American tools? Have I got this right?

[Mark A]

We're going to the US this year (or maybe next year) on holiday and I would like to buy some stuff while I'm over there. I really want one of those wormdrive saws and perhaps a D-handle router :mrgreen:

Have i got this right....

US tools are 60Hz and the UK is 50Hz, but that doesn't matter (only induction motors slow)?

They will run off a 110v transformer if the plugs are replaced?

If they're "used" (even just once) then there is no import duty?

Thanks,
Mark

 

[Sgian Dubh]

US tools are 60Hz and the UK is 50Hz, but that doesn't matter (only induction motors slow)?

All mine work fine and don't seem to run slow as far as I can tell.

They will run off a 110v transformer if the plugs are replaced?

Yes, although you can make up pig-tail leads with a UK 110V plugs at one end for the transformer and US style sockets on the other end for the American style plugs, assuming you go to a Home Depot or a Lowes in the US and buy some US style sockets whilst you're buying the tools.

If they're "used" (even just once) then there is no import duty?

Haven't got a clue. I've never heard of that, although I must admit when I moved back to the UK from the US with all my US configured power tools in a container (along with all the rest of my possessions) I wasn't charged import duty. I guess my experience doesn't add anything useful.

Lastly, sidewinder buzz-saws don't work any better than standard buzz-saws, and D handle routers are nothing special in terms of performance. In my experience the tools you say you want to buy have little or nothing to commend them over UK (European) configured tools purchased in the UK, except perhaps price based on $ to £ exchange rates. In addition, if they fail in the guarantee period trying to replace them is likely to be challenging, and servicing or ordering replacement parts in the future may also be awkward. I've found that when my US configured tools break down that it's easier (and generally cheaper) to throw them away and buy new 110V tools locally rather than mess about trying to fix them. Slainte.

 

[Mark A]

Thanks, that clears it up.

I was looking at the Home Depot website and saw the Makita D-handle router there. It looked easier to control than my big Dewalt for hand-held use - a bit like the Festool's. I need a circular saw and the worm drives look much more rugged and substantial than the type of thing we get over here, and for the same sort of price as well. They seem to have a very loyal following with framers and roofers in the US, and look nice! :tool:

The only thing is the warranty and repairs if something breaks. The postage cost is the main problem with buying things from the US, because the spare parts would probably otherwise be reasonably priced.

Well, just a thought anyway... I'll look into it a bit more before the trip

Cheers,
Mark

 

[alan2001]

If they're "used" (even just once) then there is no import duty?

I don't think I'd bank on that. Unless you can give a very good reason for taking these things with you on holiday?

American TSA workers are not exactly known for their intelligence or compassion. They WILL mess with you if they see strange machinery on their scanners.

 

[stuartpaul]

American TSA workers are not exactly known for their intelligence or compassion. They WILL mess with you if they see strange machinery on their scanners.

Correct with the former, - I've not had a problem with the latter and I have had all sorts of weird and wonderful things in suitcases coming back from the states!

If you are concerned mention at check in that you have some 'stuff' in your suitcase and depending on which airport you may even be able to wait while they scan it.

If the worst does happen all they'll do is open your case and physically see what you're carrying. They don't care about customs, duty etc.

 

[marcros]

If they're "used" (even just once) then there is no import duty?

I don't think I'd bank on that. Unless you can give a very good reason for taking these things with you on holiday?

American TSA workers are not exactly known for their intelligence or compassion. They WILL mess with you if they see strange machinery on their scanners.

But baggage isnt scanned at the point of entry into the UK, where duty would be payable. The American TSA workers wouldnt have any problems surely- you have paid the US sales tax.

 

[alan2001]

Aye, good advice on declaring the items to the TSA folk in advance, so you don't end up surrounded by a dozen people pointing guns at you shouting "CODE RED! CODE RED!"

It's probably obvious that I don't have much time for them. I dread having to go through US airports.

I know they won't be caring about duty, but you always run the (small) risk of a random customs check on entry to the UK. I used to travel a lot for work so perhaps I've become a bit over paranoid and always try to avoid any complications.

 

[goldeneyedmonkey]

Hi Mark,

Intrigued by your idea that used goods wouldn't incur customs charges, as I has similar ideas to you about importing goods, albeit consumer electronics as opposed to tools, I had a quick scan of the HMRC website. It seems that they treat them the same, but if you could make them look as old as possible with some superficial site material, i.e dust, sawdust, maybe some PVA that is easily peeled off after arrival, and masking tape torn off? Worth a try maybe if it saves you some dolllar.

3.2 Is duty charged on used goods?

Used goods are still liable to the same duty and VAT charges as if they were new. However, their value may vary depending on their age and condition.

Good luck with it, and keep us updated if you can.

Cheers _Dan

 

[Eric The Viking]

Hi Mark,

Intrigued by your idea that used goods wouldn't incur customs charges, as I has similar ideas to you about importing goods, albeit consumer electronics as opposed to tools, I had a quick scan of the HMRC website. It seems that they treat them the same, but if you could make them look as old as possible with some superficial site material, i.e dust, sawdust, maybe some PVA that is easily peeled off after arrival, and masking tape torn off? Worth a try maybe if it saves you some dolllar.

'Tis true, BUT you and your companions each have a personal allowance for goods you bring into the country. You'd need to check how much you're presently allowed.

It's a very grey area these days. People take far more valuable items with them now when they travel, than in years past - computers, cameras, ipods, phones, and so on. Customs are far more interested in catching drug runners than arguing about the value of used woodworking tools.

