Exactly what I am trying to do. I just sent an email directly to Elora to see if they can do anything. I haven't heard back from Bloomer Tools, but the samstag manager would not help me and also directed me to Bloomer. It is pretty strange that the rebuilds cost half the price of the tool, but hopefully they will work with me. Here is what is listed on their website.
"ÜNormal wear and tear and / or breakage of the socket do not fall under the warranty. Tools which, as a result of their advanced age or inappropriate or non-conforming use no longer work, are not covered by the ELORA full warranty. We expressly refer all users to the operating manuals and safety instructions applicable to our products. The general safety instructions must be adhered to in all cases.
Below you will find a number of examples of use which are considered to be "non-conforming use" of tools: e.g
chisels, centre punches and / or drift punches applied to steels which are too hard or used for the wrong tasks
use of side-cutters for wires with hardness ratings that are not suitable
continued use of tools which are already partly damaged or broken
applying the wrong sized sockets to screw fasteners
tools which have been modified
use of sockets with impact screw drivers where they were designed for manual usen"
German companies don't seem to have the all encompassing "lifetime warranty" that American tool companies have had historically but it is worth a shot! What do you have to lose?