Trystan Casey
The electric drill has been an essential tool for construction, woodworking, and steel mills for over a century. In 1917, Black + Decker developed a handheld electric drill with a pistol grip and trigger switch, revolutionizing the industry. Black + Decker's design was inspired by the pistol grip and trigger of a Colt handgun, and it became the standard for electric drills. The company opened a manufacturing plant in Maryland, where they produced portable electric drills and other tools. While the original inventor of the first cordless drill is disputed, with some attributing it to Black + Decker in 1961 and others to Makita in 1978, it is clear that WT Grant / Rockwell also manufactured electric drills, as evidenced by the existence of their vintage 1/4 electric drill.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | W.T. Grant / Rockwell 1/4" Electric Drill |
| Condition | Works Great |
| Seller | tughillcollectables |
| Location | Redfield, New York, US |
| Shipping | Ships to: US & many other countries |
| Item | 223345449954 |
| Popularity | 1 watcher, 0.1 new watchers per day, 16 days for sale on eBay. Normal amount watching. 1 sold, 0 available. |
| Seller Details | 7,789+ items sold. 0.5% negative feedback. Great seller with very good positive feedback and over 50 ratings. |
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What You'll Learn
Black & Decker's pistol-grip design
In 1916, Black and Decker began designing and manufacturing their own electric power tools. At the time, German-made electric tools were heavy and difficult to operate, and had not been commercially successful. Black and Decker aimed to create something more user-friendly. They designed a universal motor, which could run on alternating or direct current, and a trigger switch modelled after the mechanism in the Colt revolver. The pistol-grip and trigger switch design was inspired by a Colt handgun, which was among the shop's clients. This ergonomic design has since become an essential feature of electric drills.
The first tool to incorporate these innovative elements was a 1/2-inch portable drill, which could be operated by one person. The drill was lightweight at 21 1/2 pounds, and was considered inexpensive at $230. In 1917, Black and Decker were awarded patents for the pistol grip and trigger switch, and they constructed a factory in Towson, Maryland. The original portable drill, assembled in 1916, is now housed at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
Black and Decker are also known for creating the first cordless drill in 1961, although there is some controversy surrounding this, with some sources crediting Makita with the invention in 1978. Black and Decker's cordless drill was largely marketed to industrial and commercial companies.
The company was founded in 1910 by S. Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker, and was originally a small machine shop in Baltimore, Maryland. Black and Decker merged with Stanley Works in 2010 to become Stanley Black & Decker, and remains a subsidiary of that company.
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Black & Decker's cordless drill
Black & Decker is credited with creating the first cordless drill in 1961. These cordless drills were marketed to industrial and commercial companies. The company's cordless drills are powered by interchangeable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs. The drills are compact and lightweight, making them ideal for home projects and working in tight spaces. They are also versatile, with variable speed control and a powerful motor that can handle a range of drilling and driving tasks.
To maintain a Black & Decker cordless drill, it is recommended to regularly clean the exterior with a dry cloth to remove dust and debris. The drill bits should be kept sharp and replaced when necessary. The drill should be stored in a cool, dry place, and the battery should be charged and stored separately when not in use for extended periods.
Black & Decker's contribution to the electric drill market dates back over a century. In 1916, the company developed and patented a portable electric drill that could be operated by one person. This drill featured a universal electric motor and a pistol-grip handle with a trigger control, inspired by the Colt handgun. The original portable drill is now on display at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
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W.T. Grant / Rockwell collaboration
The W.T. Grant / Rockwell 1/4" electric drill is a vintage tool that was made in the USA. The drill is in working condition and has received positive feedback from buyers. It is sold by tughillcollectables, a seller based in Redfield, New York, who has sold over 7,789 items and received very good positive feedback and over 50 ratings. The seller has a 0.5% negative feedback rating.
The W.T. Grant / Rockwell drill is a sought-after item, with one watcher and 0.1 new watchers per day. Over 16 days, one item was sold, and none are currently available. This drill is a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts of vintage tools. With its 1/4" size and electric power, it is a unique and functional piece of history.
