Serial numbers on power tools are often small, partially worn, or in unexpected locations. This guide covers drills, saws, grinders, sanders, and more - brand by brand.
Power tool serial numbers are printed on stickers or stamped directly into the housing. The exact location varies by tool type and brand, but there are consistent patterns. Check these areas first: near the battery interface (for cordless tools), on the motor housing bottom, or on the tool's rear grip near the switch.
Labels on heavily used tools often wear or peel. If the sticker is damaged, try photographing it under angled light - worn ink often becomes readable. For completely unreadable labels, the manufacturer can sometimes look up the tool by retailer purchase record if you have the model number and approximate purchase date.
Each brand has slightly different label placement conventions. Knowing the brand helps narrow the search significantly.
The serial number is how a manufacturer identifies your specific tool. Without it, warranty claims and recall checks are impossible.
Bawte Consumer Guide
The model number identifies the product line (e.g., DCD771 is DeWalt's 20V MAX compact drill). The serial number is unique to your specific unit. Both are needed for registration and warranty claims.
Registration portals ask for model number first (to identify the product), then serial number (to identify your specific tool). If you're registering with Bawte, scanning the label often captures both automatically - or they can be entered manually from the same label.
Once you find the serial number, Bawte stores it permanently. You'll never need to hunt for it again - for warranty claims, recalls, or insurance.
If the label is completely unreadable, contact the brand's customer service with the model number and purchase documentation. Some brands can look up your specific unit from retailer records if you purchased from a major chain.
For tools purchased through Home Depot's pro account, Lowe's Pro, or Grainger, those purchase histories often include serial numbers - check your account purchase history before calling the manufacturer.
Point your phone at the serial number label. Bawte reads model and serial number automatically and stores both permanently in your tool inventory.
When a warranty claim is needed, your serial number and model are already on file. No label hunting at the service center.
Recalls are tracked by serial number range. Bawte cross-references your stored serial numbers against CPSC data automatically.
Bawte stores your tool's serial number, model, and warranty documentation permanently - one scan is all it takes.
Connect →UMich UMTRI-2015-26: Consumer Product Registration Behavior Study, University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, 2015.
Registria/GlobeNewswire: Consumer Product Registration Survey, 2017.
CPSC: cpsc.gov/recalls - serial number ranges used in power tool recall notices.