Shopping for tools can be a bit overwhelming. There are so many brands to choose from, each promising different things. As you become a more experienced commercial carpenter, you’ll learn which brands are trustworthy and you’ll develop some favorites. If you’re just starting out, or if you’re looking to try new tools, take a look at DeWalt or Black & Decker. Both brands are under the umbrella brand of Stanley Black & Decker, but they are not created equal. Today, we want to break down the pros and cons of each to help make the hunt easier for carpenters like you!
DeWalt Company History
DeWalt is an American company that represents a worldwide brand of power tools for the construction, manufacturing, and woodworking industries. The DeWalt brand actually falls under the umbrella of Stanley Black & Decker. This parent company also owns Irwin Tools, Craftsman, Lenox, Porter-Cable, Proto, Bostitch, Vidmar, and several others.
DeWalt was officially formed in 1923 by Raymond E. DeWalt (who invented the radial arm saw). Eventually, the company was sold to Black & Decker in 1960. Nothing too exciting happened until 2004 when Black and Decker bought Porter-Cable and combined it with DeWalt in Jackson, Tennessee.
DeWalt expanded into the production of hand tools in 2011, and in 2013 they added mechanics’ tools. Three years later, in 2016, DeWalt debuted FlexVolt, the construction industry’s first hybrid voltage battery pack. It runs at either 60V Max (series) or 20V Max (parallel) mode depending upon whether it is placed into a 60V FlexVolt or 20V Max tool.
Black & Decker Company History
The Black & Decker Corporation is the leading maker of power tools and accessories in the United States–and is the firm most responsible for the creation of the post-World War II consumer market for power tools. The firm’s key power tool brands are Black & Decker and DeWalt. Black & Decker (B&D) is also a leading producer of electric lawn and garden tools, security hardware (locks and locksets under the Kwikset, Baldwin, and Weiser brands), general and decorative hardware products (Baldwin), plumbing products (Price Pfister), and specialty fastening and assembly systems (Emhart). B&D products are sold in more than 100 countries and are manufactured at 36 plants, 18 in the United States and 18 abroad, located in Brazil, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom.
Black and Decker vs DeWalt: Which One is Best For You?
Prices
We know that price is one of the deciding factors for every purchase decision. As a carpenter, tools are your life, but that doesn’t mean you want to spend an arm and a leg on them! While both DeWalt and Black & Decker are under the Stanley Black & Decker umbrella, both were designed for different uses and price points. Black & Decker was created for beginners and entry-level work. Since the tools under this brand are not meant for prolonged or intense use, the materials they are made from are cheaper than DeWalt. Black & Decker tools are significantly less expensive, particularly for power tools like drills and saws. DeWalt is the more professional branch, and higher-quality materials cost more to make, therefore increasing the price consumers have to pay.
Quality
Everyone wants to purchase a product that gives them the most value. This means that you get a lot of great features and quality for the price you pay. In this category, the clear winner is DeWalt. As we’ve already mentioned, DeWalt was created for the more professional carpenter or handyman. All tools in this branch are made from higher-grade materials, and typically are stronger and last longer than Black & Decker equivalents. DeWalt tools are crafted specifically to handle a lot more wear and tear. Black & Decker tools certainly aren’t worthless by any means, but commercial carpenters on the job will likely run into issues in the long haul. DeWalt is much sturdier and the power tools are more powerful and hold a charge for longer. That being said, even DeWalt isn’t the strongest tools you can find for commercial carpentry.
Best For
Stanley Black & Decker didn’t make multiple branches for no reason- each was established to cater to a different target market. Each line is better for some projects than others.
- Black & Decker: Black & Decker tools are perfect for occasional projects, home repairs, woodworking for fun, and backup tools. For most people, Black & Decker is more than good enough to handle the projects that come up. We don’t want anyone thinking that this line is not well-made; just keep in mind what it was made to do! Many carpenters start off with Black & Decker tools to learn the basics, and they graduate to higher-end tools later. For most things at home though, Black & Decker is a great choice!
- DeWalt: DeWalt tools were designed for the more serious worker. They can handle more prolonged use in harder conditions. More powerful motors and longer-lasting batteries make DeWalt much more suited for worksites than Black & Decker. Of course, you can use DeWalt tools at home, but there’s no need to spend more if you aren’t one to really put your tools to the test. DeWalt materials are higher-quality, so they last longer, break/rust less, and rarely need repairs. For commercial carpenters, we’d strongly recommend DeWalt or even stronger brands!
