Ordered some parts from L.S. Starrett

[Stuart in MN]

I have an L.S. Starrett bevel protractor and I need to replace one of the little retaining screws for the rotating part, so I called them today and placed an order. A nice lady answered the phone and helped me out; the interesting thing is they still write down order information by hand on paper forms. Old school.


They appear to be pretty good about supporting their older products. If you have a Starrett tool that needs parts, they have exploded diagrams and parts lists available on their website (I guess they've responded at least a little to the modern world.) You do have to register on the website to view the exploded diagrams but there's no charge or anything for that.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I picked it up for $1 at a yard sale the other day.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Good information to know. How bad are the shipping charges?

 

[Leviton]

Another reason to love, and support, Starrett.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Good information to know. How bad are the shipping charges?

The little screw assemblies (a screw, a spring, and a cup washer) were around $6 each, the shipping charges were around $8...so, maybe a little excessive for such small parts, but I suppose they have a minimum fee. Also, where else are you going to go to find the exact replacement parts? Sure, I could cobble up something from the hardware store but it would be a shame to do that with a precision device.


Even with the shipping cost, I'm still going to be in this thing for a fraction of the cost of replacing it (they go for $196.00 new.)

 

[Wamsutta]

That reminds me that I still need to order new tips for my center punches.

 

[paulsomlo]

Yep - the last time I dealt with them, I was trying to fix a dial indicator. They put me on the phone with the woman who had been putting them together for 30 years.

Most other companies, the farthest you get, is some know nothing with a script and an online catalog.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Despite popular belief, you get what you pay for. USA Starrett tools are top notch.

 

[RStewart]

They still have an old switch board to direct calls though out the facility.