Snap on not warranty screwdrivers

[lbgradwell]

They were in either the same condition as your or were sweating a foul smelling oil.

That's the "known issue" right there. They "sweat" for a long while until they finally turn to almost a crayon-like substance and just crack apart...

 

[sparky5982]

As an aside, am I the only one who is tired of companies using the word "lifetime" to mean anything and everything except lifetime? Where did this "lifetime of the tool" bs come from? Tons of companies do this now.

 

[t4runner]

That oil is some nasty stuff it took the paint off the bottom of the draw,

 

[Homoudont]

Just had mine warrantied last month... I think it was called Bakelite plastic and they used it for about a decade. They replaced them with new hard handled screwdrivers. Like others mentioned. Send them a email or call them. They even pay for shipping to them by emailing you a ups label.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I have called CS for a few Snap-on tools my dad bought new off the truck in 82. CS replaced them for him no problem at all they didn't even want me to ship them the old ones at my expense.

I do have a Warranty question though. In 1994/1995 when I bought tools off the truck I bought Used Matco tools from the Matco Truck (Some one bought them couldn't pay returned the tools). I also bought New Full Price Snap-on tools through the Matco truck (Matco met Snap-on guy for lunch every few weeks child hood friends) and I used the credit I had with the Matco dealer when I got them. None of it was a problem when I had that dealer but does Matco CS owe me the warranty on those tools as I have not dealt with that dealer in 18 years and I was not the original owner/purchaser and does Snap-on owe me anything at all?

 

[wvrailroader]

If the lifetime warranty means the lifetime of the tool, then they may as well tell you the warranty means that if the item breaks, both pieces are still yours

 

[gipraw]

CS will replace them for him, no problem.

I hope he gets new drivers, but this wasn't a truck guy who explained the warranty to me, it was an actual rep at Snap On. More than likely they will warranty it, but if they start arguing technicalities I doubt he is 'owed' anything after 30 great years of service.

Had they broken under regular use I would lean towards 30 years being lifetime. The fact they rotted away sitting in a drawer is the deal breaker for me.

 

[outdoorsman310]

my snap on guy, not a good one, replaced one of mine that had the tip worn out. he tried to change the handle per request ut it broke. he gave me a hard handle one. they ought to warranty it!

 

[Mridolfo]

Wow I was just about to ask about this. I had the same thing happen to the few that I have. They were my grandfathers that I brought back from Italy in 1994. I've had them in my tool box since with no use as I didn't want to lose them. He died in 87 so they haven't been used much if at all in the last 27 years.

 

[warmpancakes]

Handles are not warrantied.

Find a better driver handles are warranties even ratchet handles

 

[nicksnothereman]

If the lifetime warranty means the lifetime of the tool, then they may as well tell you the warranty means that if the item breaks, both pieces are still yours

At least they don't claim "abuse!" which some companies will...at some point they probably will start doing it you know with the economy yadda yadda yadda. Actually the biggest threat to the truck brands is the increase of quality on the import tools.

 

[J king]

Well I sent in a pic and note to Snapon.We will see what they say. I remember the largest of the set cracked and I broke it Probably 10 years ago.I threw the handle away and used it as a pry bar-chisel after that.Wished I didn't beat it to death now.
On a side note..I purchased a set of Williams last fall so I guess I am still supporting Snapon.I have thousands in Snapon tools and boxes.This isn't just a little set I picked up.

 

[pl_silverado]

Handles are not warrantied.

While thats usually the case, these handles are fully covered under warranty as they know they were defective from the beginning. Something about the bonding agent breaking up over time. They really smell horrible too.

Any good dealer will warranty them no problem. If you ship them to the warranty dept in Crystal Lake, you'll get new ones back in the mail no questions asked.

Phone convos with customer service are hit or miss when it comes to replacement. Ive had better luck just sending stuff there and waiting for it to return.

 

[J king]

I read if you send without a return authorized will be sent back .

 

[J king]

On a side note..I have a large set of Snapon offset box wrenches .Probably dozen or more.Nice and where a lot of money.In the first year the chrome stated peeling off just one wrench.My truck guy wouldn't replace it because it wasn't broke.This was pre internet days folks.I still have it.It has a goldish color and stands out.No biggie but when you spend over four hundred for a set of wrenches at 30 years ago money it's a ball buster.That was about my end with buying off that snappy salesman.Started buying off matco and Mac after that.

