Buying tools based on warranty

[Finky198]

It's nice harbor freight has a lifetime warranty on their hand tools but it really wouldn't matter to me, since they're inexpensive enough I could just throw them away if they broke.

Someone was harping that Honda generators carry a three-year warranty, wall Harbor freight was only 90 days, but that Hardly justifies paying 5x the price.


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I never understood the argument cause as soon as the warranty is up. The Honda start to out shine the competition the availability of parts and service over the long haul far outweighs the cost of replacing the HF unit entirely. When a part goes and and they say sorry it’s not available.

My Honda eu2000 is close to 10 years old, the only thing I’ve ever changed are the plug and the oil, but guess what if I need a part I can get it tomorrow and it’ll be back up and running for another 5-10 yrs. most likey for under 50 bucks.


Similar to CAT and Snap on its about serviceability. Honda makes a top notch product that they fully warranty and back with parts and service. Even though they build them to long exceed even their own warranty claims. Buying the Honda like buying a Snap on ratchet and spending the money up front knowing that most of the bugs, issue, and technical difficulties have been worked out before it get to the consumer. And on the off chance it brakes it can be fixed one way or another. As other have said one and done.

I never plan on having to re purchase another basic ratchet for the rest of my life. One I don’t have maybe but that’s it’s. Could I possibly need a rebuild kit over the next ten year maybe idk. But it doesn’t keep me up at night because I knew I was buy a tool that is made to last and cost a little extra. But spread the cost out on my lifetime and it peanuts compared to the time wasted on **** breaking and needing replaced constantly... my time is worth more then $7.50 hr As someone else stated.


You can buy 1 honda and have it last 10-20 years.
And by the off chance it doesn’t you can repair. For the most part.

Or you can buy the HF and roll the dice. 90 days, 3yrs, 5yrs who knows...

Although both of them used way beyond their capabilities and will fail regardless. Just like a Snap on ratchet can fail the same way a HF ones does ( and I own Both ) I have yet to breaks snap on tho. Can’t say that about the HF but I knew that when I bought them and they have their purpose...

But I’d much rather put my money on the business who’s built a brand synonymous with top of the line generators, Ratchets etc... It makes more sense in the long run...

Part 2 my recent run-in with warranty service.

I could add surefire to the list. I started buying them when I worked nights in NYC and LA for around 4 years. I’ve since bought 5 In total unfortunately losing one... but of the 4 in 10 years. I just last week had my first failure and it was replaced for free within a 10days... I’ve been through 350 battery in that time. 2 per light. They have been used so much it not even funny. I have daily carried 2 them for the last 5 years one in my console and one at my box. And 2 at home.

I could say the same or similar about most of the brands I have bought stuff from. Many mentioned in here already. To me the key in today’s day is to best educate yourself with the massive amount of knowledge on the internet... and being able to filter and comprehend what you see. To make the most informed decision. Not just on “COO, warranty” but with the “whole picture” taken into account.

 

[TractorJeff]

I wouldn't go lower than this!
"The general correlation for readily available tools in the USA would be: USA>=Japan>Europe>Taiwan>"
I use tools on a professional basis and a hobbyist basis.
If you use them properly, you probably should not need to Warranty them.
Few items over the years are probably Ratchets and a few Sockets. Sockets only to keep the set looking complete.
Gear Puller parts, only because they do bend or break.

 

[Finky198]

Can’t agree more^^^

Hence my Snap Off puller Cabinet. ( good pullers in cheap Cabinet...)

 

[jonesg]

As long as everyone's choice makes sense to them.
Non of my business. I could care less about tools, machines are different.

 

[rsanter]

It used to be that a lifetime warranty was a sign that they believed in their product enough to stand behind it.
It still does in a way, but it has also gotten watered down to where they lifetime warranty cheap stuff and have the replacement cost built into the price.
I don’t shop purely on warranty, but on many items I do look at warranty as part of the value of what I am buying

Bob

 

[four.cycle]

It used to be that a lifetime warranty was a sign that they believed in their product enough to stand behind it.

