How to get Snap-On warranty replacement?

pfbz · Dec 24, 2008

I'm doing a complete tool inventory/purge/restock... 30+ years of tools, many of which are Snap-on.

A handful of the Snap-on tools are not in good shape and I would like to get warranty repair or replacement of them.

I haven't stepped foot on a Snap-on truck in at least 20+ years, and have never actually had a Snap-on warranty replacement.

Should I try and hunt down a local franchise guy at one of his regular stops and just bring him the tools? What should I expect? Is it more or less hassle to try and work through the Snap-on internet customer service guys?

Also, what about proof of purchase? Do these guys want to see receipts (which are *long* gone)? I doubt there would be any corporate computer records from some of the original purchase dates of these tools, in the early '70's.

Do I need to buy some new stuff to build a relationship with the dealer/frachisee before I can expect to get him/her to replace any of my old broken tools?

Also, several of my ratchets are performing poorly... Will they replace them, or tell me to buy a rebuild kit (although I think some are sealed)?

Thanks for any advice or input.

billymade · Dec 24, 2008

First of all I would figure out who your local dealer is that is closest to you; contact customer service to find this out or talk to a repair shop close to you:
http://buy1.snapon.com/snapon-store/customer.asp

To have your local dealer contact you: http://buy1.snapon.com/customerselfservice/Default.aspx

In a perfect world; they should rebuild your ratchets for free, replace broken shanks on screwdrivers and replace any broken tools as well... as many have said/experienced: it all depends on the dealer you are working with, YMMV! Good luck!

nissan_crawler · Dec 24, 2008

That pretty much comes down to the dealer, as billy said. My dealer wouldn't even blink if you brought it on. I just take the ratchet guts out, hand the broken ones to her in a bag, and she hands me a new kit for free. Buying something new wouldn't hurt to butter them up.

rodm1 · Dec 24, 2008

I would call him let him know what you have to warranty (if a large amount of stuff) and let him decide if he would like to order or take the stuff out of stock. I would spend a few dollars with them only after the warranty is complete.

Merkava_4 · Dec 24, 2008

rodm1 said:
I would spend a few dollars with them only after the warranty is complete.

..................................... :+1:

RickP330 · Dec 24, 2008

I bought a 1/2" drive ratchet off of E-bay and got a bum deal because it was busted. I brought it on my S/O truck and told my guy right off I bought it for cheap off E-bay. He didn't even blink, he took it and rebuilt it for me no questions asked. I had it back the next week as good as new. It all depends on your sales person I suppose; but mine is just happy to have my business.
RickP

that dan · Dec 24, 2008

good luck, my son's dealer won't replace broken tools but will sell him new one's!

RickP330 · Dec 24, 2008

that dan said:
good luck, my son's dealer won't replace broken tools but will sell him new one's!

In my area there are three guys I could go to. I go out of my way to deal with the guy I have now he has been following me around and where I work now it's really out of his area. But I guess he knows I could go anywhere I want. If I were you, I'd try someone else if have that option.
Rick

autoace · Dec 24, 2008

Good luck, I no longer have SO as my cornerstone tools anymore. I have always spent mega with SO, their warranty is subjective.

For the most part, they will not replace worn tools. You may be able to buy ratchet kits, and odds and ends for repair. Depends on the dealer, but for the most part, slim chance.

It's not just SO, I don't buy a ton of Cornwell either, even though I have a great dealer. I think all truck tool companies are becoming the same, they like to sell you stuff, but warranty is pot luck.

Anyway, I am starting to stock up on good old Craftsman again, after all these years. I want Sears to keep selling them, and want a warranty. I only buy what I HAVE TO from the truck companies. Sears can be a pain, if you get some pop tart of an employee, but most male managers are pretty decent about it.

If you can't get the SO tools replaced, sell them to somebody who can. Good luck!

Chris Adams · Dec 24, 2008

Why not slip the local guy a 50 and ask him if ‘please sir, may I have a warranty’?

Pardon the sarcasm, but really, that's what you guys are saying.

Which is why whenever some guy I’m talking tools with (usually not a pro) starts talking about how wonderful Snap-On’s warranty is I usually laugh.

I have dead Mac, dead Snap-On tools in my junk drawer.
Good for cutting down into useful tools, but warranty? No that’s what you get at Harbor Freight and Sears.

