the HUSKY TOOL LIFETIME WARRANTY ???

[Griff93]

I went in with a flex head extending 3/8" ratchet a few months ago, they did not have the ratchet alone but it was in a set. They would not open the set but they did call in and get a new ratchet shipped to me, it came in about 4 days and was branded stanley. I have horror stories about trying to swap out screwdrivers though. They told me that I would have to send it in, they also gave me a number to call, I went home and called the number and was instructed to take my broken screwdriver to my local Home Depot. I had to force the Home Depot manager to call the number himself.

I've been through the same "heres the number to call. No take it to the store" routine myself. The stores excuse was we no longer carry that breaker bar not in a set. I eventually went to another store that had it seperate. They still gave me grief about how they shouldn't do this, etc. I can understand if I had put a cheater pipe on it or something like that but I hadn't with this one.

 

[Lump]

About the OP's original posted question:
I have had to write some warranty ad copy for vintage auto parts catalogs, etc, for my clients over a long career of that type of work. The real point of a "Lifetime LIMITED Warranty" is that the company is stating that there are ANY kinds of limits to their warranty implied. I'm no lawyer, but attorneys were consulted by my clients when that kind of copy was being written. I learned that if there are no limits to a warranty, then people can try to hold the mfr responsible for all kinds of "semi-related" things, such as gas money for driving the broken tool back to the retailer for replacement, "lost time" while the tool is out of service, cost of some other brand of replacement tool, etc. In other words (as I understand it), if there were no limits on a lifetime warranty, then the mfr is liable to be held financially responsible for ALL KINDS of costs. So, if a company plans to put ANY limitations on a warranty, then they need to put copy like, "Lifetime LIMITED Warranty" on their package and sales literature. Also, keep in mind that there are different consumer laws in every different state and country around the world, so manufacturers face a bewildering set of different laws. They must try to write warranty information that will protect them to some degree in many different sales environments.

You cannot blame manufacturers for trying to protect themselves from ridiculous claims. On the other hand, when you choose to buy one brand of tool instead of another, you are making that decision based on all the information available to you at the time of purchase. One bit of information which might lead you to choose one particular brand over the other might indeed be a "Lifetime Limited Warranty". And then you SHOULD really be covered by warranty service.

In the final analysis, the written warranty is not the real issue anyway. It's how they treat you when you try to return a tool. Perhaps more importantly, we all know that a retailer like Home Depot is not under the control of a manufacturer, like Husky for example (IE: Husky cannot force HD to cheerfully replace Husky tools under warranty. More likely, Husky sales people had to kiss HD's a$$ just to get HD to buy and reselll Husky tools). So for me, the real proof of Husky's warranty would be in what happens if I break a Husky tool, and call Husky's own customer service and ask for a replacement. THEN how will they treat me?


At that point, you CAN judge both the manufacturer and their warranty.

 

[kythri]

In the final analysis, the written warranty is not the real issue anyway. It's how they treat you when you try to return a tool. Perhaps more importantly, we all know that a retailer like Home Depot is not under the control of a manufacturer, like Husky for example (IE: Husky cannot force HD to cheerfully replace Husky tools under warranty. More likely, Husky sales people had to kiss HD's a$$ just to get HD to buy and reselll Husky tools). So for me, the real proof of Husky's warranty would be in what happens if I break a Husky tool, and call Husky's own customer service and ask for a replacement. THEN how will they treat me?


At that point, you CAN judge both the manufacturer and their warranty.

Husky is a Home Depot owned brand. Home Depot is required to honor the Husky warranty. Home Depot may have farmed out warranty/customer service to the manufacturer of the tools (Stanley Works), but ultimately, the buck stops with Home Depot.

 

[mrholeshot]

I really really really really like the Husky Pro Screwdrivers. So much so I want the every one in the entire ine. I was worried what they would do if I had an issue. I snapped the end of the blade off my 1/4 flat and headed off for HD. I went to customer service and told them I had a broken screwdriver. They called the guy in tools and he came and got it and about 1 minute later came back with a new one and said "Thank You" I ask them to hold onto it while. I went to the tool department and completed my set. I saw husky ratchets while I was in there. Not much open stock as far as sockets go.