To be fair, "lifetime warranty" has been used as a marketing gimmick for a long time, and it may or may not be any indicator of a given product's quality.
I submit: "Unconditional lifetime warranty" on Wilmar Tools (now known as "Performance Tool" sold at O'Reilly's Auto Parts.)
Almost all of those cheapie 40-piece 1/4" and 3/8" Taiwan-made socket sets we were selling like crazy in the 1970's (with any number of "brands" printed on the labels) touted "Unconditional Lifetime Warranty". We were bringing them in out of Los Angeles for about $1.83 a set - minimum order for prepaid freight was 1000 sets - and we sold them all day long for $8.88 and ran them on sales for $3.88 and still made money. If the customer had a complaint, we replaced the entire set, no questions asked. The sales rep would write us a credit for the returned sets and we'd toss them into the dumpster in back.

 

[M6erfan]

Warranty has never been a huge deal for me on hand tools, but many here seem to make it a very important part of tool purchases. Why?...


...So...why the huge hang-up on warranty?

Because some people get hung up on a lot of stuff.

From what I've seen posted here over the years there seems to be several "camps" regarding lifetime hand tool warranties...

Those that think warranty is important because they're working techs that have a large investment and wear their tools out way faster than a non working pro.

Those that like the lifetime warranty because they're cheap lazy idiots that use tools incorrectly and break them with regularity.

Those that like the easy lifetime warranty because they go "garage sailing" on weekends and pay pennies on the dollar for broken or worn out name brand tools then demand that the manufacturer replace them with new.

Those that think normal wear and tear should be included in a Lifetime Warranty and push the generosity of the OEM to the limit

Then there's those that don't give a flip about warranty because they buy decent tools and use them properly.

And then there's the group who think a "lifetime Warranty" should extend beyond the original manufacturers demise or the off shoring of once Made in USA tools

Personally, i don't purchase hand tools based on warranty. I think that if a tool has a manufacturing defect, i'm gonna find out pretty fast. Well within 30 days.

 

[6PTsocket]

That's funny...I just got into in argument with my mom about buying gas. I told here what I paid, and she happily brought up that she'd filled up with 14 gallons and had done it for $0.13/gallon less than me...at costco....and she only sat in line for 15 minutes. She didn't seem to understand when I explained to her that my time was worth more than $7.50/hr....but my Dad found it quite amusing.

Then add in the additonal 4% discount for the first $7000 dollars per year and your mom paid even less than that if she is a Costco member. I rarely wait very long to tank up at my local Costco and the local station that has about the same pump price has about the same size lines. Costco has a lot of pumps and is quite efficient. I have to take their word for it that their detergent package far excedes minimum requirements. Every major brand has their own and the gas usually comes from the same refinery and each name brand additive package is added at the end. Off brand discount stations use a bare minimum cheapo package. That leads me to believe that name brand gas is probably pretty much the same.

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[Mikeske]

When I used tools in a professional environment I originally bought Bonney in the early 1980's. After they folded I moved over to any old brand and did not care one bit about warranty. I normally had doubles of everything and something would break it ended up in a tray in the back of my top box and I grab the double and used it and never got concerned with warranty again.

I retired this year and I had enough tools to overwhelm my el-cheapo Waterloo box I bought with the Bonney set. I just got finished buying a bunch of new tool boxes and carts for my home shop and I am set for my retirement and I have just like years ago doubles but now I have triples and quads of just about every wrench, socket, ratchet and screwdrivers. I never even bother with warranty unless I catch the Snap-on, Matco, Mac and whoever else has a tool truck.

My all time favorite tools are still that original set of Bonney tools and I have almost a complete set of them that I had originally. Warranty for me was a waste of time and I Had a good set of tools starting out. Those tools outlasted my career and now I can do what I want when I want.

 

[Tonyuk]

I don't worry about warranty too much with basic hand tools, stuff like combination spanners, screw drivers, hammers, chisels and punches etc.. But anything with moving parts, such as electrics, ratchets, ratchet spanners etc.. I like to buy brands that offer a lifetime warranty. I've only had to warranty a few tools over the years, 2 ratchet spanners and a torx t-handle. I don't consider screwdriver tips wearing out as a defect so don't bother even trying to warranty them.

