TIL my local hardware store is selling counterfeit power tools

I was browsing for a new impact driver and spotted a too-cheap option on the shelf. The box had blurry text and the tool felt lighter than it should. Turns out, counterfeit tools are becoming common here, with poor quality parts. A customer at my shop mentioned his fake grinder sparked and nearly caused a fire. I've started checking for official holograms and buying from trusted sources. Have you seen this trend where you live?

3 comments

3 Comments

karen_martin591mo ago

Oh man, this hits close to home. I bought a suspiciously cheap cordless drill last year, and the battery died after two uses. I'm pretty sure the only thing it was powerful enough to drive was my own disappointment. My neighbor saw me trying to use it and just shook his head. He said the sparks I saw were a feature, not a bug. Have you had any close calls with the fake stuff?

the_linda1mo ago

Ever worry fake tools could cause real damage? My buddy's cheap saw blade shattered mid-cut.

ninasmith1mo ago

Feels like everything's built to fail these days, right?