 

[supertooljunkie]

I used to break Husky 1/2" breaker bars on a regular basis. I never had any trouble trading one in. Take it to the returns counter, and they would send me back to get a new one. Quick scan and I was on my way. I have since made that set my junkyard set and don't use it as much, plus it has been years since I have had to warranty any Husky tools. Sigh....but I am older and customer service has only seemed to get worse over the years.

 

[wafrederick]

Anything altered is not covered under warranty.I seen a 15/16 12 point Mac shallow socket in 3/8 drive that was used as a stripped out lug nut remover.This socket had marks where an air hammer was used on it and was not covered under warranty.Home Depot used to take in Snap On and Craftsman tools that were broken in exchange for Husky tools.I seen that stopped for some reason

 

[mrholeshot]

.Home Depot used to take in Snap On and Craftsman tools that were broken in exchange for Husky tools.I seen that stopped for some reason

Thought up by a creative tool collector at HD, lol

 

[SSGTWC]

I am a tractor trailer mechanic have been for years,use to have all snap on and mac tools,sold some years back and started driving instead,after several years came back to mechanics,bought all husky tools.couldn't be happier,a 3/8 ratchet broke aft
er about three years,I called the 1-800 number they were very apologetic that the tool broke,I was told they would send me a new one and to just throw the old one away,two days later a brand new ratchet came with fedex.recently called about a
half inch ratchet,same story.as for air tools,had a 3/8 air ratchet stop working,they said we're sorry we don't carry that item anymore and asked how much I paid for it,I said 119 dollars,two days later a gift card for 120 dollars to the home depot came in the mail.Believe when I say these tools can take a beating and they do stand behind them all you have to do is sit down and make a phone call!

:rollingeyes:

 

[Jagmandave]

Well, I'm about to find out what the limits of this warranty are, at least as applied to my situation......I have a 3/8 drive ratchet that the little flipper that changes the direction of rotation just popped out. When I took it apart I could see that the little ears that keep the flipper inside the ratchet head had broken off - I found no pieces inside but I wasn't surprised at that, it popped off when I dropped it. Is that considered abuse? I mean, is there anyone here who's ever used a ratchet and never dropped it?

I'm going to take it down to my local HD tomorrow, but the last time I was there I didn't see any Husky ratchets on the shelves. Too bad too, I really like them....I also have a 1/4" and a 1/2" drive Husky....

I'll let you know how it goes.....

BTW, IMHO the "Limit" is to their liability - in other words their only responsibility under the warranty is to replace the tool with like. Which is all most of us would want, right? It's certainly all I'm expecting.

 

[Jagmandave]

Well, I took mine down to HD and they exchanged it no questions asked.

The one I got is a Husky, although it's a little different than the one I had, just a little bit shorter and lighter and not quite as pretty , but it'll do.

Good to know they're still in stock as my HD is just down the block a bit.

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

Good luck finding a Home Depot that still has Husky ratchets on hand.

Here in San Francisco Bay Area we have Home Depot every other five miles. I was there a week ago. And they had nothing but Husky tools and were very well stocked.



I am a Toolaholic Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit.

 

[Joe Cim]

I know it's been a while since anyone commented on this post but I just I thought I would chime in... About 2 years ago I bought a box of tools off of a buddy of mine and came across a round head 1/2" drive husky ratchet... It was in my mobile box as kind of a beater ratchet... But it started to slip and act up so I thought I would use that as kind of a test to see how well home depot would stand behind backing their products... I walked right in to the tool section and searched for a new 1/2 husky ratchet... They didn't have the round head(which I don't really care for anyway) and grabbed a tear drop style husky... Took it to the counter and the CS person scanned the new one, gave me a receipt and I was on my way... Needless to say I was impressed... But I'm sure this is something that is subject to who ever you have to deal with... But who knows... Either way if at any point I feel as though they might try to find some reason to not back something I would try to go to the person that looks to hate their job the most or they just don't care... In most cases they'll give you whatever you want just so you go away and they can go back to talking or playing with their phones... LOL... So with all my ramblings here my point is that with the limited data I have as of now I would have to say that Home Depot stands behind their husky line of tools 100%... Of course availability could play a factor... But I didn't have that problem as I was getting a very basic tool replaced...

