Funny the local independent auto parts store at one time carried SK they're a chain store now and don't. I broke a 1/4" ratchet and its sat in my box for years. I saw that Grainger carried SK now so I called up my local branch and told them my situation. Was honest and told them I didn't buy it there but could they warranty it for me or send me a rebuild kit and I'd fix it myself. The kit was under $30 and Grainger price for a new one was over $50. The gal said I'll send out a new one, it arrived the same day. She asked if I had a way to dispose of the broken one. I said "I sure do."
sk tool
- Thread starter comedyman809
- Start date
Gregg33
Well-known member
IMO the biggest problem with SK is the lack of dealers/ availability. Recently I was trying to locate a 7/16" male pipe plug socket (#42144). There are no dealers listed in Southern Ontario and the closest U.S. dealer is 50 km away from me. A call to the local Grainger came up dead end. Ridiculous, there isn't a dealer in Toronto, Hamilton or even Niagara Falls, NY. People claim Gray Tools are hard to find. For that I call a store 15 km away, they order it and I pick it up in a week or so. Zero headache or stress. For SK I have to drive for an hour to the closest dealer (even then I doubt any dealer stocks it), including crossing the border or get it online (even online that part # is scarce).
Many companies would just send out a postage paid envelope. SK would not, most stores would take a return of a companies product that they sell SK Grainger will not unless you purchased it there within a year. I have thousands of $s worth of SK tools, but darn when you don't care about your customers and help them out over a few $ part that cost them even less thats a problem. The I don't care attitude over the phone and no response to emails just makes it worse. Again Quality tools just horrific customer service. Bakersfield CA, no dealers except Grainger.
Sk was at last month's sales meeting. They got a new rep who had a much better attitude and I enjoyed his presentation. He passed around quite a few items, couple really interesting to me (sk 7412), and others that were same as old Sk and 'yea that's nice.' Of course warranty came up and he was prompt about explaining old Sk, 'take anything back warranty,' to the warranty right after they reorganized, to present. He said from the return box in the back, that we were doing fine and he would credit us for everything we had. We take back just about everything unless it looks like it has been used for unintended purpose.
Alot of my customers don't particularly care for Sk these days, but then there are those that still want Sk first. Grey Pneumatic has taken most of the impact socket business from Sk here.
Alot of my customers don't particularly care for Sk these days, but then there are those that still want Sk first. Grey Pneumatic has taken most of the impact socket business from Sk here.
Hyster Gareth
Well-known member
Seems as though warranty policies have changed over time. Based on all the Snap on, Craftsman, Harbor Freight, etc. threads involving warranties, this happens. ***** to be on the bad end of an evolving policy, or worse yet, an employee ignorant of the policy. Glad to hear that current SK managment seems to think that a warranty is not only a selling point, but an obligation to fulfill. Most of my warranty returns have gone fine (including an old Proto warrantied by Grainger, who did not sell me the wrench), but once in a while I do run into an issue. Then again, it sounds like we all have.
^^^+1. I couldn't agree more.
The US consumer is brainwashed into thinking warranty = quality. In reality warranty = marketing.
OP
comedyman809
Well-known member
yes i know, look at the date of my original post.
ganymede
Well-known member
Same here. That's why having a rebuild kit on hand is important to me.
I don't like to bother with warranty's.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I just really don't understand it. I buy tools based on need and quality. Warranty never crosses my mind. Why? Because I know the quality brands I buy will pretty much last me forever. Half the time I break a socket I buy a replacement because I never remember to keep it with me or I will loose it and then need it and be pissed.
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
My guess is if you broke an SK socket you were abusing it. I have plenty of SK sockets and I have never broken one. The only sk tool I have ever broken was a 3/4 to 1/2 impact reducer but guess what it was not on an impact it was on a breaker bar and we had a pipe on it.
crewchief888
Well-known member
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
I'd like to nominate this thread for one of the least-read-before-replying threads of the year!
OP
comedyman809
Well-known member
yes, but for the price we pay for top of the line, we should be able to abuse our tools any way we choose.
I suggest you stay away from SK then, there policy is straight forward in regards to impact use on chrome, cheater marks or bent handles on there ratchets etc.. I for one am glad they are enforcing it, it's not easy keeping Tools made in the US, let alone keeping them affordable.
Loscaldazar
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 23, 2013
- Messages
- 2,385
thats how i break ALL my tools.
Actually...
The only broken tools I have had are ones that I abused.... hmmm
You can do whatever you want with them, the point is they're not footing the bill for your carelessness.
crewchief888
Well-known member
yep me too
and i've mangled some beyond belief in the past 30 years of professionally wrenching on const eq.
i could f*ck up an anvil with a rubbber mallet given enough time
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
Nope. We already had that thread with a kid who worked in a salvage yard.
Thanks. Please pull through.
Conductor562
Well-known member
Yea, my bad. These frankenposts get me every time.
Chadwilliam1
Well-known member
I only worry about warranty on ratchets and power tools and what not but sockets made by a quality company like SK. I dont care much.
AV tinker er
Well-known member
I have a hard time understanding why a company should replace a tool when it was obviously abused. Say I hammered a 18mm socket on a 19mm rounded nut so that I could break it loose, and in doing so the socket broke. Should SK, SO or any other be obligated to replace it since it was not used as the design intended? I wouldnt warranty it out.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I am right there with you. I guess that's the point I was trying to make.