Lowe’s store associates have been spreading the word about a Stop Sale Alert on Flex cordless power tools.
In a post titled What’s up with Flex recall on Reddit, a Lowe’s associate says they were requested to “pull a whole bunch of Flex tools.”
Another mentioned seeing alerts about Flex tools being “restricted from sale.” A self-described department supervisor says they “pulled so much flex today,” and another Lowe’s associates remarked “so that’s why there are carts full of Flex tools in receiving.”
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The Flex combo kit pictured in the Stop Sale alert seems to have been pulled from Lowe’s online store, as it now has a “this item is no longer sold on Lowes.com” notice.
Stop sales sometimes precede safety recalls, but there could be other reasons involved.
At this time, many Flex cordless power tools are still available online. That would not be the case if Lowe’s stop sale was the first part of a recall.
It could just be a coincidence, but Lowe’s did not feature any Flex cordless power tools in their Black Friday 2023 sales flyers. With this stop sale, Lowe’s prematurely ended 2 out of the 3 “buy a Flex cordless starter kit or combo kit and get a free tool” holiday promotions they’ve been running. The promos were set to end on 1/31/24.
Lowe’s is no longer selling Flex’s standard batteries online; only the premium-priced Stacked Lithium batteries can be found in a search. Other vendors are still selling Flex’s older batteries.
Some Flex tool bundles are labeled as “clearance” items that are no longer available for purchase online.
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And others are just “no longer sold on Lowes.com.”
A number of tool-only SKUs, kits, and select combo kits are still available for pickup at Lowe’s stores in my area.
The higher priced Stacked Lithium combo kits don’t seem to be affected by the stop sale.
It’s not clear why Lowe’s is pulling (some?) Flex tools off their sales floors, or why certain Flex tool kits and batteries are no longer available from their website.
We reached out to Flex Tools last week asking for clarity about the matter, but never heard back.
MM
Very odd, I would love to hear what’s going on here. I had been thinking of picking up the starter kit with the free cordless bandsaw when I first came across the sales earlier in the month but since it was due to last well into January I wasn’t in any hurry. I’d also been on the fence about jumping into some other Flex tools for a while now. I figured I’d hold off until I actually needed something. Yesterday my faithful old DCD990 started making some odd noises in low gear, so now it’s time to shop for drills. Flex was on my short list for a potential replacement but now I really want to know what’s happening!
Joshua
https://www.reddit.com/r/Lowes/comments/18op610/comment/keixrxc/
Trinity Moree
That’s because of the standard battery “leaking” from the battery being overheated. Check reddit r/flextools.
Jeremy Ruch
I’ve been using Flex tools since they came out they are a great tool I think for personally better than Milwaukee their batteries recharge in 20 minutes they’re heavy duty there is nothing absolutely wrong with them at all
MW
Sounds like a pending lawsuit of battery tech if you ask me
Brian S.
I understand this sort of stuff is a matter of opinion. My opinion is Milwaukee kicks ass I am a service contractor I own several of the m18 and m12 fuel line. I’ve burned tools up and destroyed batteries they warranty everything with zero questions..I will not touch another battery operated tool company.
MM
I’ve got nothing against Milwaukee, I’m heavily into their M12 line. I agree they make awesome tools. I like Dewalt as well, I have a lot of their 20V & Flexvolt. Honestly that DCD990 has really impressed me with how much it’s been used/abused over the years. Both brands have the occasional turd but are generally excellent. My interest in Flex lies in the future though. At some point my impact driver is going to fail, and right now neither Dewalt nor Milwaukee make one with a trigger bit release, which for me is a must-have feature. Flex does though, and it performs very well. Flex’s inline circular saw is awesome and nobody else has an answer to that either. Tools like these make me interested in Flex.
Jeremiah McKenna
The inline saw is a gimmick and isn’t really necessary. The bit release is cool, but also a gimmick that doesn’t add a lot. All collets are one handed release and insertion.
