Disappointing Wright ratchet warranty experience

[neophyte]

It's possible they are not performing well financially and looking to cut costs. If you're a "lifetime warranty" company that starts going back on the lifetime warranty that's typically a sign of the end coming for an American MFR. There's no reason to buy more expensive tools, which are assumed to be priced where warranty is assumed, if they don't stand behind the warranty. They are opening the door to HFT and other cheap and easily available options which will further decrease their sales and the death spiral is set in motion. Happened to SK, looks like Wright is next.

SK got caught by a bunch of major shifts in the tool and retail market at the same time.
The management at SK bought out the SK brand from Facom Group, which SK had been owned by.
This happened shortly before Stanley Tools purchased Facom Group, so it is likely the SK management knew that Facom was potentially up for sale, and that a large US Tool conglomerate might purchase Facom, and hence SK, and have no need for the SK manufacturing facilities. (Stanley and Snap-On were both buying European tool manufacturers).

SK was supposed to continue distributing Facom in the USA, but after Stanley acquired Facom, there was no need, since Stanley had their iwn distribution system, so all the Facom SK had was surplussed at cheap prices. (This is how I got Facom locking pliers at dirt cheap prices, for $16 a pair)

In addition, the SK buyout by the managers happened around the time Amazon started carrying tools and items other than books and CDs and other media.
Amazon tended to purchase in bulk, and then minimally markup the items.
This meant that Amazon’s price was in some cases lower than SK’s wholesale price for SK dealers who purchased in smaller quantities, plus the advantage of internet sales having no sales tax, and Amazon's actual quick shipping at the time.
This caused numerous SK dealers to stop carrying SK tools.

The SK management buyout happened in 2005.
Then in 2007-2009 you had a recession, which then f@cked the economy.

SK had money issues, and apparently failed to pay things like health insurance premiums for their workers, without telling the workers, and SK went under. (It’s possible workers were also salvaging imperfect “scrap” tools, and selling the tools as “new” on eBay, etc. which further screwed withSK’s reputation at the time.

 

[neophyte]

Occam’s razor suggests not an anti warranty conspiracy but you being in touch with somebody who doesn’t know how the hell to do their job so they pawn it off on somebody else

Having worked multiple retail jobs,
Unless the customer needing a warrantee was a complete @sshole to the employee, warrantee denials were almost always because of management decisions and policies, and not the result of ignorant employees.
Phone customer service is a **** job, and people calling are more likely to be rude, since they are not actually starting at the employee.
Most people doing the job preferred to help the customer as much as they were allowed.

 

[liliysdad]

They make a good product. You even agree it's a good product. But you have an expectation that they will fix it forever.

They do make a great wrench. I think their ratchets are obsolete, but the quality is good.

It’s not so much the lack of warranty, concerning as that is. The “ screw you” attitude is the real deal killer for me. I wouldn’t have an issue with not covering a ratchet kit on its face, but telling the customer “ go find your own, and pay half the price of the ratchet for one if you do” is utter nonsense.

 

[American Locomotive]

If you have a tool that has worked for months or years and then stops working because you broke it or wore it out, that is not a warranty issue. No company has an obligation to fix something like that. In fact, I would rather they did not. If they do, it means they are overcharging in the beginning to pay for your abuse of their policy - which is exactly what Snap on Does.

Exactly. Snap-On tools cost 2x Wright (and other premium industrial brand) tools, because you actually pay for two of every tool. Your second piece just happens to be stored on the truck until you need it.

With snap-on, you pay a one-time fee for a perpetual service and replacement plan. Wright just offers a warranty that covers defects, not normal wear and tear.

It’s not so much the lack of warranty, concerning as that is. The “ screw you” attitude is the real deal killer for me. I wouldn’t have an issue with not covering a ratchet kit on its face, but telling the customer “ go find your own, and pay half the price of the ratchet for one if you do” is utter nonsense.

The industrial tool world is fickle. Distributors often sign very limiting agreements with manufacturers. Wright might not be allowed to sell direct to customers per their distributor agreements. They can probably warranty things, though. That's why companies that do happen to sell both direct and retail will often have worse prices direct. They are trying to not upset distributors.

