Big box stores: Inferior tools?

[Soundguy]

now here's a funny one.

I've found tools at harbor freight and other stores. using the same part number.. same tool as well. and in some cases.. near identical box or same box. ( obviously not a box that lists one of HF's names like chicago or whatever.. but one of the generic boxes ).. last was a gear puller.. plain white box with semi-informative writing on it. same at HF and another store.

have seen a variation with same tool.. same part number, and HF had a BETTER box than the other store..

( on at least 1 occcasion.. that other store was a sears tool center! yep.. no lie... )

 

[Soundguy]

now here's a funny one.

I've found tools at harbor freight and other stores. using the same part number.. same tool as well. and in some cases.. near identical box or same box. ( obviously not a box that lists one of HF's names like chicago or whatever.. but one of the generic boxes ).. last was a gear puller.. plain white box with semi-informative writing on it. same at HF and another store.

have seen a variation with same tool.. same part number, and HF had a BETTER box than the other store..

( on at least 1 occcasion.. that other store was a sears tool center! yep.. no lie... )

 

[Gator6x4]

If you need proof, go buy a Milwaukee impact gun at HD, and then buy the same gun at an electrical supply. Try returning the HD gun to the electrical supply. If the salesman is somewhat aware enough to check the model number, he will tell you that it is a HD product and must be returned to HD. You can then say, well you said they were the exact same tools, so what's the difference. I bet he will not accept the return.

As I said before, if you don't believe what I and many more are telling you, thats fine, enjoy your HD tools. I won't bother you with any more examples of proof.

They are different in that manufactures place identifying numbers in the serial number to allow retailers to tell the tool came from their store. Stores do not and should not be providing warranty or refunding money for someone on a tool purchased at a different store. Box stores by offering lower prices on tools does not mean they have lower IQ's and can be easily scammed.

 

[EddieWalker]

So you're saying that plumbing fixtures may be made cheaper for the BB stores, but no way that tools are made any cheaper. You know this as a fact, because you spoke to the all knowing HD employees. Well if a HD employee said it, then it must be the truth.

Come on, if you don't believe what everyone is telling you, than how do you explain the different model numbers? I cannot go item for item to give you physical evidence, because I do not have them sitting in front of me, but you can guarantee if one company is doing it, (and Milwaukee definitely does) they all will have to follow suit, or they won't be selling any tools. Ryobi, as far as I know, only sells low quality tools and pretty much sell for the same price anywhere you go.

As I said before, because of the great return policy, most items cheap or not, really dont matter, but tools that have a limited return policy and other things that cost money to install, do matter.

Hey its just a good thing to keep in mind when shopping. Its not an urban legend or a wives tale. If you choose not to believe it, then so be it.

As others have stated, manufacturers use different numbers to specify what store sells the product. They don't make different tools for each store. I've never had this conversation with anybody at the supply houses about faucets, and will defer to your greater experience in that matter and accept what you have to say about faucets. But for tools, you are wrong.

Eddie

 

[Pops15]

Putting cheaper components in tools that have the same case and model number has been going on for a long time. In late 1976 or early '77 we bought a B&D circular saw from a mom & pop hardware store. In late '77 we bought a second one. The mom & pop hardware store had closed so we got it from a home improvement chain. SAME CASE, SAME MODEL NUMBER. In outward appearance they were identical! THE GUTS WERE DIFFERENT!
The first saw is still in service. The second only lasted a couple of years.
Some companies just made their entire line cheaper, some put cheaper parts in so they can reach the price point spec'd by some retailers, and some (apparently very few) have stuck to making quality products.

 

[Soundguy]

that may or may not have been an entire line change. to tell, you needed to buy a 3rd one of the same model at what you percieved was a higher quality store.. then compair their guts.

might just have been an outsourcing or whatnot of the manufacturer..e tc.

 

[Carl Bert]

As others have stated, manufacturers use different numbers to specify what store sells the product. They don't make different tools for each store. I've never had this conversation with anybody at the supply houses about faucets, and will defer to your greater experience in that matter and accept what you have to say about faucets. But for tools, you are wrong.

Eddie

They change the model number JUST to specify what store sells the product??????????? You can't be serious. If it was an identical product, why would they care which ones went to what stores, hey like you said they are all the same. Open your eyes. There is one definite reason the same LOOKING (just to be clear) tool needs a different model number, and that is so it can be identified for what parts it takes.

No matter what I tell you, it obviously won't change your opinion. I don't think if I had the CEO of HD tell you himself, it would make a difference to you at this point. Lets just agree to disagree

 

[Obed]

This thread, on both sides of the argument, underscores my belief that people will believe whatever they want to believe.

 

[Pops15]

that may or may not have been an entire line change. to tell, you needed to buy a 3rd one of the same model at what you percieved was a higher quality store.. then compair their guts.

might just have been an outsourcing or whatnot of the manufacturer..e tc.

