Harbor Freight Warranty

[Techniker]

I know the requirements for the Harbor Freight Warranty are that you have to have the original receipt and the packaging (at least I think those are the requirements). I somehow have managed to lose both. If I were to break something (which is a good possibility since I work as a tech), would it be possible to still get Harbor Freight to replace them under the Lifetime Warranty?

Does it depend on who is working that day/what kind of mood they are in? I have been less than impressed with HF employees- when I can manage to find one who speaks English, it's usually fractured Ingles and they know absolutely nothing of their warranty policy, much less about tools.

I know, I'm horribly irresponsible and I should have kept better track of the receipts and packaging, but that is the biggest shortcoming of HF to me. I think it's utterly ridiculous to expect customers to hold on to 400 packaging inserts and their various receipts for a warranty.

Thanks for the help,
Techniker

 

[tonydanzah]

you dont need the reciept

 

[CD1]

you dont need the reciept

Correct!

You don't need the packaging or receipt.

All their hand tools with the Pittsburgh name stamped on them are warrantied for life.

 

[Techniker]

Really?! That's great news, everyone! Thank you!

-Techniker

 

[BQuicksilver]

Their warranty has become much more liberal over the past couple of years.

 

[Chuckw]

Have they stopped using light sensitive ink on their receipts? i know if you don't store them in the dark the ink all fades to nothing.....Maybe the ink got too expensive

 

[Techniker]

Their warranty has become much more liberal over the past couple of years.

So they do this even though the packaging says differently? I made my 3 hour drive to HF last night and the cashier told me the same thing that the other one did the last time I was there. You had to have the receipt. That and the packaging does say to keep the packaging (ridiculous) and the receipt (slightly less ridiculous, but still ridiculous) to warranty the product.

-Techniker

 

[chadster1]

Have they stopped using light sensitive ink on their receipts? i know if you don't store them in the dark the ink all fades to nothing.....Maybe the ink got too expensive

It's probably thermal paper. Lots of stores use thermal paper for their receipts.

 

[Lightfoot]

I guess it depends on the store. The HF here has exchanged many items for me without either the receipt or the packaging. Well not many, probably two or three that i can think of, but i've not had any problems switching them out. I just go to the register with item in hand, ask the cashier if these are still in the same location because i need to switch one out, and go get the new one- she/he takes the old one, i tell them i may want to look around for other items (leaves them with the impression i may spend more money) and i'll be back when i'm done. Never had a problem.

I know HF gets a lot of grief here, but i've not had any problems with them or their tools. The only thing i haven't been satisfied with is their sandpaper-it's about as tough as sand glued to a paper towel. For the price, i actually didn't expect much from it, so that's ok, i just don't buy it anymore. Other than that, i usually stop in there at least once a month, and usually end up buying something.

Just yesterday i bought one of their utility carts to hold my Lincoln 120v welder. The cart was on sale for $39 (reg price $59) and i am really surprised at how strong it is. Nice big hard rubber wheels (two swivel) with ball bearings. And it's red so it matches the welder like it was made just for it. Got another free flashlight (that makes about 6 of them- i have one in each car and each toolbox), and spent about an hour just looking around. I like the place.

 

[pipsters]

My local one is very good, you don't need the packaging or receipt. However it is probably store dependent. I keep the packages but receipts as stated just fade away over time. Chances are if you are buying to use the product, it will either break right away or last a long time. So if it breaks right away you'll still have the receipt. I tend to view hand tools and HF tools in general as consumables so I would be replacing them anyway.

Also I think the packaging actually states you have to mail it in. Many people won't mail a $3-$10 product in as you will spend more in shipping than you would to just go buy a new product. Not to mention you are out the use of that product to begin with, and chances are you need another one ASAP as you were using it to work on something when it broke.

So basically I've come to view a warranty as a marketing gimmick.

 

[Bull]

Where is John? He has a good deal of experience with this.