The one thing they have is the quick release on their multi tool. But even that is not necessary.
bob
Well, as far as that goes, any power tool is not really necessary. Just pull out a hand saw or screwdriver…
I have an inline saw and I really like it. I snap a line and can cut straight as an arrow without a guide which is nice when cutting 20 food boards that have any kind of taper…
JJ
I’d be willing to bet it has to do with leaking batteries. Not an issue with the stacked lithium batteries but certain kits may contain batches of bad standard lithium batteries leaking black fluid. (Lowes had to open 3 kits and all had leaking batteries when I did a return, finally they just gave me a single replacement battery.)
Jason
Terrifying considering the energy they store (google thermal runaway lithium batteries).
Considering the stacked kits and batteries aren’t on stop sale you’re probably spot on.
Assuming a recall is incoming, at least for certain batches that were sold
Koko The Talking Ape
Thermal runaway is indeed a thing, but I believe leaking batteries shouldn’t be subject to that. The liquid in batteries is an electrolyte, and allows electrons to move from electrode to electrode. Without it, the battery just doesn’t function. No current flow, so no heat generated, so no thermal runaway.
But the electrolyte might be acidic, or mildly toxic, or otherwise nasty. And of course, you want functioning batteries.
Mr B
I have had several of the leaking batteries on brand new tools. Flex was good at replacing the batteries. I disassembled my old batteries and found that the problem is a black rubber or soft plastic like material on the bottom of the battery. It’s basically just a pad that is sculpted to match the battery outline and flat on the bottom to sit against the case. I’m assuming this must be the heat sink material that they advertise. The material completely breaks down and turns to goo and fluid. It’s very messy but I managed to clean it up. How critical that pad is to safe battery operation I am not sure.
CB
It is the sealant varnish for the control boards if I remember right from a previous rep visit. The battery cells should be fine but the varnish is liquifying for whatever reason. It can definitely cause issues, though runaway Li-on batteries shouldn’t be a problem (“shouldn’t” doesn’t mean “isn’t” of course!)
Clayton
I agree, a friend of mine had 2 flex battries leaking black goo
Eric M Nichols
They are not LITHIUM but some GEL for SHOCK ADSOBING had 1 do it to me if it was in a hot condition but in cold weather not leaking
TdotW
As JJ mentioned above, it does seem to be related to the leaky batteries – which are not leaking anything dangerous, just very messy. They have Samsung 18650 batteries, so it’s not them that’s causing problems. From my little bit of research I found another post on Reddit that seems to solve the issue. Hope this helps https://www.reddit.com/r/FLEXTools/comments/16flcqf/heres_the_fix_for_leaking_lithium_ion_flex/
blocky
I have had that issue with a SKIL brand battery as well. It started leaking in the factory plastic bag.
JJ
Interesting, seeing as SKIL is also a Chervon brand
Jimmie
Makes me wonder if Ego batteries are also at risk since they, too, use a phase-change material inside. I haven’t had any problems with mine but maybe I’m not driving them hard enough for long enough.
Richard
I was going to try using the warranty on the registered battery; it was registered when purchased. The last time I used the Flex charger, the battery leaked green/black goo for two days. I figure there will be some razzle dazzle trying to dance around the warranty.
Jim Felt
Geez. It’s almost like Lowe’s tool buyers self jinx nearly everything they touch.
My local stores always seem barren of tool area shoppers with maybe one associate futzing with some minor project.
I wish they could figure out how to at least appear to compete with HD. Let alone the great independent tool vendors we’re blessed with in my area.
TomD
I have zero idea who Lowe’s intended market actually *is* – maybe it’s just homeowners who hate Home Depot for some reason?
HD I see what they’re aiming for, even if they sometimes miss a bit. Same with Menards, and even Ace. I don’t know what Lowe’s is aiming for.
Jeremiah McKenna
Few professionals actually use Lowe’s compared to HD and the other hardware stores.
The few that do buy tools there buy known brands, like DeWalt or even Craftsman.
Ever since HD released their ProXtra where we get points that turn into dollars, more pros are shopping there and buying tools with these ProXtra dollars. Why wouldn’t you?
