Power tool with irreversably lockable compartment

A method of deterring removal of a wireless communication device inserted into a compartment of a housing of a power tool, the method comprising:

• receiving, by the compartment of the housing, the wireless communication device, the power tool including a motor within the housing and having a rotor and a stator, wherein the motor is configured to drive an output drive device, wherein the power tool includes a battery pack interface configured to receive a power tool battery pack, and wherein the wireless communication device stores an identification code unique to the wireless communication device;
• controlling, with a controller located within the housing, operation of the motor, the controller including a data connection configured to couple to the wireless communication device when the wireless communication device is inserted into the compartment;
• enabling the controller to communicate with an external device via the data connection and a wireless communication controller included in the wireless communication device;
• implementing, via communication between the controller and the wireless communication controller, an electronic lock mechanism to detect when the wireless communication device has been removed from the power tool;
• and
• in response to detecting that the wireless communication device has been removed from the power tool, inhibit the operation of the motor of the power tool.

A power tool device comprising:

• a housing including
• a compartment, wherein the compartment is configured to receive a wireless communication device that includes a wireless communication controller with a transceiver, wherein the wireless communication device stores an identification code unique to the wireless communication device, and
• a battery pack interface configured to receive a power tool battery pack;
• a powered element configured to be selectively coupled to power provided by the power tool battery pack;
• a controller within the housing and having an electronic processor, a memory, and a data connection, the data connection configured to couple the electronic processor to the wireless communication device when the wireless communication device is inserted into the compartment, wherein the controller is configured to:
• control operation of the powered element,
• communicate with an external device via the data connection and the transceiver,
• communicate with the wireless communication device to implement an electronic lock mechanism to detect when the wireless communication device has been removed from the power tool, and
• inhibit, in response to detecting that the wireless communication device has been removed from the power tool, the operation of the powered element.