 

[Davefr]

They didn't offer that option so I'd say no. I would have gone that route had they made it available.
A distributor can sell a new kit and may even install it, but it seems they have cracked down all together on free kits.
If a ratchet fails prematurely due to a defect within a year or so, the rep said their corporate "Warranty Team" would evaluate it and replace if determined defective. She also told me that distributors are now to submit pictures for review of any warranty claims presented to them.

IMHO you should have asked for the warranty replacement, and if necessary, regurgitated exactly what their written policy states vs. expecting them to offer it. I would have also reminded them that their warranty is lifetime vs 1 year. I don't see that they require going thru a distributer. If they're trying to screen out actual defects vs wear and tear I really don't blame them.

Please contact your Wright Tool distributor for additional information on our warranty policy and process for replacement. You can also contact Wright Tool Customer Service at 800.321.2902 or Fax 800.543.2095.

 

[rust in the eye]

@ IndyGarage; I expect only what is promised at time of sale. Please don't characterize me as one of the abusers, I am not.

 

[four.cycle]

No company has an obligation to fix something like that. In fact, I would rather they did not. If they do, it means they are overcharging in the beginning to pay for your abuse of their policy - which is exactly what Snap on Does.

^ exactly.

I cannot in my wildest dreams imagine expecting a "warranty" on a drill bit or a file or a chisel or any sort of "drive bit", and most certainly not a worn out ratchet.

 

[belvedere]

regurgitated exactly what their written policy states vs. expecting them to offer it.

Why should that be his job? The mfr should be the expert at knowing what the warranty states, and follow it by default. If it's a good company, a customer should never have to fight to get them to follow their own warranty.

 

[micromind]

I think one of the problems here is that nearly all of us remember back when Sears was a major player in the tool world, if you brought a broken or even worn out Craftsman tool to any Sears store, they would replace it free, no questions asked.

This became the warranty model for all manufacturers to follow and it very likely sold a boatload of Craftsman tools.

Back then there weren't 'warranty tools for fun and profit' low-lifes like we have these days.

I think that manufacturers like Wright took a look at their warranty claims and found a pretty fair number of them to be bogus and decided to stop bleeding cash. The sad part is that because of the actions of a few immoral people, the honest ones were punished too.

While I understand their position, I think Wright might have went too far. If they offered free rebuild kits that the customer installs, I doubt if it's hurt them too much and it'd give them a good name.

On the other hand, it seems that the majority go Wright buyers are huge companies and government and the small buyers don't account for much of their sales. I'd bet that the huge buyers simply toss broken tools and buy new ones; very little warranty, where the small ones are more likely to warranty something.

The only real solution to the problem, as I see it is for all manufacturers to cancel all warranties except for proven factory defects.

 

[IndyGarage]

They do make a great wrench. I think their ratchets are obsolete, but the quality is good.

It’s not so much the lack of warranty, concerning as that is. The “ screw you” attitude is the real deal killer for me. I wouldn’t have an issue with not covering a ratchet kit on its face, but telling the customer “ go find your own, and pay half the price of the ratchet for one if you do” is utter nonsense.

^ exactly.

I cannot in my wildest dreams imagine expecting a "warranty" on a drill bit or a file or a chisel or any sort of "drive bit", and most certainly not a worn out ratchet.

The problem is folks consider a warranty to be a company obligation. It is not. A warranty is a sales/marketing tool.

If you are buying a professional grade product, there basically is a promise that it works. Nobody can claim that it will work forever under every possible scenario.

As described above, Snap On and companies like it basically make you pay double for the product up front - that way they can afford to make a replacement, even under crazy circumstances. That allows them to get a premium price and get the finance revenue from that premium price - the financing is probably where they make the most money.

If the company builds you a good product, then you got what you paid for. If it breaks or you wear it out and the parts cost too much, buy another one, or buy a different brand.

 

[liliysdad]

^ exactly.

I cannot in my wildest dreams imagine expecting a "warranty" on a drill bit or a file or a chisel or any sort of "drive bit", and most certainly not a worn out ratchet.

Again, the dissatisfaction has as much to do with the lack of assistance beyond “go buy your own, good luck finding one…oh yeah…they are stupid expensive “ as it is with the lack of warranty.

 

[liliysdad]

buy a different brand.

Seems to be the best answer when once can buy a more expensive ratchet from a big white truck or a cheaper one from tool store in a strip mall, either with an actual warranty.

 

[belvedere]

The problem is folks consider a warranty to be a company obligation. It is not. A warranty is a sales/marketing tool.

