Snap-on's new warranty processing policy

[Craftsman86]

I don't think SO's 1-800 customer service will enforce the "original proof of purchase" requirement for something nominal like a broken screwdriver or ratchet.

However I've seen a lot of guys on this forum buy beat up old boxes and then ask SO for a whole new set of expensive drawer slides. I'd bet that's the type of abuse that SO will reign in.

I bought a box from a guy at work, He had bought it new from snap-on. Anticipating the hassle that is being described here I asked him to look into new detents, and 1 pair of slides as they fell apart when I opened the drawer. When he contacted snap on they had no record of him buying the box from them new, they advised him that he could send in any paperwork he has for it and the defective parts and they will be evaluated on an individual claim basis for warranty eligibility. Having already picked up the box and taken it t oa friends hose that works in a shop and has truck access we pulled the slides that were bad, and picked up what was left of the detents. He took them into his truck driver that ordered out the slides and what he thought was the correct detents. When they came back he was unable to find the correct part number and is currently offering all new slides with a more readily available detent.

All of that being said, It seems that there is a large discrepancy in the warranty, who can utilize it, and what is covered. The driver told me that the slides are snap on and he will make it right. "his favorite saying is that's why you buy from me" and its true as DIY'er I order a few things from GJ, but I do get great deals off of the truck and he takes care of things like this. I think that it is helping to push people to build a rapport with one of the truck drivers. The better working relationship you have the better sales they will experience. When I used to be a grease monkey at tires plus everything I broke I had to walk into the truck to replace and we all know how hard it is to go on there without looking at at-least 5 things we would like to buy.

 

[Brad54]

Well, I called today, and I have to say the woman at Snap-on was INCREDIBLY nice and extremely helpful.

The ratchet head is seized up--she said there are two different kits available, and since she wasn't sure which one I needed, she's sending both.

I had 5 sockets with legit issues: chrome flaking on the mouths of three deep wells, and mushroomed teeth on two shallow 3/8-inch drives.

She took the part numbers, and said the computer indicated no call tag was required so to just dispose of them on my own.

I really wish they wouldn't do that, because you KNOW people will re-sell them or try later to get them warrantied again... although it's all in the computer now, so they'd probably ask for them back at that time.

I'll throw 'em in the scrap metal recycling barrel in the shop and get .10 per hundred weight with the rest of the scrap.

-Brad

 

[beelsr]

She took the part numbers, and said the computer indicated no call tag was required so to just dispose of them on my own.

I really wish they wouldn't do that, because you KNOW people will re-sell them or try later to get them warrantied again... although it's all in the computer now, so they'd probably ask for them back at that time.

I'll throw 'em in the scrap metal recycling barrel in the shop and get .10 per hundred weight with the rest of the scrap.

-Brad

Which is what I'd do - or take them to Sears and toss them into the Craftsman return barrel - could only help there...


But conversely, if they required one to send back a damaged socket, people would be griping about having to spend another $4 in postage...

 

[Brad54]

Which is what I'd do - or take them to Sears and toss them into the Craftsman return barrel - could only help there...


But conversely, if they required one to send back a damaged socket, people would be griping about having to spend another $4 in postage...

Yeah, that's true... but Snap-on said they'll send a call-tag... I believe that means they'll pay the shipping.

I don't EVER return a single tool... I wait until I have a few, then make the trip to Sears... or in this case, put a few things in the box to Snap-on (in the past).

I don't mind a $6 flat rate box to ship back four or five tools.

I have a single Cornwell wrench I'd like to return... that postage is killing me. I'll probably just throw it in an envelope and take my chances.

-Brad

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I wasn't implying that you abuse your tools... quite the opposite. I was saying that if your tools aren't seeing hard enough use to justify Snap-on, then it's probably a poor choice as far as money goes.

Ok I'll bite

What constitutes hard enough use to justify snap on??


Didn't know there was such a rating for tools?

 

[el tanque prohibido]

I guess this was a case where honesty is not the best policy. So the ratchet now resides in the junk drawer.

You don't wan't to spend the $10 for a rebuild kit?

 

[drew03cmc]

You don't wan't to spend the $10 for a rebuild kit?

He shouldn't have to.

 

[SMKS]

He shouldn't have to.

