Dropped my Harbor Freight ratchet...

[shoturtle]

So did HF and Snap On but Sears can change the rules at any time especially since they have financial problems now....

well they kinda did, the craftsman evolv requires a receipt. It does say craftsman.

But the new chinese tools with the regular craftsman has the same warranty. And they are pretty hefty if build. I do not think they get nearly the warranty return as HF.

 

[LumpyMusic]

So did HF and Snap On but Sears can change the rules at any time especially since they have financial problems now....

You could worry about what any company "could" do forever. Snap is now selling Chinese tools, don't forget. Fact is, RIGHT NOW, Sears replaces tools forever, no reason needed, no documents needed. That's more than Snap, maybe more than HF, etc.

I have Craftsman tools that are older than HF has been in business.

There seems to be a lot of concern about tool warranty issues. I've broken one Crafty screwdriver because I misused it. Rode my horse 2 miles to the nearest Sears, exchanged it, no questions asked. I exchanged out a 25 year old 1/2 drive ratchet that was "gummy". I probably could have simply cleaned it but I exchanged it. Got a brand new, current build USA tool, again no questions, no documents.

You guys with SnapOns talk like you have to give your tool rep a back rub and a ******** PLUS prove that it was a manufacturing defect and then he'll never show up again.

In my book, the Craftsman warranty works just the way it should.

Others, of course, are welcome to feel differently. But I've got four times the tools for the same price as the Snaps. And if the rarity occurrs that they should break, I can replace 'em in about 20 minutes and be back at work, building the space shuttle in my basement (I'm gonna need a sawzall).


Lumpy

How come you didn't star on Star Trek?
Because Clint Howard beat me for the part of Balok.

www.LumpyMusic.com

 

[dankicksass]

Don't like your Harbor Freight tools? Home Depot will gladly do a competitor exchange for Husky with just about any hand tool from anyone.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

In my book, the Craftsman warranty works just the way it should.

So Far?

 

[shoturtle]

Right now sears does have a better warranty then HF, as it is hassle free. Unless lowes change their hassle free warranty as well. I really do not see sears changing up. Lowes and Sears have a bit higher quality tools then HF pittsburgh. They are made better in general. So they do not see as many warranty issues as HF with their ratchets.

But I say go with the here and now. The future is always the future and no one knows what can happen. So why worry about it.

 

[TwoInch]

I like Sears as much as any company but they don't quite replace any tool forever... My 36 tooth flex head with the black handle they won't replace, just put gear kits in them.... I guess i'll have to crush the plastic handle to get a new one when the handle gets too chewed up.

this isnt quite true. they will always attempt to get you to accept a remanufactured or rebuild the one you have, but you dont have to accept the rebuild. the warranty states "If this Craftsman hand tool ever fails to provide complete satisfaction, it will be repaired or replaced free of charge"

now i dont know what legal rights that "or" gives us, but until the switch to chinese stuff, i usually told the associate that i didnt want a rebuild, and i wanted one off the shelf, and never once was i hassled. i also did this with a newer taiwan flex head i got a few months ago, and they agreed, but i ended up deciding to keep the taiwan ratchet, as it was much tighter and smoother than the nos USA versions they had.

tell em you want one off they shelf, and they will more than likely give you one. its a satisfaction guarantee, tell em you arent satisfied with yours.

 

[Danglerb]

I have a load of receipts from HF, but they are printed on some kind of cheap paper that can't be read after six months, so I always figure I dig whatever is handy out of the pile and hand them a blurred faded out receipt.

If I ever have a less than smooth warranty on a failed tool, it won't be a quiet event.

 

[LumpyMusic]

LumpyMusic:
"In my book, the Craftsman warranty works just the way it should."

So Far?

Yes, so far. For the last hundred years or so. Longer than any of the other companies have been in business. If the Taliban drop a nuke on Phoenix I'll probably have trouble dealing with my local Sears.