US Customs are not at all interested in stuff you take out of the country, unless it's a "munition" going somewhere it shouldn't.

I used to travel the the US quite a bit. Even post-9/11 I had no trouble with the security people (although for a while just afterwards they had the National Guard doing the security, which _was_ scary!). I even know US citizens who regularly take firearms when they travel (never in carry-on, naturally).

I think the secret of success at US airports is to be as pleasant as possible. There are the odd ones who are just miserable, but most officials will try very hard to be helpful. I've travelled with bulky equipment on carnets in the past, and the most difficult bit by far was leaving via Heathrow, where customs staff were unhelpful to the point of rudeness.

There's a real culture of service over there that died here decades ago.

 

[Peter T]

Don't know how much you are into hand tools, but Lie Nielsen and Veritas stuff is well worth buying in the US and bringing home.

I've never had any problems when leaving the US. Occasionally I find a pre-printed note in my bag from the TSA saying that it's been searched, but nothing else.

 

[jimi43]

I've never had any problems leaving the US but they nicked my Fortnum and Masons marmalade on entry! Next time I'm taking Tescos! :mrgreen:

I am interested to know why you want to buy all that electrical gear over in the US....haven't been ODing on Norm now have you? :wink:

Jim

 

[Chems]

I bought my festool domino in the states and just switched the plug. My case was opened by US baggage and a little leaflet explaining why they wanted a look. They also did a better repacking job than I had done. The tool broke this month and was repaired no questions asked but I'm told dewalt and makita won't touch imported tools.

 

[Mark A]

Hi everyone

Intrigued by your idea that used goods wouldn't incur customs charges

I got it from an old post found here somewhere - someone said that there was no duty when importing used tools? Thanks for clearing it up! I'll make the tools grubby with dust, dirt, masking tape and chips of wood wedged in to likely gaps, then put on my happy face and be pleasant when talking to the customs officers with handguns!

but I'm told dewalt and makita won't touch imported tools.

I'll find out from them before I go to find out for definite.

There's a real culture of service over there that died here decades ago.

I know. I once ordered a filet mignon but it came slightly rarer than I like. We called the waiter, who was very apologetic about it... then my mum joked about how I like my steak how she cooks it - burnt. It came back smouldering on both sides, sliced through the middle and incinerated in the centre too. Very very well done :lol:

I like the customs in the US. over here they're terrible. We once flew back from Venice to Liverpool airport. I've never heard language like it. Poor Venetians - their first experience of the UK is vulgarity. Makes me ashamed to admit that I am from this country too sometimes.

Thanks,
Mark

 

[paultnl]

If anyone does have American tools and forgot to get sockets there is always this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350482757006? ... 1423.l2649

 

[TheTiddles]

The value of the import is the only criteria, if it's over £46 (or something like that) then you can be made to pay import duty. However, it's very unlikely if it's in your personal baggage.

I regularly bring back tools from the USA and I've never had a problem, LN planes, LN chisels, lathe duplicator, circular saw blades, two entire sets of Bessey clamps which went through as oversize baggage, pen kits, drilling jigs, mexican rosewood, the list is long...

Woodcraft is a great place to spend a few hours and if you are in town for a bit then buying online is an option and doesn't carry sales tax, shipping can be a lot or can be free like here. Obviously don't put sharp things in hand luggage, don't mention the word "bomb" or make a joke about explosions in an airport as it can have you instantly arrested (that's serious, believe it or not).

Remember that arbours for saw blades may be different in the USA and getting spare blades might not be easy, for instance, a 10" table saw blade is easy to get including dado sets and negative rake laminate blades even in Lowes or Home Depot and not specialist woodwork shops, but they are ALL 5/8" arbour, a 30mm middle hole is unheard of. Also, many powertools aren't that much cheaper (if at all) in the USA, remember sales tax is not listed. Hand tools however... fill your boots! I can buy Sheffield steel tools for less in the USA than I can in Sheffield!

Aidan

 

[MrA]

I was in the RN for a few years and when we were returning to the UK after a prolonged overseas deployment customs would come onboard whilst we were anchored offshore and carried out arbitary checks, most of us declared what we'd bought abroad as there was no duty to paid on items that we could demonstrate as being used.

I would suggest that if you buy items that are shiney new in the packaging you'd be hard pushed to claim it as used.

 

[Eric The Viking]

If you are on a budget, like me, Sears always used to be a fairly good bet for small hand tools.

I've also found that even the bigger DIY brands, notably B+D, are better quality there. I have had one particular, long-reach, pozi-, screwdriver bit for about 25 years, branded there as a B+D accessory. It's pretty worn, but it's still better quality than the Chinese cheese you get here, and I've worn out several of the oriental sets in that time. Similarly I've got a small ratchet handle (from Sears), and the essential Leatherman (although I was given that).

Another nifty thing was some PTFE+oil lubricant in a hypodermic-like, syringe dispenser - try getting one of those here!

 

[Mark A]

I would suggest that if you buy items that are shiney new in the packaging you'd be hard pushed to claim it as used.

I was thinking about taking them out of the packaging (doesn't everyone do that when they buy a new tool? I open mine in the van on the way home...) then making them a bit grubby. Don't know how well it would work though.

 

[MrA]

I would suggest that if you buy items that are shiney new in the packaging you'd be hard pushed to claim it as used.

I was thinking about taking them out of the packaging (doesn't everyone do that when they buy a new tool? I open mine in the van on the way home...) then making them a bit grubby. Don't know how well it would work though.

That's exactly what we did, any electrical item can be made superficially grubby then cleaned up aterwards, the advantage we has was that we could hide the packaging.