Viper Drill bits

[Dig Doug]

I just got a Call from Ace Hardware they are sending out a 29 piece drill bit set price is $299 - I get to test them for 30 days! Then pay for them no credit card info was taken …. If I don’t like them they will pick up / ship back to them= no charge!

sounds to good to be true….

these are the brand new viper
see below.

what are your thoughts ?

is this a scam? If not are they good bits?

 

[kbuhagiar]

Did they call you (like telephone call) out of the blue? Or did they text? Do you have a history with Ace?

Do you have an account with Ace Hardware? If so, do they have any CC info on file?

Are you responsible for shipping costs if you decide to return them?

Call me cynical but I can't help but think there's a catch...SOMEwhere...

 

[Dig Doug]

No account, no CC on file, They will pick up ( I assume they will send me a UPS label )

called out of the blue - Random….

 

[GeoBruin]

It's very likely not ACE Hardware that contacted you, but Ace Industrial Supply. This is kind of their MO.

Here is a link to the Better Business Bureau complaints page about the company.

 

[Mgdoug3]

It's very likely not ACE Hardware that contacted you, but Ace Industrial Supply. This is kind of their MO.

Here is a link to the Better Business Bureau complaints page about the company.

After reading some of the complaints, I think this company tried calling me about buying drill bits. The salesman was pushy and then became rude after I declined. I would stay away from Ace Industrial. They sound like a shady company.

 

[American Locomotive]

Seconding that there is no way Ace Hardware called you. I did some Googlin', and there are a few forum threads about salesman trying to push a "29 piece Viper drill bit set for $299" going back at to at least 2014.

Best I can tell based on the appearance of the bits and the specs, is that they're repackaging Norseman twist drills in a nice red box, and then charging 3x the price.

 

[toolenthusiast]

It's very likely not ACE Hardware that contacted you, but Ace Industrial Supply. This is kind of their MO.

Here is a link to the Better Business Bureau complaints page about the company.

Those are some pretty harsh stories. It sounds like Ace Industrial Supply has now supplanted the BBB as “World’s Biggest Scam”

 

[dallastide]

Just wait until I tell you about this Nigerian prince I know....

 

[neophyte]

It really depends on whether they asked for credit card info or asked you to sign a contract of some type.
There are laws regarding sending out unsolicited items, and the laws usually involve the receiver keeping the item and not having to pay for the item or to send the item back.
Of someone called you for verbal consent, I’m unsure.

 

[toolenthusiast]

There are laws regarding sending out unsolicited items, and the laws usually involve the receiver keeping the item and not having to pay for the item or to send the item back.
Of someone called you for verbal consent, I’m unsure.

Yes. If you receive an unsolicited item from a company by mail in error, it’s considered a gift under US federal law.

 

[rancherbill]

Yes. If you receive an unsolicited item from a company by mail in error, it’s considered a gift under US federal law.

In this case the OP has to agree to have them sent out. Then they'll pounce.

 

[woody 73]

Dang names change too fast for me to keep up with them, never heard of Viper.

Used Drill bit buying Guide.

(1) Safety Glasses Enough said. (2) Drill bit names, I could give you tons of names to look for; chances are (A) you will not find the names you are looking for and (B) 9 out of 10 times the name is missing from being chewed up by the chuck, remember we are talking used here. (3) If you asked...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[uart]

Wow that sounds like one dodgy outfit. Hopefully the OP can return them without being hounded for money.

Dang names change too fast for me to keep up with them, never heard of Viper.

Yeah, those viper drill bits are almost certainly just someone else's bits overpriced and rebranded.
There is kind of a "Viper" brand here in Australia, though it's really just what Sutton Tools calls their basic split point stuff. I don't think that they bear any relation to the ones in the OP though.

Sutton Tools D105 HSS Jobber Viper Metric Drill Bit 19 Pieces Set, Silver, D105V2M : Amazon.com.au: Home Improvement

Sutton Tools D105 HSS Jobber Viper Metric Drill Bit 19 Pieces Set, Silver, D105V2M : Amazon.com.au: Home Improvement

www.amazon.com.au

 

[hefnerconstructionlc]

Run away

 

[nadogail]

If it sounds too good to be true; it probably isn't true.

 

[Hytekrednek]

It is 100% a SCAM. Dont answer when they call, block the number, etc. Whatever you do, do not agree to anything, just dont even say anything other than remove your number and never call me again or I will file harrasment charges.

 

[neophyte]

It should be mentioned that most drill bits are made to standardized geometries and designs, which are available from multiple manufacturers.
There are exceptions, particularly with how the tips are sometimes ground, but the flute designs, even for something like parabolic flute drill bits, are usually an industry standard.
There are other variable such as the steel alloy.
Cobalt steel usually comes in a couple standard alloys with varying amounts of cobalt.
The surface treatment can also vary, and what is best depends on the material being drilled.
Titanium Nitride or bright finish are usually recommended for aluminum and some other materials known for galling.
Black Oxide is not great for aluminum.
A nitro-carburized finish as found on Magnum drill bits is recommended for steel and certain alloys.