People are getting stumped by the security devices on certain Dewalt hammers.
I saw a social media post the other day, where someone thought a retailer slapped an anti-theft tag onto their hammer. No, this was done by Dewalt. Don’t worry, I was confused at first too.
I accidentally purchased a duplicate Dewalt hammer and grabbed this one from my “spares” box to show you how to remove the security device.
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Flip the Dewalt hammer over and you should see the seam at the back of the plastic security tag.
Here’s a closeup. Take a utility knife and very carefully split the seam in half. This allows you to remove the security device and start enjoying the use of your new Dewalt hammer.
Aside from being confused by this, I remember being very surprised and please by how easily the tag is removed.
The plastic seam has such a thin layer of bridging material that it’s super easy to slice right through.
I wish that there was a graphic of scissors or similar to provide a clue on how to get started, like what I typically see on theft-deterrent tape measure packaging, but maybe that would defeat the purpose.
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Ray
Pro tip: To remove tag prior to purchase, simply locate another hammer and strike plastic repeatedly. You are welcome.
Champs
I was thinking similarly, namely “is this post bait?”
Stuart
Someone on Reddit took to Reddit to complain that the online retailer stuck this on, presumably thinking it’s one of those alarms that are impossible to remove yourself.
I was confused too. If there are some, there will be others.
I’ve had this in my spares pile. Been cleaning up. Places it aside for donation. Saw the post. Went back, took some pics, made a post.
Kevin
Not being sarcastic, how is it a security device?
Blocky
Passive rf chips are so thin and cheap now they can be embedded in anything – I’ve found them in the laminated layers of stickers.
Recently had my first checkout experience where I plopped an armload of clothing onto a counter and everything rang up automatically without any physical scanning or assistance. No bulky magnetic tags.
MattT
If it’s this easy to remove, I don’t think it really is.
Jimmie
Since this was attached at the factory, it seems like it would be cheaper to just hide a permanent passive RF sticker under the handle grip or something. Of course, that has the disadvantage of there being no visual anti-theft deterrent.
Mark M.
Wow. If you can’t figure out how to remove a plastic tag you probably have no business owning a hammer.
Stuart
It’s not very intuitive, and most “security devices” require special tools for removal. People struggle to open retail packaging all of the time. Let’s not judge.
Bill
Not surprised at all with the increase in “securing” devices. However, even if someone just picked it up and walked out of the store without paying for it, I honestly doubt anyone would go after the person. I have seen it happen at the Lowe’s I was shopping at, and they didn’t even bother to turn around to look.