SK Tool Warranty

[Turbo_Prop]

Looked all over the SK website and besides calling customer service, I do not see anything about how to request warranty service.


How do we get SK stuff replaced?

Will SK warranty older (real old) suff like sockets?

There is a Grainger in town, will they swap out SK tools the same way the truck brands will?


*For the mods and admins: Try doing a search for SK Warranty, the search engine eliminates the SK because it does not have enough characters.

 

[signcrafter]

Pretty sure they have a contact them place on their website. Send them an email. They should replace them as long as it's not considered abuse, if they are all rusted then I wouldn't try but you can email and ask them. There have been a few threads on here about them being pickier then the tool trucks as far as abuse goes but that's alright with me. In my opinion if they warranty manufacturer defects and keep making tools in the USA at a reasonable price I would much rather have that then a no questions asked craftsman type warranty and have the tools outsourced. Just email them and ask.

 

[geologist]

They're good about replacing tools that are genuinely broke. If it's clear that you used a 10 foot cheater and a sledge on your ratchet, forget it. Don't plan on SK covering a bucket of rusty sockets you picked up at a flea market either. Abuse isn't covered, but they stand behind their tools. I love SK.

 

[Turbo_Prop]

The SK stuff in question here I have had for more than 20 years, and yes they are rusty. The sockets will either not stay on a ratchet or they round off bolts. I think I have maybe ten sockets like this, all in the range of 3/4" to 1 1/4".

Of course they have a generic contact us fill in the form thing on their website, but not an actual email address or specific warranty instructions.

Was hoping someone had a link so a webpage that I didn't see. With instructions like 'send warranty items to x address and include a list of part numbers and descriptions'.

I too am glad they are making their product in the US and definitely support them by purchasing their products.

 

[mailpup]

From the SK website:

Contact SK Hand Tool LLC Customer Service at 800-822-5575 to obtain information regarding authorized warranty stations.

This is probably what you read. Why not call and get the info?

 

[Turbo_Prop]

From the SK website:This is probably what you read. Why not call and get the info?

Again, I was hoping there were some specific instructions available online, other than to call them and get the info.

Not that it makes a difference here, but during typical business hours I am in a secure facility, cell phones get turned in at the lobby, phones and network are encrypted, etc.

 

[signcrafter]

Again, I was hoping there were some specific instructions available online, other than to call them and get the info.

Not that it makes a difference here, but during typical business hours I am in a secure facility, cell phones get turned in at the lobby, phones and network are encrypted, etc.

I had a ratchet that needed a rebuild kit and used their contact us link from their website and they got back to me and shipped out a rebuild kit. If you can't call just use that and they will get back to you.

 

[mailpup]

Again, I was hoping there were some specific instructions available online, other than to call them and get the info.

Yes, I got that. Until you explained I didn't understand why you didn't call. It seems that your best option is what signcrafter suggested above.

 

[markduncan93]

Didn't do much good for me to go to my local Grainger. Went in for a couple of split spark plug sockets and was told they only warranty SK tools they sell as it's on their books. I figured as long as it was a SK-stamped hand tool is should be covered by whoever sells em.

 

[Turbo_Prop]

Sounds like they're just worn out from age and use. I don't think that's covered. Sounds like you got your money's worth.

And that may be the case here, I don't know, but before chucking them I would rather have someone at SK make a determination. I am not a pro mechanic so my tools do not see day in and day out use. If anything, would like to send them back to SK and if they get replaced great, if not they can keep them, at least they are out of circulation.

 

[Turbo_Prop]

Ok, so I just contacted SK via their online form thing (I hate those by the way), even included a link to this thread. Will see.

 

[PRND3L]

Here's the info they emailed me after I called them Dec 6th:

Hi -

Here is the address for your warranty return that we talked about earlier. Please review our attached warranty policy and send the defective tool(s) to:

SK Hand Tool LLC
1600 South Prairie Drive
Sycamore, IL 60178

If you have a ratchet or breaker bar that can be repaired with a repair kit, you can request one to be sent out to you at any time.

