Is this the End of Black & Decker (+ History of B&D)

[@garycb8592]

In the late 60's B-D had a repair facility in Detroit. I took my dad there to get his 1/4" drill repaired. The lady told him the drill was discontinued 30 years ago, but the parts were still available. He had it fixed and I am still using it. Also have dads Van Dorn drill. Back when things were made to last, not thrown away because no service parts available.

[@ian1352]

Back then companies probably weren't chasing quarterly profits.

[@johnr9659]

I have noticed that B&D packaging makes the tools look like toys on the store shelves.

[@markurban4766]

Black and Decker didn't actually buy General Electric... they bought GE's Small Appliance Division, which was a loser as far as GE was concerned. Remember that, back then, Jack Welch was in charge and if you weren't number one or number two in your industry segment, you were gone.

[@GH-oi2jf]

That clears it up for me. His statement didn’t make sense.

[@melgross]

It wasn’t that the small appliance division was a loser. It was just that GE didn’t want to continue to making small consumer products. They were too heavily involved in medical and other major product categories. It didn’t fit anymore.

[@Miner-49]

General Electric basically dumped off small consumer goods to streamline their business model. They preferred to concentrate on government contracts above anything else. The difference would be measured in trillions of dollars nowadays.

[@quintocreations5091]

I work for Black & Decker at two different times during the 80s and 90s, and I don't believe they had bought the GE small appliance line. As a matter of fact I'm pretty sure they didn't buy it. I think all they did was manufacture it for them. Similar to their deal with Craftsman at the time. Where we manufactured Craftsman's power tools. We didn't actually own it. We just made it for them

[@melgross]

@@quintocreations5091 they did buy it. After some while, they changed the name to Black and Decker. I remember it pretty well.

[@michaelhutin5451]

Here in the UK we have 'Parkside' tools sold at 'Lidl' food stores, which is a German company. I think the power tools are made by Einhell. They are very popular here because of their 20 volt battery price of about $18.00 for a 2 Ah, $37.00 for the 4 Ah. People are even making adaptors for Parkside batteries to fit other make power tools.

[@tombob671]

When bean counters rule, crapola flows

[@hojo70]

That doesn't rhyme

[@1975oldschool]

I’m a youngin (41) and Black and Decker has always been cheap cheap cheap to me. I’d take Ryobi 7 days a week over B&D and twice on Sunday

[@danielbackley9301]

I'm 59 and b&d was always homeowner quality to me even though I knew they did make some pro tools back in the 70s early80s. the thing I think some of you may not know is that stanley also had power tools back when remember using a stanley router back then .As far as my power tools my first at 14 was a wen sabre /jig saw that i won in a raffle .had the b&d router back then cause it was all i could afford as well as b&d sander craftsman circ saw and a milwaukee 3/8 drill

[@jameskish4044]

Oh I love Ryobi, but, some years ago I found their basic Drill/Driver a bit on the chunky side for residential work (Indoor Air Pro) I picked up a B&D compact 20V Drill/Driver a great tool that impressed all my co-workers who laughed at it at first, still runs out strong, although I have moved on into higher end tools.

[@jimmyronsonet2811]

I’ve been using black and decker tools for 30 years, never disappointed

[@BD-xz6te]

I got into ryobi when a former employer insisted on sending my company tools out to get rebuilt. That left me with nothing but hand tools for weeks. I picked up a drill and impact set and haven't looked back. By the time I moved to my current job I had a pretty good collection of Ryobi. Some of my new coworkers laughed at my green toy tools but much of it has outlasted theirs.

[@grandrapids57]

There are bottom end, consumer, and pro grade electrical tools. B&D also make what I call "dormitory" tools, like cordless drivers with non-replaceable batteries. Regular B&D tools, like the Matrix system is consumer grade and if not used beyond their capacity will last a long, long time. No different than Ryobi.

[@lifewithjonathan5277]

I just bought a Black & Decker hedge trimmer and I was actually impressed with it. I use to own a landscaping company and I'm use to commercial lawn equipment. But for around the $50 range it's really good. Not suggesting that someone should use it for commercial applications. But gor around the house its a good buy.

[@stinkycheese804]

Sure, until the cheap, low hardness blade dulls and maybe it's worth sharpening with a file or maybe not, and a replacement blade costing nearly as much as the whole trimmer, maybe even more if you caught the trimmer on sale.

[@terryburke2587]

I’m still using my dad’s B&D hedge trimmer from the early ‘70’s.

