How to break sockets to get warranted

[bry@n]

I just went to SO's site and searched warranty. It outlines how to obtain the info your looking for. Now, how anybody can decifer whether your a professinal or not, but it does say proffession. That means if you fix cars, then that's your profession and your a professional I guess. Maybe I looked too quickly but anywho...

http://www1.snapon.com/display/termsofsale.nws

 

[FastEddieG]

So, I had a few mins free so I called the SnapOn toll free number 2x and spoke two different people at their call center in the NW Chicago suburbs. Both said they don't have a copy of the personal use warranty that could be emailed/faxed to me, that I'd have to write in to their corporate office for that. But they did say hand tools are warrantied for life for personal and professional use with minor exceptions on some tools, but sockets and wrenches definitely are warrantied for life. I asked if it's for the life of the tool or the the life of the person purchasing them, 1 told me the tool, and the other wasn't sure but said the franchise driver doesn't ask for a receipt and wouldn't know if I was the original purchaser or not. Granted they are not the ultimate authority on warranties, but they are customer service for the company offering the warranty so that carries some weight with me.

I tried calling their corporate office, but they kept transferring me to people that were out of office for this week. I will write in to get a copy of the personal use warranty, scan it to a pdf and post it.

-Ed

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

If wear is a defect, then Mother nature has a lot of accounting to do.

(also how much of my tax dollars have gone to replace stuff at Nasa, that then should have been covered?)

People will never see eye to eye on this, no matter how many times we go over it. Even with the Sears stuff, I try to explain the difference between warranty and satisfaction guarantee.

 

[FastEddieG]

If wear is a defect, then Mother nature has a lot of accounting to do.

(also how much of my tax dollars have gone to replace stuff at Nasa, that then should have been covered?)

People will never see eye to eye on this, no matter how many times we go over it. Even with the Sears stuff, I try to explain the difference between warranty and satisfaction guarantee.

I agree that warranty beliefs differ, and in my mind they could be considered a religion, especially when people bring ethics and morals into the conversation. But I don't see wear mentioned in any warranties, only abnormal use/misuse/abuse, which to me is a huge difference in language. They could have easily included wear in the verbiage which is a subjective term.

Nevertheless, that's why I look to the manufacturers to clarify their warranties as I just did in two letters to Snap-on's consumer and professional warranty information centers requesting information in addition to clarification on several points. Craftsman's warranty/satisfaction guarantee is simple perfectly clear, and so is the direction from Sears management.

BTW, you can't get into government spending because you're opening a whole can of worms that would require a whole new forum

-Ed

 

[MalibuLX3]

I'm not sure if anyone mentioned it yet, but if Snap On did warranty these old sockets, think about how many people would then send in their old sockets just to get new ones. Everyone would go out and buying used just to send them in and no one would buy new tools anymore.

They have to draw the line somewhere.

 

[cruzn57]

thats why I quit buying SO
premium price, excellent product, piss poor service.
for the price you pay for them, I feel they should waranty worn tools,
I now buy less expensive tools, with waranty,and have no issues replacing them.
and for the one off tools I use seldom, good ole HF.
to each there own.
why condem someone for trying to get a tool replaced under waranty,
in this economy I would too!

 

[Rigmaster]

It's Ebay's fault, seriously.


SO wants to have it both ways it seems- they want to have the premier line of tools and maintain their premium pricing for these tools. Do they make good/great tools? For the most part, yes. Is their warranty a bit sketchy?? Definitely!!

So, people have figured out that it's cheaper to buy used SO tools, assuming that the warranty is similar to CMan (i.e.- just bring it back and say you're "not satisfied" with the tool and you get a shiny new one, with little or no hassle). Seems to me that SO was OK with this until it became clear that more and more people were taking advantage of the warranty- so they started clamping down.

If the tool is truly broken or unuseable, then SO should replace it, but to encourage people to intentionally "break" tools to get them warrantied is a slippery slope.....

 

[Skyline]

It's Ebay's fault, seriously.

I disagree with that. All eBay has done is greatly INCREASE the price that retiring techs can get for their used Snap-on stuff. This ADDS value to the original purchase...knowing it has high resale. A strong warrantee does take some of the risk out of buying used tools you can not examine personally. In the long run, eBay will be VERY good for Snap-on. Their VERY strong used market on eBay, (as compared to MAC, MATCO and Cornwell) really helps make the case that their tools are a better value whether purchased new or used.

To assume that all these warrantee claims are coming from tools bought on eBay is just silly. Think about life prior to eBay. If a tech retired, those tools would still make it back into circulation,(and potentially need warantee service), they would just take a differenct route; be it flee markets, auctions, garage sales, whatever. I'm sure there are those of us here who want to be burried with their Snap-on tools, but I would argue we are the exception. Most orphaned Snap-on tools will eventually find a new home in another tech's tool box, with or without eBay.

 

[Art From De Leon]

Why would Snap On even monkey with what a DIYer buys, but in a way they have brought this upon themselves by marketing the shiite that they sell at Ace Hardware, Costco, O-Rielly's or whatever.