While many people agree with you, the fact is that the OP now has a ratchet-shaped paper weight that is useless.

For only $10 + tax (free shipping on Snap-On's website), he can have a ratchet that again works like new. If I were in his position, I'd just pay the $10.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

He shouldn't have to.

^This

 

[NC-Fordguy]

While many people agree with you, the fact is that the OP now has a ratchet-shaped paper weight that is useless.

For only $10 + tax (free shipping on Snap-On's website), he can have a ratchet that again works like new. If I were in his position, I'd just pay the $10.

Would you go into sears and pay for a ratchet rebuild kit?

 

[SMKS]

Would you go into sears and pay for a ratchet rebuild kit?

I would if it meant a ratchet that I liked would be put back into service.

If the options are a broken, useless ratchet or $10 for a working ratchet, the answer seems simple to me.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

I would if it meant a ratchet that I liked would be put back into service.

If the options are a broken, useless ratchet or $10 for a working ratchet, the answer seems simple to me.

-Or-

Demonstrate some patience that someone at snap-on will eventually do the right thing for the win.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Would you go into sears and pay for a ratchet rebuild kit?

Sure.
If it was choosing between an in-op ratchet or a working one for $6 out of pocket. Even on a Sears tool. If that was my only option.

I;ve got a lot of Snap-On ratchtets, mainly newer T72's, S-80's and F80's, and if one failed due to my doing on or during daily use, paying for a %$&*ing new rebuild kit via the website vs. waiting for my driver should he be absentee is a no-brainer. Buy it and get the tool fixed.

Jesus. It;s $10 fix on a $100 tool. I can't make money with a broken tool, but it seems a lot of folks like to go on the interwebz and ***** and whine about it. Then claim they can't afford the reasonably priced (or really cheap in reality) fix on a high $$$ tool. Hmmmm...go figure.

Yes, if you have access to a good driver and good route, it's a non-issue. If not, you have choices to make.
Reminds me of the dude who owned a Lamborghini in the middle of nowhere "small town" Alabama and spent all of his time bitching about how hard it was to get good dealer service and parts when he needed them.

Srsly.
F&^%ing idiots.

The really BIG question of current Sears / C'man tool owners is that if your tool breaks and you are offered only a Chinese or Taiwanese tool as a replacement, what do you do?

Blue Point has had a few tools that have drifted that way as well and I'm almost inclinded to drawer the good tool I have for only light duty use and buy a better or more "warranty-able" tool to replace it.

Example: Up til 2008 Blue Point sold Schroeder "made in Germany" ratcheting tap handles and slapped Blue Point stickers on them. Now they replaced the same tool with Made in China units and not Schroeder. Since a lifetime waranty= forever if bought new with receipt thru your Snap_on dealer or online, would you want your replacement tap hande to be Chinese made to replace the German made slightly older unit if you broke it?
BTW-PN YA577A and YA578A.

Like NASA, I;m far into the "triple redundancy" round with what I own, but it continues to muddy the waters for all tool mfgrs.

 

[Jamez]

What he said^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

 

[el tanque prohibido]

For only $10 + tax (free shipping on Snap-On's website), he can have a ratchet that again works like new. If I were in his position, I'd just pay the $10.

And I'd even pay the extra $1 for the SPP-744 special service tool. The SL715 is an awesome ratchet that's easily worth the $11 to get back in service IMO.

 

[ssblood]

Never a warranty problem here. Even crappy dealers have done warrantys. If you have a purchase history with them and call to complain on a dealer, you usually have a dealer calling to apologize real soon.

I asked them why I was paying thousands upon thousands for tools that I couldn't get warrantied. Problem solved.


Edited for spelling. Damn autocorrect.

 

[otis66]

You do not need a recipt to warranty Snap On tools.

 

[otis66]

I've never had to ship tools to Snap On for warranty. I did have to ship MAC Tools in for warranty. I called MAC Tools. MAC Tools sent me a shipping lable from UPS and a blank tool list. I only had a ratchet that need warrany but I was told by MAC Tools to list all tools and ship them to MAC Tools two weeks later I had A new ratchet.

 

[purplezr2]

Have any of you read the warranty terms on the snap on website.