[@cliffowens3629]

Look at the demise of Sears and Kmart. Both were the bomb of department stores for decades. Now gone.

[@denoftools]

The decline of Sears was the first history video I did

[@cliffowens3629]

Both Sears and Kmart were the American go to mainstays. Penny's is also headed down the abyss. It's so sad. The McCullah chain saw disappeared because of the company downsized the magneto to a smaller one. Problem was yeah it'd start the first time, but when you stopped it and tried to restart it was a no go. Friend of mine would find these saws in trash piles or left on the side of the road. He knew what was wrong and went to a website, order and get the right mag, install it and " boom ", he had a proper chain saw again. Loved the spokebeavers for their earlier commercials. " Even starts faster than dad. " " Good point. "

[@bentullett6068]

In the UK a store called Homebase closed many of its stores and black and decker power tool products were sold in those stores.

[@MazichMusic]

I invested in Dewalt 20v tools this year. Love every one I've bought. I have lots of batteries and chargers. No power shortage in my garage.

[@nickstahl1920]

People love to hate on dewalt every chance they get. Like every other company, some of their stuff is better than others and some not as good. I'm deep into the 20v line. Brushless drill, impact driver, jigsaw, circular saw, oscillating tool etc. They've all been great for me over the last couple years. I use them both in the shop and in the field building and installing high end cabinets and mill work. Haven't let me down at all.

[@mikefeil3568]

As a Trim Carpenter for 3+ decades, I've got tools from all the major tool brands. But Dewalt tools have been a large part of my tool assortment. Both corded & cordless tools, they have served me well.

[@countrycraftsman5110]

I watched black and decker buy my beloved Porter Cable and degrade it to the point of no return. So will not shed a tear for them.

[@Miner-49]

Make no mistake....B&D didn’t degrade Porter Cable. They were borderline junk when they sold out. Quality and reliably was lowered to boost the bottom line. It made the books look good for acquiring companies. B&D just rubbed the polish off the turd.

[@harveysmith100]

SBD did the same in Europe, in the UK we had Britool tools, our Snap On. They ruined that and then went on to ruin Facom the French Snap On. I now wont purchase any product from any of their stable of companies because they just let you down with the quality.

[@tpobrienjr]

Cut enough corners and you will eventually have nothing left.

[@vane5736]

Thanks for making this video. Sad to see them going downhill they used to make good tools. My dad had an old black and decker skil saw and it still works 30 years later.

[@cliffowens3629]

Remember the Macullah (spelling) chainsaw? What shot that brand down was the magneto. The company went cheap a d began installing smaller ones which was fine for a cold start. But if you stopped it it wouldn't restart again.

[@flipicaneze]

My pops too still has his light puke green circular saw. Built a house and many projects over the course of 40+ years. with that thing.

[@ash_lewis]

I do woodworking and I use a 1960 black and decker 3/8" standard holgun with entire cast body, it works great, and I am only old enough to vote but not drink

[@ScaredyCatArcade]

I remeber as a kid watching PBS with my dad. This old house, new yankee work shop and the woodwright shop. I can still see the commercials for B&D and Porter Cable in my head.

[@garyK.45ACP]

I bought my first house in 1976. I bought a "workmate" folding bench shortly thereafter. I still have it! It is still in regular use and has helped me with DIY projects on the 5 homes I have owned...from my first "starter" home to my current "retirement" home!

[@wertz987]

I still have all my 80s orange B&D power tools.

[@nurgle11]

I still have my grandfather's d500, it still works fine but I need to replace the chuck as the jaws are chowdered to hell. (edit: I'm responsible for the chowdering)

[@quintocreations5091]

They were a dark green in 80s. They went orange around 98.

[@wertz987]

@@quintocreations5091 They had three options in 83 when I got mine. The green was the lowest orange was in the middle and they also had a pro grade. I remember them all lined up at KMART when I got them.

[@quintocreations5091]

I worked for Black & Decker at two different points throughout those years. Late 80s and late 90s. And I don't ever recall Orange from that era. They didn't really have a ProLine per se, they had a line that they tried to Market 2 people in between DIY and Industrial use. It was called Optima from what I recall. It never took off. I just remember them giving us a bunch of the tools, and you couldn't tell a difference. I'm sure there was some technical difference is and what they were made out of in this and that, but it wasn't enough for the average person recognize. Maybe my memory serves me incorrectly. I just don't ever remember orange at that time. I remember they came back with orange with a Vengeance in the late 90s Wen the 18.8 Firestorm drill came out. I believe it was the first 18 volt. I just remember that set off a huge change in all their tools. After that they all became orange for a while, and they even marketed a few other things with that Firestorm label. It was just a little marketing tool

[@leelantern805]

I have my dad's 14v b and d drill in my shop as a wall hanger, he passed away about 6 years ago and I remember him running that tool as a kid so when I was cleaning out his shed I found that drill. People know I run bosch, Milwaukee and Fein so they always ask my why on earth I have that piece of junk. I tell them the story and we do the yeah they were good back in the day but suck balls now even killing dewalt compared to what tti is doing.