 

[NWphotog]

I know the requirements for the Harbor Freight Warranty are that you have to have the original receipt and the packaging (at least I think those are the requirements). I somehow have managed to lose both. If I were to break something (which is a good possibility since I work as a tech), would it be possible to still get Harbor Freight to replace them under the Lifetime Warranty?

Does it depend on who is working that day/what kind of mood they are in? I have been less than impressed with HF employees- when I can manage to find one who speaks English, it's usually fractured Ingles and they know absolutely nothing of their warranty policy, much less about tools.

I know, I'm horribly irresponsible and I should have kept better track of the receipts and packaging, but that is the biggest shortcoming of HF to me. I think it's utterly ridiculous to expect customers to hold on to 400 packaging inserts and their various receipts for a warranty.

Thanks for the help,
Techniker

Are you talking hand tool or power tool? All of the "Pittsburgh" hand tools are extremely easy to warranty. The power tools have a limited and warranty and will usually require a receipt.

 

[Lightfoot]

Are you talking hand tool or power tool? All of the "Pittsburgh" hand tools are extremely easy to warranty. The power tools have a limited and warranty and will usually require a receipt.

I hadn't thought about that. The items i've switched out have all been hand tools, nothing electronic. The only power tool i've ever bought there is an oscillating multi-tool and it works great. But what you said makes sense

 

[landbruiser1]

I had to warranty my go through ratchet yesterday due to the selector broke. The manager wanted me to go and get the entire set and just exchange kit for kit. I told him that I didnt want to drive home and then back. he said fine, with a aditude and gave me my new ratchet.

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

Where is John? He has a good deal of experience with this.

I'm here...

Ok, HF must have changed their policy, my store did not require a receipt in the past to warranty hand tools, but now they do.

You need to call corporate, and tell them your issue, they will then state that you don't need a receipt.

Call them in the store if you have to.

Corporate will also just send you the replacement in the mail if you wish.

I think this a tactic HF is using; tell the stores you need receipt and corporate will play dumb, acting as if nothing with their policy has changed. I don't know??? If a small percentage agree to this and just buy the replacement, they make money, but I think a lot of people may just be turned off by HF after all of this.

Call this number 800 444-3353

 

[Techniker]

I hadn't thought about that. The items i've switched out have all been hand tools, nothing electronic. The only power tool i've ever bought there is an oscillating multi-tool and it works great. But what you said makes sense

Hand tools. Electronic and power tool warranties everywhere are nearly worthless. That's why you buy the high end on those so that there are parts to bother rebuilding it with.

 

[fatboyf150]

Company policy has always been that you must have your receipt when doing a exchange. It has just been so lax in every store that all the customers have been use to just taking it in and getting it swapped out. Back when the coupon policy changed, they also started inforcing the receipt rule. Hell, we even had to sign that we understand the policy. If you go in the store, it should be posted on the wall about returns. In our store, it's no receipt, no return. Unless, someone can remember that customer buying that product from us.

 

[ajchien]

Are we talking return or warranty?

 

[Hiball]

Are we talking return or warranty?

W-A-R-R-A-N-T-Y

Limited Lifetime Warranty on Hand Tools
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that our products meet high quality and durability standards and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is 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.

You’ve got to be able to trust the hand tools you work with, and that’s why Harbor Freight’s lifetime tool warranty for hand tools gives you the peace of mind to go ahead and order all the hand tools you need from us. This Harbor Freight Warranty is one of the strongest in the business, and one of the main reasons for millions of satisfied customers!

 

[fatboyf150]

Are we talking return or warranty?

goes for both.

 

[ajchien]

goes for both.

T

Do I need original receipt, or can I take pictures of my receipts as proof of purchase?

 

[pipsters]

T

Do I need original receipt, or can I take pictures of my receipts as proof of purchase?

Technically the warranty just says proof of purchase. So I would think as long as you have proof somehow, you'd be OK. Personally, I'd just photo copy it, or scan it into your computer, but GOD what a PITA.