JR Ramos
My first thought is a battery issue as well…have read a large handful of comments about leaking cells. If so, it’s more of a quality concern than a safety one (no thermal runaway or venting in this case…the leakage is going to basically prevent that although it should not be happening especially in “dormant” packs sitting on the shelf).
Second thought was whether there could be some patent issue afoot.
Diego
In the some odd years that flex tools were introduced to the market. I haven’t seen any in the field or even at a buddies house. I only see green, red, yellow or occasional blue. They never were that good at advertising to the market why they were better than the rest. Wouldn’t be surprised if they ceased production soon.
Jeremiah McKenna
The few that I have seen on some of my sites went back, almost as fast as they were unboxed. Sure, this is purely anecdotal, but they all ended in major smoke shows when those guys tried to keep up with me using Mil or other guys using DeWalt tools.
Bob
I’ve seen a few individuals and one company that uses flex tools. They look really nice and felt great when I demo’d them. I consider them if I wasn’t into other lines already.
Ed
At my Lowe’s, the associate told me they were rebranding some of the packaging and were redoing some SKUs. Who knows. I went to buy a 6 1/2 circ saw (without a battery) and it was pulled. I’ve been thrilled with my Flex tools so far. Most all of their tools are still available at Acme and Ohio Power Tools websites.
Flex said in an online post last night they have more tools incoming 1st quarter 2024, so perhaps my Lowe’s guy was correct.
Matt
If that is the case then why not blow them out on clearance? Why pull them? Not saying you’re wrong. Unless they would use the pulled tools in the new packaging?
Ed
Great question. I would have loved to get the saw on clearance, believe me! New packaging was exactly what sales guy said was his understanding (but who knows) In any event, that’s what I was trying to say with the re-branding. In store, he showed me how the packaging was different between boxes and labels. On the saw I was trying to buy, there was no battery included, but it was labeled as a “stop sale.” Their IG response said Lowe’s was doing a refresh, which might include discontinue some older SKUs.
Doug N
My money is on Chervon abandoning the whole line, concentrating on their budget line Skil instead. Maybe Lowe’s made the first move and the other retailers will follow shortly. Evidence: they’ve extended the lifetime warranty several times presumably to increase sales, lack of movement at my local stores, lack of strong holiday deals as noted in the post. But I can’t explain why only the tools with batteries are affected.
Eliot Truelove
I’m betting it has something to do with the leaky battery issue.
Honestly, although I’m a Makita guy, it would be sad to see Flex tools being discontinued across the board given they’ve brought some decent innovation in recent years.
The inline circ saw, the rear handle, the hammer drill, and now the table saw with the lighted fence and wall plug are just a few examples of the top of my head that I can think put Flex up near the top of the best cordless tool companies out right now.L, and this competition is good for other tool companies to step up their game.
Time will tell though…
Jamie Lee Davis
Great tools. Heavy… But, great tools.
Jbongo
What’s interesting is shortly after reading this, I saw an add on Facebook that Ohio Power Tool is having a flash sale on Flex.
FLASH SALE – FREE SELECT BARE TOOL W/ 6.0AH STARTER KIT * LIMITED QUANTITIES AVAILABLE. VALID THROUGH 12PM EST 12/29/2023 OR WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Tom
I’ve been contemplating taking advantage of this sale, as well, but I’d like to hear more about what’s going on before pulling the trigger. I’m cautiously excited about the 10” table saw, and this seemed like a great opportunity to pick up another battery to use while the 10ah that comes in the kit is charging.
MM
They’ve had this sale earlier in the holiday season, it’s one of the best Flex deals I’ve seen this year in terms of value for money, assuming you need one of the tools from the free list. That starter kit has a very good charger in it as well, it is a much better charger than the one that comes in the 5.0ah standard battery starter kit.
glass69
I did notice some reviews of flex tools when pitted against red, yellow, red, and green flex seems to have higher limits on torque and power, but the tools can be pushed to over heat while most of the others self cut out before overheating.