[@free2chasehappy]

B&D is the go to brand when I was growing up, I've seen their tools everywhere and they work great. Too bad it is killed by it's own image now.

[@stans5270]

"They were "JUMPY AT THE CHANCE" to get their hands on...". If you ever were using one of those METAL drills when they shorted out as you were using them, you'd know that verbiage is SPOT-ON.

[@rodw]

Great job Jeff !!! Really enjoyed this one. I know it takes a lot of time to research the information and then put it all together 😊😁😊 Thanks again for sharing your thoughts and videos Rodney

[@melgross]

I still have that exact WorkMate shown. It’s a great piece of equipment. After all those decades, the only thing that was a problem was that one of the plastic cranks finally went-after almost 30 years! I made two new ones out of aluminum on my mill. I use this thing all the time. Many imitators, no equals. I pretty much exclusively use DeWalt tools. They are very reliable, very powerful. And innovative. There’s really nothing bad about them. The batteries are considered to be some of the best in the industry. It’s weird, but I don’t know anybody who has Ryobi. 15 years ago I had two Ryobi gas power tools, a drill, and I can’t remember the other. That was when Ryobi was considered to be good pro tools. They haven’t been considered to be that for some time. Maybe throwaway tools on the job site. Manufacturers of pro tools all had lines like that. If you were afraid of tools being stolen, or damaged, you’d buy those. My first jig saw, when I was 13, was a BD. My father and I also bought a RAM drill. Does anyone remember RAM?

[@traewatkins931]

I have one of those old 50s metal B&D hedge trimmers you showed 10:00 , it went from my great grandmother to my grandfather to me. That thing still works like a beast and that thing out lived MANY generations of the newer models.

[@BilgemasterBill]

Got my Dad's old Workmate, and a corded drill, but you know what B&W doodad I really like? Their bean-grinding coffee maker. Had it for years and years, and it's solid.

[@BIGMEME_Retro.trance]

I have a black and decker toaster oven with woodgrain that I have had for years and it's still working

[@toolinhand]

I have BnD power tools, and for the DIYer they do the job just fine. For the price, for most homeowners, they're more than what they need. I've only started moving to Craftsman power tools because I can't seem to understand why my wife lets me buy more tools.

[@joelpless4214]

Thank you. Very informative. I own two B & D hedge trimmers, a corded drill, and a band saw. I have been happy with them but trend toward Makita now for my new tools.

[@ccadama]

@The Den of Tools. Thanks Red for making me feel old. I remember those B&D tools growing up (corded drill and pad sander). My first cordless drill was a B&D Professional 7.2 NiCad drill (keyed chuck). After that, a Dewalt 12V and 14.4V NiCad keyless chuck drill driver. Retired those and now I finally gone polygamous. Makita (my primary) along with Ridgid, Dewalt, and now Milwaukee. I still have Porter Cable tools from around the time when they were still cool because of New Yankee Workshop. Again, thank for the history lesson. Hope you and your family stay safe and well. Shine on!

[@codythornton3835]

I am at the consumer level DIY level and I love B&D, even my table saw is a B&D firestorm. This kind of bums me out.

[@7891ph]

I used to own an orange B&D rotary sheet metal cutter for barn steel. My Dad bought it as a factory refurbished unit in the early 80's; the store told him that the model had been discontinued.... We put up over ten barns with it, motor ran well, but the cutter disks were just about worn out. But it took us almost thirty years to wear them out.....

[@garethbaus5471]

I have a black and decker drill which I am pretty sure uses the same power source as the matrix system, it is a consumer level tool but it still works fairly well.

[@reportaldana518]

My lowes is actually clearing out all the black and decker power tools except for the drill drivers and the power screwdrivers and outdoor power tools. The jigsaw and circular saws, combo kits are a steal in price being cleared out.

