The Hard Truth about Fake Reviews & YouTube Shills!

[@PhillyFixed]

I was just chatting with Torque Test Channel about this a day or two ago. It drives me absolutely nuts when bigger channels that know better don't disclose relationships. (Of course, TTC doesn't accept free tools or compensation.) I have always verbally mentioned in the video when I received a product for free, as well as mentioning it in the description. I also make sure to check the "paid promotion" box now that I understand free tools are considered "compensation." I went back and retroactively checked the box on some old vids where I hadn't previously. Nonetheless, I try to be honest about how I feel. Greenworks sent me a garbage cordless drill once a year or two back, and I said as much in the vid. Never heard from them again 😅 Harbor Freight specifically sent creators an email earlier this year reminding us about the FTC regulations and disclosure, I'm sure you got it as well. I respect them for that.

[@gwall1789]

TTC disclosed in one of their videos that they do have a relationship with Astro Pneumatic.

[@melgross]

@@gwall1789yes, one or two of the guys there are engineers with the company. They make that very clear. And the few times a tool from the company is in a test, it’s not always the top tool. They show that too.

[@denoftools]

Yeah, I got that email from HF as well. It always makes me feel better when a company does that. Milwaukee on the other hand is total BS. I asked them in an email why they don't force brands to disclose and their response was "we never pay for reviews". Lady, I didn't ask that now did I?

[@PhillyFixed]

@@gwall1789 the guy you hear in the voiceovers works for Astro as an employee. While they do test pneumatic tools, the bulk of TTC's vids are on cordless power tools anyway.

[@michaelholmstrom7677]

@@gwall1789 I believe the people behind TTC work for or have worked for Astro in the pas which explains their knowledge and testing set up.

[@ThaMazda]

That’s because Milwaukee claims that they don’t give free tools.

[@ericnichols9275]

Have Almost 46.000 SUBs on my KZbin channel never had a TOOL COMPANY send me FREE TOOLS wish they would have $PENT $17.000 on CORDLESS POWER TOOLS and OPE will go to my grave with more Tools and OPE then everyone I know all out together

[@stevenhintz5508]

Project farm seems to be a decent channel

[@corbindallasmultipass]

yep

[@jonsaircond8520]

He is as good as it gets anymore

[@daveinthe6262]

yeah, Todd is a good guy, been watching his content for a long time.

[@RayW808]

Other channels that test with actual testing equipment like Torque Test Channel and Tools Tested are cool too.

[@IMPACT-NATION]

I emailed Todd a couple years ago. Just showing love and support and briefly told him about my life and the things I’ve been through. He emailed me the next morning. Super heartfelt email. Super humble and God fearing man. PF is the number 1 channel in my opinion for honesty

[@v8packard]

It's fascinating how the internet has changed some things. I remember going to events put on by local hardware or auto parts stores where they had reps from different companies showing different products or tools, letting you play with some, offering deals and discounts. Or there were tool shows put on by the big boys like Snap On, but a similar idea. In this post Covid world all of that is gone. The internet has filled the vacuum, and there are certainly companies as well as content creators that will ignore integrity and ethics to gain an advantage. I wonder how this will come full circle, or even if it will.

[@dtork47]

I gotta tell ya as another rural Montanan and retired old shop teacher I value a good tool. I also value candor and integrity. Just found your channel and I’m gonna take a chance on you! Stay safe and out of the garbage!

[@rickpouley7561]

Oh man, does this mean I am getting a flashlight for Christmas? 😉😀😀

[@Grimmeute]

It’s the reason I started a KZbin channel. Tired of fake reviews. I’m dealing with this at the moment with trying to research a project I’m going to start. Most of the equipment reviews are so mixed that I don’t know what to believe.

[@PsychedelicPuffin]

I must say sir that I greatly appreciate that I can come to your channel and expect an honest review of something. I'm in the auto industry and tools are what puts food on my table. I always know that I can come here and get a very realistic idea of what I'm looking at and what is available. Also, being out on the range myself, I appreciate the rural perspective you provide too, taking into consideration availability, ease of warranty online (Tekton), etc. All of these things are incredibly valuable to me and my profession, so thank you very much for what you provide to me and those like me. God bless you you and yours.

[@TheBlueCollarConservative]

The worst are the faceless review channels where you know that someone is directly reading off the spec sheet from a website and using stock footage from the companies website. 😅

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Or an AI generated script

[@denoftools]

Yeah, I was going to say just that. I see lots of niches getting flooded with AI video bots.

[@russbell6418]

Also, a lot of small companies set up additional websites under fake names reviewing their own tools. The big red herring is, they only review one brand.

[@jontnoneya3404]

Funny that Milwaukee is treating you this way. I just heard, on another channel, that they asked the channel creator to stop mentioning their brand in his vids. He wasn't being mean, he was actually talking positively about them and giving them really favorable reviews on products he bought with his own money. And rather than accept some free and positive advertising, the company asked him to STOP. I couldn't believe it. Apparently Milwaukee is run by people who are absolutely clueless.

[@Muscovy7]

Milwaukee has been pissing me off with how they’ve been acting. They need to break off TTI and stop acting like the Chinese Communist Party.

[@tsl7881]

I can say one thing at least TTI didn't go down the cheap path with the milwaukee name. Still chinese plastic tools,but good ones, far from.the best. They seem to have caught the Snap on altitude.

