Milestones
From a modest machine shop in Baltimore to the surface of the moon, we’ve proudly provided innovative solutions for over a century.
Discover the pioneering history of BLACK+DECKER®.
1910
Two Young Men and A Dream
S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker launch a machine shop in Baltimore. Early products include machines for making milk bottle caps and candy dipping.
1917
Patented and Portable
Featuring a pistol grip and trigger switch, BLACK+DECKER® lays the groundwork for today’s power tool industry by filing a patent application for a ½-inch portable electric drill.
1917
First Plant Opens
The company opens its first large-scale manufacturing facility in Towson, MD.
1929
Flying Showrooms
BLACK+DECKER® demonstrates its newest power tools for servicing aircraft engines on a customized six-passenger Travel Air Monoplane.
Millionth Drill
The one-millionth BLACK+DECKER® ¼-inch home utility drill comes off the assembly line.
Cordless Innovation
Powered by nickel-cadmium cells, BLACK+DECKER® introduces the world's first cordless electric drill.
The Great Outdoors
BLACK+DECKER® delights homeowners by taking the cord out of yard work with the world’s first cordless outdoor power tool: the cordless hedge trimmer.
Moon Drill
With a BLACK+DECKER®-built power head, the Apollo Lunar Surface Drill successfully removes core samples from the moon during NASA’s Apollo 15 mission. The drill later sees duty on the Apollo 16 and 17 missions.
Workmate
An adjustable work bench. Specially designed to facilitate and improve one’s use of tools. Portable, lightweight, and folds to a compact size.
dustbuster® Domination
BLACK+DECKER® introduces the dustbuster®. The popular hand-held cordless vacuum is a groundbreaking new concept in household cleaning, expanding the cordless revolution from the workbench to the home and beyond.
1984
Lady Liberty
BLACK+DECKER® is named of official power tools and accessories supplier for the massive restoration of the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.
1984
Appliance Acquisition
BLACK+DECKER® acquires General Electric Company’s small household appliance division.
1992
SnakeLight™ Flexible Flashlight
The phenomenally successful SnakeLight™ flexible flashlight hits shelves.
1993
VersaPak®
An interchangeable battery system for convenient, seamless power.
Meet the MOUSE®
Inspired by the computer mouse, BLACK+DECKER® launches the MOUSE® Sander. Ergonomic and easy-to-use, the convenient sander becomes a best seller.
Go Anywhere. Reach Anything.
Small in size, big on power, BLACK+DECKER® launches the FLEX™ Vac, which features a 4-foot flexible hose and a high-performance cyclonic motor.
Stanley Black & Decker
The Stanley Works and BLACK+DECKER® merge becoming the world’s largest tools and storage company.
Gyroscopic Revolution
BLACK+DECKER® introduces the world’s first motion-activated screwdriver with the Gyro™ Rechargeable Screwdriver. The tool senses a user’s motion, providing outstanding control and variable speed.
The MATRIX™ Quick Connect System™
The MATRIX™ Quick Connect System™ lets you drill, cut, sand, and more with a base tool and a variety of interchangeable attachments. Featuring best-in-class speed and torque, the system enables you to build your workshop as you go — and tackle virtually any household task.
Extra Power + Runtime
Featuring a dual-mode switch, the 20V MAX* Lithium Trimmer/Edger lets users choose between high power or up to an hour of runtime, representing a significant step forward in outdoor tool technology.
POWERSERIES™ Extreme
The POWERSERIES™ Extreme is the first stick vacuum in BLACK+DECKER®’s 20V MAX* removable battery system. The vacuum features up to 75 percent better pick up on carpet with its all new 3X Cleaning System.
beyond™
beyond™ by BLACK+DECKER®, a curated collection of easy-to-use products launches on Amazon.