Black & Decker Versus DeWalt Power Tools

Black & Decker and DeWalt are two of the most widely recognized names in power tools. And interestingly enough, they’re both owned by the same company, as Black & Decker bought DeWalt back in 1960. But when it comes to cost, quality, product selection, and warranty, there are some major differences. If you’re considering making a purchase, you’ll want to know how they compare.

Here’s a breakdown of how Black & Decker and DeWalt vary based on the four key factors we just mentioned.

There’s no comparison with cost, as Black & Decker is not only far more affordable than DeWalt. In fact, it’s one of the most affordable power tool brands, period. As Home Improvement Scout explains, “Black & Decker is at the lowest end of the spectrum, catering to consumers at the lowest price point. Conversely, DeWalt is at the upper end of the spectrum, targeting professionals and industry toward the high end of the point.”

For perspective, you can find a basic power drill from Black & Decker for as low as $25, which is extremely cheap. However, a basic power drill from DeWalt starts at around $85, while more robust products can easily cost $200 or more.

If you’re basing your buying decision solely on price and only need something basic for home use, Black & Decker is your best bet.

As you might imagine, with lower cost comes lower quality and vice versa. “Black & Decker elects to use lower-quality materials, less thorough designs, and fewer quality considerations in the name of keeping costs low,” writes Home Improvement Scout. DeWalt, on the other hand, takes the complete opposite approach and offers top-of-the-line manufacturing quality, which accounts for their much higher price point.

While Black & Decker targets homeowners who only occasionally use power tools, DeWalt offers contractor-grade products for serious craftsmen, professionals, and homeowners that frequently engage in major projects. So DeWalt offers far superior quality than Black & Decker.

Black & Decker has a fairly small lineup of power tools, including drills, powered screwdrivers, simple saws, and sanders. All of which are entry-level and don’t come with a lot of bells and whistles.

In contrast, DeWalt has a much larger lineup of power tools and offers everything that Black & Decker does, as well as more serious tools designed for professional use. Some examples include miter saws, table saws, grinders, rotary hammers, and routers. Browse DeWalt’s product line, and you can find pretty much everything you need to tackle most projects.

As for warranties, DeWalt gets the edge here as well. Most DeWalt power tools come with a three-year warranty, whereas Black & Decker only offers a two-year warranty.

And given the amount of wear and tear power tools often receive, it’s smart to consider a power tool extended warranty to take over once the regular manufacturer’s warranty has ended. Upsie, for instance, offers two and three-year warranties on Black & Decker, DeWalt, and a wide variety of other power tool brands.

Upsie’s extended warranties cover mechanical failure, power failure, cooling issues, and other problems that can easily damage the tool. In addition, Upsie’s plans cost up to 70% less than in-store offers. And you can conveniently file claims 24/7 for a quick repair or replacement. You also have full control of your plans through Upsie.com.

Let’s recap. Black & Decker wins for cost, as their power tools are significantly more affordable than DeWalt’s. However, when it comes to quality, product selection, and warranty length, DeWalt wins in all three areas.

When making your choice, it just depends on your situation. If you only need basic power tools for the occasional DIY project, Black & Decker can often get the job done. But if you want a large selection of high-end power tools that are built to last, DeWalt is likely the better choice.