[@Andrew_Sherman]

Shill: “An accomplice of a hawker, gambler, or swindler who acts as an enthusiastic customer to entice or encourage others.” Lobbyists for industries can fall into this category as well.

[@michaelmiller1109]

This is the reason I just keep coming back to your channel. It is so much brutal honesty.

[@toddbrewer683]

Great job. Keep up the outstanding service to all of us. You have saved me many bucks over time and I really appreciate your insight. And, watch out for the idiots.

[@TheMrAshley2010]

+

[@CorvetteTrev]

Guys like Project Farm get the most respect. I really hope he never sells out. 🙏

[@erichumphrey3681]

I agree he does great stuff.

[@olddaze3328]

It is to hard to remember a lie , and my mom would kill me if I did . 😁 I am 67 years old and have buffer overrun when it comes to memory . You are one of the few people I trust !

[@denoftools]

Dude, buffer overrun is the perfect term for it!

[@David-sx1vd]

Great video and I really enjoy your channel. I know first hand about fake reviews on Amazon and I’m sure it’s way more wide spread than just there. Glad to see some people will do things the right way. I hope you continue to grow and wish you the best of luck.

[@Grimmeute]

Motorcycle niche on KZbin is big about paying for trips for the big KZbinrs to come check out their new product. And what do you know? Then they do a review and it’s all about how great the product is.

[@DavidLucht]

Great video! This was very eye-opening and your honesty has been very clear to me since I’ve been watching your channel. I’m an old geezer and I'm just getting into woodworking. You’ve been very helpful in assisting me with my tool purchases. I have no experience with this and have found you content to be A++.

[@MrBostonBilly]

I agree 100%, I've watch some of these reviews and challenges and they are obviously not being fare about them whether it be a review or a challenge. A lot of these people say their not be paid but right behind them there's a wall of the tools their putting on a pedestal

[@glennm449]

"Milwaukee is the best" - brought to you by, TTI

[@danabenjamin3300]

And our youtube sponsors...lol

[@Cully-Wully]

What really drew me to your channel was just tool reviews. I’m an automotive tech and one of the very first videos that you had put out about two or three years ago that I had saw you were totally upfront and honest and divulge the information that you’re telling in this video And I respect that and I still do respect that I buy stuff from HarborFreight because it’s near me it’s affordable but the warranty you can’t beat and there’s one close to me and they’re affordable some of the stuff they have is complete junk and you’ll be the first person to say itI think we all appreciate yourself. You know Todd over project farm couple other select guys that stand up guys. Thanks for what you do.

[@Macros1971]

Rob Roy said “Honor is the gift a man gives to himself”

[@stefanczechorskidds8435]

I'm surprised to hear that Milwaukee Tool doesn't play it straight with you!

[@shimjocky]

My advice as a content consumer to KZbin "reviewers". Assume there are people in your audience who are subject matter experts, or at least knowledgeable, about something you are reviewing. It is painfully obvious to at least some of your audience when a so called review contains, or in some cases is littered with provided talking points. I hate it when i am researching a product and waste time watching a "review" that is actually just a wordy paid ad.

[@egbluesuede1220]

Best vid ever....and doesn't get said enough if at all. I've learned to look for bias in life and I feel it's an important life skill. Bias is sometimes blatant, but can also be unintentional. Once you spot the opportunity for bias, use that as a filter to base your opinion on the information received. Just don't do this while watching close calls against your favorite football team or you'll quit watching. ;-) - Fellow UC Bearcat, class of '96

[@denoftools]

Go Bearcats!

[@stevenf927]

I bought an office chair off of Amazon about a year ago. A couple of months later I got a postcard from the manufacturer offering me a $50 Amazon gift card if I left a 5 star review for the chair. I didn't leave a review because of that, but I would have given it a 5 star review based on my opinion alone.

[@alext8828]

I should leave this as a general comment, but I'm too lazy. I see Amazon reviews that clearly trash the product because they're using it wrong or something stupid. I have some of those products and would like to tell them to "plug it in" or something idiotic. I wish there was a way to respond to those complaints. It would make sense to have that ability. One woman said her flashlight only shoots light out the back. That's not true. Sorry.

[@raygoble274]

Yeah, I got one of those cards after buying a graphics adapter. "Give us a 5 star review, and get an Amazon gift card."

[@tsl7881]

I've left some negative reviews on amazon and the little brands offer to refund my money. I don't if they are wanting to me to change my review. It seems bigger brands could care less.

[@larryzielinski7067]

You can still take advantage of that. Do the review based on your opinion. Send them the screenshot, even if it isn't 5*, they are required to still send you the Amazon gift card. I've done this multiple times with 3* or lower and still got the gift card. I believe they are required to by law but I'm not an attorney so don't quote me on that part, unless I'm correct.

[@alext8828]

@@tsl7881 Good! I'll leave a flock of negative reviews and get all my money back. When you think about it; it encourages neg reviews. Pay people to trash the product. On the other hand, (always another hand), it's the fair thing to do, really.

[@alexanderkelley5459]

This was a cool insight into this industry. Thanks for the work that you do!