Sears is looking a lot better nowadays. If HF sticks to this hopefully people will pick up on it and start shopping at Sears again.

 

[fatboyf150]

T

Do I need original receipt, or can I take pictures of my receipts as proof of purchase?

What i tell every customer that buys something that has a warranty that is longer then 90 days, it to photo copy their receipt and staple both copies together. So, when the thermal ink is gone, they have the original and the copy so we can get the transaction number, date and price off it. I know it is a pain in the *** to have to keep us receipts , but thats the policy we have to follow. Only if corp would upgrade those dinosaurs we call registers that would keep up with warranty info and also offer instance gratification to Inside Track Club members, we would be doing ok.

 

[NWphotog]

Company policy has always been that you must have your receipt when doing a exchange. It has just been so lax in every store that all the customers have been use to just taking it in and getting it swapped out. Back when the coupon policy changed, they also started inforcing the receipt rule. Hell, we even had to sign that we understand the policy. If you go in the store, it should be posted on the wall about returns. In our store, it's no receipt, no return. Unless, someone can remember that customer buying that product from us.

So far I've had no trouble even doing returns wo receipts. They have started getting manager approval here but so far no real hassle beyond that. With the new socket sets and such it seems to me HF really is trying to replace Sears. If that is true I really hope they rethink requiring receipts for hand tools. Its not like you are going to buy a Pittsburgh wrench any where but HF. If they want to be the go to place a good warranty is important. And, a warranty for hand tools that requires a receipt is NOT a good one.

 

[ajchien]

I just looked at all my HF receipts (kept under drawer liners). One is pretty faded, the others are still readable. Well, I figure I'd just take cell phone pics of my receipts then. Just in case.

 

[BJ42LX]

Only if corp would ... offer instance gratification to Inside Track Club members, we would be doing ok.

"Instance gratification"?

Is that like a happy ending?

 

[carhouse]

I know i'm bringing up a post back up from the dead but it's in the same category, Hope thats ok if not could a Mod just put it as a new thread.

Does anyone have any experience in the warranty replacement of the plastic socket holders 1/4" 3/8" 1/2" in one package from Harbor Freight?

These say lifetime warranty on package but has nothing on the plactic (no name) except made in China. Box says pittsburgh on it.

Are they going to want all 3 back even if only one is broken? Am I going to need the reciept on these as there is no name on it?

Anyone have any experience on replacing these in the store?

I just bought some of these and want to be prepared (as I think) the ball will fall out after time making then useless.
I am pretty good on keeping the reciepts but if the ink dissapears later on. Also I would hate to keep 20 boxes.

Thanks

Michael

 

[kunkernator]

That is actually an interesting question. I never really thought about those as being something warranty-able, but now that you mention it, the boxes do say "Lifetime Warranty".

I do not know an answer to it though, I would assume that since it says so, you should beable to.

 

[STGFordCrazy04]

Ive had good luck both ways.

Broke a 6" caliper i bought years ago (actually my fault) and they gave me a new caliper minus the case since all i returned was the caliper.

Broke one allen socket out of a set, returned all 6 or so pieces and received a new set.

Neither was a hassle or questions asked even though both were admittedly my fault.

 

[cheechi]

They don't need the box. They prefer the receipt but depending what it is, and how it's damaged, they might not need it. For that, I would just bring the broken part, likely they will just get that part out of the box and hand it to you. They wouldn't need the ones that are still good.

 

[carhouse]

They don't need the box. They prefer the receipt but depending what it is, and how it's damaged, they might not need it. For that, I would just bring the broken part, likely they will just get that part out of the box and hand it to you. They wouldn't need the ones that are still good.

Thanks for the help.

I will keep the receipt until it fades away anyways and try to keep at least on box. But don't ask me where it is in a year or two.

