Power Tools Got Worse on Purpose. Who Owns DeWalt, Craftsman, and Milwaukee?
The article 'Power Tools Got Worse on Purpose' on Worse on Purpose investigates how leading power tool brands—DeWalt, Craftsman, and Milwaukee—have deliberately degraded product quality and repairability. Through interviews with former engineers and industry insiders, it reveals that companies now design tools with shorter lifespans, using cheaper components and making repairs difficult or impossible. For example, brushless motors are often potted in epoxy, preventing replacement, and batteries are designed with proprietary chips that lock out third-party alternatives. This shift began around 2010 as private equity firms acquired these brands, prioritizing recurring revenue over durability. The consequence is that consumers spend more over time, while e-waste increases. The article cites specific models and price points, such as a $200 drill that fails within two years, with repair costs exceeding replacement.
Planned obsolescence in tools mirrors software trends, affecting developer hardware choices and repair costs.