[@SoundStream101]

Great video like always Bear!!.. I see it a lot with RC channels, they'll be 50 big reviewers that'll say something like "I want to give a shoutout and a thanks to Traxxas (for example) for sending this out for review"..then I'll see another handfull of big channels saying " I was online ordering parts blah,blah,blah and I came across this new car from Traxxas and it looked so good i couldn't wait I just had to pick one up!! Especially when they haven't even been released yet, I mean It's pretty obvious when there's over 50 reviewers reviewing the same RC all within an hour on the same day!!. 😂😂. I only mentioned RC because it's one of my many big hobbies, but it happens with every item. I don't even listen to their opinions unless they have something negative to say actually!, we all know nothing's perfect but otherwise I mostly just watch videos so I can see the item up close and then I can make my own decisions.

[@chrisphillips3054]

I know what you mean. I've liked talking to some guys who are sponsored by some products, most ive found are usually honest with the bad things or things that need addressed.

[@SoundStream101]

@@chrisphillips3054 they don't necessarily have to say bad things , its when they say everything is perfect about it is when I get sus lol

[@denoftools]

Traxxas reached out to me last year offering to send me a car. The guy came off as kind of sleezy so I declined.

[@manddservice.manddservice]

When you travel, look for a U-Haul for a rental. Newer vehicles with A/C and only $19.95 a day, Plus mileage "GET THE INSURANCE" a Van or Pickup Truck should be just fine. (I do not work for U-Haul) I just think over $100.00 a day for a vehicle that is gonna be parked at an Event for hours is a waste of money. You're one of the Best out here for Tool Reviews! Thank you

[@profe2762]

Your frankness is much appreciated.

[@johnnyyuma9326]

I have a Craftsman tool box that was made in the mid 90's. It was only available for about 6 months, then it went away. It is as good or better than snap, or mat or mac. It has been the best tool box I have ever owned. It's now for sale only because I am cutting back. If they had kept making boxes like this one, they would still be in business.

[@alfredm99]

Hi Jeff. I was watching another channel's two videos talking about the new M12 Milwaukee random orbit detail sander and how great it is. When I went to purchase it, I realize it's not available yet. Sounds very similar to the story you mentioned. 😜

[@tiffanys2992]

Exactly the one I was thinking of as well. Been watching it since pipeline & knew it wasn't out yet. Tool Review Zone & nowhere do they mention anything about any compensation or early release 🫤 Kinda soured me on his other videos tbh....

[@denoftools]

The video I was referring to was about a new Sony camera but you are not the first person who said something about the M12 sander so I looked around and sure enough unreleased tools and not a single disclosure. And the best part I see comment from people that will call me a shill for disclosing but are 100% blind to stuff like that.

[@alfredm99]

@@denoftools Don't get me wrong, I enjoy his comedic videos, and am a fan of the Milwaukee brand, but I sometimes wonder how receiving tons of free stuff from these desirable brands can't in some way affect their reviews.

[@tiffanys2992]

@@denoftools Man, I was sure it was the M12 sander lol. Theirs wasnt the only channel I saw with reviews, just the only one I watched & kno there was no mention of it not even being available yet or that the tool was free or whatever... Sometimes I think itd be nice to get all those free tools but I would quickly upset most of the manufacturers because like you said, honestys just one of those things. You either have it or you dont & not everybodys for sale Love your videos! I do wish youd focus a lil more on us Woodworkers vs mechanics but still love that I kno itll be upfront good or bad if it comes from you. Hope you have a great week!

[@markemdee7311]

I also like that this guy doesn't wear a tie !

[@DiligentDave1966]

My advice is to try as many tools as possible, for yourself, and make your own decision. That's what I did, and ended up choosing a combo that wasn't even the most powerful that I tried out. I chose it because it was the most comfortable for me to use, and it had plenty enough power to complete the tasks that I need it for.

[@karenstein8261]

I think everyone knows a sales pitch is just that - an attempt to get you to buy something. Sure, an individual might, full of passion, post a video based entirely on their own experience the lessons they’ve learned, Yet the ordinary person’s experience is necessarily limited. You’re not going to be able to expand on that very quickly. Even a serious contractor with a real workshop and a fleet of trucks will have limited scope. Finally, we all have our inherent biases. Those feelings might be influenced by factors as simple as what you first used, what the local parts house carries, or even the color. Biases are also pretty obvious. When a channel constantly posts every new gizmo from Acme Mfg., it’s pretty obvious they favor Acme (for whatever reason). What really matters is when a whistleblower calls out a vendor for trying to control the content, threatens sanctions, and otherwise makes plain that “you work for us.”

[@robbsmith2545]

Just wanted to say I have the same exact feelings about craftsmans tools. The😊 statements u said are exactly what I feel. I wanted to grownup and end up with a garage full of craftsmans. It's what I grew up with too.

[@LYTOMIZE_Woodshop]

The insights behind the curtain are always appreciated. Thanks for the detailed look!

[@profcah]

LOONG video, but one of the best I have watched recently. I am a reviewer for a VERY large company but I am not paid… the items I receive to review are my compensation and I have to pay taxes on them so I can be really critical if it’s garbage. And I am. I watch you because I know everything you put out is honest. Keep it up. Oh, and Popeyes isn’t good ever…

[@jenniferwhitewolf3784]

Well said. This is good to redo every few years as a reminder, and to educate new viewers. The reality of youtube product exposure

[@timkaldahl]

I think Outdoor channels are the worst about not reporting that they got free outfitting services on the hunts they record.

[@minigpracing3068]

I would agree, and I got banned/blocked on one channel because I called him out on it. Happened to be a topic I knew vastly more about than the creator, he was basically reading the product brief. This after pouting about other outdoor channels and how they were all massive shills. I unsubbed, and told KZbin that it should not recommend that creator to me, effectively blocking them. That doesn't help their al gore rythm.

