Big box stores: Inferior tools?

[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