HD to require tool activation before use

[scooby074]

Sounds like HD is going to require electrical tools to be "activated" at the checkout before they will be able to be used.

Interesting idea. Allegedly it will reduce theft from the store (and possibly the jobsite) but I can see this opening a whole can of worms if they can turn the tools off in the future. Something like you have "x" number of drill cycles before it gets disabled. Not good. But it sure would be nice to be able to "kill" all my tools remotely, or will this be a one shot deal at the time of purchase? What about tools purchased online?


HD certainly has the buying power to force the manufacturers to implement this. I imagine once this is done for HD it won't stop there.

Im torn.

https://www.businessinsider.com/home-depot-fights-shoplifters-special-power-tools-2021-7?IR=T

 

[Legion Prime]

Yeah, that's why I like all my stuff to be dumb. Bells and whistles sound nice but really they're just one more thing to break and/or tech to use to no good end.

 

[R.Bolte.Jr]

I Just read this too. I wonder if they are going to get access to Milwaukee's OneKey system in tools with it.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Theft and use-it-once-and-return-it is a big issue. Not sure if this is the right solution, though.

 

[paulsomlo]

I would guess this pertains only to cordless, not corded tools. And I doubt that HD will have any control over it, once you've paid and are out of Bluetooth range.

 

[Xcursion88]

Sounds like HD is going to require electrical tools to be "activated" at the checkout before they will be able to be used.

Interesting idea. Allegedly it will reduce theft from the store (and possibly the jobsite) but I can see this opening a whole can of worms if they can turn the tools off in the future. Something like you have "x" number of drill cycles before it gets disabled. Not good. But it sure would be nice to be able to "kill" all my tools remotely, or will this be a one shot deal at the time of purchase? What about tools purchased online?


HD certainly has the buying power to force the manufacturers to implement this. I imagine once this is done for HD it won't stop there.

Im torn.

https://www.businessinsider.com/home-depot-fights-shoplifters-special-power-tools-2021-7?IR=T

This will be a one and done activation.

Tools purchased online are not stolen so no need for those to even be activated.
Kind of hard to steal on-line.

They can't deactivate your tool. That's theft on their part.
Once it's purchased activated it's done. Period.

 

[rayik]

I would think this is being used to track warranty. If you warranty return a tool, they can confirm it matches the one you bought. Also, may be used to limit warranty to original purchaser.

If it's a tool you bought and you used, this sounds good for warrantying it. No need for receipt. Tool matches that you got it at the store.

This is nothing new. It's used in the electronics world all the time. Buy a cell phone, computer CPU, etc and they scan the serial number into the computer. Let's the store know what you are returning or warrantying is the same thing that you bought (and not a different one).

 

[finn]

Sounds like a limited version of the Milwaukee one key system that’s been around for a while now.

Is this across all products , or just in the Milwaukee branded tools?

As to the corded tools, I doubt there’s much of a market for them anymore. They seem like shelf fillers nowadays.

Stealing a corded power tool is akin to stealing a buggy whip.

 

[FMB4]

HD and many other brick and mortar retail businesses are experiencing huge left losses due to criminals loading up carts with power tools and then just walking out the door. Store employees are often told not to 'interfere' with these crimes due to the safety risks it places on customers and employees.

 

[KnurledNut]

I worked loss prevention in my younger years.
Ive seen it all.
This wont solve much.
The tools will still be stolen.
Its the same shrinkage whether the item works or not.
Its not like they will bring it back and say, “Ohh my bad, you can have this back. I didnt realize it had to be activated.”
HD and Lowes real theft issue resides with corporate leaders.

 

[M6erfan]

I live in a city that's gone the way of not enforcing theft laws, under $750. On the local news last week they ran a story that included footage of people loading up carts and just walking out of the store. It was like watching an episode of the Twilight Zone.

