Black+Decker

Consumer power tools. Big-box retailer staple.

Avoid

Founded: 1910
HQ: USA
Manufacturing: China,Various
Ownership type: Conglomerate subsidiary
Parent: Stanley Black & Decker

Ownership

Consumer division of Stanley Black & Decker. Positioned explicitly below DeWalt.

Why Avoid

Built to a price point, not a quality standard. No longer the Black & Decker that built the category.

Sister brands under Stanley Black & Decker

Tools · Hand Tools
Craftsman
Status: Avoid
Tools · Cordless Systems
DeWalt
Status: Watchlist
Tools · Hand Tools
Stanley
Status: Watchlist

See all 4 sister brands

Tools · Power Tools
Porter-Cable
Status: Former Great

Read the full investigation

Investigation · March 31, 2026

Your Power Tools Got Worse On Purpose

Two conglomerates bought American power tools in the 2000s. One built Milwaukee into the dominant cordless platform. The other spent $6B+ hollowing out Craftsman, Porter-Cable, and more. Plus the brands that refused to sell.

Read the full investigation