I respectfully, but strongly, disagree. If you bought a new car, and the engine failed within the warranty period, you wouldn't feel that the mfr is obligated to repair/replace that engine?

 

[neophyte]

The problem is folks consider a warranty to be a company obligation. It is not. A warranty is a sales/marketing tool.

If you are buying a professional grade product, there basically is a promise that it works. Nobody can claim that it will work forever under every possible scenario.

As described above, Snap On and companies like it basically make you pay double for the product up front - that way they can afford to make a replacement, even under crazy circumstances. That allows them to get a premium price and get the finance revenue from that premium price - the financing is probably where they make the most money.

If the company builds you a good product, then you got what you paid for. If it breaks or you wear it out and the parts cost too much, buy another one, or buy a different brand.

Technically, a warrantee is supposed to be a promise or obligation,
even though the “Lifetime Warrantee” really is a “Sakes or Marketing Gimmick” that was designed to get you into the store (most notably Sears) so you would purchase other stuff when requesting warrantee service.

 

[Firebrick43]

I respectfully, but strongly, disagree. If you bought a new car, and the engine failed within the warranty period, you wouldn't feel that the mfr is obligated to repair/replace that engine?

You’re not understanding what he is saying.

A company is not obligated to provide any warranty.

If they do, it’s for marketing purposes, and is voluntarily provided by the company

They decide the terms of the warranty including the time or distance it’s valid, if it includes wear and tear, or just workmanship issues.

Of course the have to replace the engine if it meets the terms the company set out at time of sale.

But at time of sale they could offer no warranty if they do desired. There is no law making it obligatory to providing a warranty at the time of sale.

 

[IndyGarage]

I respectfully, but strongly, disagree. If you bought a new car, and the engine failed within the warranty period, you wouldn't feel that the mfr is obligated to repair/replace that engine?

It depends. Why did it fail?

If the engine failed because of a material defect or a manufacturing defect, or a design defect, yes I would, because there is an expectation that a car will last a period of time under normal usage. That is what a warranty is for, and most companies would honor that warranty without question.

If the oil didn't get refilled during the first oil change and the engine burned up, or I took the car to a race track and over revved the engine and a valve spring breaks, I would not expect a warranty claim to be honored.

For the past 15 years all my new cars have either been Toyota or Lexus. I have not had a single warranty claim on five new cars - nothing. So, based on my experience, I could care less what the warranty is. If a Lexus car had no warranty, I would not care, I would still buy it.

However, a couple years ago I wanted a new pickup. Toyota went to a twin turbo V6 in the Tundra, and i do not like turbo engines for daily drivers. So I opted to buy a used Tundra instead of a new one. It turns out Toyota has had problems with that V6 engine and my 2021 Tundra with a V8 engine hasn't had a single problem. So there is an element of buyer beware in purchasing also.

 

[neophyte]

You’re not understanding what he is saying.

A company is not obligated to provide any warranty.

If they do, it’s for marketing purposes, and is voluntarily provided by the company

They decide the terms of the warranty including the time or distance it’s valid, if it includes wear and tear, or just workmanship issues.

Of course the have to replace the engine if it meets the terms the company set out at time of sale.

But at time of sale they could offer no warranty if they do desired. There is no law making it obligatory to providing a warranty at the time of sale.

Legally, there are certain “warrantees” required for any item sold as “new” and in “good workable” condition in most US states, and in the UK, or at least England.
These legal “warrantees” require the item sold to be in workable condition, and to remain so for a certain amount of time.
Warrantees printed on packages are in addition to the legally fit for purpose warrantees, and are generally considered legally binding.
If a company goes out of business, or declares bankruptcy, then the warrantee may be considered legally null or voided, (SK declared bankruptcy, so technically any warrantees pre Ideal were probably null and void).
In some cases, a warrantee might be considered null and void after a certain amount of time, since “Lifetime” might be considered an overly broad term.
Warrantees are however a legally binding contract, when an item is purchased new from an authorized Retailer.

 

[four.cycle]

Back then there weren't 'warranty tools for fun and profit' low-lifes like we have these days.

There is a great deal of truth in this statement.
"Warranties" in the past weren't abused to the degree they are today.
More to the point: retailers were not willing to cave when a customer brought an item back claiming it to be "defective".

There is no law making it obligatory to providing a warranty at the time of sale.

