Black and Decker FireStorm 14.4 Volt 3/8 inch drill [26]

This drill was purchased to replace a nearly 40 year old Sears Craftsman 3/8 corded drill. Drills have come a long way in forty years, let me tell you.

Top Basic power drill features comparison new model to 40 year old model:
-- Keyless chuck. I had taped the chuck key to the old drill to the end of the cord. It was an old Lockheed safety trick so that you could not change bits without unplugging the tool. It was a huge hassle. It was even more of a hassle if you lost the chuck key however!

-- Hardened Plastic case. Drills have had plastic cases for at least 25 years, maybe more. These hardened plastic cases hold up better than the stainless steel ones. Also, the plastic cases afford more protection from accidental electrocution. And they are also lighter. The plastic handle is a much more ergonomic design. It is easier to hold, lighter and quieter. This case even has a slot to store a hex screwdriver bit.

New drill hand tool improvements in the last 40 years
-- Cordless drilling. Batteries have improved immensely, including portable rechargeable batteries. They can give the same kind of power as a 120VAC motor on a 12-24VDC motor. The batteries are also lightweight to enable one handed operation. It is a huge advantage to be able to bring your drill to the work without needing an extension cord or generator.

-- Variable torque clutches. Now you can use a drill as a screwdriver and not have to worry about sending a screw right through your work. It will apply just the right amount of torque so as not to overdrive your fasteners.

-- "Fast Drive" This is a feature specific to this Black and Decker FireStorm drill. The whole chuck assembly detaches, revealing a hex drive with a phillips screwdriver bit inside. Now you can drive a hole and then immediately drive a screw using the same tool. This makes tasks like bracket installation a pleasure instead of a chore.

Power Comparison
I am no engineering/physics expert. So future commentors, please help. The previous drill produced 1/3 horsepower. I assume around 1100 RPM. The FireStorm 14.4 has 70-250 inch-pounds of torque. How do you compare? More research is in order.

Get one now! I bought mine at Lowes. They had at the time, the lowest price of any retailer. This is also the shopping site where you will be directed from the Black and Decker site.{BB}

Added: April 9th 2005
Reviewer: BB
Score:    [26]

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