I work at sears...

[Wakefield]

If someone brought in the Craftsman breaker bar with just the 1/2" drive square twisted off does that handle get the drivepiece replaced so that it becomes a warranty replacement for the next one that comes in like that?
Do the ones that come without the hanging hole in the handle have square drives that twist off easier than the ones that had the hanging hole?
Seems like someone could come up with a replacement drive square and pin that don't break so easily.

 

[turdferguson13]

My store has been doing it for a while now it seems like it takes 5 times ad long

Seriously, the checkout is ridiculously slow. Even when they seem like they know how to use the iPhones/iPads it takes forever. Sears seriously needs a makeover.

 

[tater]

My store has been doing it for a while now it seems like it takes 5 times ad long

It does take longer because its over wifi and not hardwired like the registers. The ipods are good for when you cant get a register or you dont have to walk back and forth to fins everything out. stock price ect

 

[tater]

Seriously, the checkout is ridiculously slow. Even when they seem like they know how to use the iPhones/iPads it takes forever. Sears seriously needs a makeover.

Funny story the guy that is over the program told us this WAS the makeover lol
When people pay with cash is what takes so long

 

[Hootbro]

It does take longer because its over wifi and not hardwired like the registers. The ipods are good for when you cant get a register or you dont have to walk back and forth to fins everything out. stock price ect

After two recent local experiences, I avoid the tool guys in my local Sears that are anywhere near or over the age of 60. Those guys and these new ipods are brutally slow as everything they do seems like a new experience even though they probably have done it a 100 times already. Like watching Mr. Magoo drive.

 

[thesilverone]

buy online or ship to home

 

[xbeatles4x]

I think I have lost all faith in craftsman that is not made in America. I was in a pinch today. i needed to pick up a set of deep 1/2 drive metric sockets. I thought alright I need them today to do a timing belt/water pump change on my moms car.

I go to sears and right before check out i realize they are not made in america. I scavenge all the open stock but they do not have enough. I figured it must be good enough with the chinese sockets I mean they are sockets. I get home and start working. Some of the sockets did not quite fit right when compared to my deep 3/8 that are american.

In fact I find out that the 17mm socket that I just bought in the set is actually a 15mm that was stamped 17. Seriously? What kind of quality control do they have this is just out of hand. How do I even know the rest are even metric and not imperial that were stamped metric.

End rant.

Ill post up a picture in the morning.

 

[SignedUpJustToSeeThePics]

All right Tater; I thought I had a busted 3/4 drive ratchet (old V series). Went to my only nearby local full service sears looking for a re-build kit and they said, Oh, we don't do 3/4 stuff here, you should try on-line.

So I go on-line. The ***** keeps asking me for the model number; then says she can't help me and I should go to the store.

So then I call; this new girl was helpful, but actually had to use Google to search for the parts kit and couldn't find any 3/4 drive repair kits in her ordering/provisioning system.

So it seems I am SOL. Fortunately, the issue was the grease in the ratchet had dried to the consistency of wax; after a good cleaning and re-greasing it works fine.

Do you guys carry the 3/4 repair kit; is there a model number I could reference to prevent hours of frustrating conversation?

 

[jakemac]

SignedUp -
If there is no model # stamped on it, AND it has a butterfly selector, the model# is 4480 as per the 1960 catalog. If it is the single line V with the Lo-profile selector, the same kit may work. There are no kits available for that series anymore. Keep a "saved search" for it on ebay with email notification. Who knows, someday you may get lucky.

 

[trout]

For QR 3/4" drive ratchets:
44681 is the rebuild kit with the press fit selector
43449 is the rebuild kit w/ the screwed on selector

 

[Supe]

Yeah well Im trying to help a lot of these kids out Im 20 years old and I know a lot about tools some of these kids have never touched a socket to a bolt before I just want to teach as many people the art of tool sales so Its less work on my part and its gets respect they all respect me give up sales to me

Keep doing what you're doing. Not only are you helping to foster a positive work environment, you're building up a base of knowledgeable staff. That's always appreciated by customers and ultimately, enhances the reputation of your store. In a competitive sales environment, customer retention can be key to survival. Pissed off customers go elsewhere, or are less inclined to spend dollars in that store. You can see on any Internet forum, when people will absolutely sledge a store they've had negative dealings with.