As for the ratchet, if I could not produce the info that snap on wants, I would buy the damn kit.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

I had a brand new 7/16'' combination wrench I bought off eBay. The box end was broached off center; it was a manufacturing defect. I called the lady up on the phone at Snap-on and she said she would ship me out a new one right away. She said just take the defective wrench to a metal scrap yard and have it scrapped. There was no way I was going to believe her; I thought she was just trying to get me off the phone, so I went ahead and sent the wrench in to the returns address. I ended up with two replacement wrenches.

 

[vintagefan]

Ok I'll bite

What constitutes hard enough use to justify snap on??


Didn't know there was such a rating for tools?

There's no "minimum usage rating" for any tool, or anything in general. The point I was trying to make, is that if the cheaper tools you are using are holding up just fine for your needs, then Snap-on doesn't exactly represent good value.

I'll give you an example:

At work, we would not buy a $125 solid carbide TiCN coated Fullerton endmill for a short run job, when a $25 uncoated HSS Niagara endmill would be able to do the job without wearing out.

The Fullerton tools come from a specialty tooling catalog, and the Niagara are easily obtainable from McMaster-Carr. In the event that we have an issue with a tool, it can be more difficult to obtain resolution in some cases, from the specialty supplier, and Fullerton's warranty policy is also more strict IME.

That is, IMO, a good analogy for Snap-on and any locally available, lower cost tools.

Both tools represent good values when used in their intended scope, and both tools can perform the same task if needed, but both also are capable of being a poor value if not properly matched with the size and intensity of the task they're given.



As far as saying what Snap-on should or should not do regarding the warranty, that is likely to change very soon across all brands. IMO if Craftsman continues on its current path, it won't be very long until they also are requiring receipt for warranty.

You do not need a recipt to warranty Snap On tools.

In most cases this is true, but if you are not the original owner, their *official* policy is that you are not covered.

If you tell SO customer service on the phone that you are not the original owner of the tool, they can and very possibly will deny warranty. Most of the time, they don't ask, and if you don't tell, they'll just send you a new tool and assume that you are the original owner.

When a driver warranties a tool that you didn't buy from him, and doesn't ask for receipt, he is basically bending the rules for you as a favor.





If I pay full price for a tool direct from Snap-on, I absolutely feel entitled to unconditional support, because I've paid for it.

If I find a Snap-on tool on the ground, or I pay 5% or 95% of retail on the second hand market, IMO none of those are any different. I am not the original purchaser, and I didn't not pay Snap-on for unconditional service for that tool.

Just because somebody else paid for that tool to be warrantied, does not mean if I find the tool sitting in a trash can or on the side of the road, I should automatically be entitled to the same service.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Sure.
If it was choosing between an in-op ratchet or a working one for $6 out of pocket. Even on a Sears tool. If that was my only option.

I;ve got a lot of Snap-On ratchtets, mainly newer T72's, S-80's and F80's, and if one failed due to my doing on or during daily use, paying for a %$&*ing new rebuild kit via the website vs. waiting for my driver should he be absentee is a no-brainer. Buy it and get the tool fixed.

Jesus. It;s $10 fix on a $100 tool. I can't make money with a broken tool, but it seems a lot of folks like to go on the interwebz and ***** and whine about it. Then claim they can't afford the reasonably priced (or really cheap in reality) fix on a high $$$ tool. Hmmmm...go figure.

Yes, if you have access to a good driver and good route, it's a non-issue. If not, you have choices to make.
Reminds me of the dude who owned a Lamborghini in the middle of nowhere "small town" Alabama and spent all of his time bitching about how hard it was to get good dealer service and parts when he needed them.

Srsly.
F&^%ing idiots.

Just in case you didn't read this thread entirely or have some form of ADD..........

I was responding to a post asking if anyone ever had a claim denied. I did and I shared my experience about it.

I'm not whining and bitchin as you say. Just the facts.

The suggestion to pay for a re-build kit was made. That's a great idea and if I were to compromise my principles I'd go for it. However at this time I elect not to compromise those principles.
I'm not crying or **** hurt, wanting to sell off my other snap on tools and go buy some from another tool truck.

Let me restate this in case you can't understand. It's not the 10 dollars (I can likely find that in loose change in my sofa) I expected better service. Right is Right and there is no gray area. Just that and nothing more.

