Re: How to avoid pirated tools (powertool/handtool)?

I always reference the tools I like online first then inquire with the distributor. Usually, I know what I like/want/need before I buy them and not buy them then find out they are fake.
Often, these imitations are priced very cheap. be wary already when it is the case. knowing what you want is vital. but prices are not often the indicators.
Reference the tool you like with another store. ACE doesn't sell imitation powertools(as far as I know)...

Re: How to avoid pirated tools (powertool/handtool)?

Hi backspace, welcome. I think I know what you mean but I think it safe to say the ones in the malls are not really counterfeit but rather cheap copies of the originals. IIRC, patents have a 19 year lifetime so it is quite ok, legally speaking, to make copies after the original patent expires. Unfortunately, the quality of copies often leaves a lot to be desired.

How to spot a poorly made tool?

1) it is makes a lot more noise
2) it vibrates more
3) is not cleaned up very well
4) loosely fitting parts
5) metal parts are soft (not hardened well)
6) unbelievably cheaper

Hope this helps.

Re: How to avoid pirated tools (powertool/handtool)?

spot that they are counterfeited tools.

The packaging...

has the Stanley (or whatever) logo, but the logo and font doesn't look quite right.

says Stanley (or whatever) but doesn't give an address.

says "Not to be imitated" or something to that effect.
(I guess this means that the imitation is not to be imitated?)

Re: How to avoid pirated tools (powertool/handtool)?

thank you very much peeps. well it's all boiled down to experience.

Re: How to avoid pirated tools (powertool/handtool)?

Today I brought 2 Bosch drills to the Bosch Service Center in Makati. One was repaired ( Made in Germany) but the other one was not. I was surprised when the service guy told me that the second one was an imitation. Either he was right or was not familiar with the unit because the tool was purchased from abroad and was marked Made in Switzerland. None the less he put a doubt in my mind that it might have been an imitation.

Re: How to avoid pirated tools (powertool/handtool)?

Did you ask him what made him think it was an imitation? Was it something about the construction, or was it just the 'Made in Switzerland' label?

The Bosch jigsaw that I got from Fil-American Hardware Co. on Aurora Blvd. several years ago also says 'Made in Switzerland'.

Re: How to avoid pirated tools (powertool/handtool)?

He says its the motor inside but I doubt it although he could be right too. It is a green colored DIY model. Hard to say but if it was an imitation then it's a damn good copy.

Look at the same model from UK. The color is different.

http://www.powertooldirect.co.uk/bosch_psb_500_re_impact_drill_500w-p-76301.html

I'll try to bring it to another dealer and see what they have to say.