[@GeekGinger]

The first power tool I ever used was my dad's old B&D drill that he bought in the 60s or early 70s (and used until surprisingly recently) so it's been sad to see them decline. I also have a Porter Cable 4" belt sander that I bought back in the early 00s, which is a beast, but given their product line they just aren't on my radar anymore. Sad.

[@LatitudeSky]

Towson Maryland is pronounced like "how sun" and B&D has been a gigantic presence in the local area for decades Great video!

[@marsolca]

I have the corded matrix in my shed, don’t have to worry about the cold and charging batteries. I commonly use the drill and impact and I use the trim saw to cut down plywood that would be tricky on the table saw

[@ethanrchitty371]

Walmart dropped Black and Decker in favor of Hart Tools in our area. That Matrix system is handy (I've been using them for about 8 years for woodworking) and it's components are interchangeable with the Craftsman series.

[@SweeturKraut]

I bought a rechargeable BnD screw driver when I rented my first apartment back in 06. That little thing still holds a charge and is great for switching out light switch covers and the like. I've got it in a kitchen drawer awaiting the next opportunity.

[@jamesplotkin4674]

Light switch covers are of the lowest torque demand aside from a wristwatch back cover ;-). Why on Earth would anyone use a power tool on a switch cover screw?

[@RussThacher]

I purchased that 1/2 inch B&D drill years ago and still use it regularly to this day. It came with 2 batteries, the drill, and the bag. I've wanted to replace it but the damn thing still runs like new so I can't find it in myself to do so yet.

[@rutniktrainer]

My Dad has a circular saw and jig saw from the early 1970's. I was just using them to fix his deck. They are still running great.

[@paulgendron8416]

I've been a loyal have a B&D user since the early 80s. I have a corded hedge trimmer I bought in 1981. After almost 40 years, I still use itand it works great. I have many other of their tools. In fact I had a Fire Storm 13.2 cordless drill with Ni-Cad batteries. I used to leave it in my garage throughout the winter, temps got to the teens, and whenever I used it it ran good. The battery was always in the drill. I still have the drill but no batteries. I have since begun using the Matrix tools of which I have had similar results. I always felt that B&D tools were just right for the typical homeowner like myself.

[@davidwalle5025]

good video. I have some older B & D industrial very good no problems. Shine on Bear.

[@subtlevertigo]

Wow. I just did a search at the Home Depot I shop at and the only B&D item that came up was for finishing staples.

[@businessgreg77]

I still have one of the older workmate tables. I use it all the time. I actually made some accessories for it. The new ones are pretty light duty but the older ones hold up good.

[@aceadman]

Too many brands. Just too many. It’s completely out of control.

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

And non of the batteries are interchangeable. ☹️

[@aceadman]

@@jenniferwhitewolf3784 YES. my biggest complaint! De-evolution. Batteries used to be standardized: aaa, aa, b, c, d. Imagine if every flashlight or transistor radio or smoke alarm maker made their own battery sizes. Its a total joke. Leads to more waste and plastic in the ocean. Even the batteries from the same corporate manufacturer “tree” are incompatible!!

[@xaytana]

You two do realize adapters exist for all of the platforms, right? Also devolution is a word, de-evolution isn't. Also Imagine trying to power these tools with any of the standardized consumable batteries you mentioned. Also, just in case you don't know, all of these batteries use standardized cells, typically 18650 cells, though DeWalt has used 21700 cells, and I wouldn't be surprised if other brands haven't also used the larger cells due to the benefits they provide; and all of these cells come from companies like Panasonic and Samsung, among other brands as well, so yes, they are standardized. The packs themselves are also fairly standard, why do you think we see them in common A-h sizes and at common voltages? Because the cells in them are standardized. The only non-standard thing is the connector, and typically the BMS board; or in cases of DeWalt's Flex Volt, the switch that makes a 20V battery into a 60V battery, which really only changes how the pack itself is wired in sets of series and parallel cells. But again, adapters do exist, all of these batteries are interchangeable as long as you adapt one proprietary connector to another proprietary connector. It's like saying you can't charge your iPhone with a USB C cable, yet you can if you had a USB C to Lightning adapter, which do exist and are fairly common; these tools' battery adapters are also available and fairly common. Please, do yourself a favor and educate yourself. All it takes is a Google search or two to keep yourself from looking like a moron. The internet has information, use it.

[@pville5548]

@@xaytana Ya know, that just isn't a productive comment denigrating someone. The comment would have been fine for teaching others about adapters and being helpful, but putting someone down doesn't have a place on this channel. I'm sure you don't know everything. Nuff said.