Truck dealers around here DON’T want your business, much less to warranty items. They only want credit customers at shops.
HF you can walk in and replace the tool. You have to keep the receipt on some items, but at least you can GET a new one.

Best thing about Snap-On is you can buy replacement ratchet guts when you need them, just put them in yourself.

GDA · Dec 24, 2008

Here is my suggestion as I am not a professional (accountant) and I had to build a relationship with my SO guy from scratch.

I would suggest you call him up and give him a quick run down on who you are and where you live and tell him a little bit about what (how many) tools you have. Given your history with SO tools this should get you off on the right foot. Then talk a little about your plans to replace and upgrade some stuff over the next couple months/years and talk to him about how you'd like to work with the right person and see what he says. This is now his chance to tell you about the way he operates and get your business now and in the future. Only then if all seems to be right, would I bring up the idea that you would like to meet up sometime soon and pick up some items. Again, I'd pick up a couple items and one big ticket item if you can. This will show diversity in purchasing along with the ability to buy something of substance from him. After that buy wait a couple weeks and then call him back to get a couple items warrantied. Take it from there.

Like everything in life a good relationship involves time and effort and some give and take.

My SO guy after the first year started to offer to drop by my house at the end of a day's route when he would be near the suburb or mail me my stuff I ordered for free. I now get a standard 15% off internet listed price and on a recent air tool purchase got close to 35% off.

Wish you all the best.

terabyte · Dec 24, 2008

if I were in your exact shoes I would deal with the corporate office over the phone and or internet. dealing with a sales person when trying to get warranty is like pulling teeth in my experience.

bushhawg73 · Dec 24, 2008

GDA said:
Here is my suggestion as I am not a professional (accountant) and I had to build a relationship with my SO guy from scratch.

I would suggest you call him up and give him a quick run down on who you are and where you live and tell him a little bit about what (how many) tools you have. Given your history with SO tools this should get you off on the right foot. Then talk a little about your plans to replace and upgrade some stuff over the next couple months/years and talk to him about how you'd like to work with the right person and see what he says. This is now his chance to tell you about the way he operates and get your business now and in the future. Only then if all seems to be right, would I bring up the idea that you would like to meet up sometime soon and pick up some items. Again, I'd pick up a couple items and one big ticket item if you can. This will show diversity in purchasing along with the ability to buy something of substance from him. After that buy wait a couple weeks and then call him back to get a couple items warrantied. Take it from there.

Like everything in life a good relationship involves time and effort and some give and take.

My SO guy after the first year started to offer to drop by my house at the end of a day's route when he would be near the suburb or mail me my stuff I ordered for free. I now get a standard 15% off internet listed price and on a recent air tool purchase got close to 35% off.

Wish you all the best.

X2, You have to get to know the dealer. I would meet them and buy something small that I wanted anyway. BS a little and tell him or her about the tools. Most dealers will be happy to help. I deal with two different Snap on dealers. One because it is easy to meet with him and make my tool payments and the other one because I like the guy and give him my business.

Vinko · Dec 25, 2008

I bought some things on the truck today, with my 3 year old son, (a small ball pein hammer, and a box :bounce:

), and we had yet again another conversation about warranty. He said that he's got some guys who all they do is buy SnapOn at flea markets and try to warranty it. He won't do it anymore. I think it's the right decision. We talked about tool abuse. He'll warranty most types, like a guy who uses a non-impact when a impact wouldn't been right for the job, because if a guy needs a thin-walled socket, what's he gonna do?

daveblank · Dec 25, 2008

RickP330 said:
I bought a 1/2" drive ratchet off of E-bay and got a bum deal because it was busted. I brought it on my S/O truck and told my guy right off I bought it for cheap off E-bay. He didn't even blink, he took it and rebuilt it for me no questions asked. I had it back the next week as good as new.

If it was a regular ratchet why did he take it to rebuild it? Does he not do it tight there in front of you?

Tiki · May 8, 2009

If you are the original owner, the best thing is to write to Snap-on and request warranty coverage. If granted, you will be able to get serviced under their mail-in warranty service program. Make sure you insure the package(s)!!

http://www1.snapon.com/display/termsofsale.nws

And for those of you who are thinking about buying SO tools off of eBay: "This warranty only extends to the original Customer and cannot be transferred or assigned."

