In The '60s, Black And Decker's New Tool Was All The Rage. Here's What Happened

A cordless drill is one of the must-buy power tools for first-time homeowners, and it's found in the majority of American households. This simple gadget is a fantastic all-rounder for the home, helping with essential DIY home improvement projects. But what might astonish you to learn is that the original cordless drill was invented all the way back in 1961 by Black and Decker — one of the most popular power tool brands in the U.S.

The first iteration was a corded portable handheld drill. S. Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker patented the design in 1917. Astonishingly, while looking for ways to improve the bulky and somewhat unusable electric drills of the time, Black and Decker realized that some of the features of a Colt .45 pistol could be used to make much-needed improvements. That's where they got the idea for the new drill's grip handle and trigger button power control that's still used in modern designs. Black and Decker's product was a hit. Of course, these drills weren't cordless and were mainly intended for industrial use, but in 40 years time that would change.

Nowadays, there are plenty of top-rated cordless drills that are worth buying, but how did the drill evolve from Black and Decker's original invention? That involved another creation — batteries. The company dropped the cord in the early 1960s with nickel-cadmium (NiCad) batteries as the power source. However, the drill only provided 20 watts of power, and not for long. It also wasn't marketed to the average homeowner, mainly commercial industries, but it started the race for more innovation.

The invention of lithium-ion batteries was a game changer for cordless drills, with these powerful sources becoming a real and adequate alternative to corded options. The major difference between NiCad and lithium-ion batteries is that the former gradually lost voltage as it was in use, while lithium-ion sustained a more constant voltage. However, it was the brand Milwaukee Tool that first made the switch to lithium.

Technology has advanced hugely in the last almost 70 years since Black and Decker's first cordless drill was invented, with features such as different voltages, brushless technology, and smaller tools helping to streamline the drill into the essential household item it's become. And, of course, safety components have also improved immeasurably, with features to turn drills off automatically to prevent any injuries. From humble beginnings, the cordless drill is now a streamlined and easy-to-use tool that even those with minimal DIY skills can feel comfortable using.