That's not actually 100% accurate. The 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides for some degree of "consumer protection":
Every consumer product sold comes with an implied warranty, which is created by operation of law.
Unless specifically stated (and prominently posted) by the seller, there is an "implied warranty".
Different states handle "as is" sales differently. In Washington State, "as is" means "AS IS", baby: you bought it, you got it.

The only way for the seller to avoid having to put that "implied warranty" on any given item is to clearly state it up front, either in writing or by posting it. Right after the law went into effect you saw signs go up in auto parts stores, and automobile repair shops, stating something along the lines of: "There is no guarantee or warranty, either express or implied, regarding merchantability or fitness for a particular use or purpose."
It is for this reason the appropriate and necessary disclaimer is posted on all of my ebay listings. If you want a "warranty", shop somewhere else.

But back to @micromind 's post above - when I started in retail, customers didn't have the sense of entitlement they do today. In the current market, the consumer has come to believe that he is entitled to some sort of "unconditional" warranty (or return) terms, and it should be forever, which is simply disconnected from reality: stuff wears out!

I've been in small claims court way more times than anybody else on this website, and I'm not even an attorney!

 

[mudflap]

Anybody who has been in the trades for a while know which companies actually honor their warranty, and which ones just use that as a marketing tactic (SK, and Wright)..have always put up a fight. You know that going in. The tool trucks, it depends on the driver, how much you buy, or owe him. I have seen SO guys warranty worn out phillips head screwdrivers for some people, and tell others "thats normal wear" and send them packing..

 

[Firebrick43]

That's not actually 100% accurate. The 1975 Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act provides for some degree of "consumer protection":

Implied merchantability and implied fitness is part of the UCC (uniform commercial code) and not the Magnuson-Moss act. The Magnuson-Moss act does limit companies from modifying the terms of the two implied warranties in their written “express” warranties except the time period to match their express warranties

However those “implied warranties” are not what we are talking about in this thread with the tool companies “express warranties”. They deal more with being sold an item that is not suitable to the application the buyer communicated to the seller.

For example a customer communicated the need of a ratchet to tighten 1/2” diameter fasteners and the salesman sells the a 1/4” drive ratchet set. It is not suitable for the needs communicated. That would be covered under the implied fitness warranty.

The implied merchantability clause is that the item functions as stated by the seller. For example, the 1/4” ratchet actually has to ratchet and allow a 1/4” socket to be attached if the anvil is 5/16” then it would be covered under the merchantability clause.

I guess for others (not you as your explanation of “as is” is spot on) I need to make clear that we are a nation of states and we are talking about national laws not state ones.

 

[Davefr]

Why should that be his job? The mfr should be the expert at knowing what the warranty states, and follow it by default. If it's a good company, a customer should never have to fight to get them to follow their own warranty.

Yes, but we don't live in "Fantasy Land". Unfortunately these days we sometimes need to make the case for why we are in the right. (done professionally and with the facts on our side).

If the OP's ratchet teeth broke I'd pursue it. If they wore out, then I wouldn't bother.

 

[unslow1]

The cost of the Wright repair kit to the ratchet is pretty hard to swallow. It’s like 2/3rds the cost. I totally understand why someone would be upset if they were told their lifetime warranty does not cover such an expensive repair. I’ve personally been moving to the tool trucks for ratchets. Even if the driver wants to deny my warranty claim, the repair kit is like $10-15.

Funnily enough, I’m going to be trying to warranty two Proto ratchets today and I’m hoping SBD doesn’t say the same thing as Wright.

I hope you have better luck than I did. There were a couple of threads on here maybe 3 or 4 years ago about Proto having gone to the "***** being you" warranty policy.

I hope I never have to try to warranty my Wright tools. I have a lot of them but have never had to find out about their warranty policy.

My problem with these companies not wanting to cover tools is that is not what we as the buyers were told when we bought them. I believe a whole lot of people would've bought something else if they knew the warranties they were told about when purchasing wouldn't be honored.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I hope you have better luck than I did. There were a couple of threads on here maybe 3 or 4 years ago about Proto having gone to the "***** being you" warranty policy.

I hope I never have to try to warranty my Wright tools. I have a lot of them but have never had to find out about their warranty policy.

My problem with these companies not wanting to cover tools is that is not what we as the buyers were told when we bought them. I believe a whole lot of people would've bought something else if they knew the warranties they were told about when purchasing wouldn't be honored.