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Electric drill's history
The electric drill has been around for almost 150 years, and in that time, it has undergone countless improvements and revisions. The first drill, in general, is believed to have been the bore drill, invented in Egypt around 3000 BC. The auger drill, which is still in use today, was invented during the Roman ages.
The first electric drill was invented in 1889 by Arthur Arnot and William Brain of Melbourne, Australia. However, some sources attribute the invention to employees of C.& E. Fein company in Hamburg, Germany, in 1886. This drill was large and cumbersome, weighing around 22 lbs, but it brought convenience and precision to many trades.
In 1894, Wilhelm Fein and Carl Fein converted the electric drill into a portable device, revolutionizing the industry. In 1895, two German brothers invented the first portable drill, according to some sources.
In 1914, S. Duncan Black and Alonzo G. Decker revolutionized the power drill with their innovative handgun-style pistol grip design, which allowed for more precise control and greater comfort. This design was inspired by the pistol grip and trigger of a Colt handgun. Black and Decker (now Stanley Black + Decker) developed and filed a patent application for a portable drill in 1916, and the original drill is now at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. The company opened a manufacturing plant in 1917 and produced the drill there, along with other products.
In 1924, A.H. Peterson developed the Hole-Shooter, a lightweight, portable drill that could be operated with one hand. After a fire destroyed Peterson's facility, Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. acquired the product and made it more durable, developing more powerful drills.
In 1961, Black and Decker introduced the first cordless electric drill, powered by a nickel-cadmium battery. This provided users with greater mobility and convenience, and it reduced user fatigue by eliminating the need to manage a long cable. However, some sources credit Makita with the first cordless drill design available to the general public in 1978.
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Electric drill's impact
Electric drills are essential tools in both professional and DIY settings, used for tasks ranging from drilling holes to driving screws. The introduction of the electric drill has had a significant impact on the way work is conducted. The first electric drill was invented in 1889, and since then, there have been numerous innovations and improvements that have revolutionized the industry.
One of the most significant impacts of electric drills is their portability. In 1894, Wilhelm Fein and Carl Fein converted the electric drill into a portable device, allowing contractors to perform more extensive work. This innovation sparked a new era of electric drill development, with various companies releasing their versions of the tool. However, it was Black+Decker's invention of a lightweight and portable drill in 1916 that truly transformed the industry. The Black+Decker drill had a universal electric motor that could run on alternating or direct current and a pistol-grip handle with a trigger control, making it easy to use and control. This ergonomic design has become a standard feature of electric drills, and the company opened a manufacturing plant in 1917 to produce these drills, making them widely available.
The introduction of cordless drills further enhanced the impact of electric drills. Cordless drills, first introduced in 1961 by Black+Decker, offered even greater mobility and freedom of movement for contractors. No longer restricted by cords, workers could easily take their tools to job sites and benefit from the power of an electric motor. While there is some debate about the inventor of the first cordless drill, with Makita also credited for their design in 1978, it is undeniable that cordless technology revolutionized the way work was done.
Over time, electric drills have become more powerful, lightweight, and compact, making them accessible to a wider range of users. Improvements in lithium-ion battery technology and the introduction of brushless motors have increased the power and energy efficiency of cordless drills, making corded drills almost obsolete. Today, electric drills are widely used in both professional and home settings, with brands like DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Bosch offering a range of drill options. The voltage of a drill dictates its power and the size of the job it can handle, with higher voltages indicating more power.
The impact of electric drills extends beyond their portability and power. The design and functionality of electric drills have also evolved to meet specific needs. For example, the Hole-Shooter, developed by A.H. Peterson in 1924, was a lightweight, one-handed drill that Milwaukee Electric Tool Co. later made more durable and powerful. Bosch introduced the first electropneumatic handheld rotary hammer in 1932, and DeWalt relaunched its brand in 1991 with a new line of professional power tools, including electric drills and the first combination drill/driver hammer drill. These innovations demonstrate how electric drills have continued to evolve to meet the diverse needs of professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
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Frequently asked questions
It is a vintage electric drill manufactured in the USA.
The drill is 1/4" in size.
You can find this drill on eBay.