 

[Mr_B]

Yep, HD simply wants improve retail practise and security .
It not like they won't be able find a youtube video on how overcome any digital lock !
Simply have display demo models and you pick up a product card and take it to counter and product fetched from back room stock or locked display stock .
The amount of unneeded electronics going into items is getting silly, just more hassle unreliability and inbuilt control that will eventually screw the honest consumer to point he want steal the **** too as pissed off paying for stupidity...

 

[will335i]

Yea there's not much at my local stores in the way of power tools that don't require an employee to unlock and walk you to the check out anymore. If this would alleviate that so I could get in and out of the store fast I would be for it but it won't because as it has been stated they will keep stealing and find a way around the activation.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Even if they did do this, I can't imagine it being that hard to bypass.

 

[Stooge]

I noticed that on a post in the New Arrivals thread the other day and wasnt sure if it was a toolbox security feature like you see in industrial settings, guess this answers it! I've bought a few saws and a new router in the last month at Home Depot from Dewalt, Makita and Bosch and they didnt seem to have any security features embedded into the tool or packaging, just that annoying video monitor in the aisle that says its watching you.

Finally broke down and got the 3/4” fuel.....

 

[Doylee4693]

Sounds like a limited version of the Milwaukee one key system that’s been around for a while now.

Is this across all products , or just in the Milwaukee branded tools?

As to the corded tools, I doubt there’s much of a market for them anymore. They seem like shelf fillers nowadays.

Stealing a corded power tool is akin to stealing a buggy whip.

Im sure google can answer that!

 

[Doylee4693]

Sounds like HD is going to require electrical tools to be "activated" at the checkout before they will be able to be used.

Interesting idea. Allegedly it will reduce theft from the store (and possibly the jobsite) but I can see this opening a whole can of worms if they can turn the tools off in the future. Something like you have "x" number of drill cycles before it gets disabled. Not good. But it sure would be nice to be able to "kill" all my tools remotely, or will this be a one shot deal at the time of purchase? What about tools purchased online?


HD certainly has the buying power to force the manufacturers to implement this. I imagine once this is done for HD it won't stop there.

Im torn.

https://www.businessinsider.com/home-depot-fights-shoplifters-special-power-tools-2021-7?IR=T

As a tad pole, I worked at Home Depot. They decided the best way to save money was to get rid of theft prevention, as they figured the amount of tools stolen would be less then the cost of hiring a security team.. it worked, and i’m sure other stores followed suit. I’m sure thiefs picked up on this over the years and are having a hayday.

 

[bonneyman]

As a tad pole, I worked at Home Depot. They decided the best way to save money was to get rid of theft prevention, as they figured the amount of tools stolen would be less then the cost of hiring a security team.. it worked, and i’m sure other stores followed suit. I’m sure thiefs picked up on this over the years and are having a hayday.

Ace Hardware was the same way. A high theft rate was the employees fault for not catching them. I informed them that we couldn't watch every square foot of the store 100% of the time, perhaps they should get security tags or door sensors. Cost too much they said. "Just be more diligent".
They've added more locked displays no, so you need a floor person to unlock something you want and carry it to the cashier. But I suspect with the lockdowns and people not wanting to work finding the warm bodies will put the kabash on this idea.

 

[mrvm]

Online order of these power tools could be a hassle to get activated if you get one that needs activation

 

[scooby074]

I kinda see this as them dipping their toes into adding "pay per feature" in the future. Like what Tesla is doing. Software companies have been doing this stuff for years.

Need 1500ftlbs "Power Boost" to break that nut free? Just $8.99 /12hrs.

