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).