Thursday 26 July 2012

Orb-It, from Black& Decker



Have you heard of the Black& Decker Orb-It, but are not really sure what it is? Well, look no further, here you have an overview of the Orb-It!

-          The new Orb-It™ from Black & Decker effortlessly combines performance and style.

-          Pull the handle out and nozzle flips open to transform the Orb-it ™ into a vacuum cleaner!

-          Ultra compact and light weight design, ideal for quick clean ups around the home or office.

-          Innovative design blends into the home environment, decoratively stores on kitchen worktops, office desks, side tables and more.

-          Charges and displays on a small stand, always to hand and ready for use.

-          Blue LED charging status indicator - flashes blue when charging and stays blue when fully charged.

-          Translucent and easy open door, see the dirt and know when to empty the dust bowl.

-          180 ml Bowl Capacity - optimal for light dust and crumb busting tasks.

-          Intricate cleaning accessories included for cleaning awkward areas and tight spaces.

-          Premium metallic finish and a range of colors to choose from.

There you have it, the Black& Decker Orb-it, everything you need to know! But if you want to know even more, check out this site:
http://www.blackanddecker.co.uk/homeproducts/productdetails/catno/ORB48BGN/
Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BlackandDeckerIndia  for updates on Black &Decker and all things DIY!

Sunday 22 July 2012

Before you DIY

‘     Do it yourself’ or DIY is a trend that is gathering more and more followers around the world every day! If you are about to join the DIY bandwagon, here are a couple of things to keep in mind before you take up your project! 

         1. Make sure it is a DIY project: Minor repairs and painting the walls can be considered DIY projects. Any project that requires technical skill should be done by professionals only!

2    2. Make sure that it’s not temporary interest. If you plan to take up a DIY project make sure that you are committed to it. Losing focus or interest while in the middle of the project will mostly likely end in a half done project.

      3. Plan ahead of time. A DIY project is not something that can or should be done at the drop of a hat. You should take time to plan out the entire project. Once you set up a timeline, try and follow it as much as possible. Another reason to plan ahead with DIY projects is because you might not have all the tools required for the project. by planning ahead you have time to make sure that you have all the necessary equipment. 

      4. Before you take up a project there are two things you should keep in mind: Time and Skill. Do not take up any DIY project unless you have the time to see it through to the end. Make sure your project is within your skill set. Any project which requires excessive technical skill is best left to the professionals.

     5. Lastly, be safe! Refer to our article on safety, to know 10 ways to stay safe while operating power tools or heavy machinery.

 Once you have all this cleared, you should have no problem with your DIY project! Good luck and Stay safe!


For more updates on B&D and all things DIY, follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/BlackandDeckerIndia  and Twitter: @Black_DeckerIN

Friday 13 July 2012

Safety 101



The safety of our customers is one our primary concerns at Black&Decker. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, accidents do happen. Here are a couple of things you can do, that can prevent accidents:
  
1. Before you use any power tool for the first time, know what you’re getting into! Make sure you read the instruction manual.  It is important to understand exactly how to use your tools. Reading the manual will help you understand what the tool can be used for and what the best way to operate it is.  
    
2. Different tools may require different personal safety guards but, it is a must, to use eye goggles while using ANY power tool. This will stop any stray debris and dust from getting into your eyes. It is also advisable to wear full sleeved shirts and full length pants to make sure no debris can cut or scrape your skin.

3Inspect your equipment before you use it, make sure that there are no blunt blades or loose cables! While inspecting power tools make sure that the equipment is not connected to any power source. Never hold a power tool by its chord/cable, it could cause a loose connection inside the machine. 
  
4. If you are changing the blade or just cleaning your equipment, make sure that the power tool is disconnected from its power source. A slip of the finger could turn on the tool if it is still switched on at the power source. 
  
5. Never use any power tools if you are tired, if you have been consuming alcohol or even cough syrup! Any of these could impair your judgment and your control, control of yourself and the machine.One split second is all it takes to cause an accident. 

