Who invented first cordless tool?
The first cordless tools were developed by NASA to allow
astronauts to drill for moon samples because they couldn't use
corded power tools very well in the conditions of space and on the
moon.
The first cordless tools were developed by NASA to allow
astronauts to drill for moon samples because they couldn't use
corded power tools very well in the conditions of space and on the
moon.
The first cordless tools were developed by NASA to allow
astronauts to drill for moon samples because they couldn't use
corded power tools very well in the conditions of space and on the
moon.
The first cordless tool was actually invented by Robert Ridley,
Jr while working at Black & Decker. Ridley was trying to solve
a problem of on-site power for the installation of aluminum
windows. His work focused on battery technology for drills that
would allow workman to complete installations without an additional
source of electricity. A patent application was filed in 1961 on
his invention and granted in 1965. Black and Decker introduced the
first cordless drill to the market in 1961 and followed in 1962
with the first cordless outdoor tool the cordless hedge
trimmer.
Martin Marietta contracted with Black and Decker in the mid-to
late 1960's to develop a range of cordless tools for the space
program. NASA did not invent the first cordless tool, but funded
Martin Marietta who in turn contracted with Black & Decker to
further develop cordless tools for use on space missions. A series
of tools were developed by Ridley and Black & Decker for this
purpose which became the foundation of the modern cordless power
tool industry. The first such tool developed by Ridley for Martin
Marietta (and NASA) was a cordless wrench for use in Project Gemini
in 1963. By 1968, Black & Decker developed a unique power head
for the Apollo Lunar Surface Drill to remove core samples from the
moon. (Source: Tools of the Trade Magazine, 2001 and Black &
Decker history).