Brogan
As soon as I saw this post I thought it just be from the batteries leaking. I have bought 4 flex tools over the past year and a half and all of them had batteries that leaked.
Jamie Lee Davis
I have virtually all Flex 24 volt tools. I have 11 2.5 ah batteries and 7 5 ah batteries. No problems. All good tools
Josh
I just bought them today @9:30 p.m. est. I just now looked on line still available everywhere online.
K J
From what I was told it was a recall on any tools with the non-stacked batteries. We also pulled the batteries, I was put in charge of verifying that all the product was actually pulled by the sales associates and had to also pull any displays that used the batteries. Rumor has it that some stores had their Chevron rep buying back all the batteries.
Daniel
I’m pretty sure this is tied to the leaking batteries. I heard this was happening in Canada a few weeks ago as their entire line was getting removed from the Rona stores. Not surprised that it is now happening in the U.S.
MM
I have heard about the leaky battery issues as well. However, I wasn’t sure that was the issue here because it sounded like nobody else was pulling the product line nor was there any news of a recall. But if this is happening in other stores beyond Lowes then that makes the explanation all the more likely. From what I have heard Flex has been good about replacing the defective batteries under warranty but it would still be nice to get the full story.
Angelo
I heard that here in Canada the flex line was being pulled from the Lowes/Rona stores and won’t be selling anymore and being replaced with Makita
Harrison
Where did you hear that? That would be awesome news.
Tim
Almost every post of theirs on social media is riddled with people complaining about the batteries leaking and neither Flex, nor Lowe’s being willing to do anything about it. (Or some other unfulfilled thing from the original founders warranty)
This is not surprising at all.
Jamie Lee Davis
I would be cautious about ” credible” info online. Ego ( Chervon ) has thrown a battery and a charger at my youngest son recently……
Seems a charger was the culprit. I made an instant Flex owner of him last year. He has as many Flex tools as me. That is virtually all. I’m also DEEP in Milwaukee M12. I’m not a fan girl, just love the tools.
AJ
Another reason to stick with a brand like Milwaukee. Nothing against Flex but I don’t have any issues with my Milwaukee tools & we’ve been using them for 15+ years.
Stuart
Flex and their 24V line are new, but their parent company has been making cordless power tools for years. They were an OEM for Craftsman for Sears, and produce a lot of Kobalt cordless power tools today.
Joellikestools
I have had good experience with my Kobalt tools.
MAW
I believe they also produce power tools in the Skil line. As I was nearing retirement a few years ago I decided to standardize on a cordless tool brand. After much research and review I ended up selling my old mishmash of corded tools and began to purchase Flex tools. I have their drills, driver, saws, OMT, and a few other items. I also have quite a few batteries and way too many chargers. The tools are great and never had any battery issues. It seems like everyone is jumping on the hate Flex wagon. So answer me this: how many batteries are out there with no problems and name me a tool brand that has never had any issues or recalls of their cordless tools! Stuart, I have followed your posts for some time now and this is my first post. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Stuart
Yes; Flex’s parent company bought the Skil and Skilsaw brands from Bosch a couple of years ago.
Thank you – Happy New Year!
Jim
Many of these kits have been around since last year, or some a few years since FLEX is not very popular, and have the original production run of the cylindrical 18650 cell batteries that have ‘The Forbidden Maple Syrup’ leaking out of the pack, not the cells.
The ‘Forbidden Maple Syrup’ is actually moisture seal varnish that was applied to their controller PCB boards on top of the battery pack that is re-liquifiying due to atmospheric moisture and dripping out of the battery pack. It smells like vinegar, but its harmful to the charger, which can, POTENTIALLY, pull in the liquid with air circulation and cause it to overheat.
Our Chervon Rep. opened and inspected every sold separate battery and repurchased every battery pack that had the issue a few months ago. We took one appart to look at it first hand, it’s not defect batteries at all, it’s defective varnish. I’m not sure why they are not using more modern silicone elastomer (AKA ‘Silastic’) like the DeWalt Powerstacks though, varnish is very old school.