So I have a couple of snap on sockets that are stripped out. My snap on guy won't warranty them because it's not broken. He says the warranty does not include wear and tear which makes me mad since this is the very first snap on socket set I purchased 15 years ago when I was 15. Couple of guys at work said I should just break them and then get them replaced. That doesn't set right with me, but at the same time, I purchased them because they would last a lifetime. There sae deepwell sockets, and I don't use them much anymore since everything is metric, its just the principle of it. Any thoughts on what I should do?
Not sure how I feel about this
- Thread starter d_rock
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Mr.Nutcase
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break them, and bribe the snap on man spend spend
B18c_tuner
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I would give them a call and explain to them your situation. I'm sure you'll be surprised at the end result. Good luck and keep us posted.
I dont think they should be replaced for wear and tear, snap-ons warranty covers poor workmanship and breakage within reason, the only tool maker i know of that replaces "no questions asked" so to speak is craftsmans "guaranteed for ever" warranty. Look at this way if your dishwasher broke down after 15 years of wear and tear would you ask the manufacturer for a free replacement?
Displaced Hokie
Well-known member
Warranty "is usually" for failures due to defects in materials or workmanship. Wear would not be one of those I would think - unless a S.O. socket is not expected to wear (which maybe the expectation). Not sure what to think here, but I have administered warranty on something totally unrelated and that was our stance.
But, warranty is a really a function of Marketing - so it's whatever the sales folks say...
But, warranty is a really a function of Marketing - so it's whatever the sales folks say...
The Frisco Kid
Well-known member
Here are my assumptions, perhaps a truck dealer can help verify this line of thought.
If the socket (or any warranty tool) is BROKEN, they can give you a replacement out of stock and send the broken piece back to receive a credit or replacement tool to go back into their stock at no cost.
If a tool is worn down (or dulled/nicked in the case of cutters, strippers) the dealer can replace out of his stock (or order you a new one) but this is a courtesy out of their own pocket. I assume that they can't send worn out tools back to the manufacturer for credit or replacement. For good customers (that spend money, buy often, etc...) it's worth losing a little money on tools from time to time to keep the wheels greased and turning. If someone just flags a truck guy down and ask for a replacement, they're basically asking for some cash out of his pocket. I probably wouldn't do this either without the possibility of making some money off of them in the future. BUT, I would highly encourage them to reach out to corporate for a replacement, since that wouldn't come out of my pocket (however, I never know if that person is going to open an account with another dealer or just buy from the corp. website...) rolling the dice, I guess.
If the socket (or any warranty tool) is BROKEN, they can give you a replacement out of stock and send the broken piece back to receive a credit or replacement tool to go back into their stock at no cost.
If a tool is worn down (or dulled/nicked in the case of cutters, strippers) the dealer can replace out of his stock (or order you a new one) but this is a courtesy out of their own pocket. I assume that they can't send worn out tools back to the manufacturer for credit or replacement. For good customers (that spend money, buy often, etc...) it's worth losing a little money on tools from time to time to keep the wheels greased and turning. If someone just flags a truck guy down and ask for a replacement, they're basically asking for some cash out of his pocket. I probably wouldn't do this either without the possibility of making some money off of them in the future. BUT, I would highly encourage them to reach out to corporate for a replacement, since that wouldn't come out of my pocket (however, I never know if that person is going to open an account with another dealer or just buy from the corp. website...) rolling the dice, I guess.
The Frisco Kid
Well-known member
This is not a good example, since your dishwasher doesn't make its marketing stand on a "lifetime warranty".
Maybe not but snap-ons life time warranty does not include normal wear and tear, if these warranties did include wear and tear then no one would have to buy new products, people would endlessly replace everything with out cost and manufacturers wouldnt make any money.
willhollin
Well-known member
15 years service, I would imagine it's earnt it's cost many times over. Buy a new one.
Here in the UK most manufacturers only give a 12month warranty, some vehicle and electronic manufacturers might give 5+ year warranty if you are lucky, i think the whole life time warranty is an American thing which i think is great because it is good value for the customer but can leave the manufacturer wide open to abuse of the warranty policy, and they need to protect them selves from that.