- Not sure how to use the multi-quote feature -


Lumpy

How do you do that AM radio voice?
Doesn't matter. Nobody listens to AM anymore.

www.LumpyMusic.com

 

[signcrafter]

It could be the store as well. If this is a new policy, how could they expect someone that purchased a ratchet a few years ago to have a receipt before it was required. It could get a bit sticky with warranty issues....

This is NOT a new policy. It's been in the HF warranty claim forever that you have to have a receipt. What is newish, started over a year ago now is them enforcing the policy. Your store may not enforce it, good for you. But many stores do enforce it. It doesn't get sticky, it has been there all along. Just like snap on has the same clause in their warranty but they don't enforce it at this time. But just like HF they could choice to require receipt if they ever wanted to.

 

[Jeeper]

I have a load of receipts from HF, but they are printed on some kind of cheap paper that can't be read after six months, so I always figure I dig whatever is handy out of the pile and hand them a blurred faded out receipt.

If I ever have a less than smooth warranty on a failed tool, it won't be a quiet event.

I was thinking the same thing. The irony of a lifetime guarantee printed on fading thermal paper.

 

[e-tek]

Do they not keep your purchases in their system? At Princess Auto (Canada's HF), they ask for your phone # upon checkout, then when you want to return something (ANY time - for ANY reason), they just look through your purchase history. If they find it you can get a refund or replacement. If they can't find it (and you don't have the receipt), you get a straight replacement or store credit. Best warranty in the business.

 

[LumpyMusic]

That fading thermal paper receipt is a problem with every vendor. I have a Pfister kitchen faucet that I'd like to warranty out but the receipt, which we kept stapled to the owner's manual which describes the warranty, is now a blank piece of paper.

The kids at AutoZone always tell me to "make a photo copy because the receipt will fade" whenever I buy something with a lifetime warranty.


Lumpy

Did you do a lot of those Emergency Broadcast Warnings?
Yes. Had it been an actual emergency I would have hid.

www.LumpyMusic.com

 

[signcrafter]

That fading thermal paper receipt is a problem with every vendor. I have a Pfister kitchen faucet that I'd like to warranty out but the receipt, which we kept stapled to the owner's manual which describes the warranty, is now a blank piece of paper.

The kids at AutoZone always tell me to "make a photo copy because the receipt will fade" whenever I buy something with a lifetime warranty.

Is it for a leaky faucet? Email Pfister with the model number and they will send you the parts to rebuild it for free, no receipt required. If I remember right they use a cartridge setup so it's really easy to replace.

 

[cide1]

Just buy another, it's not that big a deal. They cost like $9, and you dropped it, not them. I don't begrudge snap on $10 for a rebuild kit when I abuse a tool. I am surprised craftsman doesn't charge for rebuild kits, as well. If they did, maybe they could afford to up their quality.

 

[Bill R.]

That fading thermal paper receipt is a problem with every vendor. I have a Pfister kitchen faucet that I'd like to warranty out but the receipt, which we kept stapled to the owner's manual which describes the warranty, is now a blank piece of paper.

The kids at AutoZone always tell me to "make a photo copy because the receipt will fade" whenever I buy something with a lifetime warranty.


Lumpy

Did you do a lot of those Emergency Broadcast Warnings?
Yes. Had it been an actual emergency I would have hid.

www.LumpyMusic.com

I scan mine into pdf files and save them that way, since i claim them on taxes anyway..... I first started this because of as you mentioned autozone. I have over 8000 warranty parts on file with them and the thermal paper went away along time ago on most of my customers files.

 

[Conor]

Don't like your Harbor Freight tools? Home Depot will gladly do a competitor exchange for Husky with just about any hand tool from anyone.

I cant find anything on the internet about this, can you post a link or a source?

 

[RangerDaleXp]

I cant find anything on the internet about this, can you post a link or a source?

I think that was a old policy back when they had the fish tank full of broken tools some 5 or 10 years ago....

 

[rabidsquirrel]

Sears replaces tools forever, no matter what, even if you use a screwdriver for a pry bar or any other goofy use. Don't have to prove anything, isn't based on failure of materials or workmanship. And there's eleventy-gazillion Sears in the world.

