Black & Decker RD1440K 85th Anniversary 14.4V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit

by Black & Decker

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Remember the old, reliable Black & Decker drill your dad kept in his tool shop all those years ago? Other tools would come and go, but he always relied on that shiny silver drill to get the job done, and it did. Well, Black & Decker has brought back that classic styling with its commemorative, polished aluminum, 14.4-volt cordless drill/driver kit. This 85th-anniversary drill may look like a throwback to days gone by, but inside it's as 21st century as they come. An illuminated, electronic level ensures straighter, more accurate drilling. Microtorque adjustments allow the drill to handle a variety of applications. A single-sleeve keyless chuck with automatic spindle lock makes switching bits a breeze. The drill is powered by a matching 14.4-volt battery pack and features a rubber-enhanced grip for better comfort and control. A touch-sensitive trigger provides infinite speed control at either of two gear settings (0 to 350 and 0 to 1,100 rpm), and a rugged, nylon carrying case keeps the drill well protected when taking it on the job. --Carl Thress

From the Manufacturer

Black & Decker combines the best of the new and old with the limited edition 85th Anniversary Cordless Drill/Driver. Designed to look like earlier drills with its rugged aluminum die cast housing, the new 85th Anniversary 14.4-volt cordless drill is outfitted with the best of today's features. The two-position gearbox offers both high torque and high-speed drilling/driving. An electronic level is built into the end of the drill. A LED display lights up when the drill is in a level position, helping to ensure straight drilling and screwdriving. A one-touch battery level indicator lets you know how much charge remains in the drill's battery. The indicator reads the three stages of the battery's charge and indicates how much of the charge remains. The RD1440K delivers power and performance with two speed ranges, 0-350/0-1,100 rpm, and static torque ratings of 67/220 in./lbs., plus a 24-position clutch. The battery easily detaches from the drill with the push of a spring-loaded button. Your purchase includes the drill/driver, battery, charger, double ended bit, polishing cloth, and protective case.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 14.5 x 4.5 x 12.8 inches ; 7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 8 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006FX9U
• California residents: Click here for Proposition 65 warning.
• Item model number: RD1440K
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #255,348 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great drill/driver with a Classic look from the 40's-50's, October 29, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Black & Decker RD1440K 85th Anniversary 14.4V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

I just bought this drill over the weekend. The classic styling of a drill from the 1940's-1950's is what sold me at first--it's a drill just too good looking to pass up. However, more importantly it is a great tool, with some very 21st century features: an automatic electronic level that tells you when you're holding the drill straight in any of three different orientations, and a battery status LED meter.

There is a wide range of torque settings, so it really does work well as a driver, all the way down to small screws. I used it tonight to assemble a portable laptop table without either stripping or overdrilling the self-tapping wood screws like I have often done in the past. And, drilling power is good for a 14.4V drill. The charger is a nice small 3-hour charging unit that fits over the top of the battery--not one of those clunker fast chargers that come with most cordless units. And, the set comes with a padded carry case and even a polishing cloth (you'll want to keep that aluminum housing shiny!). The only negative I've found is that the forward/reverse switch above the trigger is not quite big enough for my fingers, and it could use a more positive feel when switching positions.

I have a DeWalt 18V hammerdrill/driver that is an absolute beast when it comes to cordless power, but a bit hard to use for more delicate screwdriving jobs, and a corded Milwaukee Hole-Shooter drill that is almost too much to handle at times. This B&D 14.4V rounds out my drill/driver set nicely.

Lastly, although you will pay a bit more for the classic styling--if you're like me, once you see this drill close up you just have to get one. I plan to buy two more as Christmas gifts for my Dad and brother this year.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not the legend I expected, December 17, 2002

By 

Ira B. Baker ll (Fredericksburg, Virginia United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black & Decker RD1440K 85th Anniversary 14.4V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

The Black & Decker drill does not live up to its legend. I found out after purchasing this drill it was nearly impossible to get a good grip on the very small drill chuck in order to properly tighten the chuck on a bit. While drilling white oak the bit kept spinning in the chuck. I had to used channel locks to hold the small back ring because I found it hard to grip it with such a large diameter clutch housing behind it. I was not happy with the one battery (NI-cad), which left me going back to the garage for another drill to finish the job, it ran out of juice pretty fast. A drill that looks nice (wall Hangar)however, but not the drill to take to the job site. Took it back to the store and found that the price had been reduced ... I think I know why! ...

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Great looking drill, but it doesn't grip a bit!, February 27, 2003

By 

Jonathan Wilson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black & Decker RD1440K 85th Anniversary 14.4V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit (Tools & Home Improvement)

Despite some fantastic features, and a cool retro look, the chuck on this drill doesn't grip tightly enough. Even trying to drill small holes was difficult as the bit just spins in the chuck. My previous drill (a much older B&D model) had no such problems. I will be returning this drill.