[@PaulSteMarie]

@@aceadman The really absurd thing about the proprietary tool batteries is that the proprietary part is really just a plastic shell. They all have 18650's inside.

[@sjr7822]

I do LOVE my power B/D handsaw , PHS5508 seek 16:51 lower left, wore one saw out, replaced it immediately, it's so handy

[@Mopars_41]

My grandparents got me a black and decker tool set back in I think Christmas of 13 or 14. The drill that came with it was junk, had to keep the drill plugged in to work. Which is probably why I only will buy 2-3 power tool brands, Snap-on first, Milwaukee second, and Dewalt/Mac third.

[@stewarttrains98]

I have still have a B&D cordless 1/2 20 volt drill I bought about 5 or 6 years ago. Recently when they were closing out B&D at Walmart, I was able to pick up another smaller lighter drill, 2 batteries and another charger for $30. Only reason I bought it was for the batteries. And I use this 1/2 drill just as much as I use my Ryobi stuff. I load one bit in it and one in the other depending upon the job I'm doing. Happy with both brands.

[@normd5776]

I have one of those 1961 Cordless Drills, it was my father's. It still works with the original batteries, and charges....though I don't think it has the speed that it originally had. Supposedly these were used on the Apollo project...I think they had ads to the affect.

[@MichaelLivingston-me]

Several months ago I tried to find a replacement charger for my 20 vdc battery. I still own a 3/8" drill which works well after many years. I've gone around to Home Depot, Lowes, and ACE. I found no products at any of these stores. I have quite a few blue Ryobi cordless tools. I use their lithium batteries from their bright yellow/green product line. I've even gone out and bought a 6 1/2" circular saw as well as a 3/8" cordless impact drill from their latest. I guess that more or less locks me into the Ryobi line, and no B&D in the future.

[@beltanewalk8797]

I'm still using the same Black & Decker corded two speed hammer drill I got 32 years ago, it works perfectly fine. I'm pretty sure it's going to be putting in many more years before a replacement is needed.

[@paulsmith4875]

I have a line up of B&D tools 20V. Very happy. Solid tools for home owner.

[@woodamiright7373]

My Lowe’s today had 12v drills and the 20v reduced significantly. Very few left.

[@opossumlover1]

I like Black and Decker. For the price you can’t beat it. I bought a Black and Decker drill on Amazon and I love it. You don’t really need to be in retailers when you’re the cheapest recognizable brand on Amazon. Plus, my 20v drill was $40. That’s as cheap as Harbor Freight’s Bauer brand, however Black and Decker is much higher quality in my opinion. I also own many of their lawn and garden tools and I love those as well. I’m not sure if I agree with the sentiment here in the video, but I enjoyed the video none the less.

[@chrisallan4222]

I've always liked their coffee pots. Is it possible the decline could be related to walmarts home brand being on the rise and craftsman being pushed in the ace hardware stores? My local lowes and home depot have zero black and decker. Not a big deal for me, I'm not in the black and orange line.

[@9HighFlyer9]

It most certainly is related to the Hart tool line. Plus harbor freight upping their quality.

[@TeamWagy]

Interesting, I work at a hardware store supplied by ace and we are still getting B&D products in.

[@michaelmiller1109]

@TheDenOfTools I ordered the forstner bits from Menards you found. Not living in the midwest it was online, a box arrived today from Menards. I was excited to see these new bits costing a whopping $5 ($11 all in). And much to my surprise the box had in it a Black & Decker Impact Driver. A quick search says that is a ~$60 value making that big packing mistake. However, I don't know anyone in the Black & Decker battery system anywhere. Already owning a plethora of cheap PC it is of no value to me. Curious what Menards customer service is going to do here after alerting them to the error.

[@jovaniwolf2444]

I remember my grandpa talking about Black and Decker as being a great brand. I even have a 12V cordless drill that works great. And I've had it for give or take 8 years.

[@airbikecop]

I noticed that a few items at W&M before it became the Hart Superstore were getting cheaper and cheaper quality and less and less of it not only at Walmart but even Lowes which ironically enough had a lot more Porter Cable!

[@toolhead147]

My first power tool was a B&D electric screw driver, then I moved to the blue Ryobi with drills. After that decided I needed better tools got my first dewalt xrp impact driver.

[@andrewfidel2220]

That Matrix set looks perfect for my travel trailer, a ton of tools in very compact space.

[@itskimble3494]

love it

[@jimmyronsonet2811]

I’ve had it since it came out, I love it

[@kevinmiller4486]

Everything evolves and changes Bear. I’ve been in the computer industry for 38 years and brands change. Get used to it.