 

[Givl Reggin]

Yes, it took me a couple purchases before my current driver took me seriously, but now he literally bends over backwards to make me happy. It goes both ways.

The level of customer service you get should not depend on the dealer or if you're a regular customer - everyone should receive the same level of service regardless of who/what/where their dealing with. What I'm hearing is that some are getting treated better than others and that's what I call very poor customer service - shame on Snap-On's dealer network for perpetuating this situation and treating customers that way. I find it hard to believe that Snap-On would condone their dealers sh!tting on customers that aren't 'regulars.'

 

[vintagefan]

The level of customer service you get should not depend on the dealer or if you're a regular customer - everyone should receive the same level of service regardless of who/what/where their dealing with. What I'm hearing is that some are getting treated better than others and that's what I call very poor customer service - shame on Snap-On's dealer network for perpetuating this situation and treating customers that way. I find it hard to believe that Snap-On would condone their dealers sh!tting on customers that aren't 'regulars.'

That's just not how it works unfortunately.

There are some professional supply businesses that take it a step farther than inferior service for certain customers... they won't talk to certain customers at all.

I think a lot of people forget that Snap-on is a company primarily aimed at the professional, particularly the automotive professional, but also aerospace, industrial, and manufacturing. They are not your average consumer products company, yet amongst professional suppliers, they have probably the BEST service bar none... and the closest to the "consumer" experience that I've seen. I've been in an industrial setting for decades, and I've dealt with all of them.

Cornwell for example, if you aren't a professional, they won't even talk to you. You pretty much have to be a mechanic on a route to be given the "privelege" of buying their tools.

Armstrong won't touch warranty tools except in extreme cases, they make you go through dealers that may or may not help you.

Proto will do warranty, but the majority of the time they require you to pay shipping to return the tool before you can get a replacement.

In fact, amongst all of the professional tool suppliers, it could be argued that Snap-on has by far the best service. On top of that, they are willing to provide that service to individuals, whereas many professional companies literally will not even talk to you unless you have a business account.


Snap-on is one of the ONLY companies I've ever seen that will regularly send out replacements no questions asked, for just about anyone, with no proof.

Just because they don't always decide to break their own warranty policy by not requiring proof of original ownership, does not mean they're "crapping" on anyone.

If you are one of their target customers, and are turning in a tool for warranty per their policies, it is VERY rare to completely nonexistent, that you get bad service.

Just because you are given the ability to purchase tools direct from them, does not mean you are a target customer. I think the biggest problem here, is that people hear "lifetime warranty" and assume that it applies to everything, and everyone, forever. It just isn't like that.

 

[billymade]

Here is a good article; that pretty much lays out the market that Snapon serves... it is to the pro and them coming to service your shop, face to face. It is a little dated but I believe what is describes still applies to their business and market they go after. Its a good read; check it out:

"How Snap-on Tools Ratchets Its Brand
The way to create a world-class brand is to give customers what they need, when they need it, and never let them out of your sight."


http://www.strategy-business.com/article/9598?gko=ec35a

If only most of us; had such great dealers, as those described in the article!

 

[donsims30]

Ok here is my only issue with this, Snap-on tools are yes top quality, but they sell for a top quality price, new and used. Now some people are saying it is only to the initial owner that the warranty applies to, but craftsman tools are warranteed to anyone who currently owns the tool and in fact on alot of their packaging it states Warranteed Forever, not lifetime warranty. Now half the reason I bought so many snap-on tools was because I thought it would be a great investment to pass down to my son. If these tools won't have a warranty for the lifetime of the tool then for what I do with them I'd be just as good buying craftsman though I prefer the snap-on brand name. I currently own complete sets of snap-on 1/4 and 3/8 drive sockets and ratchets both mm and sae and many 1/2 ratchets, and wrenches from 8mm to 26mm and 1/4 to 1 1/8 plus many more tools. I currently only need to warranty one of my torque wrenches and that really just needs a rebuild. I don't have a receipt for any of these tools as I've moved several times and misplaced receipts for the ones I did buy new from snap-on( was in the Army 10 yrs). I bought quality to last, but with that quality I expected service and repair. Now I understand that I can still stop a truck and get warranty work done, but from past experiences they aren't quite as willing to help someone off the street as they are someone they deal with week to week. So where does that leave someone like me? Do I keep buying snap-on when and where I can afford it with the occasional piece being through the website or should I switch to a brand that has no issues with me just saying heres the tool where's my replacement? Now like I said I'm not one who abuses his tools nor do I need to warranty alot of tools I'd say over the years I've warranteed maybe 10 craftsman tools and 1 mac ratchet and a stanley ratchet as well as a coupla old benchtops.So say out of 18 years of using tools I've warranteed maybe 15 items. Will this be kind of a non-issue for me because snap-on will notice that I rarely warranty a tool and therefor be more apt to honor their warranty or should I as being more the home mechanic only working on my own cars start looking into other brands? I've heard both sides of the equation here, but I gotta say it kinda scares me a little. Also to you snap-on dealers out there, do they have a rebuild kit for the ratchet head of an older qjr3250 torque wrench?