 

[quickfarms]

What happens when you have no cell phone or internet?

we work in some remote and not so remote places that have no service

we also have new tools on the shelf because it is a pain in the *** to go to the store to get a replacement when one dies

this all sounds like they are trying to use technology to fix a problem that is bigger than them.

in California a lot of the cops were upset when they reduced property theft from a felony to a misdemeanor. Under a misdemeanor it is cite and release. Under a felony they can hold the person and find out if there are any outstanding warrants because it is often easier to deal with the warrant than the new crime and there goal is to get the criminal off of the street. This is what the undersheriff told me

 

[cruzer75]

If they are trying to combat some organized shop lifting ring then this is not going to help. If they have that kind of savvy they will hire some techie to break the code. I am sure that back in the day the Credit Card companies said that the plastic card they gave you would be much safer than carrying cash becasue when it was stolen you just reported it....and yet they are still able to get ahold of your card #s today and charge a bunch of **** either online or in person.

 

[neophyte]

Goven how effective cashiers are when deactivating antitheft tags on stuff sp the door beepers don’t go off, this is likely going to be a Sh1tshow.
Most of the time, when the beepers go off, nobody even comes over to check why.
Add in self checkouts, and items where tags need to be removed(I’ve accidentally walked out of Target with tags still attached) and the beeper went off, then I had to go back to the store with receipt to have the tag removed.

With things like computers and cell phones that need to be activated online, it’s easy to check if the item was actually sold.
With stuff like tools, nobody wants to bother with that, unless the tool can be activated once home with a smartphone, if legitimately purchased.

 

[unslow1]

I kinda see this as them dipping their toes into adding "pay per feature" in the future. Like what Tesla is doing. Software companies have been doing this stuff for years.

Need 1500ftlbs "Power Boost" to break that nut free? Just $8.99 /12hrs.

This exactly what I thought of when I first read it. So far other companies are getting away with it.

 

[FMB4]

Tighter security, tool activation, etc, only means that those of us who pay will pay more because of those that do not pay.

 

[four.cycle]

Tighter security, tool activation, etc, only means that those of us who pay will pay more because of those that do not pay.

We're paying more anyway. If this actually reduces shrinkage and theft, how is that a bad thing?
Wonder if there's a way they could do this with groceries and liquor?

 

[FMB4]

Not a 'bad' thing. Just a sign of the times imo. For me, the bad thing is that far too many career criminals remain on the streets even though they often have dozens of serious and even felony convictions. I worked retail on and off through out my working days (own/operated 2 brick mortar businesses) and, as such, thought I'd seen everything in regard to shoplifting. But no, recently talked with a W*lmart employee who said that they're having shoplifters tear the packaging off of raw meat and then stuffing said meat into their pants.

And who knows, maybe liquor will some day need to be activated at the counter or by our wife or significant other...

 

[javyLSU]

I noticed that on a post in the New Arrivals thread the other day and wasnt sure if it was a toolbox security feature like you see in industrial settings, guess this answers it! I've bought a few saws and a new router in the last month at Home Depot from Dewalt, Makita and Bosch and they didnt seem to have any security features embedded into the tool or packaging, just that annoying video monitor in the aisle that says its watching you.

This is nothing new, it’s a “One-Key” Milwaukee product that allows the owner to access tool settings, track, and deactivate if in Bluetooth range.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I kinda see this as them dipping their toes into adding "pay per feature" in the future. Like what Tesla is doing. Software companies have been doing this stuff for years.

Need 1500ftlbs "Power Boost" to break that nut free? Just $8.99 /12hrs.

Yep. It's gonna happen. Extortion is what it boils down to.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I noticed that on a post in the New Arrivals thread the other day and wasnt sure if it was a toolbox security feature like you see in industrial settings, guess this answers it! I've bought a few saws and a new router in the last month at Home Depot from Dewalt, Makita and Bosch and they didnt seem to have any security features embedded into the tool or packaging, just that annoying video monitor in the aisle that says its watching you.

This wasn’t a store security lock on this. This was just a tag on suggesting you add it to your Milwaukee app. Had nothing to do with activating it. I opened it up, put a battery on it, and it worked no problem.

 

[bonneyman]

Yep. It's gonna happen. Extortion is what it boils down to.