 

[Mr_B]

^ +1 to similar approach as above .
absolute no need have warranty on sockets crv or cr-mo, wrenches, chisels/punchs, hammers, basic pliers, screwdrivers etc.
extensions and ratchets can be beneficial for a pro, I break a fair few extension at times.
Electric battery tools, scan tools and other test kit far more need for decent warranty.
also got consider what companies good on warranty, snapon good for ratchets and extensions but no life warranty on elec stuff and the service costs quite high .
I like minimum of 2yrs on elec stuff but preferably 3yr .
couldn't care on screwdrivers, I got goo d set williams and some beater/abuse screwdrivers and happy self warranty basics as far easier quicker and cheaper plus opens up far greater tool range and choices .

 

[WhiffySpark]

Preaching to the wrong crowd. People on here will scream in the middle of harbor freight and threaten to sue sears for warrantying a 30 year old ratchet they found at a flea market.

 

[zendriver]

I never understood the argument cause as soon as the warranty is up. The Honda start to out shine the competition the availability of parts and service over the long haul far outweighs the cost of replacing the HF unit entirely. When a part goes and and they say sorry it’s not available.

My Honda eu2000 is close to 10 years old, the only thing I’ve ever changed are the plug and the oil, but guess what if I need a part I can get it tomorrow and it’ll be back up and running for another 5-10 yrs. most likey for under 50 bucks.


Similar to CAT and Snap on its about serviceability. Honda makes a top notch product that they fully warranty and back with parts and service. Even though they build them to long exceed even their own warranty claims. Buying the Honda like buying a Snap on ratchet and spending the money up front knowing that most of the bugs, issue, and technical difficulties have been worked out before it get to the consumer. And on the off chance it brakes it can be fixed one way or another. As other have said one and done.

I never plan on having to re purchase another basic ratchet for the rest of my life. One I don’t have maybe but that’s it’s. Could I possibly need a rebuild kit over the next ten year maybe idk. But it doesn’t keep me up at night because I knew I was buy a tool that is made to last and cost a little extra. But spread the cost out on my lifetime and it peanuts compared to the time wasted on **** breaking and needing replaced constantly... my time is worth more then $7.50 hr As someone else stated.


You can buy 1 honda and have it last 10-20 years.
And by the off chance it doesn’t you can repair. For the most part.

Or you can buy the HF and roll the dice. 90 days, 3yrs, 5yrs who knows...

Although both of them used way beyond their capabilities and will fail regardless. Just like a Snap on ratchet can fail the same way a HF ones does ( and I own Both ) I have yet to breaks snap on tho. Can’t say that about the HF but I knew that when I bought them and they have their purpose...

But I’d much rather put my money on the business who’s built a brand synonymous with top of the line generators, Ratchets etc... It makes more sense in the long run...

Part 2 my recent run-in with warranty service.

I could add surefire to the list. I started buying them when I worked nights in NYC and LA for around 4 years. I’ve since bought 5 In total unfortunately losing one... but of the 4 in 10 years. I just last week had my first failure and it was replaced for free within a 10days... I’ve been through 350 battery in that time. 2 per light. They have been used so much it not even funny. I have daily carried 2 them for the last 5 years one in my console and one at my box. And 2 at home.

I could say the same or similar about most of the brands I have bought stuff from. Many mentioned in here already. To me the key in today’s day is to best educate yourself with the massive amount of knowledge on the internet... and being able to filter and comprehend what you see. To make the most informed decision. Not just on “COO, warranty” but with the “whole picture” taken into account.

It's pretty easy for me.

By buying the predator, instead of a Honda I save $1700, that I can do something else with, enough to invest, actually.

I don't know how long the predator will last, but I would think it would do 10 years with a minimal amount to use, which is all I will use it for. If I was going to run it hours a day, every day, then maybe the Honda would be a better option, I don't know.

But what I do know, is that if the Predator quits or needs parts that I can't find, I can throw it in the scrap pile buy a brand new unit and still be money way ahead.

I have no doubt, that Honda is a good generator, but if you do a Google search and you'll find it they have their fair share of problems recalls and failures as well.

