A clever shopping trick recently went viral on TikTok, leaving people divided over whether it crosses an ethical or legal line. A user known as Chui, with the handle @chuistyled, shared a video showing exactly how he handled a quick repair job inside a major hardware chain. Without making any purchase, he grabbed an item off the shelf, used it right there in the aisle, and carefully returned it to its spot. The clip quickly caught attention and sparked heated discussions across social media.
In the footage, Chui picks up a screwdriver from a Home Depot display. He opens the packaging, checks that no one is watching, and uses the tool to fix a small device he brought with him. Once the repair is complete, he neatly repackages the screwdriver and places it back exactly where he found it. Text overlaid on the video explains his approach clearly, noting that he uses special tools in the store and then returns them without buying. In the caption, he added a defiant note that he plans to keep doing it.
The video has drawn all kinds of reactions from viewers. Many praised the move as a smart way to save money in tough economic times. Several commenters called it a form of short-term rental that hurts no one if the item remains undamaged. A few even shared similar stories or joked that stores should expect this kind of creative thinking from customers today.
Others took a much stricter view and labeled the behavior unethical. They argued that opening a sealed product and using it compromises its new condition for the next buyer. Some pointed out that the store loses the full value of a pristine item even if it still looks fine on the shelf. A number of people felt this crosses into taking something without permission, regardless of whether anything is removed from the building.
From a legal standpoint, the situation sits in a gray area that depends heavily on intent. Theft generally requires proving someone meant to permanently deprive the owner of property. Simply borrowing and returning an item does not meet that definition in most cases. However, deliberately opening packaging and using merchandise without paying could still lead to trouble if store security notices.
Interestingly, some employees from similar hardware and home improvement stores have chimed in online. Several said they would look the other way as long as the product ends up back on the shelf in good shape. They see minor in-store use as harmless compared to bigger issues like actual shoplifting. Of course, official store policy almost certainly does not encourage or allow this practice.
@chuistyled And I will do it again
♬ Kitchen Table Thoughts – Jazz & Co.
This incident also highlights a broader trend that has existed for years. Shoppers often buy expensive power tools for a single project, use them once, and then return them for a full refund under generous return policies. That approach stays within the rules since a purchase actually occurs. What makes Chui’s method different is skipping the transaction entirely while achieving the same result.
At the end of the day, the debate comes down to personal values and risk tolerance. Some view it as a harmless life hack that big retailers can easily absorb. Others believe it erodes trust and fairness in everyday shopping. Everyone seems to agree that getting caught could lead to embarrassment or even being asked to leave the store.
What do you think about using a store’s tools this way – clever saving or stepping over the line? Share your thoughts in the comments.