 

[uppster]

I just called them last week to warranty a wrench. Nice lady asked what the part number was and what address to send it to. No mention of proof of purchase. Hell she didn't even ask what was wrong with the old one. She told me I'd have it in a few days and I should throw away the old one. I wouldn't sweat it guys.

Are you going to destroy the old one? Nothing implied, just askin.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Just in case you didn't read this thread entirely or have some form of ADD..........

I was responding to a post asking if anyone ever had a claim denied. I did and I shared my experience about it.

I'm not whining and bitchin as you say. Just the facts.

The suggestion to pay for a re-build kit was made. That's a great idea and if I were to compromise my principles I'd go for it. However at this time I elect not to compromise those principles.
I'm not crying or **** hurt, wanting to sell off my other snap on tools and go buy some from another tool truck.

Let me restate this in case you can't understand. It's not the 10 dollars (I can likely find that in loose change in my sofa) I expected better service. Right is Right and there is no gray area. Just that and nothing more.

Geesh, another "I just joined 30 days ago and know it all newb" with an attitude.

While I can ADD and took a lot of math courses in college LOLOLOL, my point was while the poster who said his ratchet should be warrantied and get a new rebuild kit, I agree, if it meets SO's warranty criteria (which shouldn't be any problem if he has proof of purchase or receipt, right?) . To boot not all buyers get access to truck service thus it leaves them to deal with customer service or not fix it at all.

Should customer service NOT agree with fixing it on thier dime (which happens but seems to be rare), that again leaves you with the "fix it or junk it" option but now on the owners dime.
Just as stated above, becasue you own a Snap-On tool doesn't give your "carte blanche" to always get your way depending upon how you came to own it and its condition, but that's just another example of the "entitlement mentality" of our current generation. Also, Drivers do play favorites depending upon the route and some drivers just offer poor support.

And all this goes back to the very first post by the OP, which has been answered here and elsewhere on GJ ad nauseum. And agian, as for me, if I have to pay out of pocket to fix a $10 part on a CS "judgement call" so the tool keeps working , I will, be it S-O, C'man or any mid to high range tool I own.

 

[IndyGarage]

So are you buying Snap on Tools or a Snap on Warranty? I imagine they, like every other company out there are under tremendous price pressure, so they gotta stem the tide of warranty claims. With this economy - which as we all know by know isn't going to get better for a long time - More and more mechanics either can't afford their stuff or figure out they can get by with cheaper stuff and keep more money in their pocket.

Buy the tools, and use the tools and forget about the warranty. If you got it used and it breaks, then buy another used one.

If the tools aren't any good without the warranty, then they aren't any good in the first place. But that's not the case. For the most part, Snap-on are the best tools made.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Geesh, another "I just joined 30 days ago and know it all newb" with an attitude.

What know it all attitude are you referring to? I simply stated my experience. I also chose not to pay for parts to repair the item that is broken. So it will sit in a drawer. My choice. If that bothers you so much perhaps some prescription medication might help you.

Perhaps after a couple years of being on this site, I can sling around the newb term, as if has any relevance what so ever with the situation

While I can ADD and took a lot of math courses in college LOLOLOL, my point was while the poster who said his ratchet should be warrantied and get a new rebuild kit, I agree, if it meets SO's warranty criteria (which shouldn't be any problem if he has proof of purchase or receipt, right?) . To boot not all buyers get access to truck service thus it leaves them to deal with customer service or not fix it at all.