We feel it’s important to make a distinction before we wrap up this comparison. Most of the real differences are seen in the power tools of each line. Yes, DeWalt hand tools (screwdrivers, hammers, etc.) are still higher quality, you can get away with using the Black & Decker hand tools in most cases. Materials for DeWalt are stronger, but unless you’re using a hand tool aggressively and repeatedly, you should be more than okay to use Black & Decker, at least for awhile.
Compare Best Cordless Drills: DeWalt or Black&Decker?
Whether you’re handy around the house or not, a good cordless drill is a very useful tool to have. Today’s cordless drills are lightweight and compact in design, allowing the execution of a variety of drilling tasks with power and ease. They bring convenience and ability to tackle difficult and often awkward jobs.
The main factor that determines the power of a cordless drill is the voltage of its battery. Higher voltage means more torque -spinning strength to overcome resistance. Even though cordless drill battery voltages can range anywhere from 4V to 30V, batteries used by the most popular models have a voltage that ranges between 12V and 20V. This is because the power provided by these batteries is more than enough to tackle drilling jobs around the house or in your garage, such as hanging pictures or light fixtures, installing handles on cabinets, or replacing door hinges.
Dewalt DCD796 vs Black&Decker LDX 120C
The DEWALT DCD796D2 Compact Hammer drill is ideal for drilling and hammering in various materials. This Hammer drill features a DEWALT brushless motor that delivers up to 57% more run time over brushed. The kit includes batteries, charger, kit box and belt hook.
Features:
- XR lithium-ion batteries with fuel gauge provide 33% more capacity over standard packs
- Compact (7.5 in. front to back), lightweight (3.6 lbs.) design fits into tight areas
- High speed transmission with 2-speed settings (0-550/0-2,000 RPM) delivers up to 30% faster application speeds
- Ergonomic comfort grip handle provides ideal balance and tool control
- Metal 1/2 in. ratcheting chuck for superior bit gripping strength
- 3-mode LED provides lighting in dark or confined spaces up to 20X brighter than previous model
- LED spotlight mode features 20-minute shutoff function allowing for extended work time in dark or confined spaces
The BLACK+DECKER 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill/Driver is ideal for a wide variety of applications. Featuring a lightweight and compact cordless design for comfortable use and easy accessibility in tight spaces, this drill/driver is powered by a lithium-ion battery that holds a charge up to 18 months, so it is always job ready when you are. The 11-Position clutch helps prevent stripping of screws and with the convenient LED work light, your project area is easily illuminated for more productivity and less downtime. Ideal for DIY projects around your home, this tool drills and drives screws through wood, metal and plastic and is durably made for years of reliable use.
Features:
- Lithium-ion battery holds a charge up to 18 months so battery is always job ready
- 11-position clutch helps prevent stripping and overdriving of screws
- LED work light illuminates work area for easier drilling in dark places
- Compact and lightweight design for easy use in tight spaces
- Other batteries and chargers sold separately; compatible with LBX20 batteries and LCS20 chargers
- Includes: LDX120 20-Volt max lithium drill/driver, one LBX20 20-Volt max lithium-ion battery, 1 LCS20 charger and 1 double ended bit
- 2-year warranty
FAQs
Are Black and Decker and Dewalt the same?
Black+Decker and DeWalt cordless drill are the same, in terms of their uses. Both are brushless, which is good to make work faster and more accurate. Both are also cordless, so you don’t have to worry about anything at all, especially when it comes to working on a power outlet.
Is Stanley or DeWalt better?’
It is evident that the Dewalt tape is of much more superior construction, and Stanley’s less sturdy construction, but same functionality and is much more affordable. Apparently, the Stanley has a much bigger following due to its affordability and excellent functionality. Stanley or Dewalt, I will leave that to you.
Are Craftsman 20v batteries interchangeable with Black and Decker?
Stanley Black & Decker is not supplying Sears with their CRAFTSMAN 20V tools and 20V Diehard batteries. Furthermore, the new V20 batteries produced by the CRAFTSMAN brand will not be compatible with the 20V products released by Sears.
Do DeWalt batteries fit any other brands?
Yes, DeWalt batteries will work in all DeWalt tools of the correct voltage whether the tool is brushed or brushless.
Can you use a 40v battery in a 20v tool?
No, not without intervening circuitry to step down the voltage to 20 volts. You can generally use a higher capacity battery (that is one with more amp hours and thus run time) but the battery itself has to be 20 volts. Higher voltages will destroy the tool.