A lot of dealers will honor warranties because they are technically independent businesses and have the option to do that. Some will in order to build personal relationships among their existing or potential customers.

rsanter · May 8, 2009

I havent had a snap on guy in years
my dad had a snap on ratchet that was skipping so I took it and called snap on for the dealer nearest my work. called him and told him I had a ratchet that needs a kit. he came by the next week on his rounds and fixed the ratchet with no question.
after that I went ahead and bought the metric line type crowsfoot set I wanted and a couple of the crowsfoot holders.
since then I have bought a couple of things here and there. I call him and tell him what I want and if he has it he drops by the following week. if he orders it he comes by a couple of weeks later

bob

jdcompman · May 8, 2009

Just send them in. I have done this and multiple others have as well. Sent my broken tools in and got my new replacements the next week. Seriously the most painless way of doing it IMHO.

send it in to this address:

If you have broken tools, please send them to
Snap On RPC ARS
2801 80th ST Dock 8
Kenosha, WI 53143

Please include a sheet of paper with all part numbers, your first and last name, shipping address, and contact phone number.

porschedude996TT · May 8, 2009

jdcompman said:
Just send them in. I have done this and multiple others have as well. Sent my broken tools in and got my new replacements the next week. Seriously the most painless way of doing it IMHO.

send it in to this address:

If you have broken tools, please send them to
Snap On RPC ARS
2801 80th ST Dock 8
Kenosha, WI 53143

Please include a sheet of paper with all part numbers, your first and last name, shipping address, and contact phone number.

Thanks, I have a real problem with my Industrial Rep. he is a real flake.

I called one other guy and he said that he would be at a certain business at a certain time, but now that you highlighted the fact that I can send the items direct to SO, that is what I am going to do. :beer:

Underdog · May 8, 2009

jdcompman said:
Just send them in. I have done this and multiple others have as well. Sent my broken tools in and got my new replacements the next week. Seriously the most painless way of doing it IMHO.

send it in to this address:

If you have broken tools, please send them to
Snap On RPC ARS
2801 80th ST Dock 8
Kenosha, WI 53143

Please include a sheet of paper with all part numbers, your first and last name, shipping address, and contact phone number.

I've done this recently with about $165 worth of tools, in about a week had them at the front door. I did notice they put Internet customer on the return invoice as I do buy my SO tools direct on line. :thumbup:

Mike83 · May 8, 2009

Underdog said:
I've done this recently with about $165 worth of tools, in about a week had them at the front door. I did notice they put Internet customer on the return invoice as I do buy my SO tools direct on line.

+1 Snap-On send me a return shipping label, I should get about $200 worth of new tools (S80 and some pliers) for the $75 I spend on ebay for crappy tools (of course they were not described as such). No chasing a truck or feeling like I need to buy something from it. Hopefully I get the replacements tomorrow or Monday.

Merkava_4 · May 8, 2009

You guys need to look at the date when this thread started........

Underdog · May 8, 2009

Oh well good info anyway, thanks Merkava

U5512 · May 9, 2009

GDA said:
Here is my suggestion as I am not a professional (accountant) and I had to build a relationship with my SO guy from scratch.

I would suggest you call him up and give him a quick run down on who you are and where you live and tell him a little bit about what (how many) tools you have. Given your history with SO tools this should get you off on the right foot. Then talk a little about your plans to replace and upgrade some stuff over the next couple months/years and talk to him about how you'd like to work with the right person and see what he says. This is now his chance to tell you about the way he operates and get your business now and in the future. Only then if all seems to be right, would I bring up the idea that you would like to meet up sometime soon and pick up some items. Again, I'd pick up a couple items and one big ticket item if you can. This will show diversity in purchasing along with the ability to buy something of substance from him. After that buy wait a couple weeks and then call him back to get a couple items warrantied. Take it from there.

Sounds like a lot of hassles just to get warranty replacement. Glad I am not into SO tools.

Skyline · May 9, 2009

While I appreciate the option of sending stuff in, I went at first to get a dealer. I buy tons of used SO stuff, some I keep, but most get resold on eBay. So I get lots of broken stuff. My assigned dealer bitched like crazy and said I should send it in direct. I called SO, and they said I had to go to the dealer. Spoke to my dealer's district manager, and he said my dealer HAD to take the returns. Went back to the dealer, and explained this, and he reluctantly agreed. He has since warranteed a large amount of stuff for me. But in turn, I've also bought stuff.

