Content about Black & Decker

When a product reinvents a tool as basic and time-tested as the screwdriver, it’s worthy of an endcap.

That’s the thinking of Lowe’s and other retailers that are promoting the new Black & Decker GYRO as the “world’s first motion-activated screwdriver.”

Towson, Md.-based Black & Decker has introduced the GYRO 4V MAX Lithium-ion Rechargeable Screwdriver (BDCS40G).

The manufacturer describes the new product as “the world’s first motion-activated screwdriver.” It uses gyroscopic technology that allows users to rotate their wrist one-quarter turn to the right for forward or left for reverse.

The variable speed feature and direction change that occurs with a twist of the wrist provide improved control while screwdriving, the company said.

Black & Decker has introduced the GYRO 4V MAX Lithium-ion Rechargeable Screwdriver (BDCS40G), a motion-activated screwdriver that controls variable speed and direction. The variable speed feature and direction change that occurs with a twist of the wrist provide improved control.

With the screwdriver’s gyroscopic technology, users only need to rotate their wrist one-quarter turn to the right for forward or left for reverse. 

Stanley Black & Decker posted second-quarter net sales of $2.8 billion, up 8% from $2.6 billion in the prior-year quarter. The company attributed this to price (+1%), volume (+1%) and acquisitions (+10%), which were partially offset by currency (-4%).

Net earnings for the quarter totaled $154.8 million, down 22% from $197.6 in the second quarter of 2011.           

Stanley Black & Decker, the tools giant that made a splash with a blockbuster merger two years ago, is now attempting to sell a unit of its tool empire, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal.

The unit on the block includes Baldwin, Price Pfister and Kwikset brands, making builders hardware, door locks, bath fixtures and other home products. 

For about two years, the story at Stanley Black & Decker was never too far removed from the single word: “integration.” The merger of two tool giants was a natural topic for analysts, observers and customers.

During a product demonstration and media day in New York City this month, the story began to change back to another word: “innovation.” The company, as it unveiled dozens of new products at a New York City event this month, says it is beginning to gel across Stanley, Black & Decker, Bostitch, DeWalt and Porter Cable.

Stanley Black & Decker has made a $350,000 tool donation to the Joplin, Mo., rebuilding efforts. The tools, which are being used on the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition” Joplin project, include Stanley, Bostitch, DeWalt, Porter-Cable and more. Following this project, the Home Builders Association of Southwest Missouri will gather, inventory and distribute the tools to the building trades classes at Franklin Technology Center and other area technical schools that lost their tools in the May 22 storm.

New Britain, Conn.-based Stanley Black & Decker posted first quarter sales of $2.381 billion, up 89% from the year ago period -- thanks largely to the incremental sales achieved through Black & Decker.

The company, which marked its one -year anniversary of the Stanley and Black & Decker merger last month -- the companies merged March 12, 2010 -- said 71% of the sales increase was from Black & Decker, other acquisitions made up 9%, unit volume resulted in 7% growth, and currency rates added 2%. 

It's the largest pledge to date for ToolBank USA, the non-profit organization that provides tools -- from hand tools to hoses -- to volunteer organizations working to improve their communities.

Stanley will pay ToolBank USA $1 million over the next five years.

"This donation is about helping a strong, smart organization to bring its phenomenal work to even more communities across the country," said Tim Perra, global communications director, Stanley Black & Decker. 

Towson, Md.-based Black & Decker introduced a new paint roller with a pivoting head that stores paint in its long handle. 

Designed for speed and ease of use, the RapidRoller Paint Roller eliminates the need for paint trays through an E-Z Fill System that draws paint into its long handle. The company said the design of the tool helps consumers complete projects up to two times faster than with traditional rollers. And it's the first paint roller to come with a kickstand, when the user needs to take a break.

Thanks to the inclusion of Black & Decker's performance in the combined results of Stanley Black & Decker, the New Britain, Conn.-based tool maker reported a 142.8% jump in fourth-quarter net income to $178.0 million, up from $73.3 million.

Sales for the quarter were $2.4 billion, up 149% compared with $969.4 million for the same period last year.