[@bigredmed]

Gun reviews are pretty bad as well.

[@michaellindsay8934]

Honesty is always the best policy. When I first started watching your channel you were doing a lot of Harbor Fright tool reviews some positive and some negative so very honest reviews. I am a Harbor Fright fan the majority of my tools come from there. I do appreciate what you do thank you for your videos and Honesty

[@EzTechJoe]

This is good stuff, man!! Lol. So many people think they know how it is being a content creator and they have know idea.. nice video man

[@ST-0311]

Yeah, I watch all reviews with a healthy dose of scepticism. I've seen tool reviewers bash products I personally know are decent, and include affiliate links to "Better" products on Amazon. I've also seen good reviews with no link to the item, but there are links to Amazon "equivalents." As a matter of fact, I've seen this reviewer totally wreck a product from one site in a review, and then give a glowing review to the same exact product from Amazon 2 or 3 weeks later. Then there are the "Shootout" videos comparing products head to head. Depending on the reviewer the "winner" is a forgone conclusion before the video even starts. Reminds me of the old pony car reviews on TV. The Camero never wins in any category, but somehow always wins the overall competition. The "Better way to break an egg" video award goes to one about exploding plastic push sticks. The drama was over the top.

[@RenegadesGarage]

The Den of Tools... I agree with this video 100%.. I have also been offered that VIP all expenses paid trip to China. I though it was bogus so I never responded back to them but I guess it wasn't. Never thought about it like you explained though. LOL I don't care if the company gives me the product for free for a video or if they pay me for a video or both, I will not say a product is good if I don't think it is. And if I do end up having problem with the product I always let my viewers know about it. Good or bad I never "bash" a company but I will explain what problem I had or what I don't think is good about the product. Honesty is most important to me. I love the niche I'm in, that along with helping people is my passion. I have so many companies contacting me to send me their products. All offers are considered but sometimes I do have to turn them down. One wanted me to do a staged video using the tool showing how it works and offered a very small amount of money as well the free tool. It is not worth it to me to take a vehicle apart just to do a staged video.. I would like to work with that company too. I am just over 11K subs now. I am so excited about that. Harbor Freight and Milwaukee are yet to reach out to me. That would be awesome if they did!! Also if you need me to help review something just let me know.

[@denoftools]

Email me, I can give you an introduction to HF.

[@mondavou9408]

Good video. Thanks for the inside info. I dislike getting duped. I love the Torque Channel!!! I also like Project Farm.

[@shangrilaladeda]

I got into tekon because of you 💯

[@mikeyfourever]

Me too. Very happy with them so far!

[@shangrilaladeda]

@@brandonm6052 they accept PayPal and pay in 4

[@MrBostonBilly]

I can name at least 6 creators that are definitely in Milwaukees back pocket. Doesn't matter how bad of a tool Milwaukee comes out with and there's been a few these people still say it's better then every other brands same tool and they fix the challenges to prove it. Torque test channel is fantastic

[@Tool-Collector]

Who are they?

[@tiffanys2992]

​@@Tool-Collector Pretty sure one theyre talking about is Tool Review Zone. Just "Reviewed" the M12 3in orbital sander that hasnt been released yet. Been following since Pipeline & have one ordered pre-sale but wont be delivered until next month

[@ederorellana9919]

That’s not real naas like

[@optimusprime3484]

Name them. What's the point of not disclosing if you're sure they're shills?

[@autumnjeserich2689]

As someone who owns milwaukee tools, it became apparent after watching different tool youtubers that some are without a doubt paid and don't disclose it. Especially ones that go the pipeline event. When its a higher dollar tool (over about 150 USD) I tend to look for reviews that have genuine negative things to say about the tool. But I also get a lot of help by knowing lots of tradesmen from my work and also trust TTC because they're putting up test results on camera. So far I'm very happy with my gen 3 high torque and high speed ratchet. Only complaint so far is one of the battery indicator leds busted and the unsealed head needs to be greased quite often otherwise its ungodly noisy.

[@pault151]

I agree, I'll look at the 1 and 2 star reviews first to get an idea of how things break. Sometimes I skip that purchase even if they have a high average rating, based on what happened.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

I dont do youtube videos much anymore Because Im swamped with Service Calls Last few years For My mobile mechanic repair Business hope you and the family are doing Well Jeff 30:00 @The Den of Tools

[@danielfarmer4311]

Subscriber raffles and random giveaways is a great way to thin the extras.

[@Myke15401]

I’m thinking about starting a channel to review currency so I can get some in for review. It appears the US govt can’t give their product away fast enough.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Being payed is Very Subjective 99 percent of the time my amazon Links are never clicked on so I never get payed when i get Free Items There normally crap and Yes you still need to say Its a paid Product being thst even though you didnt get Money The item is the payment. What a great video Jeff 6:03 @The Den Of Tools

[@Xiphos0311]

What? Milwaukee?!?!?!?!?!? I'm shocked....

[@paintnamer6403]

Then there are reviews that do not do much more than an unboxing.

[@BuildwithMooney]

Great information thank you so much, yeah there's a lot of people on the platform that aren't honest hard to believe right. 😬

[@gtcam723]

I’m not being paid for any reviews. My channel is too small 😂 BUT, I WILL NOT EVER take money from companies for either the company or product if I don’t personally believe in it. Period. Integrity is still a thing.