Lumpy

You sang all those car commercials?
You got it, Toyota.
www.LumpyMusic.com

Holy ****, haven't seen you since the newsgroup days.

 

[jayoldschool]

lol, nothing like mentioning HF to bring out the trolls. Can't believe we are almost up to 60 posts!

Anyways, to bring this back OT, the ratchet still works fine. The selector still works, it just falls out if I turn it upside down. Can I fix it? Yes, it is cheap. No, it's not SnapOn. Yes, I do have other 3/8 drive ratchets. Thanks for keeping the discussion on topic.

 

[Link-Belt]

**** it. To the OP take it back if they wont replace it and you are damned sure you don't have another 3/8 ratchet in your box PM me your name and address I'll. Shoot you this SK 45170 I have laying in my box for the cost of shipping.

 

[shoturtle]

Just buy another, it's not that big a deal. They cost like $9, and you dropped it, not them. I don't begrudge snap on $10 for a rebuild kit when I abuse a tool. I am surprised craftsman doesn't charge for rebuild kits, as well. If they did, maybe they could afford to up their quality.

The problem is the tool should stand up to a drop for 4-6 ft and not break. My RP's and proto and my Wera all have been dropped on concert floors, just a little scratch and that is all. To have a switch fail from a simple drop, should be a warranty issue. That is not abuse of any sort, normal uses.

 

[Link-Belt]

Hell I've thrown my RPs across the shop and done nothing but scratch them.

 

[concealer404]

Nope. It's about 9 times that, but it's made by Americans.

I'm not real interested in anything made by the Americans i personally know.

Stop shitting on threads. If we all made the money, we would have full Snap On sets.

 

[Cryptic1911]

If it says "Pittsburgh" on it they will warranty it out and give you a new one, no questions asked, at least at my location in the Castleton area in Indianapolis. I don't really grasp their lifetime warranty stipulation limiting an understood lifetime warranty to only Pittsburgh hand tools, nevertheless....

My number one pet peeve is someone spewing absolute BS and advertising it as the gospel truth. Perhaps a current Harbor Freight employee can enlighten me as to the nature or chronological implementation of said "receipt only" warranty policy. I use HF tools daily and break them frequently, as with any manufacturer some stuff is junk and some is usable but the thing about tools is if you are using them as opposed to polishing and dusting them, collecting them, talking to them, asking them for relationship advice etc. THEY WILL BREAK. Every cheapo HF tool I have ever broken that said "Pittsburgh" on it has been warrantied out NO RECEIPT, NO PROBLEM. (sometimes even when "Pittsburgh" had worn off the handle)
I don't really understand the logic of spending $30,000 on tools to make between $40-100k a year, thus being said, over the past 4 years I have been employed as an auto mechanic I have tried to obtain my tools as cost-effective as is feasible, while still possessing enough quality stuff when it counts to maintain productivity. Yes, I have used a few HF ratchets professionally. While it can be dangerous for your knuckles you will have a few extra hundreds in your pocket compared to Captain Dual 80 Snap-On working in the bay next to you. You will also have a chance to buy his Strap-On Tech **** Truck tools at a discounted rate when he gets fired b/c his $200 ratchet couldn't compensate for his lack of skill or knowledge. Also the Snap-On dealer in my district has informed me "I'm in business to sell tools not warranty them" therefore if you don't have a balance on his truck you are SOL and yes, you will be waiting a good week or so to get your replacement. Yes at times expensive tool truck tools do make the difference and I buy very discriminately from Matco, Snap-On and Cornwell as well but they are guilty of rampant rebranding as this forum has enlightened me to. I look forward to getting my Armstrong Maxx locking flex ratchets and stuffing them w Matco 88 guts.


