Looking for information on old drill
- Thread starter ron in sc
- Start date
driftpin
Well-known member
Now, seeing your avatar, if that's your 'fun-ride,' you don't need to use that old 'arm-breaker' non double-insulated drill for anything but display.
Any 'patina' it has would be affected by cosmetic restoration. What is your plan? Vintage/steampunk margarita-mixer?
Any 'patina' it has would be affected by cosmetic restoration. What is your plan? Vintage/steampunk margarita-mixer?
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Bigblockyeti
Banned
I'm picking up a B&D tomorrow just like that but the label for the one I'm getting is red. The specs are 5/16" capacity, 1400rpm, 2.6 amps. Hardly an arm breaker, heck my DeWalt pulling 7.8 amps and spinning 850rpm doesn't really need the auxiliary handle so this is very, very unlikely to be unsafe.
Farmer J.
Well-known member
Bigblockyeti
Banned
JHuston
Well-known member
I've been a power tool mechanic for 18 years now, working at a shop that has been a B&D service center for over 60 years. I collect and restore antique Porter cable tools, myself, but I've repaired my fair share of Black and Decker drills of that era and I would suggest the following:
Make sure you have a grounded cord in good condition. This is critical to safe operation.
Your grease is going to be the consistency of candle wax; scrape it out and replace it. With a drill of that speed, wheel bearing grease will do what you need.
That drill isn't a really high torque tool, but it can and will wrap you up if you aren't careful. Respect it, and pay attention to the moment you break through the material you're drilling. That's the most likely time the drill bit will catch, so ease up.
People seem to think these drills will kill the operator in their sleep, but they are no more dangerous than a circular saw or router, and nothing else is going to drill a big hole in something. Tune it up and use it properly, it's an excellent tool and the machine that put Black and Decker on the map as a manufacturer.
-James Huston
Make sure you have a grounded cord in good condition. This is critical to safe operation.
Your grease is going to be the consistency of candle wax; scrape it out and replace it. With a drill of that speed, wheel bearing grease will do what you need.
That drill isn't a really high torque tool, but it can and will wrap you up if you aren't careful. Respect it, and pay attention to the moment you break through the material you're drilling. That's the most likely time the drill bit will catch, so ease up.
People seem to think these drills will kill the operator in their sleep, but they are no more dangerous than a circular saw or router, and nothing else is going to drill a big hole in something. Tune it up and use it properly, it's an excellent tool and the machine that put Black and Decker on the map as a manufacturer.
-James Huston
Bigblockyeti
Banned
Oh, I know what I'm getting into, I too have been wrenching on power tools professionally since 01' so seeing what's happened to others as a result of improper operation/maintenance can be quite eye opening. I always start a reconditioning with a new cord & strain relief first. However, I'm reluctant to replace this strain relief as it's in OK shape + it has "PATENTED FEB 23, 1926" still clearly visible molded into the rubber.
JHuston
Well-known member
Ah, a fellow sufferer! It's funny; I've seen rubber cords and strain reliefs that are still supple after decades and decades of wear and tear, and I've seen ten year old cords with the jacket hanging off in strips.
The worst thing about being a power tool mechanic, aside from the dreck that passes for heavy duty tools these days, is seeing someone who has a good piece of equipment they mistreat ( a certain contractor who used a Rockwell 315 circular saw to cut concrete springs to mind...)- I sometimes don't want to give them back.
-James Huston
The worst thing about being a power tool mechanic, aside from the dreck that passes for heavy duty tools these days, is seeing someone who has a good piece of equipment they mistreat ( a certain contractor who used a Rockwell 315 circular saw to cut concrete springs to mind...)- I sometimes don't want to give them back.
-James Huston
Packard V8
Well-known member
It's really a good thing for those of us who appreciate older quality machines that so many here on GJ don't. It keeps the prices down.
jack vines
JHuston
Well-known member
You're not wrong, Jack. Yes, older metal cased tools require a certain amount of care as far as grounding goes, and they aren't always the most user friendly, but they are hardly the deathtraps people make them out to be. After all, a drill press needs grounding , too. If you want to drill a big hole, you need torque; there's really no way around it.
I've inherited any number of tools, portable and stationary, because the former owners didn't feel they were safe. I'm a stickler for proper wiring and proper technique and can honestly say I've yet to get mauled.
These tools need respect to use safely, but so does virtually every tool made.They are not anywhere near as dangerous as people seem to think.
-James Huston