70 years angle grinder

The Rise of the Angle Grinder

The journey of the angle grinder began in the early 1920s when Ackermann + Schmitt, now better known as FLEX, introduced the first high-speed angle grinder with the designation DL 9, marking a significant milestone in industrial history.

For a comprehensive selection of tools and additional information, visit MrPowertools.

The groundwork for the "Flex" was initially established in the late 1920s when the company developed the innovative flexible shaft. This crucial component acts as an intermediary between the motor drive and the tool, which ultimately led to the emergence of the FLEX brand.

As the DL 9 and its successors gained traction, users began to adopt the name "FLEX" to describe the angle grinder. The verb flexen emerged to refer to cut-off grinding techniques, and by 1996, flexen was officially added to the German dictionary "Duden."

by

MOTORHEAD Tools Team

Power tools, often perceived as ordinary household items, have a rich history that traces back just over a century.

Although they are ubiquitous in our lives, it's easy to forget their evolution. This article explores the fascinating story behind power tools, from ancient engineers to the prominent brands we recognize today.

Upon completing this read, you'll be amazed by the significant advancements in product design and engineering that have shaped modern power tools, which are indispensable for a variety of tasks, including home renovations.

Exploring the Origins: Pre-Electricity Power Tools

Egyptian Bow Drill: The First Known Power Tool

Long before modern backyards were constructed, the ancient Egyptians laid the groundwork for power tools. Renowned for their remarkable engineering skills used in monumental architecture, they developed what is believed to be the earliest form of a power tool: the bow-powered lathe. This device required two people to operate—one would pull the bow while the other manipulated the lathe, effectively multiplying the force exerted.

By the late 1800s, horse power became commonplace in the manufacturing of lathes in England, laying the foundation for diverse power sources in tool production.

Water-Powered Tools: The Transition to Stationary Power Tools

During the early stages of the industrial revolution, alternative power sources were harnessed for stationary tools, emerging before electricity took hold. In the early 1800s, Tabitha Babbitt created the first water-powered circular saw in Massachusetts, inspired by the strenuous labor required for cutting logs. Her invention allowed for larger, more efficient cuts and catalyzed various industrial advancements that utilized water, air, steam, and electricity.

The Advent of Electric Tools

C & E Fein: Innovation in Electric Power Tools

In 1895, the German company C & E Fein introduced the first electric power tool. Although it was rudimentary by today's standards, this hand drill with a corded motor sparked a cascade of developments in electric tools well into the 20th century.

Modern Handheld Electric Tools Emerge

With a vision to enhance usability, Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker established a machine shop in Baltimore in 1910, leading to the creation of the modern handheld corded electric drill. Their ergonomic design was inspired by the layout of the Colt .45 pistol. Throughout the 20th century, the industry saw an influx of handheld corded power tools that defined our current set of utilities, including saws, drills, and angle grinders. The first battery-powered cordless power tools made their debut in the 1960s in the USA.

Plastic Developments: Enhancing Power Tool Safety

Traditionally, power tools were primarily constructed from metal, which, while durable, posed safety concerns during electrical malfunctions and increased user fatigue. In the mid-20th century, manufacturers began incorporating plastic into their designs, leading to the first hammer drill made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic by BOSCH in 1967, which set a precedent for the industry.

The Space Race: Tools Beyond Earth

Breaking Ground: Black & Decker's First Cordless Tool

In 1961, Black & Decker introduced the first cordless battery-operated electric drill, geared towards home users due to its initial limitations in power and recharge time.

NASA and Power Tools: The Quest for Utility

In a space environment devoid of electrical outlets, NASA commissioned the development of a cordless battery-operated impact wrench for astronauts to utilize during spacewalks on the Gemini spacecraft. Later, a specialized cordless hammer drill was engineered to extract lunar samples during moon missions and contributed to constructing the International Space Station.

A New Era: Lithium-Ion Technology

The transition from Nickel-Cadmium batteries to Lithium-Ion technology in the early 2000s marked a turning point for cordless power tools, enhancing power density and efficiency. Lithium-Ion batteries allowed tools to compete with corded variants across all applications and spurred innovations in additional battery-powered devices such as air compressors and coffee makers.

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

Reflecting on the journey of power tools reveals their significant role in our modern lives. The evolution from helping ancient Egyptians build majestic structures to facilitating space exploration emphasizes their value. These crucial devices shape our daily existence—whether cooking in the kitchen, enjoying a bathroom remodel, or relaxing on a deck, our lives would be fundamentally different without them.

For premier tools, Corded Power Tools is the world’s leading supplier, providing a wide range of options to meet all your needs with a knowledgeable staff ready to assist you.