[@BigBadWolf1st]

Someone got me a 20v Drill/Driver from B&D 4 or 5 years ago. I was so impressed I bought a second one and then got one for my father for Christmas. I gotta tell ya it's been a friggin work horse for both of us as Prosumers. My father likes to build furniture and I always have some kind of project (finishing basements, building decks, GC kinda work) going on in my or a friends house. I also happen to own a complete set of Porter Cable tools and they too have taken a beating (being dropped, kicked, over-worked, etc) and none of them have ever let me down. Maybe I just got lucky or maybe they really aren't as crappy as people believe. Still love your content though! :)

[@EFAmex]

I bought the 4 combo set, saw, drill, light, saw all . For 79$ at Lowe’s a few weeks back great buy.

[@tomasjones3755]

Hey Bozeman. Hello from Cody WY. I've got a early 90's Porter-Cable Random orbital. It's a beast. On my 3 set of brushes and 2nd power cord. Bearings are still good & it still does the job. I buy old PC & Makita, whenever possible. All of my new stuff is Ryobi; most of it bought as Refurb or store return. It's leaps and bounds beyond their old blue line.

[@macraghnaill3553]

I still have my B&D 520 drill and saw/sander attachments from 1976, the drill cost £20, £200 today, the attachments were around £4, over £42 today, all made in England instead of China

[@InvisibleCitizen]

I was known as Mr DeWalt at B&D manufacturing plants because I was the Sr Manufacturing Project Engineer for the DeWalt Tools. I was offered the opportunity and accepted it. I am very proud of this. I was also a Sr Engineer for the advanced engineering team at Porter Cable. I know the histories of these companies first hand. I sat in Al Deckers office and discussed the company and I developed a disdain for Archibald. Cheers!

[@avega2792]

I have some BD, a couple vintage sanders and a jig saw. My first drill driver was a BD, but that thing is so bad it’d be faster to set a screw by hand.

[@mcamodell]

I just tried to replace my Black and Decker jigsaw with a new one since it lased me over 10 years. The new one's "quick clamp" couldn't even hold the U-shank blades for more than a minute. It supposedly had 30% more power, but I couldn't tel the difference. Returned it. Sad

[@delaserdudeXD]

I'm wondering why you didn't bring up their attempt to rebrand themselves as a Prosumer brand, with their Firestorm line that launched around 2004 at Lowes (not sure if it was available anywhere else), which included cordless/corded tools as well as miter & table saws and has seemed to have just vanished. Do you have any insight on why it failed

[@notajp]

I still have and use an 18v Firestorm drill. It’s the one that has a quick release chuck that has a screwdriver bit underneath. Real handy sometimes. Drill the pilot hole, pop off the chuck and drive the screw, then pop the chuck back on and drill the next hole... Its actually my second one too. Lost the first one in a fire, missed it so much that I kept an eye out at the local EZ Pawn till I could find another..

[@grandrapids57]

I do--- IMHO, they people who run it can't decide how to be consistent, they switch the brand around like the menu at a bistro. Firestorm were perfectly good tools but, from a marketer's point of view, an obvious intent to create value by putting a sticker on something. The Matrix system is another, you can hardly find that on their website yet it is the most distinctive set of tools in the industry, another huge marketing failure. Anyone remember the 12v Matrix system?

[@ResonantFreak]

I see them consolidating around just the Craftsman (consumer / pro-sumer) and Dewalt (professional) brands instead of continuing with the 3 tiers. Even lots of the Stanley hand tools have been replaced by Craftsman at the local Lowes and Menards.

[@garnean]

When buying tools think about what you will be using them for, typically Pittsburgh tools from Harbor freight work for the occasional DIY'er because most people are just that occasional DIY'ER and those types of tools work great for that market.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

I have the original workmate bench and in all honesty it's great. I've used it for about 27 years 25 years somewhere around in there. No complaints at all.

[@NELSONG12]

Good show Oso.

[@stevennihipali3607]

I own 2 B&D blowers, the corded edger, and tons of their hand tools... I like B&D for my kids to jump in on projects.

