GearWrench QC issue...pics inside

[joshboogie]

GearWrench QC issue...(update pg.12 pics/vid)10/05/08

Well before this I have had good luck with the GearWrench stuff but as you can see from the pics I wasn't so lucky this time around. The metal is all pitted on both of the spark plug sockets and there is rust inside the 5/8's. I can't get a clear pic of it but the spring inside the 5/8's looks like it's no set in place almost like it's loose. Not sure if it's supposed to be that way but it's not like that on the13/16's socket.

 

[dxdexter]

That's caused by all that salt air while on the slow boat from China.

I would take them back to the store. That pitting would be unacceptable to me.

 

[joshboogie]

Ordered the set from Amazon.com so I can't exactly take them back.

 

[billymade]

Call these guys up and get a new one asap! Don't take it to Sears, they won't have it in stock.
GearWrench - Consumer Tools
If any GearWrench Hand Tool purchased at a retailer, when used for its intended purpose, fails to give you complete satisfaction, please return it to any Sears* location, or contact Danaher Tool Group Consumer Division at (888)-757-1812 for free replacement or return.* Sears carries a broad range of GearWrench hand tools, but does not guarantee that all GearWrench tools can be returned to any Sears location. If unsure, please return your GearWrench tool to the specific retailer or distributor from which you purchased it.
GearWrench - Professional Tools
If use of any GearWrench Hand Tool® when used for its intended purpose, fails to give complete satisfaction, return it to your GearWrench Distributor or contact Danaher Tool Group Professional Division at (800)-688-8949, and it will be repaired or replaced free of charge. *Except Torque Products

 

[jay50]

Looks like they are really cheaping-out on those sockets...Wonder what will be next from them?

 

[joshboogie]

Looks like they are really cheaping-out on those sockets...Wonder what will be next from them?

My thoughts exactly.

 

[joshboogie]

Tried to contact Amazon and this is what it says.

Eligible for refund only:

"We only offer replacements if the return is the result of our error. We also are unable to replace any items sold by other sellers that are Fulfilled by Amazon, because these sellers' inventory is constantly changing. You're welcome to return the item to us for a refund."

I don't want a refund I want that the hell I ordered. I PM'd the GearWrench rep on here so I guess we'll see what happens.

 

[billymade]

Why don't you just call their 1800 warranty #?
(888)-757-1812 or (800)-688-8949

 

[wilbilt]

Those do look pretty bad.

 

[Finley]

you thumb looks bad!!!

oh yeah, i'd call warranty pronto

 

[joshboogie]

Why don't you just call their 1800 warranty #?
(888)-757-1812 or (800)-688-8949

I'll give them a call in the AM.


Oh and the thumb is fine. It'll heal. lol

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

buy american

 

[Fedwrench]

That's unacceptable!! Just because the Chinese can send us poisoned pet food, lead contaminated toys, and so many containers loaded with substandard **** that they don't want the empty containers back, what makes them think that they can get away with sending tools with such a bad case of acne, that clearisel won't work on it? Oh wait, it might be that they're buying the country due to corporate greed but, that's another thread.
Seriously, you need to call Gearwrench and complain that the quality of their product is in decline since moving operations from Taiwan to China. That you have posted pictures of the **** they're trying to pass off as quality tools to all of your friends and that they will share them with their friends and before you know it, the anti chinese tool fever will be at an all time high and Gearwrench won't be able to give their products away. Ask Gearwrench how you're supposed to "Get it Done" with **** that looks like it's made from potmetal. Tell them you want a replacement set that better be perfect or, you're going through this again and again until they get it right.
I have alot of Gearwrench stuff that I use everyday but, if they don't keep the quality bar high, they will be history. You have my condolences for loss encountered with this purchase. I hope your next tool purchase goes better. Do not let them off the hook with this, get a perfect set from Gearwrench and enjoy it.

 

[GearWrench Brand]

Yes, that's a violation of our quality spec. We apologize, but don't worry - we'll take care of you.

Please call our customer service number referenced above and PM me if you have any problems.