Make sure to include your name, address & phone number inside the package. In most cases warranty claims are processed within 2-3 weeks, but may take up to 8 weeks depending on product availability.

 

[BJ42LX]

Here's my real-world SK warranty experience from a couple months ago.

They will warranty chrome, but not wear (or abuse).

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158777

 

[darkk]

SK replaced 3 sockets I had from the mid 70's without any problem. As long as they don't look to have been abused. I soaked them in vinegar overnight to clean them up a little first. I just called the customer service number and they told me where to send them. They also sent me 2 *3/8"* ratchet repair kits free to repair a couple that needed some love.... For the repair kits, just fill out the online form. SK has always been good to me.

 

[Turbo_Prop]

So I filled out the contact us form last week on the SK website. Have yet to hear from SK. Too bad. I guess I will not be purchasing anything from SK anytime soon.

 

[RPH]

Holiday's, give them a chance.

 

[Turbo_Prop]

Holiday's, give them a chance.

How many working days to respond would you consider to be appropriate?

 

[RCStocker]

How many working days to respond would you consider to be appropriate?

If you consider all the SK tools sold through the years thier staff might be backed up 3 to 6 weeks. There are very few SK trucks if any. I have not seen one in years.

People as about shiping. All warranty items require you to pay shipping. I don't care what the product is.

Does any mechanic only have one ratchet, socket or tooL? I don't think so. I have a dozen of almost every size.

 

[Turbo_Prop]

I always called and talked to a person at SK who helped me out.

Not that it makes a difference here, but during typical business hours I am in a secure facility, cell phones get turned in at the lobby, phones and network are encrypted, etc.

I guess you also missed the part about not being able to call during business hours.

 

[Turbo_Prop]

People as about shiping. All warranty items require you to pay shipping. I don't care what the product is.

Not sure what your saying here, but who said or asked anything about who pays for shipping?

 

[signcrafter]

So I filled out the contact us form last week on the SK website. Have yet to hear from SK. Too bad. I guess I will not be purchasing anything from SK anytime soon.

Today would be the second business day since you emailed them last Thursday! Take into consideration that they may be backed up since working short weeks on the holidays. If you are in a hurry figure out a way to call them and talk to a live person, if not sit back and relax. I've filled out the snap on warranty form and it's taken a full week for them to get back to me. I fill the forms out because it's easier for me then calling them but I also don't expect them to get back to me right away, if I did I would call them.

Give them 5-7 business days, if that's to much for you then figure out a way to call them and talk to someone. If you can't make either of those options work for you then don't buy from them, that's your choice. But they offer a quality tool at a very nice price with good service. If you want a new tool right away buy from sears or HF and drive out to return the tool and get a new one right away.

 

[mikebramel]

Probably more due to the fact you have some WORN out tools that you want warranty service on. Then complain about email service over holiday time and state you won't be buying anymore of there tools [from the flea market]

 

[Turbo_Prop]

Probably more due to the fact you have some WORN out tools that you want warranty service on. Then complain about email service over holiday time and state you won't be buying anymore of there tools [from the flea market]

Not really. Look at some of the pics in my other posts. My garage is sort of filled with tools and boxes from all four of the tool trucks. The tools in question here I have had for a maybe fifteen years or so. Purchased them when I was a lower ranked enlisted soldier and still have them. Have added or upgraded most everything over the years, but still have some oldies.

As for complaining about slow email service, not sure where you got that from. I asked the question because I don't know what the norm is for email requests from SK, never tried it before. I hope it is not the two to three weeks that another member said SK was backed up.

This does not have to be a fight guys. Not looking to 'get over' on SK. As I said before, if SK will warranty them great, if not I will chunk them, not going to break my bank.

Back on subject.

Does anyone have any experience recently with SK via email, how long is their typical response time?