 

[jim2664258]

Resurrecting an old thread but just a tip: you can use a copier or scanner for these types of receipts you want to keep. Then it will be on normal paper and you don't have to worry about the invisible ink problem. If you use a scanner you can just keep image files of your receipts and only print them when you need them.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Resurrecting an old thread but just a tip: you can use a copier or scanner for these types of receipts you want to keep. Then it will be on normal paper and you don't have to worry about the invisible ink problem. If you use a scanner you can just keep image files of your receipts and only print them when you need them.

That is what I do! Scan the receipts in, then print it out, and staple the old receipt to it.

But, I've never actually had HF ask me for a receipt. I've walked in with them in my pocket, asked for a warranty, and they swapped everything out right away without asking for a receipt.

 

[wornoutoldman]

The tools are cheap enough that there is little pain in buying a replacement.

IMHO and I'm a frugal SOB.

 

[sberry]

Is it really worth the effort to keep track of a discount idem that probably cost less for a whole set than a hamburger?" They warranty so few its irrelevant. I paid 2 dollars for a soc ket 10 yrs ago that still works and I am going to look for receipts "in case it breaks"?????????? We got a thread going about USA tools, this almost belongs there with the suggestion that whats wrong with the country is it needs a high school course in logic and value.

More tools sold on fear about warranty than any other reason. Its the most profitable asperct of the business, cost almost nothing for strong marketing.

In 20 yrs the reality is I busted 2 Pittsburg wrenches with a hammer. Paid a dollar a piece 15 yrs ago.

 

[Danglerb]

I've never had a problem with any non electrical tool, ie stuff that we all know is going to break will need some proof the purchase date.

If I ever bring something in and get refused,I may push a little, talk to a manager or just try again, or maybe lose my temper and speak in a big angry mean person fashion. Maybe not, HF has NOTHING worth popping a blood vessel over.

 

[monomach]

HF's warranty policy is essentially the same as Snap-On's. They *technically* require a receipt, but most workers won't ask for it.

I've never had a HF worker ask me for a receipt on a warranty. It's basically walk up to the register, say "hey man, this thing broke," he tosses it in a basket under the counter, he says "ok, grab a new one," and rings it up as a warranty. About as easy as Sears, in my experience.

I expect they'd ask for a receipt on anything that isn't lifetime warranty, though i.e. power tools. Lucky for me, In my limited experience with HF power tools (have had sawzall and angle grinder for years, and a finishing sander for a few weeks), I still haven't had one die on me.

On the other hand, a Snappy driver at my new dealership DID refuse a warranty that I provided a receipt for once. As a result, he's never gotten so much as a dime of my money, and after getting replacements behind his back, I sold off everything Snappy other than my line wrenches.

I keep copies and original receipts for all purchases that come with a warranty in my file cabinet. It's something you should definitely do just in case someone from any manufacturer decides to hassle you.

 

[HarborFreightGal19]

I know the requirements for the Harbor Freight Warranty are that you have to have the original receipt and the packaging (at least I think those are the requirements). I somehow have managed to lose both. If I were to break something (which is a good possibility since I work as a tech), would it be possible to still get Harbor Freight to replace them under the Lifetime Warranty?

Does it depend on who is working that day/what kind of mood they are in? I have been less than impressed with HF employees- when I can manage to find one who speaks English, it's usually fractured Ingles and they know absolutely nothing of their warranty policy, much less about tools.

I know, I'm horribly irresponsible and I should have kept better track of the receipts and packaging, but that is the biggest shortcoming of HF to me. I think it's utterly ridiculous to expect customers to hold on to 400 packaging inserts and their various receipts for a warranty.

Thanks for the help,
Techniker

Hello,

I have worked at Harbor Freight since April 2014. I have yet to find an employee who wont return a lifetime tool. By our policy we have to replace it if it is broken.

But we cannot refund your money without any sort of receipt. If you have a email they can email you a copy of the receipt as well as print just in case.

As long as it is a Pittsburg hand held tool that has lifetime warranty then its replaced forever.

Thank you. Anymore questions please ask!
HarborFreightGal19