[@elmarty4803]

Those that dont understand or dont believe in anything other than themselves will not understand what you are saying. A portion of the society that actually listens to and thinks logically about what was said, know that it makes sense and in making money there are companies that are willing to expend a little to get something back in return. But it is based on the product and not the deal. Those that are looking to push junk are going to be upset by it and those that are pushing mediocre products that aren't willing to hear the truth are suspect. Some dont realize the value of integrity and difference between being told something and still doing your own research and understanding what you like vs what the talking head on the internet (no offense) told you was good for you. I dont believe your channel does anything other than throws out an opinion on products and I have taken them with a grain of salt because there are differences between human beings. I appreciate the video. I come back because of the content and the logic presented. So thanks for that.

[@WildBillRidesAgain]

Can anyone say Jackery? They flooded youtube when they first came out.Even channels that had nothing to do with tools were giving them glowing reviews.

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

Notice how those same jackery units have disappeared from those channels since? They got paid and as soon as the money stopped, it went off camera

[@zTorrentz]

Love hearing about the behind the scenes stuff. You're one of the good one Jeff! Keep up the great work.

[@tsl7881]

Vevor seems to be sending tools to very small channels. Everlast used to send a welder to any welding channel. I used to think the Skipper, I mean the bear was a harbor freight fanboyl. Then I saw the talking bear all excited about other stores. HF provides lots to talk about and he needs something to feed KZbin's machine. Too bad Sears went under he could be talking about craftsman tools instead of HF or amazon copies of one.

[@antonino34]

Bear, I trust your opinion and don't question your honesty ✌🏼👍🏼

[@charleshenry8075]

Good insight and explanation. Thanks! And I don't know of ANYone who would doubt your credibility...

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

I would hope that most channels do what I prefer to do for reviews. Rather than trashing a product, if it doesn't perform as expected, it usually won't get a video completed or it ends up in a comparison high lighting the better product. Getting paid is a whole other can of worms, if you take the money a good review is expected. It's why so many won't accept payment or buy their own products to review.

[@RenegadesGarage]

I never trash a product or the company when I review products. I mean I have had Snap-on tools break, does that mean all of their tools are bad? Of course not. If the product doesn't perform as expected is EXACTLY why the video should be made, to let everyone know what kind of problem you had with it and what you think the company could do to correct the problem. There is a difference between trashing or bashing a company and constructive criticism. No tool company can be the best at everything. Sometimes there will be a problem. I stay away from a company that only wants you to say good things about their products. Like when you look at a product online and it only has good reviews with no bad reviews, do you buy that product? I don't because that let's me know that those reviews are more than likely fake because there is no way to make everyone happy all the time. Someone will always have something negative to say about it. Sometimes the problem is just user error but they will say it's a bad product so a few bad reviews are perfectly acceptable. Haven't you seen where a lot of people are complaining that a product is bad and you have that product and have had any issues with it? I have..

[@billcuningham586]

Great video and I learned a lot and what to look for. I also liked the quote about honor. Mark Twain had a good one that has always stuck with me as well. "It is never wrong to do the right thing." You video embodies that.

[@76Starship]

Totally agree on the Chik-fil-A comment. Popeyes? hahahhaah I dunno. I'd just eat at home on Sundays. :D

[@garymiller5937]

Jeff, I appreciate you bringing this to light. It needs to be told. In my case, I will rarely buy things that I haven't had feedback about from someone I personally know and trust. There are exceptions. There are certain content creators I trust from watching long enough to feel they can be trusted by examining their character on and off air. You are one such creator. I also have other personal criteria I go by. I usually pray about my decisions, and if it feels bad, I don't do it. I guess what I'm saying is that this video doesn't really apply to me. I thank you for your presentation and will continue to watch your content when it applies. I appreciate your honesty and understanding regarding this matter. Have a great week, and we'll chat later. 😃😃😃😃😃❤❤❤❤❤

[@johnburd3180]

I prefer the reviews that show some negative or suitability issues. This string trimmer is heavy but good for a.large yard. Montana is a good place but isolated and take time to get there. Knippex isexpemsive. If the negative is not an issue.

[@denoftools]

Montana is great, except in the dead of winter. -0 or worse for multiple weeks at a time? Ugh.

[@DependableAutoTruck]

great video im a 67 year old semi retired mechanic did a little you tube its a lot of work

[@brianreeves902]

I know you keep pretty busy. But could you do a video about some of the different tire mounter & balances out there. Been looking in to get that type of set up for my home garage.

[@Broncort1]

I literally don’t give a damn where anything is made anymore. No one else cares, why should I? I used to go out of my way to buy American, not now!

[@buffalosoutdoors]

This needed to be said.

[@mikehenthorn1778]

I too was an SK and Craftsman Fanboy till I've had to deal with a warranty the past few years and that turned me off. That said I do HVAC trade on boilers and chillers so if you get anything like that you want to give away keep me in mind. Lol

[@aaronbillbradley7343]

Jeff, great info! I always knew there were fake reviews and hear of the fish hook, but didn’t know the whole deal. You have made that clear in many of the DOTW. I tool grew up on Craftsman and sears and agree with being a ‘fanboy’, even though they are not the same as there once were. But then, neither AM I. LOL.. keep up the great content.👍🏼

[@martyvanord984]

Craftsman the name lives on but sadly the company is only a memory. Their tools are a great yard sale find.