When I get sets that are missing pieces, if I can't find the missing items on eBay, I need to buy from the dealer. When I want an item (like SO hammers) that sell for list price on eBay, I buy from the dealer. Some items just don't show up on eBay at all, (like the 26w retractible worklight, or the 1/2" Dual 80 ratchet I wanted,) so I bought from the dealer. I am patient and look at eBay all the time, but there are invariably items I want that rarely ever show up, so my dealer gets the business. On balance, I'm sure I'm far from his best customer, but at least I buy stuff.

I make a point of telling my dealer that I never want him to warrantee an item that he can not get replaced by SO, so he does not get stuck. But so far, he has taken back everything.

Boiler · Oct 20, 2010

When you send stuff in, do the check records of where you bought it? I too get a lot of used stuff and feel like I'm over-hassling my dealer even though I've spent about 50 bucks a week since I started visiting her. I just can't stand walking in with 10 screwdrivers and 3 sockets and handing her the box. I'd love to send them to corporate but I fear that I'll get a bunch of runaround because I've only got limited records of what I've bought.

chadster1 · Oct 20, 2010

Boiler said:
When you send stuff in, do the check records of where you bought it? I too get a lot of used stuff and feel like I'm over-hassling my dealer even though I've spent about 50 bucks a week since I started visiting her. I just can't stand walking in with 10 screwdrivers and 3 sockets and handing her the box. I'd love to send them to corporate but I fear that I'll get a bunch of runaround because I've only got limited records of what I've bought.

When you send the tools to corporate for warranty, they do not request a receipt. Corporate also does not have the sales records of each individual dealer so they have no access to your purchase history.

rsieracki · Oct 20, 2010

Boiler said:
When you send stuff in, do the check records of where you bought it? I too get a lot of used stuff and feel like I'm over-hassling my dealer even though I've spent about 50 bucks a week since I started visiting her. I just can't stand walking in with 10 screwdrivers and 3 sockets and handing her the box. I'd love to send them to corporate but I fear that I'll get a bunch of runaround because I've only got limited records of what I've bought.

it doesnt cost the dealer, snap on replaces the tool they get credit if i understand correctly. ive never felt guilty but lately ive been mailing in/emailing due to tyhat being more convienent. when i sold cars i would just tell my tech buddy to page me when the truck showed up but that was some time ago. never been asked for a reciept. have been asked "did u buy this from me" some times i say "no, but what difference does it make, you get credited from Snap On dont you and replacing tools is part of your franchise aggrement right"? i find confidance trumps bullys 9 out of 10 times. Good Luck

Red Green · Oct 20, 2010

Boiler said:
When you send stuff in, do the check records of where you bought it? I too get a lot of used stuff and feel like I'm over-hassling my dealer even though I've spent about 50 bucks a week since I started visiting her. I just can't stand walking in with 10 screwdrivers and 3 sockets and handing her the box. I'd love to send them to corporate but I fear that I'll get a bunch of runaround because I've only got limited records of what I've bought.

Just ask your Dealer I bet she says that she would rather have you turn them in on the truck. If you aren't on the truck your not going to be buying anything from her. :lol_hitti

jeffk14 · Oct 20, 2010

Chris Adams said:
Why not slip the local guy a 50 and ask him if ‘please sir, may I have a warranty’?

That's what I was thinking. "Somebody", at some time, with SO has already collected the sometimes as much as ONE THOUSAND PERCENT PREMIUM that's paid for, among other things, the supposed warranty.

To say that SO pricing is hideously off the charts is a gross understatement. At SO prices, there should never be any question, hesitation or condition attached when returning a hard hand tool for warranty REPLACEMENT.

chadster1 · Oct 20, 2010

jeffk14 said:
To say that SO pricing is hideously off the charts is a gross understatement. .

You need to compare Snap-on's prices with the other truck brands. The other tool companies have closed the pricing gap.

jeffk14 · Oct 20, 2010

chadster1 said:
You need to compare Snap-on's prices with the other truck brands. The other tool companies have closed the pricing gap.

My same statements would pretty much apply to Mac & Matco as well. And yes, I do own quite a bit of all three. Most of it bought new. Off of the trucks, many years ago.

