3 ms·

>>> The product is set to inoperable up until the moment the customer pays for it. I had read that Home Depot's power tools do this already? Found it! Home De

>>> The product is set to inoperable up until the moment the customer pays for it. I had read that Home Depot's power tools do this already? Found it! Home Depot's system uses bluetooth: Power tools are almost too easy to sneak out of large stores like Home Depot, especially when organized retail crime groups are involved. In order to deter theft, Home Depot's power tools won't work unless you have them activated, which can only be done at a register after paying for the item. According to Business Insider (who also provided the image above), the system uses Bluetooth technology to activate the power tool once it has been paid for. Without that activation, the product is essentially useless except as a source for spare parts. Home Depot VP of asset protection Scott Glenn apparently isn't too concerned about that scenario because criminals would just move on to something easier and more profitable. https://www.slashgear.com/home-depot-power-tools-wont-work-unless-you-pay-for-them-03685065 https://www.slashgear.com/home-depot-power-tools-wont-work-u...

phil21 4y ago
This is for an exceedingly small fraction of tools, at least currently. Think pro-grade stuff only found in very specific Home Depots where contractors tend to load up before heading out for the day. Things like Jackhammers. It's interesting to me since I don't see why rfid/bluetooth tracking is not more common - as the extra chip to add to these boards in the batteries or tools has to be pennies. Chip shortage I think has something to do with the slow rollout. Milwaukee actually has a semi-useful inventory app that will track all it's bluetooth enabled products. It's kinda neat to track tools you've lent out to people. Source: Power tool addiction. Way too many dollars spent at the Depot over the past 4 years.

phil21 4y ago

This is for an exceedingly small fraction of tools, at least currently. Think pro-grade stuff only found in very specific Home Depots where contractors tend to load up before heading out for the day. Things like Jackhammers. It's interesting to me since I don't see why rfid/bluetooth tracking is not more common - as the extra chip to add to these boards in the batteries or tools has to be pennies. Chip shortage I think has something to do with the slow rollout. Milwaukee actually has a semi-useful inventory app that will track all it's bluetooth enabled products. It's kinda neat to track tools you've lent out to people. Source: Power tool addiction. Way too many dollars spent at the Depot over the past 4 years.