'Novelty' screwdriver that looks like replica handgun raising concerns
Concerns are being raised about the sale of a screwdriver that looks like a replica handgun available at a popular auto retailer across Canada.
On Aug 19, Canada will temporarily ban the import of restricted handguns as a measure to try and prevent gun violence. Originally the federal government wanted to go even further and also ban look-alike gun toys.
The 3.6 volt cordless screwdriver gun sells for $17.99 through Princess Auto stores and even though it’s painted blue and the store calls it a novelty item it looks like the real thing.
A concerned viewer saw a flyer for the item and contacted CTV News Toronto saying they felt the product should not be sold and should be removed from store shelves.
CTV News reached out to Princess Auto and asked if they have had any complaints about selling the item and if they have any concerns selling a screwdriver that looks like a handgun.
A screwdriver shaped like a handgun sold at auto shops across Canada. Heather Turnbull-Smith, Vice President, Learning & Corporate Communications with Princess Auto said, “Our 3.6V Cordless screwdriver gun is considered a novelty item. The screwdriver has been modified from the original manufacturing specifications of black to blue to further highlight the original intention and make it even less realistic.”
“From its side, the bits for the screwdriver are easily visible, further highlighting its intended use. From the front, there is no barrel. There is a keyless chuck, in place of a barrel, to place the bit. The sticker on the front indicates that the product is a screwdriver.”
Turnbull-Smith added, “Like all our products, we stand behind them and customers can return or replace anything that they are unhappy with.”
CTV News also reached out to the Toronto Police Service and Media Relations Officer P.C. Cindy Chung said, “In general, we would not recommend purchasing an item that could be mistaken for a gun or that is designed to look like a replica of a gun. This could potentially result in a dangerous situation for both officers and the person using the item.”
CTV News purchased the item to ask the public what they thought of it and many people we spoke with in Toronto had concerns about how much it looked like a real firearm.
A screwdriver shaped like a handgun sold at auto shops across Canada. “This looks very unnecessary. It almost looks like a toy, but I don't know what they were thinking when they designed this," said Zack.
John said, “I think there would be too many people that would try to use it as a gun."
Harold added, “Why would you make something that makes a screwdriver look like a handgun? It's just not safe."
Victoria looked at the screwdriver gun and said, “I really don't think this is something they should bring to market."
Hanan weighed in: “I'm very much against guns so having a product that looks like a gun but isn't, I think if I was to see someone holding it, I would freak out."
While a product that looks like a gun or toy guns could seem harmless, police say they pose a challenge because fakes look like real firearms and in a fast moving situation police need to treat them as real which could lead to tragic circumstances.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Spectacular aurora light show to be seen across Canada Friday night
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
Which Canadian cities have the highest and lowest grocery prices?
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
BREAKING McGill University seeks emergency injunction to remove pro-Palestinian encampment from campus
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Swarm of 20,000 bees gather around woman’s car west of Toronto
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
U.S. says Israel's use of U.S. arms likely violated international law, but evidence is incomplete
The Biden administration said Friday that Israel's use of U.S.-provided weapons in Gaza likely violated international humanitarian law but wartime conditions prevented U.S. officials from determining that for certain in specific airstrikes.
'State or state-sponsored actor' believed to be behind B.C. government hacks
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Mother assaulted by stranger while breastfeeding baby in her car: Vancouver police
A person was arrested in East Vancouver Thursday after allegedly entering a car while a mother was breastfeeding her four-month-old boy.
More than half the Canadians once detained in Syrian camps for suspected ISIS family members have returned home
A total of 29 Canadians have been freed from detention camps in northeast Syria and brought back to Canada since human rights advocates began lobbying for their release years ago.
Canada abstains from Palestinian UN membership vote but supports two-state solution
Canada was one of 25 countries that abstained from a United Nations vote on Palestinian membership that passed with overwhelming support on Friday.