 

[HanShotFirst]

I have a couple of round head Husky ratchets that have been just fine, no complaints. I have a full set of their polished combo wrenches and while they have never failed me, they're my least favorite of all the wrenches I have. I got them because they were cheap and I wanted something to put in my tool box. I don't expect I'll ever break one as it's rare I use them.

 

[valentine]

I have an old set of USA made Husky combo wrenches. They must be about 20 or 25 years old and they have served me well. Other than that I don't have lots of Husky tools because I think that their warranty is a bit of a dice roll. Some stores exchange tools without question while others make you jump through hoops to get a new tool. I've found the best way to deal with a Husky tool warranty issue is to go into the store, locate the replacement tool and have it in my hands when I go to the customer service counter. That way the person behind the counter doesn't have to do too much work and they're usually more willing to just key in the old tool and throw the new one in a bag. It's worked for me anyway. I pretty much stay away from Husky stuff now. Many years ago, Home Depot was running a promotion where they would trade you a new Husky tool if you brought in the same tool from a different maker. It didn't matter if the tool was broken or not. This one particular store had a big barrel filled with all the old and broken tools that were being turned in. I asked the sale clerk what they were going to do with all the old tools. "Throw 'em out" he said. I asked if I could have the old Craftsman stuff and he said "sure." Picked out a few Ratchets, wrenches and screwdrivers and headed right down the road to Sears where I exchanged them for brand new USA made Craftsman. Sad to say that those days are long gone.

-Valentine

 

[Ponchoguy]

I feel so badly for the people who invested in Husky or traded in their Craftsman tools for them back when Home Depot was pushing hard on that line of tools. Seemed to make sense, price was about the same and Home depots were everywhere and was clearly a stronger company. Plus the tools seemed as nice or nicer than Craftsman. Who would have guessed that Home Depot would leave those folks high and dry. That stinks.

On the bright side Stanley takes care of their customers and most of the Husky line was Stanley. Nowdays they are sourced from wherever and it is a nightmare I would think if you have the non Stanley stuff.

To hell with Husky! Home depot really screwed people who took a chance and "invested" in that line.

That was back in 2001-2002 or so. They were actually taking other brands too. I traded in a bunch of stuff for what was at the time, USA made Husky. I wouldn't have traded any Craftsman for it though.

 

[Ponchoguy]

makes perfect sense to me, what are you getting at? Of course it's limited. Go cut a Craftsman/Mac/Proto/Snap-On/etc. ratchet in half lengthwise with a torch and see if they'll warranty it.

I brought back a half of a Craftsman socket holder I found in a junked car. It said "MAN" on what was left. I showed the clerk that it was a warrantied item, he agreed and I got a new one, no questions asked.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I brought back a half of a Craftsman socket holder I found in a junked car. It said "MAN" on what was left. I showed the clerk that it was a warrantied item, he agreed and I got a new one, no questions asked.

Was this at Sears or Home Depot ?

 

[Ponchoguy]

Was this at Sears or Home Depot ?

Sears. I have never had a problem with warranty there.

