Homemade Matco tool warranty question

[jones988]

Awhile back I stumbled across an old GJ post where someone bought a complete flex ratchet replacement head from a tool truck company and attached it to a random breaker bar.

As I was wanting a new 1/4 flex ratchet, and thought it would be cool to "build" my own. I bought a complete flex ratchet replacement head off Matco's website and a random 1/4 breaker bar from Amazon. A little grinding on the ratchet head where the bolt hole is and it fit perfect.

The second time I went to use it, it won't work in the "off" setting. You can hear the teeth grind as you turn it back and forth. Now my question is, as someone who doesn't work in a shop and have access to a Matco tool truck, what would be the best way to warranty the head? Find my nearest Matco truck and meet up with him? Will he warranty it since I didn't buy it from him? Or will he turn me down since I did grind a little on the head where it bolts to the breaker bar?

Granted I only spent $30 on the ratchet head, I'm not out much if I can't warranty it. This was my technically my first tool truck brand tool purchase and I'm surprised how easily it broke.

 

[bas157]

Can't speak for warranty replacement, but what about getting a rebuild kit for it?

 

[JP Chestnut]

I think you'd be very fortunate to get a modified tool warrantied without a relationship with a truck driver. You might aim for a free rebuild kit and keep the modification to yourself.

 

[woody 73]

Strange that this post should come up, I found a killer deal on some Matco tools and in part it reads that the seller will no longer cover the warranty on the tools.

indeed very confusing how these things work.

OP it looks like you might need to buy a rebuild kit for it on the web.

 

[jones988]

This shows my noobness with truck tools. I hadn't even thought of a rebuild kit for it. If I could get ahold of a Matco guy, I was planning on just showing him the head without it attached to the breaker bar.

Do you think he'd question why I pulled the head off the "handle"? Do I need to show proof that it's broken to get a rebuild kit, especially considering I don't have a relationship with a truck driver? I apologize for the dumb questions.

 

[JP Chestnut]

This shows my noobness with truck tools. I hadn't even thought of a rebuild kit for it. If I could get ahold of a Matco guy, I was planning on just showing him the head without it attached to the breaker bar.

Do you think he'd question why I pulled the head off the "handle"? Do I need to show proof that it's broken to get a rebuild kit, especially considering I don't have a relationship with a truck driver? I apologize for the dumb questions.

Rather than chasing someone down who may, or may not, be happy to see you... I would suggest just emailing Mac and tell them you have a ratchet that's not working, aren't at a truck supported shop, and see what they offer.

 

[lardy1]

I've never bought Matco so it may not apply but typically ratchet rebuild kits aren't all that expensive. If you want anything regarding warranty, you should probably keep the details to yourself.

 

[jones988]

Rather than chasing someone down who may, or may not, be happy to see you... I would suggest just emailing Mac and tell them you have a ratchet that's not working, aren't at a truck supported shop, and see what they offer.

I'm going to try that. I looked on Matco's website the other day about warranty items and it wanted me to contact my local rep to replace it. I will look deeper and shoot them an email.

 

[Fedwrench]

stupid question but, have you opened up the ratchet head to examine it?

Sometimes a simple cleaning and a little thin oil will do marvels.

What did you use it when it failed?

 

[jones988]

stupid question but, have you opened up the ratchet head to examine it?

Sometimes a simple cleaning and a little thin oil will do marvels.

What did you use it when it failed?

I have not opened it up yet. With the selector in the "off" position, I can turn it both directions so I just assumed something inside was shot.

The only thing I have used it for was to tighten my valve covers on my SBC race motor, so it's not like I was working it too hard as those are low torque. And looking back, it might have been broken when I got it as I only tightened my valve covers and put it in my toolbox and noticed it the next time I grabbed it when I went to loosen something.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Send it in to Matco!


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[2ndGearRubber]

GearWrench 84 tooth rebuild kits fit in those, FWIW.

 

[Flyordie]

Talk to MATCO. Just tell them you have a replacement head already but would like to send the one thats broke in for warranty. Its bound to get the service done quicker if they don't know what all was done. The warranty applies to the head as it was purchased as its own product. MMWA sets the rules for that.