How to break sockets to get warranted

[rjohnson]

First off-Let it be known I'm not trying to screw Snap-on over. My dad and I had a couple worn sockets lying around so I sent them up to Kenosha. Today I got home and see a package from Snap-on. So I open it up and instead of new shiny sockets there are old worn sockets. Also, a note in the bottom explaining how there are "no visible defects". Well, the sockets are indeed worn, and they're old too. It's not like I'm sending in new sockets because I scratched them. I intend to send them back again, so what should I do to them to ensure they get warranted that won't void the warranty? Impact? Arbor Press?

 

[bushhawg73]

Find a dealer, one you have spent money with usually helps. I have only replaced a few wrenches for this same reason, 1/2 and 9/16. Both I bought new and almost wore down the flank drive area in the open end. Both were warrantied without question by a dealer.

 

[NUTTSGT]

maybe one of the SO guys will chime in.

 

[Vernmotor]

press them over a ball bearing ..spit them out like they was broke using them.

 

[garfunkle24]

a couple worn sockets lying around so

there are old worn sockets.

Well, the sockets are indeed worn, and they're old too.

^^^I have quoted the key lines from your post. As far as I'm concerned, you are trying to screw Snap-on over. I don't believe in getting tools warranteed because they are worn out (unless they are worn prematurely).

However, if you do want to go down that road (who am I to judge?) you have a couple of options:

1. Beat a BB into the socket
2. Get the socket sitting really cocked on an immovable fastener and reef on the breaker bar.

 

[Mike83]

Buy new ones because the old ones aren't defective, just used a lot?

Edit ^^^^beat me to it.

 

[Rigmaster]

Sorry, but it does sound like you're trying to take advantage of SO.

Granted, it would have been nice of them to just replace the damn sockets in the first place, and it wouldn't have really cost them much at all- but they are evidently sticking to the letter of their warranty here.

my 0.02 worth....

 

[rjohnson]

Thanks for all your input. But seriously, I'm not trying to take advantage of them. I just interpret the warranty in my favor. Keep in mind these tools HAVE NOT been used professionally.

Warranty for pro use states:
"Consumable Products are warranted, at the time of sale, only against defects in workmanship or materials that prevent their use. Consumable products are goods reasonably expected to be used up or damaged during use, including but not limited to drill bits, saw blades, grinding discs, sanding discs, knife blades, files, O2 sensors and batteries."

I don't even consider sockets very consumable, I don't wear them out very often, plus they are not listed under consumables, but I guess it's not limited to, maybe mrshaun or chadster can shed some light on what the warranty covers. I'm not trying to just break them to get new ones, they are already worn...I just want to get them replaced.

 

[cwstevens92]

Just my 2 cents, i have spent and spend thousands upon thousands of dollars with snap-on every year and i wouldnt even ask them to warranty somthing i "wore out"
Much less try and take advantage of their warranty. I'm pretty sure that "materials that prevent their use" is not the same as you used it enough to wear it out.

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

But seriously, I'm not trying to take advantage of them. I just interpret the warranty in my favor. Keep in mind these tools HAVE NOT been used professionally.

Warranty for pro use states:
"Consumable Products are warranted, at the time of sale, only against defects in workmanship or materials that prevent their use. Consumable products are goods reasonably expected to be used up or damaged during use, including but not limited to drill bits, saw blades, grinding discs, sanding discs, knife blades, files, O2 sensors and batteries."

I don't even consider sockets very consumable, I don't wear them out very often, plus they are not listed under consumables, but I guess it's not limited to, maybe mrshaun or chadster can shed some light on what the warranty covers. I'm not trying to just break them to get new ones, they are already worn...I just want to get them replaced.

With all due respects, a couple of thoughts:

1. You stated that you are interpreting the warranty in your favor and that you do not use these tools professionally. Then you go on to quote the PROFESSIONAL USE warranty on CONSUMEABLES. That warranty statement, by your own admission (a) does not apply to you; and (b) does not cover the tools in this matter as sockets are clearly not consumeables under any reasonable definition. Therefore, I am a little confused as to what you are trying to accomplish by quoting an irrelevant warranty statement.

2. Hopefully you did try to find whether your tools are covered under the SO PERSONAL USE warranty. For reference, SO website clearly states the following:

Personal Use Warranties for Products. Customers buying Product for personal use can obtain the Product warranty information by mailing a written request that includes a description of the Product to:

Snap-on Tools Company LLC
Consumer Warranty Information Center
2801 – 80th Street
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53143​

 

[rjohnson]

I'm just saying, it's the same tools used by professionals, just at home, don't you think the warranty would cover them more. For example, if you buy a new Stihl chainsaw, the warranty is something like 90 days commercial use, 1 year home use. Is is wrong that I replace a couple sockets used at home for 20 years vs someone professionally using the socket and getting a new one after 1 year? Who ends up costing Snap-on more in the end? A professional who exchanges it every year of course!