[@andrewmiller5145]

They are good tools to start a kid out on I agree with you I'm just waiting for them to be gone in the next couple years they know harbor freight has got cheap tools and people are going to them now for a diyer brand and know they got the pro line of tools to keep coming out

[@stevennihipali3607]

@@andrewmiller5145 I'm not a default guy, but if it works, I'm good

[@andrewmiller5145]

@@stevennihipali3607 I completely understand that I buy DeWalt because they have been great to me over the years I'm not afraid of any brand if I can get a tool I need in milwaukee red for cheaper than DeWalt yellow I will

[@FedUpCanuck]

I said that about Black and Decker for years. I have some of the older stuff but you are right. To me they seem like kids toys lately instead of actual work equipment. I still use a Professional saws all , Sanders , etc. I did buy a 12 Volt Lithium drill one of the nicest looking on the market. Power wise very light duty and very under powered. You could hold the chuck tight with your hand the drill would stop. They did make excellent tools at one time but now like I said before very low quality now like kids tools

[@stinkycheese804]

I've had and used many B&D tools over the years and my primary impression is that the manufacturing material quality is good for what it is but the design decisions cut corners. For example I have an old NiCd B&D two speed, 3/8" cordless drill. It still works, somewhat amazing for how old the build in battery is, but no charge termination so you have to remember to unplug it to avoid cooking the batteries, and their implementation of two speeds is a joke. High speed uses all the batteries in series. Low speed, takes a tap from the MIDDLE of the battery pack, draining down only half the cells, so if you then use it in high speed it is far more likely to reverse charge the cells further drained from use in low speed, and when go to charge it, you'll necessarily be overcharging the cells not used for low speed, to get the low speed cells fully charged. All this to avoid the extra $2 for variable speed from a linear pot switch and biased transistor.

[@Equiluxe1]

I have two industrial Black & Decker industrial tools that I purchased back in the early 1980's. A 2.5mm sheet shear and a 4 inch angle grinder and both work perfectly still despite having been in my fabrication shop since new. Both were made in Italy so possibly re badged?

[@cryharder1102]

I have a 9” Black & Decker tiger grinder that was my grandfathers. It’s a Monster I’ve only used it once.

[@JDseller1]

One big thing that is changing is the demand from younger people. Many younger people do not "fix/build" anything. They live/ breath smart phones, online gaming and computers. They "hire" anything fixed or built. A lot of them just buy new too. So the demand for entry level tools is not as big as it used to be. I also think "name brand" does not mean much to many more buyers. It is price only for many buyers. So I think that is why your seeing the higher quality brands (Dewalt/ Milwaukee) growing while the entry brands like B&D and Porter Cable struggle. Truthfully a lot of B&D and Porter Cable stuff is about junk. So the no name stuff or low end Harbor Freight stuff often is a better tool for the money.

[@johnellis1952]

Walmart has replaced their Black&Decker line with Hart power tools (maker TTI: Hart/Milwaukee/Ryobi). I have 3 of the B&D 20v 3/8" cordless drill and they are great....good power and excellent battery life.

[@pascualsolorzano5792]

Thanks for a great video on black & Deckers history. It's sad to see the iconic name gone.

[@Starcrunch72]

9:09 Funnn--ny. I bought that model drill for my dad at Hills Dept Store back in the late 80s. I finally burned it up this past December while dismantling his piano. I used that drill a lot over the years--way more than him.

[@jacklo325]

Used to live less than 1000 ft from B&D in towson. Directly across from them is baltimore county police HQ.

[@ENGINERESCUE86]

I bought a cordless BnD string trimmer and it is a beast. Even my guy with the Milwaukee gave it the "nod"

[@coiledcruiser]

I wouldn't be surprised, my Grandfather had B&D saw and drill with metal gold painted bodies, they were great. I bought the firestorm 12v interchangeable system when it was new in early 2000's and I was very disappointed, not enough power, jigsaw didn't cut straight, sander worked fine. I did like the bit storage in the drill body I wish more tools did that.

[@Robodoc130]

I find it so soothing listen to a dear talk about tools haha.

[@francismorganstern6455]

I still my have my fathers Black and Decker workmate bench and still use it quite often

[@kennethsouthard6042]

It seems that since Dewalt is now being segmented into 2 or 3 lines along with the purchase of Craftsman this limits both the Porter Cable and Black and Decker brands at the consumer tool level. To me there would be a better long term future for Black and Decker amongst consumer outdoor equipment and for Porter Cable along higher end corded tools like routers.

[@peterdickason9147]

I still have my father's original WorkMate model 79-001 that I use to this day. I love it. I also have the grandfather to the MATRIX system with all of the interchangeable heads that actually still works and is usable. Unfortunately, this tool is what made me an RYOBI man because the 14.4V battery the system used was just retched. When I bought an RYOBI out of frustration the torque and battery life was a night and day difference so I never looked back. Hopefully, the MATRIX system is evolved past that. But good memories with B & D

[@Dnice1541]

I have the B&D Matrix system for a backup to do light work around the apartment so I don’t have to drag the dewalt tools out of the basement. It’s amazingly versatile and a great value. Not for big jobs or pros, but reasonably durable. No one else makes anything close. I’d be sad to see this brand end.

