The tool world saw some big news on Monday with the announced merger of Stanley Works and Black & Decker, venerable companies with 265 years of business between them. While the new company's brand recognition should remain high, the name of the $8.4 billion combined companies—Stanley Black & Decker—sounds more like a white-shoe law firm than a powerhouse tool maker.

The New Britain, Connecticut-based Stanley Works, which specializes in tools and hand tools, doors, and storage equipment, will own 50.5 percent of the company. Towson, Maryland-based Black & Decker, known for its power tools, small appliances, outdoor power equipment, and more, also owns Porter-Cable and DeWalt, two companies whose products did well in our latest report on cordless drills. The 18-volt Porter-Cable PC180DK-2, $100, outperformed models costing twice as much. The 18-volt DeWalt DCD 940KX, $280, topped the ratings of heavy-duty drills. Full ratings of drills are available to subscribers.

Three of the lower-scoring general-use drills carry the Black & Decker nameplate. Perhaps the new combined company can tool a change in that performance.—Daniel DiClerico | e-mail | Twitter | Forums | Facebook