 

[Bullitt427]

Not really. Look at some of the pics in my other posts. My garage is sort of filled with tools and boxes from all four of the tool trucks. The tools in question here I have had for a maybe fifteen years or so. Purchased them when I was a lower ranked enlisted soldier and still have them. Have added or upgraded most everything over the years, but still have some oldies.

As for complaining about slow email service, not sure where you got that from. I asked the question because I don't know what the norm is for email requests from SK, never tried it before. I hope it is not the two to three weeks that another member said SK was backed up.

This does not have to be a fight guys. Not looking to 'get over' on SK. As I said before, if SK will warranty them great, if not I will chunk them, not going to break my bank.

Back on subject.

Does anyone have any experience recently with SK via email, how long is their typical response time?

3 days to a week is my experience. Much faster over the phone.

Josh

 

[Bullitt427]

Still need to call the 800 number for warranty claims... not sure why you're skirting the issue.

Either call the number or find an authorized dealer near you.

Josh

 

[ShadowRuleZ]

I e-mailed them through their contact form and they mailed me a rebuild kit for a 1/4 ratchet with no problems.

 

[NHBandit]

You want to know what their "typical response time" is but you keep ignoring the fact that it's the only time of year when we have 2 major holidays back to back and ALOT of places use that time to shut down for a few days, Christmas is likely their busiest time of year, etc. Then you're pissed that it's not easier to contact them because calling their toll free number is inconvienient to YOUR schedule... I'd hate to see how bad you'd freak out if your Snap On guy was out sick one week.. Stick with Sears. You can go there on a Sunday & get your **** replaced...

 

[Turbo_Prop]

I got a reply from SK today. Exchanged a couple emails to include pics and most of the sockets are being replaced under warranty. Depending on Monday being a work day or not, flash to bang time is either three or four business days. Not the best but workable. If I understood the woman correctly, the replacements are already being sent. The old ones will go out on Monday. Glad to see it was not several weeks and that the internet contact form actually works. Thanks to everyone that provided positive input.

 

[BJ42LX]

I ordered a 1/4" ratchet mech this morning. Didn't even have to talk to a live person. Called the 800 number. Press a number for ratchet kits, leave name, address, model number, etc. We'll see how long it takes.

 

[signcrafter]

I got a reply from SK today. Exchanged a couple emails to include pics and most of the sockets are being replaced under warranty. Depending on Monday being a work day or not, flash to bang time is either three or four business days. Not the best but workable. If I understood the woman correctly, the replacements are already being sent. The old ones will go out on Monday. Glad to see it was not several weeks and that the internet contact form actually works. Thanks to everyone that provided positive input.

Glad they took care of you. I would say 3-4 days for warranty is pretty good, especially considering that this time of the year is busy and having to do a normal weeks work in 3 days two weeks in a row. I've used snap on's contact us page a couple times and they have the same response time. Works for me. If you need warranty quicker call them or start a relationship with local truck driver or buy sears or HF so you can just drive down and warranty them.

 

[BJ42LX]

I ordered a 1/4" ratchet mech this morning. Didn't even have to talk to a live person. Called the 800 number. Press a number for ratchet kits, leave name, address, model number, etc. We'll see how long it takes.

And this arrived today - one week later.

 

[BJ42LX]

SK warranty part 2: Since I had a new mech coming for the ratchet I cleaned up my whole 1/4" drive set. Low and behold my 1/4" deep socked is seriously cracked.

I called SK today hoping they would just send another one. Nope. They want the old one back or I can warranty it locally.

Grainger is the only local SK dealer around here. I called the local Grainger. They don't have it in stock but they will order one and swap it out for me when it comes in. Saves me a trip the the PO, shipping and processing time.

 

[Turbo_Prop]

Glad they took care of you. I would say 3-4 days for warranty is pretty good, especially considering that this time of the year is busy and having to do a normal weeks work in 3 days two weeks in a row. I've used snap on's contact us page a couple times and they have the same response time. Works for me. If you need warranty quicker call them or start a relationship with local truck driver or buy sears or HF so you can just drive down and warranty them.

