Stanley Hand Tools Warranty

[Jeremy77]

Never have used the Stanley warranty as I don't have a lot of their tools. I do have a couple of the yellow and black handled screw drivers (like the ones pictured above) and 2 of them had broken tips. Decided to call them and see what their policy on replacing these drivers would be. Was told that I needed to mail them in and have them inspected. I was skeptical but seeing as it only cost $1.24 to mail them, I figured it wasn't a huge loss if they weren't warrantied. I was pleased to find 2 of the rubber grip drivers (also above) show up via UPS a few days later. While not exactly "professional" tools, they were an upgrade on the ones I sent in. Made in the U.S. as well. Not as convenient as popping into Sears with Craftsman but good service nonetheless (came complete with a "nice" letter). Honestly I couldn't remember where I bought them to begin with anyway. So to sum it up, I've gotta say that I'm happy with Stanley's warranty service. Been needing a new tape so I might go and buy a new FatMax 25' this weekend due to their efforts.http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/images/icons/icon14.gif

 

[thegroundpounder99]

That's nice to see them stand by their product, and I didn't realize they had anything made here anymore. The grips look nice on the top pics, how do they feel in the hand?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

That is nice, once I get some time I might throw all my broken Stanley stuff in to a box and send it out.

 

[Jeremy77]

The handles actually feel fairly nice. The grips are the harder rubber like that found on a Klein screwdriver not that soft "spongy" feeling grip that some manufacturers like to put on their tools. I looked them up online, the retail at HD and other similar stores in the $5-8 each range. I probably paid that price for the entire set of the old yellow/black handled ones.

 

[woody 73]

I don't know about other GJ members and what they like but the black handle with the yellow stripe is made out of tissue paper, bubble gum, pot metal and what ever is in the bottom of the melting pot. Glad to hear they are taking good care of you, funny thing but on every tool hunt I find those screwdrivers and I avoid them at all costs.

 

[CJM8515]

I had a stanley allen head socket break, they replaced it for free with a proto, no questions asked at all and free shipping. Didnt even want the old one.

 

[Farmall450]

That's nice to see them stand by their product, and I didn't realize they had anything made here anymore. The grips look nice on the top pics, how do they feel in the hand?

Recently I saw a set in Walmart, of all places, that was US made. I'm guessing it happened in the last few months.

 

[PFSard]

I had a stanley allen head socket break, they replaced it for free with a proto, no questions asked at all and free shipping. Didnt even want the old one.

Not that I have any Stanley tools, but how did you get this done?

 

[Jeremy77]

Yeah, definitely not defending the yellow/black ones. Just that their customer service was good and that the new ones they sent seem to be much better tools. BTW,
I bought a Stanley socket set with these 2 ratchets on clearance when our local K Mart shut down 8 or 9 years ago. Never used the 1/4 much but the 3/8 has been used, abused and put up wet. It's never been the smoothest operating but it can take a hell of a beating. I've used it on a number of carpentry jobs to drive 3/8 x 4" lag screws into fences, decks, pergolas etc, even used as a hammer at certain times. For all the hell they catch, I've got to give Stanley credit for durability (outside it's realm of design) on this ratchet and CS on the drivers.

 

[Jeremy77]

As far as U.S. made things, while on their website searching for warranty info, I actually saw a section of American made items. Several of their screwdriver lines and measuring tools were listed as such. A few other items as well. Not sure if it's crossover with their U.S. brands such as Proto or what but it was nice to see.

 

[goforride57]

Interesting.

 

[AmishFury]

Recently I saw a set in Walmart, of all places, that was US made.

Made in USA with global materials

 

[gungatim]

With Stanley warranty, you never know what you'll get back from them. Lots of times I have gotten back a Dewalt branded socket or wrench...

 

[deerehunter/operator]

I experienced the same as the OP with a 1/4 ratchet. Found it in the trash at work. I was trying to repair it and a coworker said to just mail it in. Got a nice pear head back in no time. No questions asked. I was very pleased.

 

[CJM8515]

Not that I have any Stanley tools, but how did you get this done?

I just called the 1800 number and spoke on someone that was from america and they sent it out. Took all of ten minutes

 

[brook41]

They warranty Fat Max Tape Measures also!

 

[GSMotorrad]

Very different from my experience. When I called them, they denied me any support for a defective socket, since I bought it new from Amazon. They told me that without a receipt from an authorized dealer, I was SOL. Here's an example of their quality control for an American Made PROTO socket:

 

[itsvegas]

I was always wondering if Walmart would exchange them for you but have never needed to try.

 

[Davefr]

Very different from my experience. When I called them, they denied me any support for a defective socket, since I bought it new from Amazon. They told me that without a receipt from an authorized dealer, I was SOL. Here's an example of their quality control for an American Made PROTO socket:

Proto's warranty is different then Stanleys. Proto states that you must go thru an authorized distributer for warranty service. Stanley handles their warranty directly with the end users.

If you push the issue Proto will usually take care of an end user. Just try again.

 

[Jeremy77]

Sorry to hear about the issue with the Proto socket. I agree, if you push the issue, Proto should warranty it. I mainly use Armstrong at work (petro chem industrial work) but a lot of my co workers choose Proto as their main hand tools and I dont recall anyone having issues with warranty. A lot of "professional" tool companies are pretty generous with their hand tools warranty almost to a fault considering the abuse the tools take. I'd certainly call them again on the warranty issue.

 

[GSMotorrad]

Thanks for the advice. I've since got rid of anything with their name on it after that experience. Replaced them with Bahco and various German stuff too. My old Craftsman (Armstrong) sockets have been kicking around for over 25 years now (purchase new) and they seem to withstand the test of time. Probably keep them 'till I can't wrench anymore.