Unbelievably poor customer service…
Unbelievably poor customer service department with whom I made contact after purchasing a Black+Decker 115mm Angle Grinder. The tool came with 5 cutting wheels and, as stated in the enclosed safety instruction manual, a ‘Type C guard intended for grinding purposes only', the guard itself bears no marking as to what type it is. The manual further states that if cutting is intended then a ‘Type 41’ guard must be fitted. So, on opening the box it appears that I cannot use the tool and accessories provided because, having read the safety manual, should I do so then injury may result. On page 11 of the manual under the heading Mounting and using cutting (type 41) wheels, it is again reiterated that a ‘closed, 2-sided Type 41 cutting wheel guard should be used. The section then goes on to describe Mounting closed (type C) guard followed by Mounting cutting wheels. Incidentally the cutting wheels provided bear no reference as to their type' eg ’type 41'. To add to the confusion, on page 12 of the manual on the Grinding and cutting accessory chart the guard type shown as being required for both grinding and cutting discs is the ‘Type C guard’. I spelt out the above to customer services, suggesting that either Black+Decker is boxing and marketing a dangerous combination of tool and accessories, or, the manual is mixing up guard and wheel types. The responses and lack of knowledge of their product that I received were astounding. The 'agent' that signed these missives was named JESTER - perhaps that says it all. [Elsewhere in the correspondence a full name appeared - 'Jester Payofilin (DEWALT)'] Every email reply from Jester, and there were six of them, ended with the following paragraph: "I would like to invite you to complete a brief survey regarding my assistance. You will receive it within the next 24 hours. If you are satisfied with my support you can rate me the highest score and leave a good comment. Jester BLACK+DECKER®" No such survey form was ever received and none of the questions that I posed were answered, questions that concern safety. After first trying to blame the retailer who sold me a sealed Black+Decker boxed Black+Decker tool, they at some points in their communication described the tool as a 'dangerous tool', nothing was said of the misleading and potentially dangerous statements in the Black+Decker safety manual which was boxed with the tool. My advice, avoid contacting Black + Decker customer service. There are apparently many other manufacturers that market small angle grinder tools.