I called Proto and spoke with a few reps. Basically I was told to mail the ratchets in and they will evaluate and replace if necessary. The thing I kept telling the rep was that I didn’t have the broken parts. When the ratchets ate their guts I tossed the heads without thinking. So all I’d mail back is the bodies and I don’t think Proto would warranty ratchets without the internals. Plus I was quoted that it would take anywhere from 5-8 weeks. I asked about just getting repair kits but the rep said that isn’t something they do. My only option is to send it in on my dime and they would send a completely new replacement if they decide to warranty it. I’d buy the kits myself but they are going for $35 and a new ratchet is $60. I’m thinking I might just see if the Snap-on driver will take the few Proto ratchets I have in a trade and I’ll just junk the broken ones. So yeah, I’d definitely say Proto’s warranty has really changed since the last time I used it.

 

[KnurledNut]

Many years ago, I had a Gray Tools ratchet that needed new guts.
The local industrial supplier had replaced Gray with Wright Tool when they entirely dropped the US market.
They offered to replace it with a comparable ratchet, but i didnt want to switch at that time.
I called Gray and a very friendly, light-hearted and easy-going lady assisted me.
I explained what i needed, and while reminding me they no longer were selling in the USA, she would gladly send out a repair kit from Canada.
When it arrived, it had a handwritten note from IIRC, the CEO.
I know its a small thing, but that personal service always stuck with me.

 

[scooby074]

Many years ago, I had a Gray Tools ratchet that needed new guts.
The local industrial supplier had replaced Gray with Wright Tool when they entirely dropped the US market.
They offered to replace it with a comparable ratchet, but i didnt want to switch at that time.
I called Gray and a very friendly, light-hearted and easy-going lady assisted me.
I explained what i needed, and while reminding me they no longer were selling in the USA, she would gladly send out a repair kit from Canada.
When it arrived, it had a handwritten note from IIRC, the CEO.
I know its a small thing, but that personal service always stuck with me.

Gray tools are highly overlooked even here in Canada IMHO. Granddad ran a lot of Gray and SO in his diesel shop in the 70's-80s. I always tried to push Gray when selling tools if I could swing it in the budget, their Customer Service is always great.

 

[65k10]

I called Proto and spoke with a few reps. Basically I was told to mail the ratchets in and they will evaluate and replace if necessary. The thing I kept telling the rep was that I didn’t have the broken parts. When the ratchets ate their guts I tossed the heads without thinking. So all I’d mail back is the bodies and I don’t think Proto would warranty ratchets without the internals. Plus I was quoted that it would take anywhere from 5-8 weeks. I asked about just getting repair kits but the rep said that isn’t something they do. My only option is to send it in on my dime and they would send a completely new replacement if they decide to warranty it. I’d buy the kits myself but they are going for $35 and a new ratchet is $60. I’m thinking I might just see if the Snap-on driver will take the few Proto ratchets I have in a trade and I’ll just junk the broken ones. So yeah, I’d definitely say Proto’s warranty has really changed since the last time I used it.

Which ratchets? Back in June I had a 5426htc that was broken. The person on the phone wanted me to mail the whole thing in for evaluation so I tried emailing them to ask for some clarification on where to send it. I did mention I would be fine with just a repair kit and they did offer one to me. A few weeks later I had it show up. For what they charge for the precision 90 ratchets I wish the person on the phone would have sent one out right off the bat, but they did get one to me without too much work. The repair kits for them actually are not too pricey on Zoro (just under $20), but I wanted to see what Proto would do in this case and they did come through in my case.

 

[KnurledNut]

Gray tools are highly overlooked even here in Canada IMHO. Granddad ran a lot of Gray and SO in his diesel shop in the 70's-80s. I always tried to push Gray when selling tools if I could swing it in the budget, their Customer Service is always great.

I like me some Gray! Only have a handful of things though. Their adjustable wrenches with the modified off corner jaws were sweet.
When they were still selling in the USA, Gray, Wright, Williams and Proto all made appearances around the mines.