 

[garfunkle24]

I'm just saying, it's the same tools used by professionals, just at home, don't you think the warranty would cover them more. For example, if you buy a new Stihl chainsaw, the warranty is something like 90 days commercial use, 1 year home use. Is is wrong that I replace a couple sockets used at home for 20 years vs someone professionally using the socket and getting a new one after 1 year? Who ends up costing Snap-on more in the end? A professional who exchanges it every year of course!

The professional also typically spends a lot more with Snap-on too. And you really think that sockets you've used for 20 years owe you something?

 

[AffableCurmudgeon]

I understand your point but would like to point out that warranties are evaluated not by doing a cost-benefit analysis but by the letter of the warranty statement.

 

[BillK]

r,

I am a bit confused. When you say they are "worn" does that mean that if you put them on a bolt they will slip and not turn it ? If that is the case then I would think that SO would warranty them, but if they do the job and turn the bolt, but look like ****, then they should not.

And ... for all you guys that suggest ways to make them appear to have failed under normal use .... I hope some day you have your own business. It gives you a much different perspective on this type of behavior.

Just my opinion,

 

[cwstevens92]

Dude, so you are saying that "me" and all of use that use snap on's stuff to make a living don't deserve the same warranty as the home hobby guy....whatever if anything we "the pros" deserve the longer warranty just for the simple fact we spend 1000 times the money with the company as ANY home hobby guy ever will and as far as i know (i been in the game for more than 20 yrs) us "pro" guys don't exchange tools every year. In fact as far as i can say (and please other pros speak up) we never exchange or even use warranty unless something is broken not worn out from use.

 

[cwstevens92]

r,

And ... for all you guys that suggest ways to make them appear to have failed under normal use .... I hope some day you have your own business. It gives you a much different perspective on this type of behavior.

Just my opinion,

AMEN AMEN AMEN THANK YOU, Im glad someone said it!

I would never expect any company to warranty something that is worn out from using it too much. If so i'm gonna go call bridgestone and tell them they should have covered my tires under warranty cause they wore out

 

[rowbow41]

Hey! The price that Snap On tools cost is so they can warrant the for the lifetime. That includes wear. What good would a lifetime warranty be if it didn't cover usage. Why pay that kind of money if they are not going to honor their tools.

 

[Falcon67]

I'd have to side with SO on this, personally. I have a set of Craftsman 1/2 and 3/8 drive sockets. My grandmother bought them for me as a birthday present - when I was 12. I'm 53 right now. They have had the hell used out of them over the last 40 years and are - surprisingly - not worn much if any. I have warrantied one (1) 9/16" 3/8 drive socket because it broke. If I do manage to wear out one of the sockets, I would just consider it "job well done" and buy another. I don't think many would consider normal wear and tear a "defect in workmanship and materials" - because if it had a defect, it would not have lasted that long.

 

[cwstevens92]

Hey! The price that Snap On tools cost is so they can warrant the for the lifetime. That includes wear. What good would a lifetime warranty be if it didn't cover usage. Why pay that kind of money if they are not going to honor their tools.

They cover their tools from manufacture defect or brake under normal use, not from just normal use and "oh i used it so much its dirty and dosent work like it use to"

 

[cwstevens92]

If I do manage to wear out one of the sockets, I would just consider it "job well done" and buy another. I don't think many would consider normal wear and tear a "defect in workmanship and materials" - because if it had a defect, it would not have lasted that long.

Nobody could have put it any better!!!

 

[gofastman]

Hey! The price that Snap On tools cost is so they can warrant the for the lifetime. That includes wear. What good would a lifetime warranty be if it didn't cover usage. Why pay that kind of money if they are not going to honor their tools.

I agree, the price they are charging includes a warranty for my lifetime, not just the tools, provided they are not abused.
I wouldnt feel any guilt for cheating a bit to get a tool warrantied because it wore out due to normal use.

 

[Displaced Hokie]

Most warranties are for "defects in materials or workmanship"...which is how I interpret the SO warranty. "Normal wear" would not apply.

You have simply fully consumed the utility of the product...it has not failed due to materials or workmanship.

My thoughts...from a guy who used to interpret warranty claims for a company.

 

[rjohnson]

Hey! The price that Snap On tools cost is so they can warrant the for the lifetime. That includes wear. What good would a lifetime warranty be if it didn't cover usage. Why pay that kind of money if they are not going to honor their tools.

Thank you!

I AM not replacing because of cosmetic issues, they are slipping on the nut, I don't care what they look like as long as they're useable. Yes, I know some people spend 1000x what I do with SO, but I feel I deserve the same warranty as everyone else.

 

[cwstevens92]

Ever think this kinda thing might be part of the reason the tools are so expensive? Guys who do turn them in for warranty because they wore out under normal use, chrome chipped a bit, or just flat out turn them in every year so they can have a new shiny one, etc. etc.

 

[gofastman]

Ever think this kinda thing might be part of the reason the tools are so expensive? Guys who do turn them in for warranty because they wore out under normal use, chrome chipped a bit, or just flat out turn them in every year so they can have a new shiny one, etc. etc.

