Success for counterfeit tools campaign

The power tool industry's campaign against counterfeit tools is having increasing success.

"Working in conjunction with Trading Standards and the police, the UK Power Tool Alliance Against Counterfeits (UKPTAAC) is collecting and collating more and more data and the evidence gained is escalating the number of prosecutions," said Andrew Bowden, chairman of UKPTAAC, formed by Black & Decker, Bosch, Dewalt, Hilti, Makita and Matabo.

Rhondda Magistrates Court recently found a dealer guilty of selling counterfeit power tools that were unsafe and carrying false Makita and Black & Decker labels. He was fined £1,300 plus £500 towards prosecution costs.

"We have been explaining to everyone that fake tools are a waste of hard earned money and warning of the potential dangers. This case highlights the risk to life and limb; one drill was so badly assembled that a brush cap could be removed without the required aid of a tool giving access to live parts with potentially lethal consequences," said Bowden.