Beware of fake power tools on sale

RESIDENTS are today being warned of potentially dangerous fake power tools that could be on sale at car boot sales across the county.

Trading Standards officers are receiving reports of counterfeit 'DeWalt' branded tools and although there are no specific reports yet of these items being sold in Suffolk, officers are taking action to warn residents before they are approached.

These fakes appear to be cheap drills with 'DeWalt' labels stuck on them and they are sold without operating instructions, without the adequate operating and safety instructions and mocked up as higher quality tools. They are potentially very dangerous items.

The most frequent items being sold are:

N Large SDS Hammer drill. The power tool firm DeWalt does not produce a hammer drill of this appearance.

N Smaller cordless drills

N Angle grinders

These items have been turning up outside power tool retailers, on building sites, in superstore car parks and at car boot sales.

Peter Monk, of Suffolk County Council's executive committee, said: "Members of the public are deceived into thinking they are buying a well known brand of power tool. In fact are buying a cheaper tool which has been 'mocked up' to look like the real thing which, as well as being inferior in quality, may well be dangerous.

"Not only is this a dishonest practice but these items could be potentially dangerous, if not fatal, since they come without any safety instructions. Consumers should remember that these tools also come with no guarantee and no comeback if anything goes wrong or if you have an accident using them."

If you are approached by these salesmen or need some advice before you shop call the Trading Standards Advice Line on 01473 584358.