Should customer service NOT agree with fixing it on thier dime (which happens but seems to be rare), that again leaves you with the "fix it or junk it" option but now on the owners dime.
Just as stated above, becasue you own a Snap-On tool doesn't give your "carte blanche" to always get your way depending upon how you came to own it and its condition, but that's just another example of the "entitlement mentality" of our current generation. Also, Drivers do play favorites depending upon the route and some drivers just offer poor support.

What entitlement mentality are you referring to?? The item was purchased new by my father over 30 years ago as a gift to me. It was not a flea market find or ebay purchase.

And all this goes back to the very first post by the OP, which has been answered here and elsewhere on GJ ad nauseum. And agian, as for me, if I have to pay out of pocket to fix a $10 part on a CS "judgement call" so the tool keeps working , I will, be it S-O, C'man or any mid to high range tool I own.

If you wish to pay out of pocket to repair something of yours that likely should be covered by a warranty, that's your choice. It's not my place to tell you how to handle your business, nor is it your place to tell me how to handle mine.

 

[MrMark]

Your posts don't jibe with my experience. If the ratchet was from your father and you told them that, they will treat it as though you were the purchaser. Gifts are allowed and so are inherited or passed down tools. I call BS on the whole thread just like I called BS on the whole 07Forrester thread.

BTW, that guy and all his BS got off the easiest of anyone in the history of the internet.

He should have been reemed with a hot poker for the BS he pulled but the MODs locked that thing down before he could get his. After all those poor fools poured their hearts out chasing a unicorn.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

The warranty policy is there to prevent people from sending in buckets of flea market tools for replacement. While it may also apply to one single tool, they usually don't invoke the policy for one single tool. They have the policy in place as a safety net to prevent sleeze bags from taking advantage of their otherwise generous warranty policy.

 

[donsims30]

Don't really care if mine come from a flea market as long as they work I'll never send them in. I don't really care if it has some rust or signs of use from the previous owner, I figure not everyone knows how to take care of tools. But I'm only buying it if it's presently in working condition, not broken and needing repair, as I feel there's a chance he could have been dishonest and already had the tool warranteed once before. Yeah I'd prefer it to look new and shiny but if I get a good price and it's servicable well I'm gonna buy it. If it fails down the road then I might want it warranteed, but again thats if it fails and very very few tools being waranteed in between.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Your posts don't jibe with my experience. If the ratchet was from your father and you told them that, they will treat it as though you were the purchaser. Gifts are allowed and so are inherited or passed down tools. I call BS on the whole thread just like I called BS on the whole 07Forrester thread.

BTW, that guy and all his BS got off the easiest of anyone in the history of the internet.

He should have been reemed with a hot poker for the BS he pulled but the MODs locked that thing down before he could get his. After all those poor fools poured their hearts out chasing a unicorn.

When I first joined this forum I thought about creating a thread to share my experience in this matter. Thought some more about and decided not a whole lot of good would come of it. When I first read the beginning of this thread, I still elected not to share my experiences.

The reason is simple....eventually someone has to call someone a liar. I had a feeling it would come to this and sure enough you made it happen.

I guess it pays not post at times.

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

my dealer has no problem with warranty service

 

[drew03cmc]

I guess the moral police are out in force.

 

[Jsf721]

I agree with this. I look to purchase good quality tools. Snap on being the top of the line that I am familiar with. I have a very few peices of SO. None purchased from Snap on. All used from various online sources. The used stuff is more expensive then new Craftsman and certianly more than Husky and Harbor Freight which I also own. I will stop buying if they will only warranty it if I am the original purchaser. I don't abuse my tools and I don't use them hard. I really got a ratchet to see why it is better and I can see for tight spaces why the 80 tooth beats a ratchet with less teeth but it came at a premium even used. I actually traded that ratched for a jump starter/ tire inflater w/USB and cig lighter charger I wanted/needed more. I can see where pro's would want these tools and where the warranty would come in handy.