 

[Ilikeike]

I have an old set of USA made Husky combo wrenches. They must be about 20 or 25 years old and they have served me well. Other than that I don't have lots of Husky tools because I think that their warranty is a bit of a dice roll. Some stores exchange tools without question while others make you jump through hoops to get a new tool. I've found the best way to deal with a Husky tool warranty issue is to go into the store, locate the replacement tool and have it in my hands when I go to the customer service counter. That way the person behind the counter doesn't have to do too much work and they're usually more willing to just key in the old tool and throw the new one in a bag. It's worked for me anyway. I pretty much stay away from Husky stuff now. Many years ago, Home Depot was running a promotion where they would trade you a new Husky tool if you brought in the same tool from a different maker. It didn't matter if the tool was broken or not. This one particular store had a big barrel filled with all the old and broken tools that were being turned in. I asked the sale clerk what they were going to do with all the old tools. "Throw 'em out" he said. I asked if I could have the old Craftsman stuff and he said "sure." Picked out a few Ratchets, wrenches and screwdrivers and headed right down the road to Sears where I exchanged them for brand new USA made Craftsman. Sad to say that those days are long gone.

-Valentine

I've only needed to return one tool to Home Depot,a ratchet. This was a few years ago.

I went to the customer service to exchange,they said I needed a receipt to return an item.

I said something like "no theses are lifetime warranties just like Craftsman tools,that's why I purchased it. You guys even exchange craftsman tools, I don't need a receipt"

She wasn't budging,
So I went and picked up the new ratchet off the rack which stated the warranty on the tag,and went and found a manager, I then asked how the warrenty worked, He said just bring in the broken tool, no receipt required.

Since I had him where I wanted him, I showed him my broken ratchet I told him my issue at the customer service counter and that they needed some guidance. He said I'll talk to them,and handed me the new tool and said you're good to go.


fyi
The ratchet broke due to using it as a breaker bar.

 

[Ign]

I know it's been a while since anyone commented on this post but I just I thought I would chime in... About 2 years ago I bought a box of tools off of a buddy of mine and came across a round head 1/2" drive husky ratchet... It was in my mobile box as kind of a beater ratchet... But it started to slip and act up so I thought I would use that as kind of a test to see how well home depot would stand behind backing their products... I walked right in to the tool section and searched for a new 1/2 husky ratchet... They didn't have the round head(which I don't really care for anyway) and grabbed a tear drop style husky... Took it to the counter and the CS person scanned the new one, gave me a receipt and I was on my way... Needless to say I was impressed... But I'm sure this is something that is subject to who ever you have to deal with... But who knows... Either way if at any point I feel as though they might try to find some reason to not back something I would try to go to the person that looks to hate their job the most or they just don't care... In most cases they'll give you whatever you want just so you go away and they can go back to talking or playing with their phones... LOL... So with all my ramblings here my point is that with the limited data I have as of now I would have to say that Home Depot stands behind their husky line of tools 100%... Of course availability could play a factor... But I didn't have that problem as I was getting a very basic tool replaced...

Kudos for searching, seriously. I think the issue comes w items that only come in a set. Most employees can't figure out how to swap a single socket from a kit if they don't have individuals on the hangers. There should be a common sense way to handle it, even if it means opening and RTV'ing a complete set, but common sense isn't common.

edit: I recently warrantied a single Torx bit, no problems at all. They sell individuals, though.

 

[pablo94sc]

I had some issues warrantying my husky TQ wrench. It was a 150ft/lb one and all they had in stock was the 250ft/lb one, but after talking to the manager I got the swap. No receipt needed. I had to call the 800# for my ratchets (black Husky Pro) and the rep at Stanley told me to throw the old ones away and shipped me new ones - got them in under a week if I recall. The old ones still worked as breaker bars so I tossed them in a box to hammer on in tight places.

Anyway, I'm replying because my replacements are starting to have issues as well with the reverse switch jumping when ratcheting. Called the 888# and HD moved to a new manufacturer 3 years ago and said all Husky hand tool warranties are handled in store now. Not sure I'm interested in replacing USA made Stanley tools with Husky branded Apex tools. Sure they make Gearwrench, but are they really good? Might be time to switch to another brand.

 

[Dajugganautx]

I was in the market for some torque wrenches and was keeping a eye on the husky brand ones. I noticed after going to a few different home depot's that they are moving from a lifetime warranty to a 1 year warranty for all torque wrenches.

One store would have packaging that displayed a full lifetime warranty while others will display a 1 year warranty on the exact same torque wrench.