[@ronaldtentschert6876]

I've always felt you were honest, and I go back 13 years I remember that old bear those were some funny videos.

[@kousakasan7882]

Job 27:5 Until I expire I shall not take away my integrity from myself! Its up to us to decide whether we will be honest or not.

[@zaxxon4]

You should do a Goodwill (or whatever) donation day video, and show off the stuff that hasn't made it into any other video. I'm sure you are sorting through it at that point anyway, and you'd get a video out with minimal effort. You could model it after Adrian's Digital Basement mail call videos, except it is stuff going out instead of stuff coming in.

[@ChiefDLK]

Something makes me think he is talking about PF when talking about a channel that doesn't take free stuff or paid sponsorships but probably gets a massive check from affiliate links.

[@Official-Comments]

I was a doubter and hater of the channel, especially of HF, but I’ve actually never had an issue with their products. I also think seeing you versus the bear has made a difference. You’ve gained a new subscriber.

[@UDoIt2]

I appreciate your perspective.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

The fake reviews drive me Insane Ebay is the worst since buyers dont even have to leave a review and there automatically posted like you did 1:04 @The Den Of Tools

[@straycatnip]

But then you have those few individuals who saw thru the magician's sleight of hand called out the deception. And that guy who reads the fine print on everything. Or that guy who can find a loophole in any contract. Keep your friends close and your enemies even closer. Trust no one

[@rtz549]

Consider selling tools direct at cost. No profit. From the factory to our toolbox. That's an industry takeover.

[@tsl7881]

There are some tool.testing channels that buy all their products, but rely on some pateon donations instead of paid reviews.

[@denoftools]

Yeah but that can be it's own issue. AVE started making so much money from his Patreon supporters that he just started saying what they wanted to hear. Bias can come from all sorts of directions.

[@timgchannel3328]

On a related issue, the Metatron just apologized on his KZbin channel the other day. It turns out he had accepted advertising from a company run by people who are genuinely dangerous. The whole thing was insane, literally.

[@denoftools]

Ok, I just watched that. That CEO is loony.

[@roberthoffman4713]

I like when you find a youtubers ebay store and they are selling off a bunch of the stuff they reviewed. It makes me wonder if the stuff was actually that good to begin with if they're trying to sell it afterwards on ebay. Plus I have purchased some items that were reviewed and given really high praise and I ended up returning the stuff because it's really not very good. I reached out to them and mentioned that I was very disappointed that they were not being honest with their reviews and I was told that because I am used to top of the line equipment that this stuff doesn't compare to it. But it is very good compared to much of the beginner stuff on the market. It made me think twice and ultimately I stopped watching their stuff because they should say that it's great for a beginner, or higher end for the beginner platform. Then I started seeing tons of the same product being reviewed on a bunch of different channels at the same time. I took time and watched several of them and it was very interesting. I swear some of them never even used the item before saying how great it is. Now I stick to only a few channels that have been very consistent over the years. If I see them doing fluff pieces on items I will stop watching them too.

[@johnk6206]

Milwaukee. You don't say. Who ever would have guessed?

[@Official-Comments]

I’m also guessing that the review that he’s referring to is of the new Gen 3 stubby M12 impact driver. Which I want to order too haha

[@tiffanys2992]

​@@Official-Comments Id guessed the new M12 3in orbital sander. I just saw a video on it this morning (been following it since pipeline & was surprised to see it reviewed since its not out yet). Tool Review Zone just did it a coupla days ago & nowhere does it mention its any kinda compensation....

[@aintnomyth]

Red out here trying to get his KZbin channel shadow banned, spilling the beans 😂

[@PortDixieandTheJourneyDogs]

