I emailed Sears and didn't really get much of a answer but the response is somewhat revealing:
My Question:
Original Message Follows: ------------------------
Hello, I am considoring purchasing these tools; so, a written
explaination of what the warranty is and is not would be appreciated!
The main issue seems to be the need for a receipt; the traditional
Craftsman lifetime warranty does not require a receipt, for a warranty
replacement. If you have any specific info about the new Evolv warranty;
I would appreciate it! Thanks!
>
Dear XXXXXX,
We appreciate your consideration of Sears for your Craftsman tool needs.
Unfortunately, not all Craftsman tools are covered under the lifetime
warranty. A general list of Craftsman tools that are covered by the
lifetime warranty would include ratchets, sockets, wrenches,
screwdrivers and hammers. Some tools that are not covered by the
lifetime warranty (even though they are Craftsman branded) are: taps,
dies, saw blades, drill bits and torque wrenches. Other Craftsman
products such as power tools, lawnmowers, and test equipment have never
had a lifetime warranty. There have been a few instances where products
outside the hand tool family have been given lifetime coverage based on
the manufacturer's promise to replace or reimburse Sears if the product
fails.
As the worldwide business climate changes, some of these
manufacturers have closed their factories, outsourced production, or
changed their business practices. This has forced us to re-evaluate our
warranty position on products that are outside the hand tool family. We
will continue to bring high quality tools with lifetime warranties to
market at the best price we can offer and hope to continue to fulfill
your expectations of quality and value from the Craftsman brand.
(emphases mine)
The Sears store can be contacted for all warranty issues. Since they can
actually inspect and exchange broken/defective tools, the store must be
contacted for warranty issues. The lifetime warranty is meant to protect
the customer in the event that a tool is defective or breaks under
normal use. It is not meant to cover tools that are
damaged/destroyed/lost due to fire, water, theft or other natural
causes.
We appreciate your business, and value you as a Sears customer. We
certainly hope you will continue to make Sears your choice for quality
and value.
Sears Customer Care
[email protected]
1-800-349-4358