The ratchet I put a kit in was a long flex 1/2 drive:

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I called Proto and spoke with a few reps. Basically I was told to mail the ratchets in and they will evaluate and replace if necessary. The thing I kept telling the rep was that I didn’t have the broken parts. When the ratchets ate their guts I tossed the heads without thinking. So all I’d mail back is the bodies and I don’t think Proto would warranty ratchets without the internals. Plus I was quoted that it would take anywhere from 5-8 weeks. I asked about just getting repair kits but the rep said that isn’t something they do. My only option is to send it in on my dime and they would send a completely new replacement if they decide to warranty it. I’d buy the kits myself but they are going for $35 and a new ratchet is $60. I’m thinking I might just see if the Snap-on driver will take the few Proto ratchets I have in a trade and I’ll just junk the broken ones. So yeah, I’d definitely say Proto’s warranty has really changed since the last time I used it.

Which ratchets? Back in June I had a 5426htc that was broken. The person on the phone wanted me to mail the whole thing in for evaluation so I tried emailing them to ask for some clarification on where to send it. I did mention I would be fine with just a repair kit and they did offer one to me. A few weeks later I had it show up. For what they charge for the precision 90 ratchets I wish the person on the phone would have sent one out right off the bat, but they did get one to me without too much work. The repair kits for them actually are not too pricey on Zoro (just under $20), but I wanted to see what Proto would do in this case and they did come through in my case.

I was off put my a warranty experience with my 90 tooth proto,. I need to get around to trading it in while it still has some amount of value. Shame as the handle is really nice and it feels decent.

 

[scooby074]

I like me some Gray! Only have a handful of things though. Their adjustable wrenches with the modified off corner jaws were sweet.
When they were still selling in the USA, Gray, Wright, Williams and Proto all made appearances around the mines.

The ratchet I put a kit in was a long flex 1/2 drive:

That Gray handle is a classic!

 

[3baygarage]

Many years ago, I had a Gray Tools ratchet that needed new guts.
The local industrial supplier had replaced Gray with Wright Tool when they entirely dropped the US market.
They offered to replace it with a comparable ratchet, but i didnt want to switch at that time.
I called Gray and a very friendly, light-hearted and easy-going lady assisted me.
I explained what i needed, and while reminding me they no longer were selling in the USA, she would gladly send out a repair kit from Canada.
When it arrived, it had a handwritten note from IIRC, the CEO.
I know its a small thing, but that personal service always stuck with me.

What about a Gray ratchet made by Wright. One could be SOL on both sides of the border at the same time, and not even know it..

 

[IndyGarage]

I called Proto and spoke with a few reps. Basically I was told to mail the ratchets in and they will evaluate and replace if necessary. The thing I kept telling the rep was that I didn’t have the broken parts. When the ratchets ate their guts I tossed the heads without thinking. So all I’d mail back is the bodies and I don’t think Proto would warranty ratchets without the internals. Plus I was quoted that it would take anywhere from 5-8 weeks. I asked about just getting repair kits but the rep said that isn’t something they do. My only option is to send it in on my dime and they would send a completely new replacement if they decide to warranty it. I’d buy the kits myself but they are going for $35 and a new ratchet is $60. I’m thinking I might just see if the Snap-on driver will take the few Proto ratchets I have in a trade and I’ll just junk the broken ones. So yeah, I’d definitely say Proto’s warranty has really changed since the last time I used it.

Which ratchets? Back in June I had a 5426htc that was broken. The person on the phone wanted me to mail the whole thing in for evaluation so I tried emailing them to ask for some clarification on where to send it. I did mention I would be fine with just a repair kit and they did offer one to me. A few weeks later I had it show up. For what they charge for the precision 90 ratchets I wish the person on the phone would have sent one out right off the bat, but they did get one to me without too much work. The repair kits for them actually are not too pricey on Zoro (just under $20), but I wanted to see what Proto would do in this case and they did come through in my case.

I was off put my a warranty experience with my 90 tooth proto,. I need to get around to trading it in while it still has some amount of value. Shame as the handle is really nice and it feels decent.

3 People who like the product, but won't pay $20-35 for the repair parts. It's a ratchet, not a space shuttle. They are relatively cheap tools. Just buy the parts and be done with it.

 

[BrandonV]

3 People who like the product, but won't pay $20-35 for the repair parts. It's a ratchet, not a space shuttle. They are relatively cheap tools. Just buy the parts and be done with it.

Yup. I'm not defending any corporations but the Proto warranty covers the ratchet if it failed from some sort of manufacturing defect. It does not cover damage due to ordinary wear and tear.

They're probably sick of people mailing in worn out ratchets that have served a useful life and need a rebuild kit purchased.