This is probably the reason that Snap On no longer advertises in Hot Rod, Popular Mechanics or the hobbyist mags.

I would not expect Sears to warranty worn out tools, much less a professional oriented organization. As has been said on here before, tools do wear out.

Plus, what would be the cost of replacing a couple of sockets in a size that a DIYer would have, $40-$50 dollars tops?

If there ever was a topic that deserves to be deleted, or the poster banned, this would serve as a great example.

 

[APEowner]

Wow, it never occurred to me that anyone would be criticized for attempting to get worn out Snap-On sockets replaced under warranty or that Snap-On wouldn't do it. I've been getting them replaced under warranty for 20+ years. I've had half a dozen different dealers and every one of them indicated to me that not only was that alright but that it was expected. I've even had them grab tools off my bench and replace them on their own.

If I were the OP I think I'd try to develop a relationship with a dealer so that you can discuss stuff like this with an actual person. The dealers I know are all willing to stop at houses on a will call basis.

 

[rwhite692]

Thanks for all your input. But seriously, I'm not trying to take advantage of them...

Sorry, but that is pure BS

You wear something out through normal use, now you want to find a way to mechanically and intentionally drive the unit to catastrophic failure, so as to collect on the warranty and get your tools replaced for free.

Sounds like taking advantage of the manufacturer, to me. You also have some set of balls to come on here and ask for help on how to do it, IMHO.

 

[chadster1]

I really want to see pics of these sockets. There have been posts on here about how people have sent in an old ratchet for warranty repair and Snap-on has sent out a brand new ratchet. If Snap-on does that for an item that can be repaired, I just have to wonder how bad these sockets are.

 

[mad57]

If you bought craftsman tools theyed take it back no problem.

 

[txz28]

I really want to see pics of these sockets.

Me too!!!!



Also, someone once told me that in Texas, "lifetime" warranty is legally defined as 15 years (although it may have been 13, my memory is fading on this). They could have been totally wrong. Your state is probably different.

Either way, why is snap on charging a premium for their product if wear is not covered on an item like sockets? Get the cheap HF sockets that are.

I would also really like to see the warranty policy. If someone gets it, please post it.

 

[FastEddieG]

Me too!!!!



Also, someone once told me that in Texas, "lifetime" warranty is legally defined as 15 years (although it may have been 13, my memory is fading on this). They could have been totally wrong. Your state is probably different.

Either way, why is snap on charging a premium for their product if wear is not covered on an item like sockets? Get the cheap HF sockets that are.

I would also really like to see the warranty policy. If someone gets it, please post it.

I believe they are referring to the statute of limitations, meaning, if a company didn't honor the warranty, could you sue. I think it's 7 or so in IL. But a warranty is a sales tool, nothing more nothing less. Most companies that want to stay in business for a long time, will offer some sort of warranty and honor it.

I mailed off 2 letters today as the warranty instructs requesting a copy of the personal use warranty on sockets, ratches, wrenches and breaker bars. I also asked for clarification on the warranty in respect to life of the tool vs life of the original purchaser. I'll post whatever I get back.

-Ed

 

[Joe69]

My SO dealer has never refused to warranty anything for me in over 20 years. maybe he eats some of them, but he's always replaced my broken stuff. And yes, some of them have been worn out, not broken.

Joe

 

[bry@n]

Chad,
The people getting new ratchets, I beleive had chrome peeling issues. I had the same issue with a 3/8's flex bent handle and was given a new ratchet. I just asked for a rebuild and the guy on the truck replaced the whole thing.

 

[krusty the clown]

ok guy's, i talked to my dealer today. he has been in the business for 25 years and was a field manager for several years. he say's that he has never seen a differnet warranty policy for homeowner use AND he showed me where in his computer that it states LIFETIME warranty. he also stated that he has NEVER been denied reimbursement on a worn socket. this should put some of this to rest.


now if we could just see the pics of what was denied.......

 

[speed bump]

Through them in Dry Ice and Alcohol for a while and then put them on a socket and try it out.

 

[chadster1]

he also stated that he has NEVER been denied reimbursement on a worn socket.......

Neither have I in 6 years.

 

[cwstevens92]

ok guy's, i talked to my dealer today. he has been in the business for 25 years and was a field manager for several years. he say's that he has never seen a differnet warranty policy for homeowner use AND he showed me where in his computer that it states LIFETIME warranty. he also stated that he has NEVER been denied reimbursement on a worn socket. this should put some of this to rest.


now if we could just see the pics of what was denied.......

Called mine today, he said the same thing. I told him i wouldn't expect you to replace a socket or anything i just flat wore out. He said "why not, thats what i expect you to do"...So cool, now that we got that outta the way can we all sit back have some coolies together and wait for this dude to post some pics

Great thread btw, its nice to be on a forum where we can spirited debate that you actually learn something and get something out of it with out all that BU BU BU BULLL****

 

[FastEddieG]

Great thread btw, its nice to be on a forum where we can spirited debate that you actually learn something and get something out of it with out all that BU BU BU BULLL****

Agreed! Thanks to all that actually asked your dealers and shared the results.
-Ed

 

[crashbumper]

Without some pics of the socket AND fastener it was tried on, I'm going to start calling ********.