When I 1st came across ur channel it I think was a short time after a brand new and only HF opened up in my previous old Lowes dominated area! I never liked Lowes and was an avid HD fan when they opened up back home in my home st of TN! The Lowes there has always been snotty and uppity and I'd seen them be a total D & A to my mom when I was young! They absolutely tried to rip her off!!! But when she as a wife a homemaker and a woman esp went to have words with them he was such a #@$$ to her!!! But my mom didn't take no shit off no one and she gave him what for back!!😅 Anyways that and how women were treated and looked dn on esp by men and esp in the H.I. or men's area of things!? Which most were!? Just stuck in my head and stood out! And 1 super great thing that HD had going for them when they opened up was they were always nice always helped the customer and showed respect MOST of the time!? Tho those guys exist all over who think women r all dumb and can't do any so called man job well! Ans don't know much! Their all stupid dumb air headed etc... But for the most part they were WAYYYYY BETTER THAN ANY LOWES HAD EVER BEEN!!!!! And they also hired women skilled in H.I. shit! Jobs etc! One super nice hee and her husband both worked there and had a handicapped daughter! She ran hee own construction company!! And THAT SUPER IMPRESSED ME!!! Anyways my previous place was Lowes dominated and i hated that!! But they did have good employees at that one and it being the only store in town well I went often and got to know many over all was good for quiet a while! Then one day I got major major screwed and with a managers blessings and THAT DID IT FOR ME!! But still I was beginning my diy TC Bld which was gonna be our new life b4 long and I had shir I needed!? Anyways HF came to town opened up! And I began going there getting to know them! They were all great and awesome and nice and helpful and I had nothing but great experiences there!!! Anyways around this time I saw u as I was on YT and began seeing u doing tool reviews! As I was beginning my project I was reviewing bids of all kinds and tools etc... and somehow one of urs popped up! When I heard ur 1st review I loved it!!! And I began watching more and more of ur reviews!!! And the thing BOTH THEN AND NOWWW THAT DREW ME N AND KEPT EM COMING AND STILL KEEPS ME AND ATTRACTS ME IS UR WHAT I SEE AS HONESTY DECENCY INTEGRATY MORALS ETTHICS HONOR AND HOW U R WITH UR FAMILY!! IT JUST SPEAKS VOLUMES ABOUT U!!! I HOLD TO THESE VALUES TO AN EXTREME I GUESS!! AND NO MATTER WHAT AND NO MATTER HOWWW MUCH IT HARMS ME OR MINE I DONT SELL THEM OUT!! I don't sell them out!!! And I don't sell out what I love or hold dear to me or my ♥! So in that way or sense we have much in common!! And maybe I'm wrong and I have been fooled a few times in my life!! And may be again!? But if ur fooling me ur fooling tons and tons of people out here who all see the same things in u!!😮😊 I think u speak truth!! And I admire that in u or anyone who does! There is a certain YTer who does tool reviews! He is a quiet dirty on his Chanel! And he has a smartA mouth!! And he constantly chimes on 1 2 certain tools while hating on others repeatedly!! And on one of his nasty reviews when he was being his usual D self he made a bad comment in ur direction... and made a dig at u.... and then basically said after he knew that was gonna upset and offend the Bear!! Etc... Well I already didn't like him anyway!!! He is always shooting off his mouth and wrong on most of the crap coming out of it!! And he was shooting his off about a good tool actually!!! And being his usual KIA but don't know shit self! Then making digs at u!! Well I already hated him and saw thru his shit but THAT DID IT FOR ME!!! I HAD MY SAY ABOUT IT THERE AND I WAS DONE!! But yes I found him to make nothing but false and prejudiced reviews!! And as a person he seems to lie be dishonest and nasty and I don't doubt paid off by certain comps!!! Saw thru him rt off!! And I see u!! And I LIKE WHAT I SEE HERE WITH U AND UR CHANNEL!! And btw any time u wanna put me on ur Cmas list and send me some of them tools u can't keep hey I'm rt dn here in SC waiting on my presents!!😂😂 Seriously I'm on a fixed income and I can use all the hand tools I can get!! Esp bld project wise or camping wise!!😊😊 Anyways STILL LOVE THE BEAR AND HIS REVIEWS!!! AND IM STILL WATCHING STILL WITH U BEAR!! KEEP THOSE QUALITIES!!!😊❤😊

[@denoftools]

Thank you for all of that. I got a lot of hate for speaking out on a lot of this stuff and comments like this just recharge me and get me ready for more if you know what I mean.

[@PortDixieandTheJourneyDogs]

@@denoftools Yes I think I do!? One thing I do know is that when we speak out or up about or against anything bad or wrong etc we get A LOTTTT OF MAJOR HATE! They don't like it when we speak up or out! They and their followers don't wanna have truth or facts put in their face!! In fact that seems to be most of this country these days! I once heard someone somewhere say something to the effect that the more folks r pissed off at u and the more they hate u the more u know ur in the rt! Or doing the rt thing! Truth esp these days in the fake world we live in is not popular!!! BUTTT WELL I WAS NEVERRR THE POPULAR GIRL OR PERSON PERIOD!!! I was never popular never the well liked one never the teachers pet! Kissing up was never my thing!! I am whoever??? I am?? And either u like me or u don't! MOST dont!! That's fine!!! Because at the 3nd of the day I only got me my higher power and my loved ones which is usually my dogs...to answer to!! Like me animals speak truth also! They love UC and they don't lie don't buy lies and don't play games!! I prefer animals over humans any day of the wk!! At the end of the day I only answer to these!! And these r all that matters! In ur case ur family!! That YTer that dislikes u was dn on u had a few of his likers to to chime in say shit about u! But like I said there to them... U know what Bear speaks truth!!! And he never opens his mouth wo knowing what that truth is! When he speaks truth not dirt not lies not bs not some smartmouth shit comes out his mouth! Unlike here where 0 homework is done and 0 truth comes out and all bs and lies and just dn rt dirty nasty talk!! Ur a smart ass!!! And a #@$% and ur a @#%#! And u and ur channel disgust me!! But when Bear speaks he speaks truth and is always nice kind and respectful! And he don't ha to be dirty or nasty to be popular!! U r popular only for these bad reasons not the good ones Bear is! And he never steers his audience wrong or dn a bad or negative path!! And he wins over u and ur kind all day ever day!!! Anyways something close to this rt here! I've slept since then may not be 100p exact word for word but the basic jest of what I said! I haven't been back to his since!!! Got 000 use or tolerance for him or his kind!!! So just know this!! The haters don't belong on ur channel in the 1st place! Because THEY DONT WANT RT OR TRUTH!! OR HONOR OR ETTHICS OR HONESTY OR MORALS!! They want lies and fakes and Aholes etc who will just tell them what they want to hear!! U KIND SIR DO NOTTT NEED THOSE KINDS OF SUS.... OR FOLLOWERS!!! LET THEM KISS UR BIG HINNY!!! 😂 U want ones who believe in u and support u and who believe in these important things!! And who will honor u for them and stand with u!! Family is also more than just ur blood or immediate ones near u! ☺ Since I first saw ur channel and u was impressed as hell... Since then I can't even walk in a store buy something esp a tool wo thinking to myself WHAT WOULD THE BEAR SAY ABOUT THIS!? OR WHAT DID HE SAY ABOUT THIS!? OR BEAR SAYS THIS IS A GREAT TOOL!? GREAT COMP!? PRODUCT!? BEAR RECOMMENDS THIS HIGHLY SO THIS TOOL IS DEF ON MY LIST NOW!! ETC... BUT U AND UR REVIEWS MAKE ME THINK AND MAKE ME WANNA KNOW MORE B4 I SPEND MONEY I DONT HAVE!! I am Disabled and Older and LIFE is hard and bad!! And every penny counts!! I cant afford to waste!!! So I count on honest and real reviews and or reviewers like u to help me make good decisions!! THANKKK UUUU BEAR!!!