This component is produced by a supplier and is not part of the move between our Danaher facilities Fedwrench mentions above. I can assure you, our high standards of quality are as strong as ever.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[nissan_crawler]

Holy hell you people get worked up. I have never seen Gearwrench NOT offer to fix a problem, EVER. The amount of time taken to deal with this post could have had a new one on the way.

 

[rodm1]

I just got a set from amazon.com to and one socket has a very small rust spot on it but I'm not going to worry about it. If I wonted perfection I would have ordered SO. They seem to be going the SK ways.

 

[wrenchr]

Yes, that's a violation of our quality spec. We apologize, but don't worry - we'll take care of you.

Please call our customer service number referenced above and PM me if you have any problems.

This component is produced by a supplier and is not part of the move between our Danaher facilities Fedwrench mentions above. I can assure you, our high standards of quality are as strong as ever.

Thanks,
Steve

Handled like a professional tool company should I just bought a 3pc ratchet set!!

 

[wilbilt]

Yes, that's a violation of our quality spec. We apologize, but don't worry - we'll take care of you.

Please call our customer service number referenced above and PM me if you have any problems.

This component is produced by a supplier and is not part of the move between our Danaher facilities Fedwrench mentions above. I can assure you, our high standards of quality are as strong as ever.

Thanks,
Steve

I agree, an excellent customer service response. If you could iron out some of the minor details, I would buy your tools.

 

[ToolGlutton]

The Craftsman 1/4" dr extension bars I bought from sears last time was also like that. One of them was so bad that I could not insert my ratchet into the extension. In the end, I had to prime it by using a hammer and another 1/4" dr extension.

 

[wrenchr]

Just return it..............................

 

[eschoendorff]

Yes, that's a violation of our quality spec. We apologize, but don't worry - we'll take care of you.

Please call our customer service number referenced above and PM me if you have any problems.

This component is produced by a supplier and is not part of the move between our Danaher facilities Fedwrench mentions above. I can assure you, our high standards of quality are as strong as ever.

Thanks,
Steve

See... it's this very thing that really makes me want to buy that GearWrench 4 piece ratchet set instead of a new Snap On F80.....

 

[Fedwrench]

Please post an update when you receive your replacement set so, I can continue purchasing Gearwrench's new products.

 

[eschoendorff]

Please post an update when you receive your replacement set so, I can continue purchasing Gearwrench's new products.

You do everytime you buy Matco!!!!









sorry... took my "night time" medicine already....

 

[AutoTech]

Handled like a professional tool company should I just bought a 3pc ratchet set!!

Wrenchr I've been considering buying the 3pc ratchet set and was wondering where yours are made Taiwan or China?

 

[Fedwrench]

You do everytime you buy Matco!!!!

My Matco purchases have slowed down because I pretty much have everything I want from them. I have that avatar to irritate the Matco haters.

 

[wrenchr]

Wrenchr I've been considering buying the 3pc ratchet set and was wondering where yours are made Taiwan or China?

I have not received them yet, I will post my thought's on them when they arrive.

 

[wrenchr]

My Matco purchases have slowed down because I pretty much have everything I want from them. I have that avatar to irritate the Matco haters.

Our avatars share alot with the tools!!
Your is nice and polished and mine is just basic no frills!!

 

[jay50]

Seems to be more poor quality coming from Gearwrench lately. Wonder who's minding the QC department? Just a couple of weeks ago, there were some pics of poor quality on double X pilers posted.
I think I will give Toptul my next business for some ratchets and give GW some time to get the Control back in Quality.

 

[ToolGlutton]

I'm wondering what you will do with these returned tools with only cosmetic problems?

Sell them cheap or recycle them? When I had these problems, I had always chosen to bite the bullet.

1) I think it's more environmental friendly. I mean, you do not need to use extra energy to polish it.

2) It will help the company to keep the price low.

However, I also understand that most people on this board are tool experts, they can not stand these kind of flaws.

Yes, that's a violation of our quality spec. We apologize, but don't worry - we'll take care of you.

Please call our customer service number referenced above and PM me if you have any problems.