6.  Never leave an active power tool unattended under any circumstance. Once you are finished with your equipment make sure you disconnect it and keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
 
7. Keep your work area as clean as possible, excess clutter may get in your way and prevent you from using the tool efficiently and correctly. Also, make sure that there are no flammable substances nearby, because even a small spark from your power tool could set off a fire in no time.

8. Avoid wearing loose clothes and long dangly jewellery and if you have long hair make sure it’s always tied up! All of these can get caught in the equipment and pull you into it. If you are wearing gloves, make sure that they are fitted correctly so that there is no extra cloth which can get caught in the machinery.

9. Always use the right tools at the right time.Do not use a tool to do something other than what it was designed to do. The results could be disastrous. 
  
10. A lot of power tools today come with safety guards in place, as tempting as it may be, do NOT remove them! They are there for a reason! 

Well, there you have it, 10 safety measures that you should have no problem practicing. Simple as they are, implementing them can go a long way in keeping you safe.

Wednesday 4 July 2012

Black & Decker : 100 Years of History and Innovation

Black & Decker is THE largest producer of power tools and accessories in the world! What started as a small store in Baltimore has today become a global company present in more than a 100 countries! In 2010 Black& Decker was extremely proud to celebrate its 100th birthday. Whether it was getting the first ever patent for a power drill or sending their drill to the moon, Black &Decker has had a glorious past. Here’s a look at some of the milestones that have made Black& Decker what it is today! 

In 1910, S. Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker invest $1200 to open a small store in Baltimore

1916 – B&D files its first patent application for a portable electric drill. This transformed stationary power tools into portable ones

1919 – In an extremely short amount of time (9 years) B&D records over 1 million in annual sales. 

1922 – Black&Decker crosses the border for the first time to Canada, where it opens its first wholly owned assembly operation and sales, service and warehouse facility outside the U.S.

1928 – B&D makes its first acquisition of another tool company, the Van Dorn Electric Tool Company! 

1936 – Black&Decker’s common stock is listed and begins trading at the New York Stock Exchange. 

1943 – B&D receives the Army – Navy ‘E’ Award for their production of gun shells and fuses for the allies to use during the WWII.

1946 –The beginning of the ‘Do- It- Yourself’ (DIY) Revolution! Following reports that a number of their employees were taking the drills home for personal use, B&D introduced the portable drills for consumers! 

1960 - Black&Decker makes a significant acquisition by welcoming DeWalt into the B&D fold. 

1961 – B&D introduces the world’s first cordless electric drill. 

1963 – B&D contributes to the space race by developing a cordless minimum torque tool for astronauts to use while in weightless flight conditions for Project Gemini. 

1970 – A B&D museum which chronicles the evolution of product design, manufacturing processes, marketing strategies and financial activities. 

1971 – The Apollo Lunar Surface Drill with a power head is built by Black and Decker and used to successfully removes core samples from the moon during NASA’s Apollo 15 mission. 

1989 – Acquired Emhart Corp and in turn -> Kwikset, Price Pfister, Molly Anchors, POP Rivets, True Temper, Golf Club Shafts and other consumer and commercial goods all add to the B&D product arsenal. Also, in 1989, B&D was inducted in NASA’S Hall Of Fame for their contribution to the Gemini and Apollo Space missions. 

1992 – Enters India and China via joint ventures.

2003 – Black and Decker acquires Baldwin Hardware. 

2009 – Black& Decker announce plans to merge with Stanley Works 4.5 billion dollar all stock deal. 

2010 – Black& Decker celebrates 100 years of innovation! 

In 2010, Black&Decker merges with Stanley works to become, Stanley Black&Decker.

 Over the years Black&Decker has maintained “People are our Pride". B&D has worked very hard to build strong relationships with all its people, employees and customers alike. That is why today, Black & Decker has been integrated into the lives of anyone who associates themselves with it. 

Black & Decker has had a fantastic 100 years! Here’s hoping for a 100 more, with you. 

To read about the impact Black&Decker has had on its employees and customers check out this link: