Buying power tools in the States

The Weegie · Post by **The Weegie** » Tue May 27, 2008 7:20 pm

I don't know if this has been asked before.

Can you purchase bare power tools in America and use UK batteries. I was thinking of purchasing Ryobi or Makita whilst on holiday in Florida.

thescruff · Post by **thescruff** » Tue May 27, 2008 7:41 pm

De-Walt you can, and at a fraction of the cost, but you may get stung for duty.

The thing to watch out for is the charger, not all are UK compatible.

Should add you can get stung for excess baggage as well.

Hoovie · Post by **Hoovie** » Tue May 27, 2008 7:46 pm

Ryobi for sure

batteries are same except for no CE mark.
Ryobi Chargers are 110V only but work fine with a basic stepdown transformer

For Ryobi at least, expect to pay less then half UK price - pack a spare suitcase to bring 'em home

Neds · Post by **Neds** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:44 pm

Bare power tools would be fine I suspect, its the chargers you have to worry about. Ridiculously cheap out there!

thescruff · Post by **thescruff** » Tue May 27, 2008 9:50 pm

My laser level was over a £100 cheaper direct from the states, and that included import tax and delivery.

Neds · Post by **Neds** » Tue May 27, 2008 10:02 pm

Any US sites recommended?

fin · Post by **fin** » Wed May 28, 2008 4:12 pm

i know a guy who used to buy his dewalt gear over in the us and just use transformers on site here.

the dewalt transformers im sure someone told me you can just put a 110 volt plug on them and they work the same. could be wrong though. im sure itll say so on the base plate though. something like voltage range 110- 230v.