A quick follow up on my warranty issues. I received the package today from SK, they sent replacements for everything I listed and had pictures of in my email to them. They even sent a hat and a very nice hard copy catalog.

Also had the Mac and Matco trucks at the house today. Bought a bunch of stuff from both of them. May even be getting a new triple bay Maximiser. Will post some pics of the stuff I bought today in the new tool thread.

Was sort of fun having them both their at the same time, especially when the UPS guy delivered a box of SK stuff right in front of them. Sort of keeps them on their toes.

 

[signcrafter]

A quick follow up on my warranty issues. I received the package today from SK, they sent replacements for everything I listed and had pictures of in my email to them. They even sent a hat and a very nice hard copy catalog.

Also had the Mac and Matco trucks at the house today. Bought a bunch of stuff from both of them. May even be getting a new triple bay Maximiser. Will post some pics of the stuff I bought today in the new tool thread.

Was sort of fun having them both their at the same time, especially when the UPS guy delivered a box of SK stuff right in front of them. Sort of keeps them on their toes.

Sounds like top notch customer service for sure!

 

[BJ42LX]

Well, that didn't work. Went to Grainger to warranty the socket this afternoon. The clerk is looking up the order and casually asks, "Did you buy the socket from us?" Of course I answered, "no". Bzzzzt. Game over. Thank you for playing. "I'm sorry. We can't exchange the socket if you didn't buy it from us originally."

Had I known why she was asking... Well, at least my integrity is in tact!

I guess I have to mail it to Illinois.

SK warranty part 2: Since I had a new mech coming for the ratchet I cleaned up my whole 1/4" drive set. Low and behold my 1/4" deep socked is seriously cracked.

I called SK today hoping they would just send another one. Nope. They want the old one back or I can warranty it locally.

Grainger is the only local SK dealer around here. I called the local Grainger. They don't have it in stock but they will order one and swap it out for me when it comes in. Saves me a trip the the PO, shipping and processing time.

 

[Turbo_Prop]

I was in one of the local Fastenal stores for something else and asked about SK Tool warranty. The guy at the store said absolutely, just had to drop them off, and come back in a week. Just to be sure, i asked about them not being purchased in the store. Again, he said it was not a problem. I don't buy allot at Fastenal so I don't think it was receiving special consideration or anything.

 

[General Geoff]

I just wanted to pipe up with my recent SK warranty experience.

I ordered their 60-piece 1/4" drive super set the weekend before last, and got it in on Tuesday. I inspected the set, and found that there was a second 1/4" deep well socket in place of what should have been a 3/16" socket. I looked up the customer service number on SK's website, gave them a call, and a very courteous woman named Lauren helped me. After explaining that I had a duplicate socket in place of the 3/16" deep well, she asked what set I got it from, and then asked for my name and address, and said a new 3/16" deep well socket would be sent out to me. Today the socket came in the mail.

I was on the phone with Lauren for probably 3 minutes, and she was nothing but kind and courteous to me, and there was zero hassle in getting a replacement socket. Because of this terrific experience, I will continue to purchase SK tools when possible in the future.

 

[Arbybe]

Does anyone have SK 3/8 drive ratchet that's truly worn out? (Skips even with
Kit installed)

 

[RCStocker]

Just send them in with a note stating they slip on bot or nut heads and that the will not stay on the ratchet.

Have you tried different ratchets to see if they stay on?
Are they so rusted that the metal is gone and causing them to slip. They will not replace them if the rust is the problem. If they are you are the problem by not oiling them. If you got them used in bad condition then that is a different story. Why would you buy a bad tool?

They are good about replacing tools that are worn out or fail. Don't expect to get your rusted out tools replaced,.

 

[mikebramel]

Its worn out. Its made its money. You buy a new one