Honestly, for me (joe home owner) it is more of a bragging right to own snap on tools as I don't think I will ever break my Husky or Pitsburg sockets/wrenches. And if I do I can trade it in for a new one without any hasstle at a brick and motar store in my neighborhood. If I was constantly breaking tools I would see the value of purchasing new snap on tools and the likes of the truck tools.

I picked up a set of flexible ratcheting wrenches for HD. Cost 16 dollars and I got both SAE and Metric (5 peice sets). I look up on line and the SO are 15X.00 Forgot exact number but wow. I always wanted these but made due with box end wrenches. Thanks to this forum and the post about HD deal I picked up a set and now own them for 32 plus slaes tax. Life time garantee.

Just my opinion. As far a country of origin. Sure I would rather buy American Made Products but I also have a price/quality/value equation that goes on in my head when ever I buy something (not just tools) and it needs to be met. Plenty of Americans work for (employed by) HF, Home Depot and Lowes even if some of the products are produced over seas. I would spend more on a product regardless of where it was made if I saw the value in it for my partucular use.

I am Patriotic and I hate to see American's laid off or out of work and I wish I had the answer. In my company we sold 100% American Made products since 1954 up until about mid 2011. Cheaper imports came into the market starting in 2009-2010 and the cusotmers slowly went toward the lower cost items. First we tried telling them the whole USA quality mantra and are you kidding me buying from those guys puts manufacturing job in the US in jeopardy. Sadly, the quality was not horrible in most cases. We don't and won't carry junk as it is a family business and our reputation built over dacades is at stake. In 2011, we were forced to make a decision to take on the imports or shrink more each week and month. We have a larger offering now but the balance has shifted and the imports make up a growing percentage of our business. Also Something we discovered is that it is far easier to sell a higher priced American Made items when you can also say, if you can't swing that we have this.................

thats pretty interesting and I think what it does or what it will do is hurt the guys like me who want to use good tools but dont buy from the local snap on dealer, I buy from guys on here and the local market. I would imagine its something that also has to do with ebay, because now alot of sellers on ebay are putting in there description that the tools have no warranty etc. I know I had listed something on there before and I believe I stated it had a warranty and they booted it off. I think its only going to hurt snap on in doing this. I dont think anyone that disagree that the secondary market is huge. Luckily I do have a local friend who can get things fixed for me now and I guess everyone would like to say things dont break often. Just my two cents

 

[Man of Many Vices]

(Sorry guys, I posted the following in a different Snap-on thread. It is a better fit here.)

"Retained value" is another way of saying "higher resale value." The question then becomes, what was originally purchased and what is now being resold?

What were the warrantly restrictions at the time of the original purchase 10, 20 or 30 years ago? Was there a "no assignment of rights," or "warranty not transferrable" clause or other clear language that limited the warranty to the original customer?

If there was no such restriction, then the warranty was among the bundle of rights that were purchased by the original customer, and are transferred to the next buyer when the tool is resold.

The right of the original buyer to convey 1) possession, 2) use, and 3) warranty replacement if needed, to the second buyer can be implied by the advertisements, statements, and conduct among the parties before, during and after the original sale transaction.

If there is NOW some restriction on the transferability of warranty rights with respect to newly purchased tools, one must ask whether that restriction has been clearly expressed and understood by today's new tool buyer, in light of the historical understanding and behavior of the parties. If so, then, as to these newly purchased tools, the subsequent buyer(s) is/are out of luck.

What this means is that the older Snap-on tools are worth more -- they have the transferable warranty, and the newer Snap-on tools are worth less -- no transferable warranty. Those of you who buy and sell older Snap-on tools have a warranty that was transferred to you when you bought the tool, and will be transferred to the person who buys the tool from you.

All you new Snap-on tool owners, keep all your receipts, ask your Snap-on dealer for periodic printouts of all your purchases, and keep your dealer on your Christmas card list so he doesn't forget you.

 

[Douglas733]

I thought that was the whole "big deal" about buying high end tools...the warranty.

One would think the lifetime warranty (lifetime of the tool, no matter how many owners) would be built into the cost already...

 

[Dieselbutterfly]

they are breaking the consumer protection law/uniform commercial code they can change the policy for new purchases but older ones they can not do this legally

this is correct,and you can bet if the law wasnt so they would deny any repair/replacement they could