If they wernt so expencive I wouldnt demand perfection!
Chicken or the egg...

 

[cwstevens92]

Thank you!

I AM not replacing because of cosmetic issues, they are slipping on the nut, I don't care what they look like as long as they're useable. Yes, I know some people spend 1000x what I do with SO, but I feel I deserve the same warranty as everyone else.

Dude, it wore out it happens with anything if you use it enough ANYTHING!
you do deserve the same warranty as all of us and thats what you are getting.
I got your solution, put the wore out snap on stuff on the shelf and go to HF and buy you some cheap replacments which should be fine if you are not a pro and dont use them everyday and be done.

 

[cwstevens92]

If they wernt so expencive I wouldnt demand perfection!
Chicken or the egg...

Then get tools from HF or someplace like that, they have warranty too.....
Name ANYTHING ANYTHING that will not wear out if you use it enough and then name what company will replace it because "you used it too much"
Chicken or egg, dosen't matter i'll eat either one....

 

[krusty the clown]

this thread is full of a lot of BS from people who haven't even seen the sockets.


that being said IF one of my sockets gets worn to the point it has become unusable, i EXPECT it to be warranted. i have never had a dealer refuse to warranty a socket regardless of brand. i have even had dealers pick up a socket i was using and warranty it WITHOUT me asking.

AFAIK a professional brand socket should last a lifetime and thats why they have a lifetime guarantee. now if it has been beat with a hammer or heated with a torch thats on me.

 

[cwstevens92]

this thread is full of a lot of BS from people who haven't even seen the sockets.
QUOTE]

Cool, then lets see some pics.

i have even had dealers pick up a socket i was using and warranty it WITHOUT me asking.

My snap on guy has done that for me as well, but im sure he does that for everyone that spends a lot of money with him and im sure he did that on his own "him" not snap on

 

[crashbumper]

Dude.

WTF.


Is the fastener ok? Maybe it's rounded slightly which would cause a slightly worn socket to seem worse than it really is?


The few times a tool broken on me, or I need a new one I come on here, and start looking through the classifieds.


Snap-On is expensive yes, but after 20 years you have to admit you got your moneys worth.

Why not buy new ones and sell the used ones here to make a lil bit back?

 

[rjohnson]

I realize that everything will wear. I just think these wore faster than they should have, they haven't seen a lot of use. As for HF, NO! I'll just use my C-Mans, I do work on old farm machinery, small gas, cars, etc....

 

[krusty the clown]

My snap on guy has done that for me as well, but im sure he does that for everyone that spends a lot of money with him and im sure he did that on his own "him" not snap on

you can rest assured that snap on reimursed him or he wouldn't have done that. and i'm sure if the OP was a regular customer he wouldn't be having the problem. and that is his issue..........

 

[cwstevens92]

I realize that everything will wear. I just think these wore faster than they should have, they haven't seen a lot of use. As for HF, NO! I'll just use my C-Mans, I do work on old farm machinery, small gas, cars, etc....

How old are they? How much have they been used? And like Krusty said post some pics.
Dude, i dont mean to come off like an *** and im sure that noone else here does either. This is just "one of those topics". SO if i have come off harsh to anyone i'm sorry about that.
Seriously post some pics if ya can lets get a little more back ground and yeah what about the fastner, is it just one or is it everyone you are trying to use the socket on? etc. etc.

 

[Kev442]

Re: How to break sockets to get warranteed

If I had 12 points that would not grab a nut properly anymore, I would attempt to get them replaced under warranty from SO. Craftsman and Master Mechanic would exchange them, so why not SO? I hate 12 points for that reason, so never use them anymore.

 

[cwstevens92]

you can rest assured that snap on reimursed him or he wouldn't have done that. and i'm sure if the OP was a regular customer he wouldn't be having the problem. and that is his issue..........

Don't know about that but i do agree with the second part 100%
I wounder if i or someone else that deals with snap on a ton sent in a worn socket directly to snap on if they would warranty it.

 

[Zrexxer]

I can't believe you thought this discussion was going to turn out well.

 

[cwstevens92]

I can't believe you thought this discussion was going to turn out well.

 

[Sammy7]

While we're at it, the '57 Chevy in CW's avatar looks worn out, think GM would replace it for him?

Old things wear out; that's just the way it is. Bite the bullet and pay for it out of your own pocket. Besides, don't you think someone at Snap-on could see this thread and put two and two together?

 

[cwstevens92]

While we're at it, the '57 Chevy in CW's avatar looks worn out, think GM would replace it for him?

Hell yeah, then i wouldnt have had to have redone the thing myself!

 

[krusty the clown]

While we're at it, the '57 Chevy in CW's avatar looks worn out, think GM would replace it for him?

Hell yeah, then i wouldnt have had to have redone the thing myself!

uhh, well.......chevrolet didn't have a LIFETIME warranty but snap on does.


apples to apples fella's