Tool Talk

Classic Power Tools => Classic Power Tools => Topic started by: JoeCB on January 03, 2023, 10:35:43 PM

Title: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: JoeCB on January 03, 2023, 10:35:43 PM

Thought I would share this little gem that I came across. B&D Type BT " Shorty"  1/4 " 2500 rpm. Judging from the really heavy duty feel of both the drill and the power cord, I would guess that this drill was for heavy duty industrial use.... maybe tight quarters in aircraft.

Joe B 

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: Bill Houghton on January 04, 2023, 05:37:16 PM

Those right angle drills are the bee's knees when you need them.  The old, all-aluminum models are, of course, cooler than cool.

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: amecks on January 05, 2023, 04:51:49 AM

How old is it?  It has most definitely art deco styling at both ends.

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: JoeCB on January 05, 2023, 11:14:04 PM

I have no idea on the age, guessing late 40's perhaps. Hoping someone here with knowledge will chime in.

Joe B

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: lptools on January 06, 2023, 06:32:54 PM

Here is a photo from a 1949 catalog, but it has a paddle switch.

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: amecks on January 06, 2023, 07:58:48 PM

Is it possible Joe's once had a paddle and (obviously) a different switch?  Thats a cool drill motor.  I have a cordless 90 degree but haven't used it more than once.

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: lptools on January 06, 2023, 09:27:50 PM

I just looked a little closer at the catalog page, they offered both types of switches.

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: JoeCB on January 06, 2023, 11:42:39 PM

Thanks, IPtools... thanks for posting the info... good catch on the optional toggle switch. The little "stubby" is the most expensive of the smaller drills.
Joe B

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: lptools on January 07, 2023, 07:50:47 AM

Hello, JoeCB. You're welcome. That was a good chunk of money in 1949!!

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: Lostmind on January 07, 2023, 10:22:24 AM

$56 !!!!!!!!!!

Title: Re: Black & Decker shorty drill
Post by: amecks on January 08, 2023, 07:25:49 AM

Just looked up 1949 dollars to 2022 dollars...
$56 in 1949 → 2022 | Inflation Calculator

Value of $56 from 1949 to 2022 -  $56 in 1949 is equivalent in purchasing power to about $680.26 today, an increase of $624.26 over 73 years. The dollar had an average inflation rate of 3.48% per year between 1949 and today, producing a cumulative price increase of . This means that today's prices are 12.15 times higher than average prices since 1949, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index. A dollar today only buys 8.232% of what it could buy back then.