I've seen people try to warranty slip joint pliers where the teeth are all smooth.

 

[mikey03]

The days of "Craftsman" type unconditional warranties are OVER, guys, and they're not coming back. It is the inevitable outcome of a buying public with a sense of entitlement that causes them to believe they should be entitled to an "unconditional" and "lifetime" warranty on any given item.

tekton still does it and honestly I wonder how long they keep it up but if they stop idk why anyone would buy their stuff anymore just buy HF at that point in that quality and price range tbh

there kind of stuck keeping this policy forever or they would ruin their business I think like how sunex moved to china idk why anyone will buy sunex anymore just go buy Pittsburg or quinn impacts at HF if you are okay with Chinese impacts. not that I’m against Chinese tools just saying you mine as well get them from HF the benefit of sunex was Taiwan manufacturing tbh

 

[65k10]

3 People who like the product, but won't pay $20-35 for the repair parts. It's a ratchet, not a space shuttle. They are relatively cheap tools. Just buy the parts and be done with it.

Generally I agree and that's what I normally do. The Proto Precision 90 ratchets end up being something of a different case for me because they charge quite a bit for them. With a 20% off code at Zoro the J5426htc is still a $200 ratchet (no discount $250), while its Mac cousin the VR2690k is about $285. By comparison if you look at the same round head ratchets between the two brands a Mac VRR16FPA is $195 while a Proto J5457f is $87 at Zoro with no discount. Point being, when the Proto item is less than half the cost of the Mac version, I don't mind there being no real warranty because in my eyes, the price reflects it. The Precision 90 ratchets, while not at tool truck prices, are getting close and for that, I think a little after sale support should be there. Now if the aforementioned J5426htc was say about $150 new, then I'd be just fine paying for repair kits out of pocket.

 

[mikey03]

I been buying snap on tools when I can but I’m a little worried about the warranty sticking around. My uncle got burnt by craftsman he told me back in the 90s he bought tons of tools from them thinking it would be a lifetime high quality US tool no questions warranty and if he knew what would happen he would never have done that he said you could buy husky tools from Home Depot that were made in Taiwan back then which he said was like HF tools today you walk in buy a cheap but okay tool and be on your way.

now Home Depot only sells Chinese husky tools but anyway my uncle said he felt burnt and I do wonder if people spending extra for snap on tools today will have a similar situation in 10 or 20 years but only worse because they spent 10s of thousands of dollars on tools

 

[liliysdad]

Snap On isn’t going anywhere.

 

[JeepYJ]

just go buy Pittsburg or quinn impacts at HF if you are okay with Chinese impacts.

Some of the Pittsburgh (check the label for COO, they’re all the same price and on the same peg) and I think all of the Quinn impact sockets are Taiwan made.

 

[JeepYJ]

Snap On isn’t going anywhere.

You never know. Sears was once the worlds largest retailer and owned the worlds tallest building.

 

[BrandonV]

Snap On isn’t going anywhere.

Yup. I don't see any of the tool truck companies honestly going anywhere (unless they choose to exit the market).

Doesn't even matter if Snap-on becomes a Matco where the products are mostly imported. The whole point of the professional tool truck is for the ease of service & warranty.

As long as professions that turn wrenches exist the tool trucks will offer the same lifetime warranty (and will price it in to the tool price).

 

[mudflap]

Yup. I don't see any of the tool truck companies honestly going anywhere (unless they choose to exit the market).

Doesn't even matter if Snap-on becomes a Matco where the products are mostly imported. The whole point of the professional tool truck is for the ease of service & warranty.

As long as professions that turn wrenches exist the tool trucks will offer the same lifetime warranty (and will price it in to the tool price).

I know sometimes you can get your driver to make a special trip..or meet him somewhere. But if not..you can be waiting up to a week. Mail Tekton a pic and have a replacement in 2 days. Same with GW, The ICON store is on your way home. Call your NAPA parts rep, and have your Carlyle replaced next day on their regular parts run. And NAPA has their 0% interest program for Techs. I think the tool trucks future is questionable. Others are doing it better for less. We have 2 to 4 kids coming in to the County garage from the Tech schools every year as us old timers retire. I think once were gone..the tool trucks are gone. The youngsters are very comfortable buying tools online, and prefer to have them serviced that way. Plus it seems "Made in USA" dosnt mean as much to them as it does to us old farts.