Hmm, I have never worn out a Snap-On tool though I have had to deal with customer service for 2 issues. One was a warranty and one was a BP bit socket set that had 2 of one size instead of the correct one. Both issues were handled professionally. I would ask what they say but after reading their policy I wouldn't expect anything. It will be up to their discretion.
When I bought the sockets 15 years ago I'm pretty sure the "wear and tear" was covered then. I don't buy much for tools anymore since I pretty much have everything I need. I have moved to a new state so don't have much of a relationship with this snappy guy as I haven't needed to buy anything from him. Its just super frustrating that after spending thousands and thousands of dollars worth of snap-on stuff that I have to jump through all these hoops. I didn't realize that "lifetime" is equal to 15 years. I spent thousands on tools for the warranty and the convenience of the truck at work to warranty it. Every craftsman i've brought to sears, worn out or broken, has been replaced no problem. My son is 2 and i'm going to start building his tool collection now, defiantly re-thinking snap on. Don't want to spend thousands again so he can go through the same thing 15 years down the road.
davesnothere
Well-known member
A stripped socket is as useless as a broken socket. Your dealer should replace it, I know mine would. And if he refused, I would call s/o customer service. They will.
quite frankly no. I not only paid for the socket, I paid for the guarantee. Yes, I have made money with them, but now to replace them I have to dish out more money or do something somewhat unethical. Although I think my dealer, and snap on's "new" terms for the warranty, is also somewhat unethical. I love my snap on tools, but when craftsmen has the same tool, same guarantee, and doesn't come with the headache it makes me question why I went snap on in the first place.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
All tools wear out regardless of whose name is stamped into them. I've always joked that the quality of warranty service from a tool truck driver is proportionate to your current truck account balance.
Can't you mail them to Snap on for warranty? That way your dealer doesn't get stuck if Snap on corporate doesn't warranty them.
Can't you mail them to Snap on for warranty? That way your dealer doesn't get stuck if Snap on corporate doesn't warranty them.
woody 73
Well-known member
All tools wear out regardless of whose name is stamped into them. I've always joked that the quality of warranty service from a tool truck driver is proportionate to your current truck account balance.
Can't you mail them to Snap on for warranty? That way your dealer doesn't get stuck if Snap on corporate doesn't warranty them.
I'm sure I can. Just seems a bit of a hassle. I have to box them up, pay for shipping, and drive to the post office. Just doesn't seem right that I have to do all that for sockets that cost 4 times as much as sears. Why are we paying snap ons over inflated prices if it just comes with hassle. I realize that the tool truck is independent and he would have to eat the cost of the socket, so I can't really blame him. And I know there are the ppl that buy broken junk from pawn stores and flea markets and exchange them for new. But in the end, the guy that is turning wrenches and trying to feed his family has to suffer.
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
You don't, just call them. As long as you are not trying to warranty a whole slew of stuff they will simply send you a replacement. I've done it a few times now, it's even easier and faster then complaining on the internet about it!
jzt
Well-known member
Terrible example. Snap-On does not make dishwashers.
Agree completely. It no longer functions properly. My Snap On dealer warranties stripped out sockets without question.
APEowner
Well-known member
I understand (and maybe even agree with) the argument that a tool that just plain wore out after 15 years shouldn't be covered under warranty but I'm still surprised every time one of these threads comes up. I've had more than one dealer pick up a tool on his own from my bench and and replace it because it was wearing out or the chrome was looking kind of ratty. That includes sockets, wrenches and universal joints.
dsmnickk90
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Isn't a stripped out socket a "broken" socket. It is not going to work so that means its broke right? Is it normal for sockets to strip from normal use? scratched chrome and nicks are normal wear and tear. The socket stripping is not in my opinion
itsvegas
Well-known member
contact customer service and theyll send you a prepaid label to ship your stuff back and you won't have to pay shipping. they might even just send your stuff out and ask you to destroy the old stuff without even shippin it back.