Big 10-4

Sounds like the "married car radios" from 20 years ago. Invented to "prevent stereo theft". But then you couldn't run the car if you pulled out the OEM unit to install your premium sound system.
And printer cartridges that stop working after a certain number of pages. And car headlights with the computer in them. All pushed in the name of "convenience" or "security" and then lo and behold down the line you start seeing the unintended (big pun) consequences.

Glad I like the old stick battery Makita's.

 

[1320]

I feel like the "march of progress" in the consumer world is to turn goods into services. I don't like that.

 

[bubinga]

I worked loss prevention in my younger years.
Ive seen it all.
This wont solve much.
The tools will still be stolen.
Its the same shrinkage whether the item works or not.
Its not like they will bring it back and say, “Ohh my bad, you can have this back. I didnt realize it had to be activated.”
HD and Lowes real theft issue resides with corporate leaders.

Don't you think they will eventually learn that the power tools would/will need to be activated?

 

[Rabid Badger]

This will be reverse-engineered and neutralized within a week. Meanwhile everyone else gets to pay more for a less reliable tool.

 

[Ton ton]

I noticed that on a post in the New Arrivals thread the other day and wasnt sure if it was a toolbox security feature like you see in industrial settings, guess this answers it! I've bought a few saws and a new router in the last month at Home Depot from Dewalt, Makita and Bosch and they didnt seem to have any security features embedded into the tool or packaging, just that annoying video monitor in the aisle that says its watching you.

Those video monitors are annoying.

 

[KnurledNut]

Don't you think they will eventually learn that the power tools would/will need to be activated?

Thats what their buddy that works there is for.
Internal theft was the #1 issue where i worked.

 

[American Locomotive]

I don't think this will really solve much. It will be a minor inconvenience for like 2 weeks until the thieves either:

A) Figure out a workaround or just simply brute force their way in and hack the device electronically
B) China just creates a cheap clone switch/driver assembly for $10 that takes a few minutes to swap.

I'm on board with the others that think this will lead to more nefarious things. You want more torque on your impact? Gotta pay the $10 unlock fee. You want to use the LED light without turning the tool itself on? That's $5 please. I suspect the end-game will really be a subscription service. The tool and batteries will be near free or cheap, and you'll pay a monthly fee for the right to use them. Stop paying and the tool and batteries stop working. I'm sure the Milwaukee Legion will come up with a way to spin how paying $15/month for the rest of your life to use your tools is somehow better than buying them

 

[LXCam]

Hit the nail on the head with that comment American.

“Oh you want reverse?, well you’re going to need this app”

 

[M6erfan]

Old news, the World Economic Forum back in 2016 said as much. . .

All products will have become services. “I don't own anything. I don't own a car. I don't own a house. I don't own any appliances or any clothes,” writes Danish MP Ida Auken. Shopping is a distant memory in the city of 2030, whose inhabitants have cracked clean energy and borrow what they need on demand. It sounds utopian, until she mentions that her every move is tracked and outside the city live swathes of discontents, the ultimate depiction of a society split in two.

"You'll Own Nothing and Be Happy"

 

[nbpt100]

I dont like this at all. I dont like the electronic big brother. I have no problem with the place looking secure with uniformed guards etc. What is wrong with the security guard at the door that looks at your receipt to make sure you did not slip some extra stuff in your cart. Sams club use to do that. Maybe they still do. If people are just walking out with carts full of stuff and pull it off with no consequences then what good are the cameras and alarms at the doors.? They can solve this with 1 or 2 security guards. Is this a problem they are allowing to fester so they can justify a big brother approach? Then once you are used to that, they move it into a service or tool rental. Like software is now. They will take a monthy fee for the priveldge of using their Explitive cordless power tool. IS that the end game? God help us!!!!!

To the guy who said there is no theft with on line sales......1. the piece said on line is where a lot of stolen stuff gets fenced. 2. Some on line sales are stolen off of people's door steps.

To the guy who said HD and Lowes biggest theft is from the top management. Don't they just get laws changed so they don't have to pay much in taxes and have other privileges. Is it theft if it is legal?