Black & Decker® Introduces LITHIUM Drill/Driver Line

TOWSON, Md., Oct. 4 /PRNewswire/ -- LITHIUM power, compact size and ergonomic features combine to create the most powerful, lightweight drill/drivers from Black & Decker®.  Available in 20V MAX(1), 16V MAX(2) and 12V MAX(3) models, the new drill/drivers feature Lithium Ion Battery Technology and because of Black & Decker's exclusive Smart Charge Technology™, can hold a charge up to 500 days between projects.

LITHIUM power offers users lighter-weight tools with longer lasting battery power, year after year – ultimately saving time and money.  Black & Decker extends LITHIUM benefits with its Smart Charge Technology™ – a battery platform that provides five times the battery life of previous Black & Decker NiCd models(4).  The introduction of the new drill/drivers adds to the growing line of LITHIUM products from Black & Decker, which already includes the Compact Saw and two screwdrivers.

In addition to longer life batteries, LITHIUM products are lighter and more compact making them easier and more comfortable to use(5).   In fact, a recent Black & Decker survey found that compact design was preferred by 82 percent of respondents over existing NiCd.  And, according to product experts the new drills/drivers are no exception because of an exposed Gear Box and ergonomic handle design.

"At two-thirds the size of comparable NiCd models, Black & Decker's latest lithium ion drills provide powerful compact power that are comfortable and easy to use," said Mike Isch, Product Manager at Black & Decker. "Our customers are going to see a significant difference in size and weight.  Lithium offers comfort that is unlike anything our drills have offered, simplifying household projects like screw driving or furniture assembly."

Additional drill/driver features include:

• LITHIUM Smart Charge Technology™ provides longer life year after year
• Holds its charge five times longer than NiCd(4)  
• LED work light illuminates project area
• 11 position clutch helps to prevent stripping of screws
• Soft grips provides maximum comfort
• 3/8 in. chuck for quick and easy bit changes
• On Board Bit Storage for easy access to screwdriver bit

The Black & Decker LITHIUM Drill/Drivers are available October 2010.  Each drill/driver comes with one battery, charger and screwdriver bit.

100 Years of Innovation.  A Legacy of Trust

Since 1910, Black & Decker has been setting the standard for innovation and design of power tools, accessories, outdoor yard care equipment, home cleaning products, automotive and lighting products, hardware and home improvement products, and technology-based fastening systems.  The inventor of the first portable electric drill with pistol grip and trigger switch, Black & Decker has evolved from a small machine shop in Baltimore, Maryland to a global manufacturing and marketing powerhouse with a broad line of quality products used in and around the home and for commercial applications.  When users need to get work done, they trust Black & Decker for the products that will do the job efficiently and reliably.  For more information on Black & Decker's extensive line of products or its centennial anniversary, visit http://www.BlackandDecker.com or http://www.BlackandDecker.imrepresskit.com.

(1)  Maximum initial battery pack voltage (measured without a workload) is 20 volts. Measured under a workload, nominal voltage is 18.

(2) Maximum initial battery pack voltage (measured without a workload) is 16 volts. Measured under a workload, nominal voltage is 14.4.

(3) Maximum initial battery pack voltage (measured without a workload) is 12 volts. Measured under a workload, nominal voltage is 10.8.

(4) When the 12V battery is compared to HPB12, the 16V battery is compared to the HPB14, and the 20V battery is compared to the HPB18.

(5) 12V is 23% lighter and 34% percent smaller compared to the GCO1200, the 16V is 23% lighter and 33% smaller compared to the GCO1400, the 20V is 25% lighter and 34% smaller compared to the GCO1800.

SOURCE Black & Decker