 

[cwstevens92]

Without some pics of the socket AND fastener it was tried on, I'm going to start calling ********.

I second that call and submit that its starting to seem like someone just wanted to stir up some SHEEEEEIT

 

[krusty the clown]

I second that call and submit that its starting to seem like someone just wanted to stir up some SHEEEEEIT

ehh......i don't know about that. but pics would be nice

 

[LynnCo]

If the topic were "I have old snapon sockets that are slipping off nuts and they wont replace them, any ideas" this would have went much smoother

 

[cwstevens92]

If the topic were "I have old snapon sockets that are slipping off nuts and they wont replace them, any ideas" this would have went much smoother

Hell Yeah it would have

 

[srmofo]

A different dealer i had was awesome, warrantied screwdrivers for twisted blades, allen sockets you name it.

Has anyone else wondered what the dealers that are willing to warranty out stufff like that do when they get home. They cant send it back that way either. Im sure they break them just like everyone has suggested

 

[cwstevens92]

Im sure they break them just like everyone has suggested

I kinda dought that. My dealer does bring in pry bars he has taken in for warranty now and then and has me cut them in half so he can send them back..he does that so he can fit them in a smaller box and save on shipping.

 

[scooby074]

Has anyone else wondered what the dealers that are willing to warranty out stufff like that do when they get home. They cant send it back that way either. Im sure they break them just like everyone has suggested

Thats a good question. Maybe they just eat the cost if your spending a fair bit weekly? Maybe they finish what you started? Maybe it doesnt matter?

 

[yhprum]

I would want an exchange.
Seems to me you pay a premium price for a premium product with an alleged premium warranty. So why would you buy snap on when you can get a similar product with a similar warranty at a lower price?
If the warranty cost is not "built into" the premium price, why buy it?
Don't be a victim of marketing!
Vote with your dollar!

 

[MD11]

The idea of two warranties on the exact same product sold at the exact same price (one for personal and one for commercial users) is absurd and probably would not pass legal muster. If the SO commercial line sold for a higher price and gave a lifetime warranty while the personal line sold for a lower price, I can see it, but you pay EXACTLY the same for the tool if you are a hobbiest or professional..

I am a nonprofessional and I've never had my SO truck dealer tell me anything other than "Lifetime Warranty"

 

[chadster1]

I would want an exchange.
Seems to me you pay a premium price for a premium product with an alleged premium warranty. So why would you buy snap on when you can get a similar product with a similar warranty at a lower price?
If the warranty cost is not "built into" the premium price, why buy it?
Don't be a victim of marketing!
Vote with your dollar!

No one has seen what he had supposedly sent in. I am calling BS until pics are posted.

 

[waltmcq]

I've never wore out a socket but I'm sure it happens but I do have a flare die I broke the first time I tried to us it I have to bring back to the snap on guy.

 

[cwstevens92]

I've never wore out any Snap-On tool (other yes) and if i did i would frame the damn thing or maybe use it in a car build or something cool like that

 

[Daniel Dudley]

I must say that I have ruined nuts with sockets, but never ruined a socket with a nut.

I personally would consider that the socket failed in use, and should be warranteed. I expect that someone on this board works for Snap On, and could get this guy some new sockets, providing he was able to produce them.

Personally, I don't care one way or the other. My opinion is that if a company replaces a socket for a guy who has a 3,000.00 set of tools, they should replace one for a guy who has a hundred dollar set.

I have sets of sockets made before WW2 that are just fine thank you. But then I use an impact socket with an impact gun, and I use a 1/2 inch socket with a 1/2 inch breaker bar. I own a lot of Sears Craftman tools, mostly because they are easy to get, and if I break one, I just go to the store and get another. It has only happened a couple of times in the last 30 years. I keep doing business with them not because they have the best tools, but because they stand behind them.



This whole thread sounds like a bad joke.

Did you hear about the guy with the broken socket ? Tough Nuts.

These sockets are either covered or they are not. If they are not, you either pony up, or buy some other brand. Or you can keep pursuing it. In my world cheating is not an option.

 

[JohnFreeman]

We all end up paying for it.... Snap On, like any other company selling anything, figures all such cost into overhead and passes it on to... (you guessed it) the consumer.

Believing that a company absorbs such costs is like believing the government provides anything for free.

Of course, a lot of people seem to believe that too, these days.

 

[MD11]

We all end up paying for it.... Snap On, like any other company selling anything, figures all such cost into overhead and passes it on to... (you guessed it) the consumer.

Believing that a company absorbs such costs is like believing the government provides anything for free.

Of course, a lot of people seem to believe that too, these days.

No, like I said, my SO dealer made it clear that the Torx socket set was very expensive because of it's high turn-in/warranty rate ... which is fair enough in my book.

 

[JohnFreeman]

"the Torx socket set was very expensive because of it's high turn-in/warranty rate "

Exactly.

 

[bry@n]

I don't think the OP is bs'ing us. I believe he has worn sockets that probably look old. I bet the never even looked at the inards of the sockets and just moved on.