I am not wealthy, so paying $1700 extra for something I use occasionally just doesn't add up.




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[Tonyuk]

How much you'll spend on tools will always depend on how much use you'll be putting them through. I spend decent money on kit for working on cars because i make my wages off it, but wouldn't dream of buying an expensive set of paint brushes for example. Horses for courses, everyone has a different perception on the value of a tool or other piece of kit.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

My primary hand tools are Proto, SnapOn and SK..

On a scale of 1 to 10; warranty concerns would rate about a 4000.

 

[Finky198]

It's pretty easy for me.

By buying the predator, instead of a Honda I save $1700, that I can do something else with, enough to invest, actually.

I don't know how long the predator will last, but I would think it would do 10 years with a minimal amount to use, which is all I will use it for. If I was going to run it hours a day, every day, then maybe the Honda would be a better option, I don't know.

But what I do know, is that if the Predator quits or needs parts that I can't find, I can throw it in the scrap pile buy a brand new unit and still be money way ahead.

I have no doubt, that Honda is a good generator, but if you do a Google search

and you'll find it they have their fair share of problems recalls and failures as well.

I am not wealthy, so paying $1700 extra for something I use occasionally just doesn't add up.




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Your key word is “Minimal” amount of use... were in two total different worlds
I paid $750 for my eu2000 back then and have used it constantly for almost 10 years.
It’s different strokes for different folks.. Nothing wrong with that.

My partner always jokes with me that my gas powered stuff unlike his. My Work Saws, Genrator, Blowers. Ect alway start on 1st or 2nd pull. Even though some are more then 10 years old. It’s pride of ownership and proper maintenance. It doesn’t take much time or money but the lack of frustration for me is well worth the added productivity.

 

[Al Borland]

As long as it worked when new, it's usually a case of "It worked before you (I) broke it!"
If I broke it abusing it (HIGHLY likely), why would I expect it to be warrantied?
If I DID break it, did it last a reasonable while? If yes, get another.
If no, get something better.
Simple process.

 

[PelicanPines]

My attitude... if I break a tool... and I do break em... I must have bought the wrong tool or used it wrong. I go and find the right one and buy it.

 

[BoganBox]

Most of my tools were shipped (actually, flown) in from Europe and the US, and while they have warranties, making claims would generally be impractical and therefore it is never a deciding factor for me. I run the gauntlet on manufacturing defects and try not to abuse my tools so they don't break.

 

[bpjr]

It's pretty easy for me.

By buying the predator, instead of a Honda I save $1700, that I can do something else with, enough to invest, actually.

I don't know how long the predator will last, but I would think it would do 10 years with a minimal amount to use, which is all I will use it for. If I was going to run it hours a day, every day, then maybe the Honda would be a better option, I don't know.

But what I do know, is that if the Predator quits or needs parts that I can't find, I can throw it in the scrap pile buy a brand new unit and still be money way ahead.

I have no doubt, that Honda is a good generator, but if you do a Google search and you'll find it they have their fair share of problems recalls and failures as well.

I am not wealthy, so paying $1700 extra for something I use occasionally just doesn't add up.




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Times have changed. The days of "no parts available" is pretty much out dated info. Predator and others have parts warehouses in the usa and next day shipping. The most popular small china engines are honda clones part for part and very reliable. Well documents if you do your research. Predators dominate cart racing now. But, you can order parts from honda if necessary...and pay 4x the price.

My Northern Tool generator has a 2 yr warranty and engine is a honda clone...same as the predator. It gets used maybe once every 3 yrs for a few hours (although it ran 2 weeks steady in the last hurricane) and the rest is just running to maintain it. No need for a honda at 3x the cost. I bought partly on warranty but mostly on options and the durable china engine was a plus.

On the other hand, a friend has a cottage in the bahamas and uses honda generators because they are reliable and the main source of electricity. He runs maybe 2k hrs in 2-3 yrs before issues start. This has been going on for 8-10 yrs and is on the 4th gen. Warranty doesn't mean jack to him due to the cost of having no place to exercise it locally.