The best marketing in the world is often let down by the great service it promises but fails to deliver. Folks like you are often lynchpins to many an organisation. Positive, enthused, can do and willing to help your colleagues. Your mindset is correct. Keep the knowledge flowing. You'll reap the benefits of that attitude down the track.

 

[billymade]

In the future; if you have a rebuild problem or issue, ask to speak with the "PMT"... this is the person who does the work on the ratchets; see if they can order a rebuild kit for you or have NOS kits that might work for your particular ratchet (unless you figure out a kit by yourself, with NOS sources; they cannot help you). Just realize; that you may have a ratchet that is obsolete and Sears may not have the rebuild kit for it. When you go into these type of situations; you need to decide what you want to do, keep yours, swap out for rebuilt or be willing to take a new/rebuild Chinese unit or try to convince a manager that you deserve a higher end ratchet that is made in USA etc. As always; if you do not get the service or options you desire/expect; ask to speak to a manager and let your desires and concerns be made known (there are no guarantees but all they can say is "no"; asking nicely and calmly will get you further; then be verbally abusive and agressive). As you experienced; try to take apart and lube on your own first, many times this will do the trick. If you have a vintage obsolete ratchet; if you ask nicely, you might be able to get a couple of the same ratchets out of the "warranty" bin and swap enough parts to come out with a complete ratchet with used parts (this is not "normal" protocol and will generally only happen if you develop a relationship with the PMT or friendly sales associate). I used to do that; just for fun, especially with obsolete designs that there were no parts or rebuild kits made for anymore. Ultimately, you need to be realistic and keep in mind, that Sears at this point... MAY NOT be able to meet your needs for a much loved vintage ratchet that they cannot service anymore; there are MANY ratchets that they DO NOT have rebuild kits for anymore. The normal protocol is to give the customer a rebuilt unit and if the customer requests, a new one... most of these are going to be the currently shipping Chinese stuff! So, educate yourself on: parts availability for your particular ratchet, try to fix it yourself, ask for used parts to get a working vintage ratchet, talk to a PMT for help or decide what your are willing to get for a exchange, (as a last resort) ask for a manager if you do not get anywhere (have a game plan and have a realistic request for your situation, be realistic and don't ask for something they cannot possibly provide for you). Good luck!

 

[tater]

In the future; if you have a rebuild problem or issue, ask to speak with the "PMT"... this is the person who does the work on the ratchets; see if they can order a rebuild kit for you or have NOS kits that might work for your particular ratchet (unless you figure out a kit by yourself, with NOS sources; they cannot help you). Just realize; that you may have a ratchet that is obsolete and Sears may not have the rebuild kit for it. When you go into these type of situations; you need to decide what you want to do, keep yours, swap out for rebuilt or be willing to take a new/rebuild Chinese unit or try to convince a manager that you deserve a higher end ratchet that is made in USA etc. As always; if you do not get the service or options you desire/expect; ask to speak to a manager and let your desires and concerns be made known (there are no guarantees but all they can say is "no"; asking nicely and calmly will get you further; then be verbally abusive and agressive). As you experienced; try to take apart and lube on your own first, many times this will do the trick. If you have a vintage obsolete ratchet; if you ask nicely, you might be able to get a couple of the same ratchets out of the "warranty" bin and swap enough parts to come out with a complete ratchet with used parts (this is not "normal" protocol and will generally only happen if you develop a relationship with the PMT or friendly sales associate). I used to do that; just for fun, especially with obsolete designs that there were no parts or rebuild kits made for anymore. Ultimately, you need to be realistic and keep in mind, that Sears at this point... MAY NOT be able to meet your needs for a much loved vintage ratchet that they cannot service anymore; there are MANY ratchets that they DO NOT have rebuild kits for anymore. The normal protocol is to give the customer a rebuilt unit and if the customer requests, a new one... most of these are going to be the currently shipping Chinese stuff! So, educate yourself on: parts availability for your particular ratchet, try to fix it yourself, ask for used parts to get a working vintage ratchet, talk to a PMT for help or decide what your are willing to get for a exchange, (as a last resort) ask for a manager if you do not get anywhere (have a game plan and have a realistic request for your situation, be realistic and don't ask for something they cannot possibly provide for you). Good luck!

Yeah the pmt guy at our store is too busy to rebuild ratchets so we have been having to give out brand new ones.

Also The pmt guy is the guy that works on / looks at all the returns that are brought back. Hes a very busy man lol

 

[erty67]

Yeah the pmt guy at our store is too busy to rebuild ratchets so we have been having to give out brand new ones.

