Worm Drive Saws: Is "77" Really a Magic Number...

Regarding worm-drive saws, it seems the number "77" creeps up in model numbers on tools like this... and it's not limited to Skil's legendary No. 77 originally introduced for the 1938 building season (production started in the fall of 1937).

Worm drive saws by other manufacturers with "77" in their model numbers:
Bosch 1677(M)
DeWalt DW377 (variation of Black & Decker 3051, 2700)
Black & Decker Professional 3077 (variation of 3051, 2700)
Makita 5077, 5277, 5377, 5477
Milwaukee 6377, 6477, 6577

So why has "77" been the "magic number" for worm drive saws since Skil's legendary model?

~Ben

Hmm....That is an interesting observation and a fine question. Any answer you could possibly get will likely be purely speculative though. I'd say its likely just a way manufacturers make it easier to identify the tool with the model # for their own use due to it being synonymous with that type of saw. That's just a shot in the dark though

The only 77 you need to remember is the Skil 77. Anything else is a fake abomination.

And whilst we're on the subject, I highly advise against the MAG 77...those damn things get bent tables so easy! Ended up turning one into a BIGFOOT and the other a concrete/demo saw. (Skil 77s are good) But now I only buy the RIDGIDS, IMO they are 10x nicer than a 77...anymore I won't buy a regular 77 unless yardsale/swap meet for cheap.

I was at a garage sale last week, sitting on a table was one very beat looking old Skil Worm drive, but I'm betting it works long after I don't.