Tiki · Oct 25, 2010

Vinko said:
I bought some things on the truck today, with my 3 year old son, (a small ball pein hammer, and a box), and we had yet again another conversation about warranty. He said that he's got some guys who all they do is buy SnapOn at flea markets and try to warranty it. He won't do it anymore. I think it's the right decision. We talked about tool abuse. He'll warranty most types, like a guy who uses a non-impact when a impact wouldn't been right for the job, because if a guy needs a thin-walled socket, what's he gonna do?

This is the most accurate statement about the warranty issues. Snap-on tools were designed with a professional user in mind.... not someone who would drive a screwdriver with a hammer for a punch.

And yes... it is about relationships. Even if the dealer is new but you can talk to him about your long standing relationship with a prior dealer, most likely he will respect your brand loyalty.

Try to think about this from his shoes as well. Dealers get people who go to garage sales and pick up abused tools for .50, $1.00 and then bring the dealer boxes of these cast-offs and say "fix them". All the time the dealer spends processing these warranties (20 hours a week or more) is time taking away from his exisiting routes, customers and family. Dealers expect that they will spend a reasonable percentage of time servicing their customers. They are there to make a living like the rest of us and to ensure that the guys with their backs on a crawler can meet the pressure to bill as many hours as they can. Being there for those guys who are under a lot of pressure (more so than ever) to meet their shop's service sales goals. So, step back... what is more "fair"... for the SO dealer to be there when the mechanic who is trying to feed his kids breaks a ratchet or spending 20 hours to service the 2 - 3 guys who have time to go around collecting $1.00 SO tools at garage sales? The warranty was meant to protect the professional who bought the tool initially.... not the people buying them off of garage sales. IF there was not so much abuse of the warranty, then the dealers would generally service the one or two tools bought from a garage sale. These dealers literally have people bring them BUCKETFULLS of garage sale tools to service every week.

My dad had SO tools that he bought for years and years from his dealer. He explained to his dealer that since he was nearing 80, he wanted to gift the tools to his son and grandson. His dealer called my brother's dealer and explained the situation and followed up with an email. My brother was able to get his inherited tools serviced without any issue. But it is all about relationship...

There are times when mechanics have to quit due to an injury and they sell their tools to a fellow mechanic. Both the guy quitting and the guy buying TALK to the dealer (again, folks, RELATIONSHIP.... it is not rocket science). The dealer knows he is the one who sold those tools to begin with and he is ok with servicing "his" tools.

That said, one option you have to try to have old, old tools serviced when you don't have an existing relationship with a dealer is to mail them to SO corporate in Kenosha, WI. Write to them first and, if your request is approved, they will give you an authorization number to mail them in.

http://www1.snapon.com/display/termsofsale.nws

"2. Personal Use Warranties for Products. Customers buying Product for personal use can obtain the Product warranty information by mailing a written request that includes a description of the Product to:

Snap-on Tools Company LLC
Consumer Warranty Information Center
2801 – 80th Street
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53143"

Plan on paying shipping both ways and waiting six weeks (as they no longer manufacture tools at that location (and some have to be shipped off to another site for repair). As long as there is no signs of abuse, they will generally fix/replace the tools. Remember, the original warranty was intended for the PROFESSIONAL who purchased the tool. Back when the original warranty was written, there was no online auction sites and a handshake meant something.

Tiki · Oct 25, 2010

Skyline said:
While I appreciate the option of sending stuff in, I went at first to get a dealer. I buy tons of used SO stuff, some I keep, but most get resold on eBay. So I get lots of broken stuff. My assigned dealer bitched like crazy and said I should send it in direct. I called SO, and they said I had to go to the dealer. Spoke to my dealer's district manager, and he said my dealer HAD to take the returns. Went back to the dealer, and explained this, and he reluctantly agreed. He has since warranteed a large amount of stuff for me. But in turn, I've also bought stuff.

When I get sets that are missing pieces, if I can't find the missing items on eBay, I need to buy from the dealer. When I want an item (like SO hammers) that sell for list price on eBay, I buy from the dealer. Some items just don't show up on eBay at all, (like the 26w retractible worklight, or the 1/2" Dual 80 ratchet I wanted,) so I bought from the dealer. I am patient and look at eBay all the time, but there are invariably items I want that rarely ever show up, so my dealer gets the business. On balance, I'm sure I'm far from his best customer, but at least I buy stuff.

I make a point of telling my dealer that I never want him to warrantee an item that he can not get replaced by SO, so he does not get stuck. But so far, he has taken back everything.