Also The pmt guy is the guy that works on / looks at all the returns that are brought back. Hes a very busy man lol

interesting. last ratchet I broke they told me I'd have to take a new one, I didn't want it so the salesman gave me a rebuild kit and told me "it's easy". I fixed it myself. lol! I'm sure that's not the right way to do it, but I was happy. lol

 

[cmorr]

@ Tator,

The link you have in your sig doesn't appear to work

www.talkcraftsman.com

 

[bonneyman]

Since Snap-On continues to have rebuild kits available for all of their ratchets, I wonder if there's a way to find out if/what S-O kits will fit what vintage C-man ratchets?
I used to be able to walk into the local Proto dealer, and he'd pull several different rebuild kits out and let me test fit them into what I had. Don't know if that relationship is still available, but, it was great while it lasted.

 

[mudflap]

Right beside Snap On...

Nobody wants to talk about that.........I have an old friend who runs a SO truck, we are on the same trapshooting squad. Each week he seems more concerned. SO is throwing their drivers under the bus. How are they going to sell ching-chong ratchets for $108.00.....

 

[tater]

@ Tator,

The link you have in your sig doesn't appear to work

www.talkcraftsman.com

Due to funding issues I took
The site down lol. Clearance rack has been wearing me out lately

 

[G_P]

I'm curious, if I was to trade in a broken ratchet for a rebuilt one would I get a ratchet who's handle is stamped "made in USA" but has Chinese guts?
Or are the rebuild kits still made here?

Sent via carrier pigeon.

 

[retDAC]

Due to funding issues I took
The site down lol. Clearance rack has been wearing me out lately

How 'bout taking it out of your sig until you put the site back up?

 

[tater]

I'm curious, if I was to trade in a broken ratchet for a rebuilt one would I get a ratchet who's handle is stamped "made in USA" but has Chinese guts?
Or are the rebuild kits still made here?

Sent via carrier pigeon.

nope all made in chine :/ Plastic selectors no more metal selectors

 

[tater]

How 'bout taking it out of your sig until you put the site back up?

Testing

 

[trout]

nope all made in chine :/ Plastic selectors no more metal selectors

Metal selectors went away years and years ago. The China ratchets have brought it back, but they use pot metal for it and you can break them by just pressing too hard and slicing your finger open, sucked learning that one.

 

[Bib Overalls]

I drive by the Jonesboro store a couple of times a week. Very few customer cars in the lot. I have a lot of Craftsman tools and rarely need anything I don't have already. When I do go into the store, maybe once every 6 months or so, all of the help is part-time collage kids with no product knowledge. Selection is limited. Place has the pallor of death about it.

 

[tater]

I drive by the Jonesboro store a couple of times a week. Very few customer cars in the lot. I have a lot of Craftsman tools and rarely need anything I don't have already. When I do go into the store, maybe once every 6 months or so, all of the help is part-time collage kids with no product knowledge. Selection is limited. Place has the pallor of death about it.

I have meetings with them every couple months. Same guys... and a cute girl lol they seem pretty involved at the meetings. The guys that come to the meetings work in electronics and hardware there.. Maybe the slackers dont get to come to the meetings

 

[bonneyman]

I'm curious, if I was to trade in a broken ratchet for a rebuilt one would I get a ratchet who's handle is stamped "made in USA" but has Chinese guts?
Or are the rebuild kits still made here?

Sent via carrier pigeon.

I don't think so. Someone posted a Sears document stating that, as of the 4th quarter of 2011, Craftsman was China sourcing their figure-8 plate ratchets (what I call them). Though they look very similar on the outside to the old USA-made ones, the gear kits are different and don't interchange.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

I agree the iPads are terrible and the problem is the Wifi System that they are hooked up too. I work at a Auto Center and fortunately we are detached. If the main server goes down, we are down. There is another local Auto Center in the area that is detached as well and they are still on dial up! YIKES

Since I am a fellow employee and I know how rough it can be sometimes on a commissioned check, I always go to the store and have them do a store to home where they punch in their numbers so they get commission. There some people I avoid like the plague and others I pray that are there. My <3 goes out to ya, a lot of people over at foot line say it is tough retail. Demand SYWR sign ups, Credit Card Sign Ups and selling warranties. In all my local Sears, there is no one knowledgeable about tools, but if you have a great attitude and know your area that is good enough for me.

