Getting your money's worth

[redsky49]

In view of all the incensed posters regarding the new SK warranty terms, I offer the following:

This is a 1/4" socket set I purchased from Sears (I think) about 35 years ago. It has served me well on small engines, motorcycles, even some electronic gear. The only drawback after all those years is that one socket is starting to have the chrome peel off and show some corrosion. The tools have been well cared for, and they have the "V" stamping which I believe indicates an earlier, and perhaps better, manufacturer.

My dilemma, should I bring in the one failing socket for replacement, or keep the set original? The socket still works after all. And exactly what does Sears owe me after all this time?

My take on all this is I have gotten my money's worth and more, and will keep the set as is. Maybe return it to the back of the tool chest where it normally resides and let some later tools perform its tasks.

Bear in mind that I am not a tool collector/worshipper, instead more of a cheapskate who wants to get best value for my money, and have tools that perform the task for which they were designed and purchased.

I am always glad to see a spirited discussion on this board, and in view of SK"s current dilemma, I can appreciate all the various sentiments being expressed. However, at the end of the day, does this $5.00 charge really justify never doing business with SK again?

As always, offered only as opinion

 

[Bull]

I am in full agreement.

 

[mrshaun]

the fee per tool will cause a lot to stop and think before purchasing items. If the retailer will not warranty your tools you might end up losing a bunch of money if you sent in a pile of broken sockets. if you follow their new sop 10 sockets broken = 50 bucks extra.
you could get a new set cheaper almost

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Keep the socket and keep it original.

If you're like most of us, you have ten other sockets that same size that you can use if need be!

 

[flashpuppy]

I would throw the socket in the truck and replace it next time I was near a Sears store. I don't collect tools. I just want them to work.

However, at the end of the day, does this $5.00 charge really justify never doing business with SK again?

Yes. It does. This is just my opinion though.

 

[boostedgt]

you should probably keep the socket because it matches the others and a new one would look out of place with the set. if you are not happy with it return it, thats what the craftsman warranty is for!

i dont think the $5 fee would stop me from buying something fairly expensive like a nice ratchet from sk but i sure wont be buying something thats cheaper and more likely to break like a set that has small torx bits or small screw drivers. this move is gonna cost them more due to lost customers than they save with the fee

 

[nate379]

I agree. What good is a tool that you can't use?

I would throw the socket in the truck and replace it next time I was near a Sears store. I don't collect tools. I just want them to work.



Yes. It does. This is just my opinion though.

 

[scofo]

You could replace the whole Cman set with a SK set, then if something happened to the SK socket you'd know exactly what to do

 

[Even 11]

If you are unhappy using the vintage set, put it on the Classifieds on here and buy a new one with the $$. I'd keep it all original myself but I'm also the guy looking for like 3 exact sockets to put a couple of my old sets back together like they were when new.

-Dane

 

[sk farmer]

any one who says replace is a tool polisher. a fleck of loose chrome or some light rust should in no way affect the usabilty of that tool. by the way my dad has that same set and it is excellant vintage stuff. keep it a matched set. the majority of people will never break a good quality socket. buy what you like cman, sk or whatever and don't let anybody trash what you like.

 

[scofo]

Hey Redsky, what is that socket set setting on when you took the picture? I zoomed in 400% and it looks like this small card table I got from my grandparents but mine is dark green. Looks like a cool tabletop anyway.

 

[Crasen]

I would just keep it oiled to help prevent rust from forming and use it. If the chrome peeling is causing a sharp edge that could cut you then I would consider having it replaced. Tools are meant to be used as far as I am concerned. At the same time a lifetime warranty should be just that as far as I am concerned.

 

[Merkava_4]

My dilemma, should I bring in the one failing socket for replacement, or keep the set original?

Keep in mind that the current Craftsman sockets with their new style detents are Mickey Mouse as hell.

 

[gonzoengineer]

I'd keep it and continue to use it as you have thus far. The chipping chrome is minor and shouldn't affect function. Looks like a spiffy set with years of life left in it.

 

[nissan_crawler]

leave it alone. I would bet money it's higher quality than it's replacement will be, IF you ever end up getting a replacement after you send that in.

If you don't like working with one with chipping chrome, buy a replacement and set the old one aside.

 

[rjohnson]

Keep in mind that the current Craftsman sockets with their new style detents are Mickey Mouse as hell.

WTF?

 

[woody 73]

Hi,
From an antique perspective you keep the set as original as possible! Keep your eyes open for another old socket in better shape.

 

[redsky49]

Hey Redsky, what is that socket set setting on when you took the picture? I zoomed in 400% and it looks like this small card table I got from my grandparents but mine is dark green. Looks like a cool tabletop anyway.

It's actually a protective cover for the dining table. That's how I can get away with tools on the dining table for a quick photo without getting in trouble from the little woman (just kidding dear ).

 

[Tim Cowan]

Just squeeze the cracked sockets in a vise and weld the outside and then throw it in the low-torque drawer. On the second break, just weld it on the boat anchor.

 

[Merkava_4]

WTF?

How old are you? "Mickey Mouse = Rinky Dink

 

[OldToolMan]

I have alot of old c mn sockets v vintage almost any size 1/4" drive pay the freight and you can have it free larry

 

[Shocker]

You could always post a WTB on the classifieds for a replacement with good chrome.