[@thomasmelanson5852]

Does this also apply to politicians paying creators for "a supporter video"

[@denoftools]

From what I have some sort of work around in place where they don't even have to declare they are paid.

[@chekelley6861]

Typing furiously on my Chinese made phone about everyone who buys Chinese tools.

[@Official-Comments]

Chinese made versus designed and owned is another story. If a manufacturer there can choose between a better quality product or saving 1 cent, they’ll take the 1 cent.

[@bobjoe1593]

​​@@Official-Comments as opposed to, say American Companies, who never say made a calculation on an American built product that a potentially life saving modification that cost a dollar or two per unit would be more expensive than the potential lawsuits from the rare occurrence that the product failed due to a glaring but very specific defect and caused fatalities and decided not to implement that fix

[@Isaiah-ft5nx]

People are selling their integrity.

[@midatlantictools]

This was a great video hitting a lot of points.. Two thumbs up..!

[@davidjlane6103]

Bear I need your help. I am getting ready to buy a US GENERAL 56 inch Top & Bottom box in Slate Gray. Went to Harbor Freight and then saw the tool carts in Purple. Love that color. Sent Harbor Freight a message asking if the bigger boxes will be coming out in Purple. They replied with a vague response that more or less said , I can not say. Just wondering if you know if the bigger tool boxes will be coming out in Purple or is there is someone you can ask that would give you a straight answer. Thanks for your time.

[@rtz549]

I thought one of the Torque Test people worked for Astro Pneumatic?

[@denoftools]

They do.

[@MikeStJohn-du5ue]

Thank you, great info and much appreciated.

[@UtahTrucker]

Love the channel great video. I just delivered to the Albertsons in Livingston.

[@NGMonocrom]

Heck! The only reason why I started my channel (though not tool related) is because I got fed up with all the miserable but very charming shills on KZbin making a real nice living with their lying mouths! I don't get paid to do my reviews. I don't get free products to review which I then get to keep or sell on eBay for profit (It was free, so anything made on it is pure profit). And you sure as heck won't hear me say, _"Full disclosure...."_ No! Not full disclosure! I get sent *nothing* in exchange for my reviews. Literally no one sponsores me, no one pays me, no one sends me free product, no one OWNS me! If you see an Ad. on one of my videos, that is KZbin putting ads. on my videos, and calling said videos "sponsored." I demonitize all of my videos. I get paid ZERO dollars every month by KZbin. I can tell you this, one of the biggest shills on KZbin is a self-proclaimed Christian who once did a very positive Public Relations scam video for a company that made a hugely dangerous product. When his time finally comes, if he thinks he's getting through those Pearly Gates, he better think again. Maybe he'll make it, but his lying tongue is likely going to be removed and sent to a much warmer place.

[@LindaSkidmore-r1k]

Good thing MAGA would never go after Bud Light lol

[@coatknight]

What is the dangerous tool?

[@NGMonocrom]

@@coatknight SCCY CPX-2. And no, I'm not naming that obscene shill who made the scam video. He's very popular, very charming, has made a fantastic living for him and his family with his blatantly paid reviews. And all it cost him was his integrity. He's smart. He'll make his reviews look unbiased. He'll take a big issue with a company's product. Mention it on his channel. But downplay it a lot! But everyone else sees a criticism, and thinks his review is unbiased. With the CPX-2, CEO of SCCY handed him an example that was intentionally made the right way. With the safety issue obviously corrected. THAT was the so-called random sample that he tested that passed with flying colors.

[@liquidrockaquatics3900]

As soon as this video started my mind went to 731. There are other creators too, but he went from carpenter to creator to shill. He does decent videos, but I just don’t take his words at face value

[@tiffanys2992]

​@@liquidrockaquatics3900 Sadly that was the same person that came to my mind as well. Used to love his content... Am curious about the unsafe Review tho, as nothing comes to mind right off the bat....

[@box420]

Eco flow comes to mind buying shills. Or any battery generator

[@ChrisLoew]

Absolutely, jackery too yet that seems to be better quality.

[@michaelholmstrom7677]

I follow a few woodworking channels on here, a bunch of them and a few I did not know were flown to visit/tour/test a major woodworking consumable company. Two channels were at the same event in the same photo/videos one said the company paid for it and the other made it seem like they just walked in for a tour. Now the channels have posters in the back of their shops for this company and always have their product in videos/photos.

[@michelle-lz8tg]

there is still some useful info that can be extracted from the 'fake' reviews...sometimes for some products that is all there is in video format...but, you get to see the tool in action and can judge its size, how far the jaws open etc...i've even turned off the sound on some so as to not be distracted.