As someone with a workshop full of DeWalt tools, this was a bit concerning!

However, looking into the Dewalt situation (dunno about the other brands), it seems like only certain higher-end tools have Tool Connect+ built-in. (Dewalt's website isn't working right for me, so this isn't definitive.) For other models, it seems you can buy a locking dongle to add it to a given tool.

It seems to be primarily a Bluetooth tracker, which has to be enabled/configured in order to work.

Please do correct me if I'm wrong, but it doesn't look like this is the kind of thing (like, say, HP printer carts) that will phone home and disable itself.

As an outsider to this industry, is there any real moat against what an enthusiast or several could pull off with a few iterations?

Feels like a well placed post to a model sharing site could affect the landscape.

If we can do ghost guns shouldn't hand tools follow?

Maybe something like https://ceenr.com/ ? I've never used them personally.

I haven't worked in construction for over a decade, but I remember my Bosch tools being quite good. I would have loved to be able to afford Hilti though. Bosch is pro-sumer grade, so it wouldn't surprise me if they've enshittified as well; however Hilti tools are for professionals (and priced as such), so if you have deep pockets that's probably the best bet.