™ range: 12 Volt cordless drill, Scorpion saw, ¼ sheet sanders and Sandstorm ® multi-sander, maximizing user comfort through cushioning through gel cushioning on hands. The ‘extended reach’ Hedge Trimmer range with a two position, long reach handle. Scumbuster ™, a cordless scrubber with 11 different cleaning accessories. Introduction of LASERS and detectors designed to help with accurate leveling and save time with DIY projects in the home. We are also celebrating the 25th anniversary of the launch of Black & Decker® Workmate!


• 2004: CLICK & GO ™ Cylinder vacuums, the Cyclonic Action Dustbuster ® and also the re-launch of whole Dustbuster ® range on its 25th anniversary. Black & Decker® Piranha launches Bullet Plus and HiTech SDS+ masonry & hammer drill bits.