Big box stores: Inferior tools?

[mikehaugen]

The help at the box stores are mostly clueless around here. At one time the local Lowes did have retired plumber that really knew his stuff. The people they have now will go the other direction when they see a customer. We don't have a local HD store but the ones I've been to in other areas have employees that are more helpful, but not necessarily knowledgeable.

The HD's near me, the people are to the point of being annoying. Every 15 steps I take someone is asking me if I need help with anything. I know that they are trying to be helpful, but anytime I have actually asked for help I would have been better off just looking for myself. I know my way around most of these places pretty well by now and would like to be left alone. I obviously see if there is an employee near me and if I needed help I would ask for it. Sorry, but I am sure that I am not the only one that feels this way.

 

[crazyal]

If it has the same part number then it's the same no matter where it was sold. It would be impossible for any company to try and deal with servicing and repair parts if one model number had different parts in it.

 

[Pops15]

If it has the same part number then it's the same no matter where it was sold. It would be impossible for any company to try and deal with servicing and repair parts if one model number had different parts in it.

That's what I thought until reading Smilingreen's posts. Check out posts 72 & 73.
After reading his comments about serial numbers I remembered hearing that many years ago about electronics.
It's really not impossible...I recently needed to replace a fuel injector on my F250. Even though there was only one version of the 5.4 engine offered, there were three different fuel injectors used. NAPA needed the VIN to get the correct fuel injector.

 

[jymbee]

The HD's near me, the people are to the point of being annoying. Every 15 steps I take someone is asking me if I need help with anything. I know that they are trying to be helpful, but anytime I have actually asked for help I would have been better off just looking for myself. I know my way around most of these places pretty well by now and would like to be left alone. I obviously see if there is an employee near me and if I needed help I would ask for it. Sorry, but I am sure that I am not the only one that feels this way.

Not unlike the "greeters" at Walmart & BestBuy e.g. Or the wait staff at a restaurant that interrupts conversations every five minutes to inquire as to your level of satisfaction.

Downright annoying IMO.

 

[EddieWalker]

I don't believe that you can get a different version of the same tool at different stores, and I really don't believe you can get a better quality, or better version of the same tool online. While I don't claim to be a tool expert, I read quite a few trade magazines and product reviews from testing tools. I've never read this anywhere, and in my experience, the only advantage to buying online is the pricing. If you are willing to deal with waiting for it and not being able to take it back to the store if it doesn't work, then online is a great option.

With electronics, it's the same product, but with a different number on it as a marketing scheme. HP pretty much ruined their name doing this. They created so many versions of the same thing, but used a different number on them so they could sell the same thing cheaper at Walmart then a computer store, but not offer any support for it. They sold tons of them, but also got just so many complaints that the brand name is now ruined. I think DeWalt has done the same thing. You can get them anywhere, but they don't last like they used to.

I buy based on brand name and reviews. I have nothing against trying a new brand, but refuse to buy low end tools. If it's an emergancy and I have to have it right away, I'll buy what I can find, but know it's not going to last very long. There are only two brands that I like. Makita and Bosch. Every other brand has failed me sooner then I would have expected. I will still buy those other brands if I read some really good reviews, like the Hitachi framing gun I just bought.

Eddie

 

[Carl Bert]

If it has the same part number then it's the same no matter where it was sold. It would be impossible for any company to try and deal with servicing and repair parts if one model number had different parts in it.

Yes thats true. The point being made here, is that HD and other BB store items DO NOT have the same model number. They are the same, plus an additional couple of letters or numbers, so it can be identified as the cheaper model.

 

[LD1]

Any of you guys have any examples of these PN in which they are the same + some extra #'s?

Not saying you are wrong, And I have never paid much attention, but I have never noticed.

 

[Oaktree]

The HD's near me, the people are to the point of being annoying. Every 15 steps I take someone is asking me if I need help with anything. I know that they are trying to be helpful, but anytime I have actually asked for help I would have been better off just looking for myself.

Yeah, but when you need one you can't find anyone.

 

[Carl Bert]

Any of you guys have any examples of these PN in which they are the same + some extra #'s?

Not saying you are wrong, And I have never paid much attention, but I have never noticed.

I don't have any on hand, but I do have a story that should help. My brother-in-law bought a Kohler bathroom faucet at a local supply shop. Before he got a chance to install it, he saw the exact same faucet at Home Depot for a cheaper price, so he bought it, with the intension of bringing the first one back to the supply house.

When he installed the HD faucet, he tightened the mounting bolts way too tight. When he stood up to look at it, it was all caved in. I don't know how else to explain it. Anyway it was ruined. He replaced it with the one from the plumbing supply shop, and it was fine.

Being a cheap guy, he figured he would return it to the plumbing supply shop, and get the higher price back. When he tried returning it, the salesman looked at the model number and said sorry, this was purchased at HD. He said trust me, you couldn't do this kind of damage to their faucet, unless you were using an impact gun. An exaggeration, sure, but he knew right away it wasn't his faucet.

True story.

 

[clemsonfor]

Its true, they will have the identical appliances as another store, say your local appliance store, but the model # will be specific to say lowes. You could buy the same dishwasher at the local store made by say kitchen aid. Model number may be something like 150Fx1a and many times the exact same thing identical looking same features colors etc sold at a place like lowes may be 150Fx1ab, only difference being the "b" or something at teh end. I have heard this too. They do this i have been told so they can use cheaper parts to meet a price point but also so the other stores dont have to "price match" cause the model number is not the same.