This component is produced by a supplier and is not part of the move between our Danaher facilities Fedwrench mentions above. I can assure you, our high standards of quality are as strong as ever.

Thanks,
Steve

 

[wrenchr]

I'm wondering what you will do with these returned tools with only cosmetic problems?

Sell them cheap or recycle them? When I had these problems, I had always chosen to bite the bullet.

1) I think it's more environmental friendly. I mean, you do not need to use extra energy to polish it.

2) It will help the company to keep the price low.

However, I also understand that most people on this board are tool experts, they can not stand these kind of flaws.

Flaws from use are fine, but purchased new and they are flawed, oh no!!

 

[eschoendorff]

I'm wondering what you will do with these returned tools with only cosmetic problems?

Sell them cheap or recycle them? When I had these problems, I had always chosen to bite the bullet.

1) I think it's more environmental friendly. I mean, you do not need to use extra energy to polish it.

2) It will help the company to keep the price low.

However, I also understand that most people on this board are tool experts, they can not stand these kind of flaws.

Nope, sorry... I'm calling BS on both points. NO WAY that is going to impact tool costs... and more than likely any returned tools are melted down for teh steel anyway. Put on those big container ships of metal that we send back to China so that they can make us frying pans and ratchets and Honda knock-off engines....

 

[bchee]

I was trying to figure out what defect you were trying to show in the last pict.

Also, is the magnetic insert supposed to be that low in the socket?

Steve's response seems reassuring, so hopefully the exchange works out for you.

Yes, that's a violation of our quality spec. We apologize, but don't worry - we'll take care of you.

 

[wilbilt]

I was trying to figure out what defect you were trying to show in the last pict.

I assume it was meant to show the crappy quality of the finish.

 

[olds88]

I don't understand why anyone would knowingly buy from a company that does all it's manufacturing overseas.

The ONLY tools I've bought that I knew were made overseas was the Blue-Point GearWrench style combination wrenches (Taiwan, $80 for the set, eBay), and a similar set SAE from Crescent Tools, also Taiwan. Everything else I have is Snap-on, made in USA, and some specialty tools from Lisle, made in USA... and an old Blue-Point air ratchet from Japan.

 

[wilbilt]

I don't understand why anyone would knowingly buy from a company that does all it's manufacturing overseas.

Many don't know what they are buying.

 

[Stanger]

Many don't know what they are buying.

Or if you're like me, you get these ratcheting wrenches or you get none. I am very happy with my Gearwrench tools. They are a great value IMO. Sure I would like to support the nation's economy, but I need to support myself first.

 

[speed bump]

I should spend less time working with my tools and more time looking at them, I don't think I would of noticed any of that becuase it doesn't affect the performance.

Also I still like questioning the sanity of those who buy chinese tools.

 

[billymade]

If our store is any indication, I assume Danaher/Gearwrench take returns and use them for raw materials; we take all the craftsman warranty tools, put them in a 50 gallon barrel and ship them back to manufacturing to reclaim the metal to make new tools (this is what I have always been told). Supposedly, western forge, factors reclaimed or recycled raw materials in their business model and economics; I read this in a article about them some where on the web at one point.
I think offshore tools has become so ubiquitous at the this point; people are either unaware or have become desensitized to the the issue or don't care. Professional tool users, seem more aware of the issue but all the cheaper lines of tools on the trucks have become offshore (i.e. Bluepoint, Silver Eagle etc.), so they probably don't feel like there is an option or they try to buy the high end USA made line if it really is a issue for them. It seems the case that some truck brands are becoming offshore for their "top line" hard tools; in that case there isn't a option, unless you try a different truck that specifically proves the tools are made in USA.

 

[Merkava_4]

I've looked at those pictures carefully and I've come to the conclusion that the tools were plated while still having surface rust on them. I suppose the Chinese haven't mastered the use of abrasive blast media yet; but then again, why were the tools allowed to corrode in the first place?

 

[RbrtAWhyt]

sorry... took my "night time" medicine already....

Ambien? I take that. My wife says I act drunk until I pass out...