This is my first post on this forum ever. It may be my last, not sure yet. I have been merely observing until now, admiring other pro's box/cart layouts and tool selections and using this forum exclusively as a research tool. However until recently I didn't know HF had a lifetime warranty on ANYTHING and was very pleased to learn that. Good luck to you. Gas up and go and while you're there, the Composite Ratchets are a super buy, and the FWD Axle Nut Socket set is good too. Just watch out for those "internet thugs" they will judge you.

I use my China made tools to make American dollars to spend at stores located in America employing Americans. My tools work for me and make me money. I can't drive around on a Snap-On toolbox picking up hotties. So to me, it's irrelevant. I have bought a few "ego trip tools" in my day but more often than not choose to get 'er done as cheap as possible. Just remember that your $650 Snap-On Cordless Impact doesn't come with instructions on how to fix cars (neither did the Matco cordless I bought). Manufacturing along with other industries such as the IT field have been outsourced offshore for some time, it's just globalization and capitalism at work. Mark my words, within a decade your coveted Snap-On will all be made in China like everything else. Capitalism will drive the cost of manufacturing up in foreign lands eventually but that is irrelevant today as well because we will all be retired by then, hopefully. I apologize for rambling and DO expect to be attacked verbally for this but that is honestly how I feel. You have to be realistic if you are going to make it these days.

Hah, I like this guy! Welcome to the club.

 

[mopar01]

Nope. It's about 9 times that, but it's made by Americans.

Not if its a dual 80. Lmao

 

[byoungblood]

The problem is the tool should stand up to a drop for 4-6 ft and not break. My RP's and proto and my Wera all have been dropped on concert floors, just a little scratch and that is all. To have a switch fail from a simple drop, should be a warranty issue. That is not abuse of any sort, normal uses.

It is from HF, what should be expected?

When I first heard about them, it was some folks talking about them being a source of use once and throw away style tools, and is the very reason why I don't spend money there. I agree that you don't have to spend tool truck money to get good tools, but if you're spending $9 on a ratchet, you're getting what you're paying for.

 

[shoturtle]

that is not the point, it should be a warranty issue, that is all. And a drop should be cover if damage accuser form a simple drop off a tool cart. But I agree there are allot better tools out there without paying tool truck prices.


The HF stuff I have are freebies, and not used to often, but I did find their composite ratchet working around sheet metal was a pretty good tool to have. I let the ratchet slip, and the plastic did not damage the sheet metal. But for all other things, my wera or proto are the ratchets I used.

 

[Link-Belt]

It is from HF, what should be expected?

When I first heard about them, it was some folks talking about them being a source of use once and throw away style tools, and is the very reason why I don't spend money there. I agree that you don't have to spend tool truck money to get good tools, but if you're spending $9 on a ratchet, you're getting what you're paying for.

I don't think this thread is about the quality of HF tools.I think it's about HF warranting practices. Oh yeah and bashing Snap-On

 

[Hiball]

Why all the Speculation on "What is" and "What isn't" a Warranty Claim? The OP hasn't even given HF a chance to address the problem.

 

[shoturtle]

We are talking about needing a receipt to get the warranty. I had one of my freebie composite ratchet's selector fail. I had to get the receipt form my buddy to gave them to me. The now do check for the receipts at some stores. That is all.

 

[Hiball]

We are talking about needing a receipt to get the warranty. I had one of my freebie composite ratchet's selector fail. I had to get the receipt form my buddy to gave them to me. The now do check for the receipts at some stores. That is all.

IMO Warranty's have always been YMMV..... Obviously Per HF's website:

Limited Lifetime Warranty on Hand Tools
Harbor Freight Tools makes every effort to ensure that our products meet high quality and durability standards and warrants to the original purchaser that eligible products are free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. This warranty does not apply to damage due (directly or indirectly) to misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, repairs, alterations outside our facilities or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. Proof-of-purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the scope or our warranty, then you must bear the cost of storing and returning the product. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. Harbor Freight’s lifetime tool warranty is one of the strongest in the business, and one of the main reasons for millions of satisfied customers!