 

[Tennessee Cattleman]

A warranty is only as good as the company currently standing behind it. I would prefer high quality hand tools over lifetime warranted, low quality hand tools. My hand tool go to brands are Snap-on, SK and Proto.

 

[7avalon7]

Because some people get hung up on a lot of stuff.

From what I've seen posted here over the years there seems to be several "camps" regarding lifetime hand tool warranties...

Those that think warranty is important because they're working techs that have a large investment and wear their tools out way faster than a non working pro.

Those that like the lifetime warranty because they're cheap lazy idiots that use tools incorrectly and break them with regularity.

Those that like the easy lifetime warranty because they go "garage sailing" on weekends and pay pennies on the dollar for broken or worn out name brand tools then demand that the manufacturer replace them with new.

Those that think normal wear and tear should be included in a Lifetime Warranty and push the generosity of the OEM to the limit

Then there's those that don't give a flip about warranty because they buy decent tools and use them properly.

And then there's the group who think a "lifetime Warranty" should extend beyond the original manufacturers demise or the off shoring of once Made in USA tools

Personally, i don't purchase hand tools based on warranty. I think that if a tool has a manufacturing defect, i'm gonna find out pretty fast. Well within 30 days.

Could not said it any better. These 4 groups below imo really screw things up for everyone. It is easier to just warranty the items, but manufactures do increase the price to cover these incidents. Tools (and everything else) would be cheaper if we do not have people abusing the system.

Those that like the lifetime warranty because they're cheap lazy idiots that use tools incorrectly and break them with regularity.

Those that like the easy lifetime warranty because they go "garage sailing" on weekends and pay pennies on the dollar for broken or worn out name brand tools then demand that the manufacturer replace them with new.

Those that think normal wear and tear should be included in a Lifetime Warranty and push the generosity of the OEM to the limit

And then there's the group who think a "lifetime Warranty" should extend beyond the original manufacturers demise or the off shoring of once Made in USA tools

 

[mudflap]

We keep tools that are easy to warranty in the field service trucks.. Sometimes you have to sacrifice a tool to get the job done.. Screwdrivers, and bit sockets are consumables ...so they need to be easy to warranty. Thats why we pay SO $30 for a $5 screwdriver...so we have 5 more coming..it's not complicated.

 

[jonesg]

We keep tools that are easy to warranty in the field service trucks.. Sometimes you have to sacrifice a tool to get the job done.. Screwdrivers, and bit sockets are consumables ...so they need to be easy to warranty. Thats why we pay SO $30 for a $5 screwdriver...so we have 5 more coming..it's not complicated.

You could do better bulk buying what you find to be the more consumable tools. If i pay upfront for tools i might break, I want them in my posession...because I paid for them.

 

[Mr_B]

^ +1 to that .
We would never bother paying extra for a general screwdriver warranty.
Easier, quicker to by in bulk of like 3 and keep 2 stocked . you get instant replacement and yet spent half of some truck costs. Self warranty is a very valid option on cost and efficiency on many tools .
Even my best screwdriver set I not concerned on warranty so got williams 19pc set.
Plenty good enough beater screwdriver options at local stores and likes of toptul and wera not bad cheapish options, toptul go thru set is nice durable set for quite cheap money .

 

[-OSIS-]

^ +1 to similar approach as above .
absolute no need have warranty on sockets crv or cr-mo, wrenches, chisels/punchs, hammers, basic pliers, screwdrivers etc.
extensions and ratchets can be beneficial for a pro, I break a fair few extension at times.
Electric battery tools, scan tools and other test kit far more need for decent warranty.
also got consider what companies good on warranty, snapon good for ratchets and extensions but no life warranty on elec stuff and the service costs quite high .
I like minimum of 2yrs on elec stuff but preferably 3yr .
couldn't care on screwdrivers, I got goo d set williams and some beater/abuse screwdrivers and happy self warranty basics as far easier quicker and cheaper plus opens up far greater tool range and choices .

Just can’t agree with this. I’ve broke three impact sockets this year so for me, ya that warranty is important.

 

[SantaAna12]

I had a guy working for me that when I asked his opinion on his generator he replied: "I had it five years and never done a thing to it."
I replied something like....yeah? Oil only huh?
"No....nothing."

