RIP Black and Decker drill

[Rick M]

My wife bought me a Black & Decker 3/8 corded drill going on 20 years ago (back when they were teal blue, same color as Bosch) and it has served me faithfully until today. Yesterday I noticed it wasn't working well and today the chuck spins but the drill bits do not. Say what you want about B&D but we certainly got our money's worth considering it probably didn't cost more than $15.

My Skil hammer drill is too powerful and bulky for driving screws so I've been using my PC cordless which normally stays at the house. Not sure yet if I'll replace the B&D or not, or with what.

 

[Gotcha6]

Sounds like you just need a new chuck.

 

[Rick M]

No doubt. B&D sells a replacement for $36; hardly seems worth it. Are there generic replacements?

 

[Gotcha6]

It's probably just a standard Jacobs setup. If you could get the old one off you might could find one at a BORG or tool store.

 

[junquecol]

It uses a 3/8" SAE thread chuck. If it's reversable, then inside the chuck is a LEFT HAND retaining screw. I have a couple of old chucks in my junk.

 

[Rick M]

It's reversible and variable speed. Are they keyless chucks? I'm spoiled and change out bits too often.

 

[jkintner]

B&D is not the company they used to be. They now use low quality bearings and lighter materials for a lower quality product. PC, DW, B&D are now all the same company. Would only recommend DeWalt, even then they are not as good as they used to be since B&D bought them out. If I had my choice, I would go with the new Makita brushless system that uses the same battery for all their cordless tools. A little pricey but they use quality components.

 

[Rick M]

We have an old Makita 9.6v, one of their first cordless, on it's 2nd chuck and still going strong. Definitely the best driver I've ever used but my wife keeps it at work. Maybe I will get a new chuck for the B&D afterall it has served me well for quite awhile.