As more and more New Zealanders choose to undertake minor home renovations themselves, the clever folk at Black and Decker have tailored a range of tools aimed at the consumer end of the market, which help turn you into a DIY expert. The range features a Zone Mouse Sander, Smart Select Cordless Drill and Smart Select Jigsaw.

I spent a morning sanding down an ornate rimu coffee table which had seen better days due to spillage, knocks and kids using the Zone Mouse Sander and a tedious, hand crippling, time consuming job was actually a great deal of fun. The mouse sander told me exactly how hard I needed to press and even sensed when I was working on more delicate parts (including curved edges), adjusting the pressure needed to perform the same job. I was well impressed and the Zone Mouse Sander made even myself look like a master tradesman.

The Black & Decker Smart Select Drill:

The 18V Smart-Select Cordless Drill makes drilling easy, with an application selector that allows the user to choose the desired application. The drill then automatically adjusts its speed and clutch settings for optimum performance.

• Hammer action for drilling into masonry and concrete

•  Variable speed for controlled drilling and screw driving

• Single sleeve, metal, keyless chuck makes bit changing quick and simple

• Forward/reverse switch for added versatility

• Anti-slip soft grip for more comfort

• Easy, quick change of batteries due to new slide pack battery locking system

• 1.5hr battery for a longer run time per charge

• Battery level indicator lets you know how much battery charge remains at any time

The Black & Decker Smart Select Jigsaw:

The 650W Smart-Select Pendulum Jigsaw illustrates a variety of visual icons allowing the user to simply turn the dial to choose the desired application such as curved, straight or bevelled cuts in wood, plastic or metal.

• Smart Select technology automatically sets jigsaw to optimize any cutting application
• Variable Speed Dial provides 7 speed settings to match any cutting application
• Accu-Bevel Angle Adjustment provides accurate bevel adjustment with quick action lever & indicator window
• Tool-Free Blade Change provides fast, easy blade changing
• On Board Blade Storage holds up to 3 blades and has a see-through door
• Sightline Channel: open channel design for better cut line visibility

The Black & Decker Zone Mouse Sander:
The Zone Mouse Sander features an LED display which helps the user determine how much pressure to apply when sanding, ensuring the very best result every time. When the correct amount of pressure is applied green lights show on the LED display, and when the user is applying too much or too little pressure red warning lights appear.

• Zone Technology - using an LED display screen indicates if you need to increase / decrease the amount of pressure on the sander for optimal sanding efficiency
• Detail base is designed to give better results when sanding intricate areas
 • Ideal for paint / varnish, cleaning glass, removing rust and sanding in tight spaces
 • Fan cooled magnet motor for long lasting low vibration performance
 • Hook and Loop paper fitment for quick and easy changing of accessories
 • Dust sealed switch protects electrical parts from contamination
 • Rotatable base allows user to rotate paper as it wears, extending the life of the sanding paper
 • Contour attachments included for intricate sanding and polishing tasks
 • Rubber grips for comfort and control