Burned $200 on a cheap power trowel from a big box store

Picked up one of those off-brand power trowels from Lowe's back in March for like $180 because I figured it'd save me some elbow grease on small garage slabs. First job went okay but by the second pour the clutch started slipping real bad and the handle vibrated so much my hands went numb. Took it back and they wouldn't refund it because I didn't keep the receipt and it was past 30 days. Ended up having to buy a used MBW from a buddy for $350 and that thing runs like a dream. Any of you guys ever get burned by those cheap rental-grade tools?

2 comments

2 Comments

nancygrant15d agoMost Upvoted

Big box store tools are such a gamble with their no name brands lol. I learned that lesson the hard way with a "contractor grade" floor nailer from Home Depot that fell apart halfway through a 400sqft job. The clutch thing is exactly why I only buy used commercial stuff now, even if it costs more upfront. Those off brand companies just slap together cheap parts and hope nobody runs them hard enough to find the weak spots.

the_joel15d ago

The trick is those "contractor grade" labels don't mean anything since stores like HD slap it on whatever moves units. Commercial brands have actual engineering behind their parts, not just a 90 day warranty and a prayer. Once you've had one tool die mid job you realize spending twice the money upfront is cheaper than renting tools twice to finish one project.