Kitchen & Workbench
December 29th, 2003 - 8:39 pm
Comparing Black & Decker to DeWalt is like comparing Martha Stewart cookware to Calphalon — there ain’t no comparison.
Comparing Black & Decker to DeWalt is like comparing Martha Stewart cookware to Calphalon — there ain’t no comparison.
Maybe I’m just slow on the uptake here, but Black and Decker makes DeWALT tools.
We’re talking brands here, E.
Even if MS and Calphalon came from the same factory, there’s still a world of difference between the two. And the same goes — perhaps even moreso — for B&D and DeWalt.
DeWalt rocks my world. My several year old 18v cordless drill has been dropped, kicked, stepped on, used as a hammer, run over, exposed to other assorted tool trauma, and it still works like a champ.
Take a look at the Ridgid stuff that the Depot is pitching in DeWalt’s stead these days. My DW 18v cordless feels like a dang Barbie doll drill compared to the Ridgid. And I seriously LOVED my DW. It’s now relegated to home chores, while the Ridgid gets a workout at the ranch. Plus, I got a free double-entendre ball-cap from the factory rep.
Seriously, I love the fast-charger Ridgid has best of all. [sigh] Any reason to turn over the toolbox, eh?
Yeah, Black&Decker caters to the casual buyer who knows the name and only uses his/her tools once-in-a-while. They’re competent enough, and if you don’t really put them to the test, they’ll last long enough to not piss you off.
DeWalt is for those guys (usually) who buy into the GMC truck advertising (“We Are Commercial Grade” – umm, okay). These buyers want tools that not only work better but will make others think you really know what you are doing. There’s no shame in this, but it certainly reflects a certain Yuppie ethos.
Ridgid is made, by and large, solely for professionals. They don’t really advertise, nor do they seek a larage consumer slice of the market. Your Ridgid tools no doubt kick the ass of any B&W and most DeWalt, but then again, they cost more too.
DeWalt, in my case, was for a guy who found they were built better and lasted longer than the plethora of Makita, Porter Cable and Milwaukee tools I’d bought before them.
Yuppie ethos my eye.
uh oh,
I just bought a gazillion dollars worth of Black and Decker tools for my husband for Christmas…
The salesman at Home Depot told me that they were just as good as DeWalt…
Next time I’ll seek consultation from the men of the blogosphere before I purchase any more manly stuff.
NR