Honda generators. Gotta love it.

My point is it wasnt about the warranty, but about what worked for both of us.
I increased my rounds to his job site, and switched to Hondas. He kept on spending his time doing his thing too.

I like tools that work, and its great when they have a warranty too, but not primary.

 

[ssdave]

Just can’t agree with this. I’ve broke three impact sockets this year so for me, ya that warranty is important.

There's a middle ground; those that break stuff enough that warranty is a good way to get replacements, yet have too many tools to have 5 or 10 of each one on hand for in case one breaks.

Warranty is a good way to have prepaid backups for some things that will break, without having to back up everything multiple times. You may only pay 20% more for a good warranty, but may replace one item in the set 8 times. However, there are items that will never get replaced. To have backups for every one of those items would be a real burden. It may not make the most economic sense to buy warranty, but for some people it might.

In general, I agree with self-warranty. But, there's more than one way to do things.

 

[wafrederick]

Grey Pnuematic,the warranty is void if bought on Amazon.This is an issue with tools bought on Amazon.Reason why Grey Pneumatic voids the warranty is Amazon is not an authorized dealer of Grey Pneumatic.I have seen one broken 1/2 drive Matco locking flex head ratchet that should of never been warrantied.The dealer I dealt with was told it was broken with use of a fork lift truck for extra leverage by the customer after he warrantied it.

 

[Mr_B]

Just can’t agree with this. I’ve broke three impact sockets this year so for me, ya that warranty is important.

What brand and drive size, I not broke 3 impact sockets in 30yrs of auto and agricultural shop use, some older common size ones get wallowed on square drive over time . My favourite is japan style cr-mo .

 

[WhiffySpark]

What brand and drive size, I not broke 3 impact sockets in 30yrs of auto and agricultural shop use, some older common size ones get wallowed on square drive over time . My favourite is japan style cr-mo .

I had to warranty a full matco lug socket set every 3 months like clockwork

 

[pi_guy]

Just can’t agree with this. I’ve broke three impact sockets this year so for me, ya that warranty is important.

The Snap on electronic pliers are in the $60 range, in two years I have had 3 pairs replaced the cutter gets dull it has paid for its self.
That is not an irrational price for electronic pliers.
But it not the warranty that I buy SO it is the quality of the product, plus there are items made no where else. & having the warranty is just extra gravy.

 

[-OSIS-]

What brand and drive size, I not broke 3 impact sockets in 30yrs of auto and agricultural shop use, some older common size ones get wallowed on square drive over time . My favourite is japan style cr-mo .

Half in no name 21mm and 1 Mac half in 21mm and a half in lisle t50 impact. I’m ruthless with tools though. It’s not on purpose though, I’m just naturally talented at breaking **** XD

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have warrantied precious few tools in my 6 plus decades on this Earth. I generally buy quality tools and use them as they are designed to be used. These tools usually come with a "lifetime warranty". Used properly, the warranty is a non-issue for me

On those rare occasions that I buy an inexpensive tool (Harbor Freight or similar), I use it, if it fails, it goes in the scrap bin and is sold off by the pound.

 

[Ign]

Could not said it any better. These 4 groups below imo really screw things up for everyone. It is easier to just warranty the items, but manufactures do increase the price to cover these incidents. Tools (and everything else) would be cheaper if we do not have people abusing the system.

Those that like the lifetime warranty because they're cheap lazy idiots that use tools incorrectly and break them with regularity.

Those that like the easy lifetime warranty because they go "garage sailing" on weekends and pay pennies on the dollar for broken or worn out name brand tools then demand that the manufacturer replace them with new.

Those that think normal wear and tear should be included in a Lifetime Warranty and push the generosity of the OEM to the limit

And then there's the group who think a "lifetime Warranty" should extend beyond the original manufacturers demise or the off shoring of once Made in USA tools

This has me very concerned. My wife loves the ocean and it creates constant tension between us on where to vacation and even where to live. For me the water just doesn't do anything.

But if she learns it's possible to sail a garage she will insist we move immediately. I really don't have any desire to have a floating garage. Damnit.