At least you buy some things from your dealer. However, there are many others that don't and expect your dealer to process the returns for dozens and dozens of items each week. Yes, the dealer doesn't have to pay for the replacement but WHO PAYS THE INDEPEPENDENT DEALER for his/her time to service tools purchased from online auctions and garage sales?????? Dealers almost never complain about servicing tools bought directly from another dealer.... part of the brotherhood/sisterhood of dealers...taking care of eachother. But why should some guy selling off of an online auction site make all the money on the sale of the tool and then the dealer have to do all the work??? Just because the dealer makes money off of this other tools??? That dealer who hauls around his "retail store" has relatively higher operating costs than Sears or Northern Tool stores for the same number of tools. Dealers are also in more life threatening situations than the guys at retail locations. Hello??? Can people for one minute stop thinking about themselves and try to think about the guy on the other end? I am not a dealer and don't even know one, but I have owned my own business and know what it is like to be one both sides of many equations.

Tiki · Oct 25, 2010

Skyline said:
While I appreciate the option of sending stuff in, I went at first to get a dealer. I buy tons of used SO stuff, some I keep, but most get resold on eBay. So I get lots of broken stuff. My assigned dealer bitched like crazy and said I should send it in direct. I called SO, and they said I had to go to the dealer. Spoke to my dealer's district manager, and he said my dealer HAD to take the returns. Went back to the dealer, and explained this, and he reluctantly agreed. He has since warranteed a large amount of stuff for me. But in turn, I've also bought stuff.

When I get sets that are missing pieces, if I can't find the missing items on eBay, I need to buy from the dealer. When I want an item (like SO hammers) that sell for list price on eBay, I buy from the dealer. Some items just don't show up on eBay at all, (like the 26w retractible worklight, or the 1/2" Dual 80 ratchet I wanted,) so I bought from the dealer. I am patient and look at eBay all the time, but there are invariably items I want that rarely ever show up, so my dealer gets the business. On balance, I'm sure I'm far from his best customer, but at least I buy stuff.

I make a point of telling my dealer that I never want him to warrantee an item that he can not get replaced by SO, so he does not get stuck. But so far, he has taken back everything.

Try to think about this from the dealer's shoes as well. Dealers get people who go to garage sales and pick up abused tools for .50, $1.00 and then bring the dealer boxes of these cast-offs and say "fix them". All the time the dealer spends processing these warranties (20 hours a week or more) is time taking away from his exisiting routes, customers and family. Dealers expect that they will spend a reasonable percentage of time servicing their customers (or customers of fellow dealers). They are there to make a living like the rest of us and to ensure that the guys with their backs on a crawler can meet the pressure to bill as many hours as they can. Being there for those guys who are under a lot of pressure (more so than ever) to meet their shop's service sales goals. So, step back... what is more "fair"... for the SO dealer to be there when the mechanic who is trying to feed his kids breaks a ratchet or spending 20 hours to service the 2 - 3 guys who have time to go around collecting $1.00 SO tools at garage sales? The warranty was meant to protect the professional who bought the tool initially.... not the people buying them off of garage sales. IF there was not so much abuse of the warranty, then the dealers would generally service the one or two tools bought from a garage sale. These dealers literally have people bring them BUCKETFULLS of garage sale tools to service every week.

Why should the guy who sells tools on an online auction site make the money off the sale and then expect a dealer to service HIS sales??? Yes the dealer makes money off of other sales but that money does not offset all his/her time servicing the sales of the guy who sells on online auctions. Do you give your dealer a cut of what you make selling the tools? (Rhetorical question not one to incite an argument).

While the dealers don't have to pay for the cost of the replacements, they are not reimbursed in any way for their time or their associated costs (shipping materials, boxes). Also, dealers have enormous costs associated with operating their trucks.... far more per tool than Northern tool. Plus, they have the stress of driving, as well as many life threatening experiences and exposure (they are a target for hold-ups and physical injury). AMAZING to me that people want top rate service from a traveling store but don't want to have to pay for that service in any way shape or form.

The "on truck/dealer serviced" warranty was written BEFORE ebay, before warranty abuse and meant to protect the PROFESSIONALs buying/investing in their tools.