My last dealer would replace anything no problem. But both me and my dad (he had an independent shop) had a long standing relationship with him and I bought all of my snap on's through him starting when I was about 9 or so. I used to sweep up the garage, take out the trash, organize bolts and stuff when I was too young to actually work on the cars. My dad would say you can have either 100 a week cash, or 200 to spend on the truck. I spent it on the truck. lol
As I read this I'm laughing because a guy posted on here a while ago bashing Craftsman, he used the chrome sockets for 8 years in a pro setting and they were starting to wear out. So instead of getting new ones warrantied he bought all Snap-On spending thousands. Ironically Snap-On wouldn't replace the worn out sockets but Sears will. Oh irony at its best.
On a side note how do chrome sockets wear out? They don't really vibrate on bolts, anyone have any pics of a worn out chrome socket used with hand tools only?
On a side note how do chrome sockets wear out? They don't really vibrate on bolts, anyone have any pics of a worn out chrome socket used with hand tools only?
mine has mostly been used only with hand tools. I try to use impacts when I'm using an impact if at all feasible. (sometimes you can't) I can post pics monday evening if you want. There at work in my box.
I asked my snap on dealer what was covered by warranty before I started buying. He said he didn't care how big of a cheater I've put on a ratchet, or how big of a hammer I beat on a socket, or what I was prying with a screwdriver, he'll cover it. He said it costs him nothing to warranty a broken tool for any reason, be it normal wear and tear, abuse, or overuse, and any dealer giving a hassle on a warranty issue is just providing poor service, plain and simple.
I see it as a chicken/egg paradox. That kind of warranty is what makes a SO tool worth the SO price, and yet, that kind of warranty is probably the reason a SO tool costs the SO price.
The day I get declined warranty service on a lifetime warranty tool I've paid that high a price for, is the day I stop paying that high a price for that line of lifetime warranty tool.
I see it as a chicken/egg paradox. That kind of warranty is what makes a SO tool worth the SO price, and yet, that kind of warranty is probably the reason a SO tool costs the SO price.
The day I get declined warranty service on a lifetime warranty tool I've paid that high a price for, is the day I stop paying that high a price for that line of lifetime warranty tool.
bgott
Well-known member
An appropriate sized ball bearing and a heavy duty vise or a press will take care of your problem. At least, that is what my old Snap-on man told me.
EOC_Jason
Well-known member
+1... Everyone has a boss, just keep working your way up the chain.
NC-Fordguy
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Tools I wear out or abuse I simply replace out of my own pocket. I've used crafty screwdrivers as pry bars and wedges. Just end up buying another
I consider a worn socket a broken socket and should be warrantied. I have warrantied some 3/8" deep sockets I have owned for 15+ years. I need to warranty my 10mm socket because it is just worn out. I would be pissed if my SO dealer pulled this on me and with the premium they charge I do expect a lifetime warranty. Otherwise you can just buy some cheap throwaways when they wear out. What part of Denver do you work in?
I use impact sockets for everything unless 1/4" myself.
I use impact sockets for everything unless 1/4" myself.
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Just off of Santa Fe by dartmouth. Snap on guy rarely even stops by our shop since only 2 of us have snap on and were both pretty much set. Matco guy comes a lot though.
jethro29
Well-known member
i have had several sockets and even more screwdrivers that wore out and my snappy guy has always replaced them no questions asked.if the tool is worn to the point that it is un-useable then it should be replaced under warraunty as far as i am concerned.if my snappy guy told me that **** it would be the last time he would get a penny from me.
You got to be shitting me. I work off of Dartmouth and Sante Fe also. Is your dealers first name Don?
I had to call the Matco guy in to check out what he could do for a tool box deal. Never seen him again. No MAC dealer, I quit using him after he wouldn't warranty because I hadn't bought anything for a while so I was done with him.
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powertrip
Well-known member
ahh, another reason Im glad I have Cman sockets. USA made (for now at least), way cheaper, turns a bolt just the same, and warranted for any reason at any sears.
Not sure his name. He's an old guy. He rarely shows up, and never comes up to our second shop were I work. I have to watch out for his truck down at our primary shop. Our matco guy is a pretty good guy, I bought a nag1 transmission dipstick tool from him, and a few drivers for my 1/4 impact. Drivers sucked, broke 2 the first day I used them. dipstick is, well, a dipstick.
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