The Black Decker Drill Site

Did NASA invent cordless power tools?
No. The first cordless power tool was unveiled by Black & Decker in 1961. In the mid-1960s, Martin Marietta Corporation contracted with Black & Decker to design tools for NASA.

The tool company developed a zero-impact wrench for the Gemini project that spun bolts in zero gravity without spinning the astronaut. Black & Decker also designed a cordless rotary hammer drill for the Apollo moon program. The drill was used to extract rock samples from the surface of the moon and could operate at extreme temperatures and in zero-atmosphere conditions.

Before the zero-impact wrench and rotary hammer drill could go into space, they needed to be tested in anti-gravity conditions.

Black & Decker and NASA tested the tools either under water or in transport planes that would climb to the highest possible altitude and then nosedive to simulate anti-gravity conditions. As a result of this work, Black & Decker created several spinoffs, including cordless lightweight battery powered precision medical instruments and a cordless miniature vacuum cleaner called the Dustbuster, but cordless power tools predate the Space Agency’s involvement with the company. (Source: www.nasa.gov)

Black Decker Drill Kit Features

Designed to handle all kinds of “around-the-house” jobs with ease, this cordless drill kit from Black & Decker is powerful, yet lightweight enough to easily handle and hold. The CDC180ASB is part of Black & Decker’s line of compact cordless drills boasting an efficient design that’s 17 percent smaller–and supplies 10 percent more torque (up to 122 in./lbs.)–than older models. Powered by a 18-volt battery (included, along with one charger) this dependable tool offers variable speed (from zero to 650 RPM) for optimum precision and control, as well as a six-position clutch for versatility. Bit changes are a snap thanks to the keyless chuck, and it’s equally simple to remove the spring-loaded battery for charging. And soft, comfortable grips help reduce user fatigue. Great for drilling holes through wood, metal and plastic, as well as screwdriving into wood, metal and plastic, the CDC180ASB comes with an assortment of 20 accessories so you can get the job done right the first time.

Black Decker XD1200 Drill/Driver

If your work requires you to drill or drive in a lot of tight or awkward places (under sinks, overhead, inside cabinets, between pipes, etc.), this Black & Decker five-position drill/driver may be the perfect tool for you. The drill features a compact design and swiveling head that rotates 90 degrees front and back of center, with 45-degree stops along the way. A straightaway, inline stop even provides added reach for tight spaces in which a standard power drill might not fit. Lightweight and nimble, this Black & Decker drill is extremely maneuverable, as well. A comfort-grip handle and three-finger trigger provide excellent control, while a 24-position clutch and variable speeds of 0 to 700 rpm allow the drill to power through wood, steel, or masonry without damaging bits or stripping screws along the way. –Carl Thress

Black Decker 12V Compact Drill

Ultra-powerful, yet lightweight and easy to handle and hold, the CDC120ASB is part of Black & Decker’s line of cordless drills boasting a compact design that’s 17 percent smaller–and supplies 10 percent more torque (up to 105 in./lbs.)–than older models. Powered by a 12-volt battery (included along with one charger) this efficient tool offers variable speed (from zero to 650 RPM) for optimum precision and control, as well as a six-position clutch to stop screws from slipping. Bit changes are a snap thanks to the keyless chuck, and it’s equally simple to remove the spring-loaded battery for charging. And soft, comfortable grips help reduce user fatigue. Great for a variety of home improvement tasks both inside and outside, the CDC120ASB comes with an assortment of 20 accessories so you can get the job done right the first time.