On Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 7:58:54 PM UTC-5, wrote:

How do they know which batteries come in the kit and were purchased
separately? Are the part numbers different?

The tools, batteries and chargers use a very sophisticated technology to keep things straight and to make sure that Ridgid isn't being scammed. While waiting on the warranty lady to have her supervisor make sure that she was completely accurate she gladly shared just how they do it.

First, the parts and pieces have permanently attached stickers with long serial numbers on them. Within those serial numbers are codes that tell the date of manufacture, the lot, the day of manufacture, and even how it was sold. For the kits, the coded dates cannot show a difference of more than 12 weeks between all the parts and pieces when you register. Their computer system will not let you register if there is a discrepancy. Also, the stickers have info that let Ridgid know if you bought the tool with a another kit, as a bare bones piece. With batteries, they are specifically coded to be included with a kit, or alternately as a separate purchase.

You get your tool back to your lair, charge the batteries, test out the tools, then go register. When you register, their system catches just about any mistake or attempt to register incorrectly upfront since they know when parts/pieces were manufactured, what their purpose was, where they wound up (in a kit or blister pack),and about when they were shipped.

The last bit of insurance for HD to make sure they have an honest buyer registering is that you must input numbers that come off the cash register receipt in the registration form page.

You wait up to two weeks while they check and verify all the information. Once completed, they send you an email verification and you are finished.

It takes a while, but it's worth it. And if for some reason you do get a lemon, even if the tool is registered you can take it back to HD within 90 days for a replacement or money back. They make it tough to say no to them.

Robert