What I did not know and kind of a little ticked is that they can ORDER warranty replacements. It took me a month to get a warrantied Hex socket as I had to keep waiting for the truck!

Have you heard of Local Deals thru the Sears.com that go un-advertised in the circular? B/w GJ posting HOT Deals and Local Deals I have spent a decent amount of money. Guys are always eager to help me (even thought I help myself). Nice associate I like to deal with is not even near the store where I work. She knows I like my Deals and has coupons saved for me!

At my local hardware store (closed down) they use to rebuild ratchets! Mall would never rebuild just replace. Now that All the Sears Hardware stores closed down in the area, Mall Store NOW rebuilds them by me. Apparently only ONE person on my 3 level store can rebuild ratchets (one experience I had was not a great one). Do they train all Tool Department Employees how to rebuild? THEY DON'T have the 400 plus items in reserve. Sears warranty is great IMO. I broke a 6in 1/2 drive extension, they did not have any in stock. Worker came back with a 20in extension and I can give you this as long as your happy. I was kind of blown away (in a good way). I went home "cheesin" ear to ear then thought "O ****, I still need a 6in extension and ordered a new one next time I was back at the store.

My favorite day at Sears is Family and Friends where we get an additional 10% off of our 10% employee discount and since I am mechanic for them we get an additional 5% off. If you play your cards right you can get some great deals. When I left Sears FT to PT they rolled out 15% off all steel toed boots, got a set of Timberlands for $40 after it was all said and done.

 

[tater]

I agree the iPads are terrible and the problem is the Wifi System that they are hooked up too. I work at a Auto Center and fortunately we are detached. If the main server goes down, we are down. There is another local Auto Center in the area that is detached as well and they are still on dial up! YIKES

Since I am a fellow employee and I know how rough it can be sometimes on a commissioned check, I always go to the store and have them do a store to home where they punch in their numbers so they get commission. There some people I avoid like the plague and others I pray that are there. My <3 goes out to ya, a lot of people over at foot line say it is tough retail. Demand SYWR sign ups, Credit Card Sign Ups and selling warranties. In all my local Sears, there is no one knowledgeable about tools, but if you have a great attitude and know your area that is good enough for me.

What I did not know and kind of a little ticked is that they can ORDER warranty replacements. It took me a month to get a warrantied Hex socket as I had to keep waiting for the truck!

Have you heard of Local Deals thru the Sears.com that go un-advertised in the circular? B/w GJ posting HOT Deals and Local Deals I have spent a decent amount of money. Guys are always eager to help me (even thought I help myself). Nice associate I like to deal with is not even near the store where I work. She knows I like my Deals and has coupons saved for me!

At my local hardware store (closed down) they use to rebuild ratchets! Mall would never rebuild just replace. Now that All the Sears Hardware stores closed down in the area, Mall Store NOW rebuilds them by me. Apparently only ONE person on my 3 level store can rebuild ratchets (one experience I had was not a great one). Do they train all Tool Department Employees how to rebuild? THEY DON'T have the 400 plus items in reserve. Sears warranty is great IMO. I broke a 6in 1/2 drive extension, they did not have any in stock. Worker came back with a 20in extension and I can give you this as long as your happy. I was kind of blown away (in a good way). I went home "cheesin" ear to ear then thought "O ****, I still need a 6in extension and ordered a new one next time I was back at the store.

My favorite day at Sears is Family and Friends where we get an additional 10% off of our 10% employee discount and since I am mechanic for them we get an additional 5% off. If you play your cards right you can get some great deals. When I left Sears FT to PT they rolled out 15% off all steel toed boots, got a set of Timberlands for $40 after it was all said and done.

Yeah Its pretty rough at my store. Demanding credit apps SYWR loyalty Feedback Protection Agreements Accessories BOT SPH. They literally focus on ALL metrics lol My store manager will approach me if my numbers are down and make slick comments like... you must not want to work here. Your numbers say you dont want to work at sears anymore. Ive learned over time to just ignore him.
Also I can order any broken tool thru store to home and it will be there in 3 days... giving that they still make the tool. If they dont I give em something close to it. I always say what your guy said, As long as you are happy Im happy.
Friends and family is where I spend too much money lol. Last time I spent like $1200 on a new tv with a 5yr warranty

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Yeah Its pretty rough at my store. Demanding credit apps SYWR loyalty Feedback Protection Agreements Accessories BOT SPH. They literally focus on ALL metrics lol My store manager will approach me if my numbers are down and make slick comments like... you must not want to work here. Your numbers say you dont want to work at sears anymore. Ive learned over time to just ignore him.
Also I can order any broken tool thru store to home and it will be there in 3 days... giving that they still make the tool. If they dont I give em something close to it. I always say what your guy said, As long as you are happy Im happy.
Friends and family is where I spend too much money lol. Last time I spent like $1200 on a new tv with a 5yr warranty

Now when you order a tool for warranty from Store to Home, do I lay out the money (not a problem) when new tool arrives come in with broken tool and good tool?