 

[Davefr]

Phone convos with customer service are hit or miss when it comes to replacement. Ive had better luck just sending stuff there and waiting for it to return.

Just sending them in will likely get them returned just like a boomerang. (ie in the same condition you sent them).

These days you need to go thru customer service. They've had too much warranty abuse.

 

[carcajou]

On a side note..I have a large set of Snapon offset box wrenches .Probably dozen or more.Nice and where a lot of money.In the first year the chrome stated peeling off just one wrench.My truck guy wouldn't replace it because it wasn't broke.This was pre internet days folks.I still have it.It has a goldish color and stands out.No biggie but when you spend over four hundred for a set of wrenches at 30 years ago money it's a ball buster.That was about my end with buying off that snappy salesman.Started buying off matco and Mac after that.

I have a set of XV box wrenches. Most of them, and most others i have come across have surface rust issues. Anyone know if Snap On ever addressed that issue?

 

[devoncoolman]

They will warrantee them. I know I've done it for the same reason. Call snap-on direct. Or send them to somebody on here and they can warrantee them. My driver never gives me problems.

 

[spacedoutbob]

I have had a number of those Original Handles do the same thing, My Snap-On Dealer has always taken care of this for me. No questions asked. He is aware of the problems they have with these handles.

Bob

 

[rsanter]

My snap on guy replaced mine no problem

Bob

 

[Dust Devil]

I would most def get a warranty on those.

Then go out and but some instinct handle,they are awesome.

 

[J king]

Talked to snap on warranty and she was very nice. Replacements on there way. Thanks guys

 

[tomd]

Glad it worked out for you.

 

[espyking83]

Talked to snap on warranty and she was very nice. Replacements on there way. Thanks guys

Awesome! Did they have the same model are they giving you something newer? Glad you didn't take the drivers answer and followed up with an actual rep.

 

[ADSR]

Talked to snap on warranty and she was very nice. Replacements on there way. Thanks guys

This is an awesome end to this story! And this is why we pay a premium for this product.

I hope if i ever have a problem with my williams 30 years down the road, the outcome will be the same.

Please post pics of the new handles.

 

[alexmaclean]

30 Years of use and snap owes you?

That's sorta the idea of lifetime warranty.

 

[mechanicalmoron]

At least they don't claim "abuse!" which some companies will...at some point they probably will start doing it you know with the economy yadda yadda yadda. Actually the biggest threat to the truck brands is the increase of quality on the import tools.

And the fact that auto-zone don't screw around - the phone number thing can get annoying, but it seems like snap-on and the rest, even if they have good policies in theory, often have belligerent drivers and whatnot, who make life hard.

The fact that duralast's "life" is longer than snap-on's means.... the end's near for the tool scalpers

Also, I'd understand not warranting driver bits, considering it's sort of a wear item - I'd say take a file and fix it - but again, even duralast..... full satisfaction, lifetime, any auto-zone store.

I don't understand how anyone could say that lifetime warrenties are exempt after 30 years, or that 30 years of (unused) "service" means their job is over. That's shameful - go die, and make sure they bury your overpriced tools with you, because snap-on is tired of your lifetime warranty? Truck tools are supposed to be about buying peace of mind, and not having to screw around or make phone calls - not very peaceful if it magically expires at some indeterminate point, once they feel like it's been a while, or if they decide that you used it wrong and it doesn't count, like some other low-class warranty-dodgers.

I'd tell him yeah, I store all my screwdriver handles in high purity HCl, now give me what you owe me.

You should sell the replacements beside his truck for half-price.

 

[Art From De Leon]

Snap On does not mind honoring a warranty, (and backs up there their products), why should you?

Call the 1800 number, I have NEVER had a problem with their customer service.

Nor have I. Just as I would NOT expect to be blown off by the customer service of ANY PREMIUM brand of tools.