Now... Does this mean that they wont warrant the OP's Ratchet? I guess thats up to the Store Clerk/Manager but its all "Speculation" till the OP presents his Ratchet to the store.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

I don't think this thread is about the quality of HF tools.I think it's about HF warranting practices. Oh yeah and bashing Snap-On

You need to re-read the thread, the bashing started against the HF ratchet from the snap on guys and not the other way around. And it is about the warranty policies like you stated. The OP asked if the ratchet can be warrantied and some say it can and some said no and others took advantage of the situation to do some bashing.....

 

[Wrenches of Death]

I like this guy. Welcome to the forum.

Hell, I do too! A hearty welcome to the new guy!

WoD

 

[shoturtle]

That was my point, some stores are checking while others are not, and the one should be aware that they might not automatically warranty it even if it is stamped pittsburgh.

IMO Warranty's have always been YMMV..... Obviously Per HF's website:

Limited Lifetime Warranty on Hand Tools
Harbor Freight Tools makes every effort to ensure that our products meet high quality and durability standards and warrants to the original purchaser that eligible products are free from defects in material and workmanship for the life of the product. This warranty does not apply to damage due (directly or indirectly) to misuse, abuse, negligence, accidents, repairs, alterations outside our facilities or to lack of maintenance. We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property or for incidental, contingent, special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you.

To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges prepaid. Proof-of-purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise. If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within the scope or our warranty, then you must bear the cost of storing and returning the product. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state. Harbor Freight’s lifetime tool warranty is one of the strongest in the business, and one of the main reasons for millions of satisfied customers!


Now... Does this mean that they wont warrant the OP's Ratchet? I guess thats up to the Store Clerk/Manager but its all "Speculation" till the OP presents his Ratchet to the store.

 

[RangerDaleXp]

This could have something to do with it as well....

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights, which vary from state to state.

 

[Wrenches of Death]

I was thinking the same thing. The irony of a lifetime guarantee printed on fading thermal paper.

I just warrantied a cranking battery at Walmart after more than three years. My receipt looked like it had been printed the day before. The clerk was amazed.

My secret? I store "important" thermally printed receipts like that in a ziplock bag in one of my freezers. Chemical reactions slow WAY the hell down at zero degrees.

Now email me a beer before I dislocate my shoulder patting myself on the back.

WoD

 

[Need4racin]

If harbor freight ask you for a receipt, throw your broken ratchet at them and run out the door with your new one.+1 for sticking it to the man.

oh btw might want to park in an undisclosed location so they don't see your license plate.

 

[nine4gmc]

this thread went all warranty on us...

anyway, i had this happen to the same model ratchet, then after swapping it, i put it in my tool bag for a back up. about a week later i rech in for the back up ratchet and its broken as well, NEVER even used it. i go back ans swap it again. this time i use it once and throw it in my box, next time i go to use it, its broken, same place. i wanted to scream. this time i swapped to the swivel head 3/8 and have not had another problem. the HF swivel head is actually the strongest 3/8 ratchet i have had the pleasure of using(i dont have truck brands). not to mention i got it on sale for $9.99.

 

[Hiball]

You need to re-read the thread, the bashing started against the HF ratchet from the snap on guys and not the other way around. And it is about the warranty policies like you stated. The OP asked if the ratchet can be warrantied and some say it can and some said no and others took advantage of the situation to do some bashing.....

I think if you "Actually" Go back and Re-read the Thread you will see that there is "Multiple Snap on Comments" from the HF crowd and ONLY 1 Person that Bashes the HF ratchet (Maybe 2 if you count #66).

Really "Who Started it" is Irrelevant. It boils down to respecting other peoples Values, I just get tired of the HF Crowd always Pleading Innocence/Ignorance.

Silly Interwebs..

 

[Hiball]

That was my point, some stores are checking while others are not, and the one should be aware that they might not automatically warranty it even if it is stamped pittsburgh.

My Comments where aimed towards your #61 and #67...... In post #69. I repeat... OP ---> Take your ratchet to HF next time you are in there and report back on what they say.