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What's a scam that's so normalized that we don't even realize it's a scam anymore? (lemmy.world)
submitted 6 months ago by to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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[โ€“] 14 points 6 months ago (8 children)

Cordless power tools. Yes, they are useful in concept, but today they're just a loss-leader to sell you overpriced batteries.

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  • [โ€“] 18 points 6 months ago (2 children)

    I wouldn't call that a scam. (Modern) Cordless power tools are fucking incredible despite the branded batteries being a rip-off. I literally have corded tools that I don't even use because extension cords are a real pain in the ass some times.

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  • [โ€“] 7 points 6 months ago (1 child)

    As the other commenter shared, in Germany they're working on an interchangeable battery system. In the U.S., the manufacturers sell intro bundles cheaply to get us locked into their "ecosystem." That's the scam part. I've got a drill and impact driver set that i paid less for than the replacement cost of the included batteries. It's the same scheme as inkjet printers.

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  • [โ€“] 2 points 6 months ago

    Right I won't deny the branded batteries are overpriced but that has nothing to do with the cordless power tools themselves, and with regard to Germany, I'm not sure what there really is to "work on" considering every pack is already the same 20V pack of 18650s with a few wires, a universal battery management system, and copper electrical contacts. "We're working on it" is just an excuse to continue this practice while pretending like "we hear your concerns."

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  • [โ€“] 5 points 6 months ago (4 children)

    I hate how the batteries are always incompatible with every other tool except (sometimes) the ones by the same manufacturer. Its tempting to get a petrol generator instead and just use corded tools.

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  • [โ€“] 3 points 6 months ago (2 children)

    You can buy adapters to use other batteries...it's an extra step but doable,

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  • [โ€“] 5 points 6 months ago (1 child)

    Now picturing a McGregor to Parkside to Ryobi to Bosch to ....

    Massive stack of battery converters that ends up looping back round. Now you can take any tool and any battery and just split the stack where necessary. Of course if you want to go Parkside to McGregor you are going to have to have every single adapter in the stack.

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