I actually did just that. It wasn't an entire line change. Prior to the 2nd one crapping out I bought a third one. It came from a locally owned lumber yard. I still have it. In fact I used it today with a diamond blade to cut concrete.
I have compared the guts.
When business slows down in the winter I'll take a few days and do maintenance and repair on my tools so everything is ready to go when the construction season starts in the spring. I saved the one that failed in case I needed parts for the others. The guts are indeed different in the one that failed than the ones that were purchased before and after it. The only explanation is they made a cheaper version. All 3 had the same model number. I don't know if I still have the failed one or not. If I do I'll post pics of the differences.
I hope no one takes these discussions personally. I think highly of some of the folks on here even if their opinion differs from mine.

 

[jymbee]

This thread, on both sides of the argument, underscores my belief that people will believe whatever they want to believe.

Very true, but of course that doesn't change the fact that-- unlike politics e.g.-- one position is right and the other wrong. The definitive proof to "win the case" being the most illusive factor...

 

[Soundguy]

i'm just not sure how you can have 2 verions of the same model.. unless there is a time / age factor. IE.. either the older or the newer verion of the same model has better parts.. and during a period.. you could find both old and new on store shelves.

IE.. buying a old one on a lower movement store.. (good )... then buying a new one on a fast moving sotre.. like a box store ( junk) and then finding another old one, again.. at a slower moving store.

that's a theory anyway.. with no way to back it up..

 

[bcp]

This thread, on both sides of the argument, underscores my belief that people will believe whatever they want to believe.

That's because people have different parts inside.



Bruce

 

[Pops15]

i'm just not sure how you can have 2 verions of the same model..

It's simple. Some things are built to lower specs for certain stores. Smilingreen explained how they use the serial number to determine which has the good or cheap parts.

 

[stingray1]

I used to buy Craftsman any time I needed tools but now if it says made in china I put it back and drive on over to buy the same cheap junk at harbor freight at 1/3 the price with the same life time replacement.

 

[EddieWalker]

It's simple. Some things are built to lower specs for certain stores. Smilingreen explained how they use the serial number to determine which has the good or cheap parts.

What brand and type of tools are we talking about here? Are you saying that Milwakee makes two versions of their corded circular saws with the same model number, but then secretly tricks consumers so they don't know what they are getting if you don't know that their is a good verson and a junk version? Really?

Eddie

 

[Soundguy]

What brand and type of tools are we talking about here? Are you saying that Milwakee makes two versions of their corded circular saws with the same model number, but then secretly tricks consumers so they don't know what they are getting if you don't know that their is a good verson and a junk version? Really?

Eddie

i'd really have to see that one.

why not make a small change to the model number.

i've seen electronics do that.

for instance.. in video cards.

you migfht see 10 different versions of the 6000 'series' all in different oem configurations.

not saying it is not possible to do it with same model # and tracked sn rangs.. just find it odd in that many other facets of manufacturing, just append a extra letter or sequence # to t he model number to make it change / manufacturer specific.. etc.

 

[aczlan]

not saying it is not possible to do it with same model # and tracked sn rangs.. just find it odd in that many other facets of manufacturing, just append a extra letter or sequence # to t he model number to make it change / manufacturer specific.. etc.

I agree. The big thing on different model numbers is that Lowes doesn't have to price match the Porter Cable D101L drill that they sell with the same drill that is sold at Home Depot because the ones that Home Depot sells are D101H models. Same drill, just a different sticker.

Aaron Z

 

[Pops15]

What brand and type of tools are we talking about here? Are you saying that Milwakee makes two versions of their corded circular saws with the same model number, but then secretly tricks consumers so they don't know what they are getting if you don't know that their is a good verson and a junk version? Really?

Eddie

The manufacturers that put cheaper parts in some products don't do it randomly. They do it for specific retailers. I've got relatives in management with some of these retailers that have confirmed this. Another relative was in management for a manufacturer of building products and he talked about making products to box store specs. Obviously I can't say who they are are where they work because I don't want any of them to get in trouble.
B&D absolutely did it. During the winter if I still have the disassembled B&D saw I will prove it to you with pictures.
Go back and read post 72 & 73. Smilingreen explained how it works.

 

[Pops15]

i'd really have to see that one.

why not make a small change to the model number.

i've seen electronics do that.

for instance.. in video cards.

you migfht see 10 different versions of the 6000 'series' all in different oem configurations.

not saying it is not possible to do it with same model # and tracked sn rangs.. just find it odd in that many other facets of manufacturing, just append a extra letter or sequence # to t he model number to make it change / manufacturer specific.. etc.

Because the box stores have a tremendous amount of influence over the manufacturers. They don't want different model numbers on tools. They want you to buy from them based on price thinking the quality is the same.

Actually the quality is probably the same with some brands, but others, not so much.

Even though some products have cheaper components it doesn't mean those products are junk. Sometimes they're just not quite as good.

 

[genusCastor]

Wow. Lots of good info in this thread. :laughing:

If a tool has "Made in China" on it anywhere, I look for the cheapest one, I don't care what brand it is. If made elsewhere, then I consider paying more.

My 2¢.

- djb