 

[rednotch]

Now when you order a tool for warranty from Store to Home, do I lay out the money (not a problem) when new tool arrives come in with broken tool and good tool?

store to home.... they take the borken tool in the store and have the replacment shipped to your house, that store is then billed for the broken tool. Most sale people are too lazy to do this. Used to work in a detacthed auto center years ago, last time I spoke to anyone I knew still working there said its been downhill for years now. Last time I went in for that back to school 10 dollar oil change they claimed to honor it by wanting to charge me 35 for a basic oil change so I just passes and talked to the few guys I knew. I see they found the BG guy since I worked there though lol, Never seen any push flushes so hard.

 

[KinzeMech]

My store manager will approach me if my numbers are down and make slick comments like... you must not want to work here. Your numbers say you dont want to work at sears anymore.

I'm totally picturing the manager from Office Space. Does he tell you how many pieces of flair you should have?

 

[sberry]

I just did returns at a small local Sears, the woman was great but
Sears is the same old ****,,,, why should they need a whole box of ratchets in the first place and why didn't they fix it when they moved to China?

They been making the same failing pos for over 30 yrs. You would think the bean co0unters would soon realize that adding 25 cents to a unit would be cheaper than replacing every unit a couple times. I just traded 2 that had about 5 minutes u7se on them and the new ones don't look all that promising.

I wouldn't have minded the Chinese one if it was any better, the **** design and the tooling must have been shipped overseas with the job. It says it all when HF can sell a piece 10x as good for half the price.

 

[TireTracks]

I feel for you. The last 2 times I went to sears the sales guy I talked to said they were all being threatened with being fired because the numbers are too low, but when you go in the store, it's empty, hardly anyone there. The guys were pretty nice and helpfull.

They had a heap of stuff behind the registers, said that when the iphones won't work and take forever, people just leave and leave there stuff laying on the floor.

Is it true that they don't want anyone useing the regular registers, even when the Iphones won't work?

 

[wafrederick]

If someone brought in the Craftsman breaker bar with just the 1/2" drive square twisted off does that handle get the drivepiece replaced so that it becomes a warranty replacement for the next one that comes in like that?
Do the ones that come without the hanging hole in the handle have square drives that twist off easier than the ones that had the hanging hole?
Seems like someone could come up with a replacement drive square and pin that don't break so easily.

The drive head head of the Craftsman breaker bar is the same driver head of a Matco breaker bar including same part number

 

[monomach]

I've never sen anyone in my Sears' tool department using an ipad. Either the manager told them to go ahead and use registers or they just haven't phased them in yet.

 

[KinzeMech]

What does an iphone have to do with a tool purchase? I've read several posts about iphones don't work, something to do with wifi, etc., but none that say directly what they are trying to do.

 

[Polski-Chevy]

What does an iphone have to do with a tool purchase? I've read several posts about iphones don't work, something to do with wifi, etc., but none that say directly what they are trying to do.

This, Sears bought some rotten fruit...

"""UPDATE """"
Our sears is now going Digital. We now carry ipads and ipods to check people out on instead of the cash register.
Has anyone else seen this at their local sears yet

 

[Rawlins87]

What does an iphone have to do with a tool purchase? I've read several posts about iphones don't work, something to do with wifi, etc., but none that say directly what they are trying to do.

Any purchase in a corporate store period.
The local franchise store still uses registers.





I just returned a USA made 3/8 ratchet that failed after about 2 minutes. Had to switched to my Pittsburgh pro to finish the job after that and honestly comparing the two it's easy to say the harbor fright ratchet is superior. Well anyway I warranties the USA craftsman and now have a Chinese so we'll see how long that holds up.

 

[KinzeMech]

Wow. Where do they put the cash?

 

[cburnscrx]

Wow. Where do they put the cash?

Cash??? What's that? I thought everybody used bank cards and credit cards. What is this "cash" you speak of?