 

[abvw]

Hold on a second,

Under Snap-on's warranty agreement OP falls under "Private user" since he no longer wrench for a living. He then flag down a stray Snap-on truck, walked on a demanded warranty on FOUR crumbled hard handles on the spot, I don't think the dealer is obliged to honour the warranty.

By honouring the warranty to OP the dealer could possibly piss off up to four of his regular customers. Plus those hard handles probably have to be special ordered anyways, so as a "walk on", tuff **** buddy.

 

[fordbroncodave]

snap on warranty service via email or phone is good. phone is better then email. They usually understand the situation.

good companies have good communication with its supporters or they are not a good company

 

[Strouty]

Guys, it has been resolved, new handles are on the way, take a second to read before you post.

 

[Seb1981]

I think snap on would be getting a call and/or a new front window decoration. As in Id return them through the front window of their general office. When I read lifetime warranty I expect one. If they won't honor it they can have their **** back.

Edit however if they replace your handles good on them

 

[Cato]

9kmkv

via Imgflip Meme Maker

...and $2 Craftsman screwdrivers never fall apart like that!

 

[MikeF2316]

Does it actually still read Snap On on the handle? Or at least the part number? Or are they completely smooth with no print left? There are china-made screwdrivers with the same style handle.....did the driver think they weren't Snap On?

Only it doesn't happen to the cheap copies...

I honestly don't know the COO of these, but I bought a set of these from a guy who came into the car dealer where I worked from 1986 to 88, so that dates them. They weren't much money, and were obvious copies of Snapon, right down to the tray. The tray wasn't very durable, but they've been surprisingly good as screwdrivers!

 

[Bruce57]

I had the same thing happen, Snap On did warranty. They exchanged the screwdriver.

 

[stage20]

Hold on a second,

Under Snap-on's warranty agreement OP falls under "Private user" since he no longer wrench for a living. He then flag down a stray Snap-on truck, walked on a demanded warranty on FOUR crumbled hard handles on the spot, I don't think the dealer is obliged to honour the warranty.

By honouring the warranty to OP the dealer could possibly piss off up to four of his regular customers. Plus those hard handles probably have to be special ordered anyways, so as a "walk on", tuff **** buddy.

this is why i dont buy off the truck! i dont spend 30-40-50 bucks a week in a payment to him, so he shits on me. i understand most dealers are not directly snap on employees, but one driver can hurt a whole business.

local matco guy is the same way. i tried getting a top box from him for my 57" bottom and he asked where i worked. told him it was for a home shop and he just about hung up on me. i guess spending 2000 bucks was a waste of his time.

 

[ArtDeco]

I've heard about older Snap On dead blow hammers having a cracking issue as well...wonder if there was a period of bad plastics/manufacturing process?

 

[nicksnothereman]

I've heard about older Snap On dead blow hammers having a cracking issue as well...wonder if there was a period of bad plastics/manufacturing process?

No dead blow will last forever. Don't matter what's on the handle. I know they do (most companies) but they shouldn't.

With the deadblows it's kind of an impregnated plastic (with oil). So I assume heat will "dissolve" the oil if (it's not oiled regularly) over time and the material will crack.

You'd have to ask the mfgs about care requirements for these, they typically don't say anything about it even on the cheap ones.

 

[rlitman]

...defective from the beginning. Something about the bonding agent breaking up over time. They really smell horrible too...

Yeah, tell me about it. I had a bit driver like this which had a cap on the handle over a storage space for more bits inside. You opened the cap and it had a liquid inside that smelled awful enough to make you wretch.

By the time I got around to sending it in, you could only barely read "nap On" on the handle, as the rest had crumbled away. But they happily warrantied it with a nice ratcheting screwdriver.

For the poster who said handles are not warrantied. This is completely bogus.
I have had handles replaced. When they break (which does happen from time to time). They replace blades alone normally, because who wants a new handle when the original is still fine, and still fits in the slot in your toolbox drawer tray. The last replacement handle I got was an Instinct (which I like BTW), but the darned thing doesn't fit where the old one did.

 

[mtnbimmer]

Thank you espyking83 and adamc. Again, lifetime warranty is a reasonable lifetime of use of the tool, not the owner.

Hmmm, I don't see that anywhere in the Snap On warranty statement.