That said, Snap-on has a way for casual consumers to get their products warrantied:
http://www1.snapon.com/display/termsofsale.nws

"2. Personal Use Warranties for Products. Customers buying Product for personal use can obtain the Product warranty information by mailing a written request that includes a description of the Product to:

Snap-on Tools Company LLC
Consumer Warranty Information Center
2801 – 80th Street
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53143"

Plan on paying shipping both ways and waiting six weeks (as they no longer manufacture tools at that location (and some have to be shipped off to another site for repair). As long as there is no signs of abuse, they will generally fix/replace the tools. Remember, the original warranty was intended for the PROFESSIONAL who purchased the tool. Back when the original warranty was written, there was no online auction sites and a handshake meant something.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wakefield · Oct 25, 2010

So it appears that warranty replacement/service cost to the business,and the fact that people expect to be able to buy broken tools which may have been abused and then turn them in for repair or replacement is part of the reason why Snapon is so expensive?
I wonder if the Taiwan tool brands will ever face this?

_CY_ · Oct 25, 2010

snap-on warranty has been a problem for years...
mostly logistics of finding them

dealers I've dealt with have been pretty good about honoring warranties. but I try to make a point to buy something everytime I visit a truck.

4x4gearhead · Oct 25, 2010

New or old if it says snap on on it Tnhe dealer should warrant it, if not they arent someone you want to deal with because doesnt matter if you bought it from them or some guy in europe! their truck says snap on on the side for a reason depending on your area there should be a few distributors reasonably close by one of them is bound to be a decent individual

Skyline · Oct 25, 2010

Tiki said:
At least you buy some things from your dealer. However, there are many others that don't and expect your dealer to process the returns for dozens and dozens of items each week. Yes, the dealer doesn't have to pay for the replacement but WHO PAYS THE INDEPEPENDENT DEALER for his/her time to service tools purchased from online auctions and garage sales?????? Dealers almost never complain about servicing tools bought directly from another dealer.... part of the brotherhood/sisterhood of dealers...taking care of eachother. But why should some guy selling off of an online auction site make all the money on the sale of the tool and then the dealer have to do all the work??? Just because the dealer makes money off of this other tools??? That dealer who hauls around his "retail store" has relatively higher operating costs than Sears or Northern Tool stores for the same number of tools. Dealers are also in more life threatening situations than the guys at retail locations. Hello??? Can people for one minute stop thinking about themselves and try to think about the guy on the other end? I am not a dealer and don't even know one, but I have owned my own business and know what it is like to be one both sides of many equations.

A guy selling a used tool off an auction site IS making money...but some dealer originally sold that very same tool and made the original ~30+% markup. And the factory made their markup. So why does this not fall under the "brotherhood/sisterhood of dealers...taking care of eachother"????

What difference is there if a tool goes from Dealer A>end user> Dealer B (for warranty) VS. Dealer A>end user>used dealer>end user 2> Dealer B (for warranty)???? I realize Snap-on's warranty is stated to be for original purchaser only, but I think this is a BS policy, and is totally unenforcable, at least for hard line, "lifetime" warranty tools. When they start asking for a receipt to warranty a broken wrench you bought 20 years ago....it's over.

mrholeshot · Oct 25, 2010

Tiki said:
At least you buy some things from your dealer. However, there are many others that don't and expect your dealer to process the returns for dozens and dozens of items each week. Yes, the dealer doesn't have to pay for the replacement but WHO PAYS THE INDEPEPENDENT DEALER for his/her time to service tools purchased from online auctions and garage sales?????? Dealers almost never complain about servicing tools bought directly from another dealer.... part of the brotherhood/sisterhood of dealers...taking care of eachother. But why should some guy selling off of an online auction site make all the money on the sale of the tool and then the dealer have to do all the work??? Just because the dealer makes money off of this other tools??? That dealer who hauls around his "retail store" has relatively higher operating costs than Sears or Northern Tool stores for the same number of tools. Dealers are also in more life threatening situations than the guys at retail locations. Hello??? Can people for one minute stop thinking about themselves and try to think about the guy on the other end? I am not a dealer and don't even know one, but I have owned my own business and know what it is like to be one both sides of many equations.

Your kidding right??? When you buy a Snap-On franchize you know and are told right up front that there is an exsisting warranty issue in the area you will be working. Thats part of the responsibility of becoming and being a dealer for Snap-On. Not only are you selling one of the best tools on the market but you are selling the service that comes with it. You get some of the rough stuff that goes along with the big money on tool and toolbox sales.

How to get Snap-On warranty replacement?

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