[@jrbpit1]

I have some of my dad’s B&D tools he bought in the 60’s and 70’s. They were “entry” level tools, but they were made much better than some of the “pro” line stuff today.

[@buxbaumr]

Towson, Maryland i- pronounced “Tau-Sun.”

[@jjfig6166]

Most people from outside the reach of Old Bay can't pronounce it correctly.

[@cmandc301]

Yes I'm from Maryland and I shrugged when I heard the Bear pronounce it!

[@randallbuxbaum7000]

@@cmandc301 Yeah, but he's smarter than the average bear.

[@zeno5689]

Tau sun just north of bawmer

[@MelbaOzzie]

When I started to work for a living a long time ago, Hewlett Packard products were considered the best you could buy. Instruments designed by engineers to be used by engineers. Then the accountants and MBA's took over. Now, I won't touch anything from HP with a barge pole.

[@phbrinsden]

I grew up in U.K. in the 1950-70s and was dedicated to my rugged BD drills with cast metal shells and rugged gears and chucks. I had a circular saw clamp on attachment for the drill which had a plate you could mount in a table and just snap the saw on underneath. My first table saw! Then my mom bought me a BD Workmate with the aluminum frame etc. Still have it here in Texas. Those BD tools were my beginning. Then came to US in ‘75 and had sears power tools which were ok. Some years ago when Li ion came of age I bade farewell to all my corded drills, jigsaws etc from Sears and went DEWALT 20 volt max. However, I did keep my older generation Porter Cable portable saw, nail guns and router. I bought those when I watched Norm Abram every Sunday with his PC saw, router, nail guns etc. My old PC tools stay! All my shop and yard tools are now DW and I love them. I use 60 volt Flexvolt for the circ saw and chain saw. Pretty much forgotten what it’s like working with a corded tool. Now I just need to get rid of air powered nailers with DW 20 volt nailers. That technology has now come of age.

[@88gtman]

I have the Craftsman Bolt On set which came out at the same time, made by the same company, and the attachments are interchangable with the Matrix attachments. Some attachments were only available through craftsman back then. For example, I have a 3/8 impact, trim saw, and Hammer Drill. Overall it is a good DIYER tool. Mine is probably 7 years old and still going strong.

[@picklerix6162]

I stopped buying B&D power tools because they always seem to fail prematurely. The last B&D power drill that I bought literally fell to pieces the first time I used it. When I took the drill back to Home Depot, an employee recommended the Ryobi power drill and I still own that power tool. It still works great.

[@ericlunstead2569]

Great episode, Bear! I really enjoyed the history and market information. Well done, Ursidae.

[@michealrobinson]

Love these history type videos. It's a good refresh if you will, but it's sad to see so many good brands go rotten and disappear.

[@markclark787]

I had that DeWalt radial arm saw 1946, I gave to a friend, he said it was the best saw he ever had for accuracy.

[@oldnorthstatefishing3912]

Another interesting bit of history with Black and Decker. In the late 80's they owned a healthcare computer software company based in Raleigh, NC. They sold it in 1990, and it has merged many times since, but remnants of the original company still exist within Allscripts today.

[@Toolaholic7]

Black and Decker did make Snap On's power tools at one time.My dad has a few he bought in the 1980s.Stanley originally didn't want Mac Tools in 1980 before they bought out them

[@dkaustin98]

You could say I'm heavily invested in B&D. I got just about every item in the 20 volt Max series. I have a number of corded items too. I recently smoked my 220 drill. It had alot of usage on it. I have ordered another. I have both the 120 & 220 drills. I have 5 B&D 20 volt batteries. I could not find the B&D Sliding miter saw, so I broke down and bought the battery powered Craftsman sliding miter saw during a steep sale. Works great and is a lot lighter than the old Dewalt 12 inch workhorse I had. I'm quit happy with the B&D tools I have as a home owner/DIY builder. So, if the B&D tools disappear is there another brand that I can use my batteries with? Also, what is with all these emails from Home Depot advertising furniture, towels, etc.? Are they getting away from home repair and projects?

[@mechguy83]

i remember the cordless silver and black power screw driver in the 90s i loved that thing.