Trying to return an ANCIENT Husky tool

[Dugan]

I have a husky USA impact swivel, well the spring inside went bad and it sticks a little.

I thought hey lets stop at HD and replace it. Well i get there and cant seem to find it. Talk to the tools people, no luck. The store manager came to me and said that he no longer has it, but if he did and it was in a package, "He would rip it open to replace a single item"... this to me is a manager that I like. Not many people will do this.

He told me that the tool is prob from the 70-80s era and is before HD bought husky. He gave me a number to call, and he even tried to call for me, but Ive been thinking about it... I think im just gonna keep it as a momento. Its a Husky made in the USA. Why trade that for something not worth nearly as much.

But I just wanted to point out that some stores will help you to great lengths to get what you need. This is the store in New Castle DE, the store manager was willing to do everything in his power.

 

[GCncsuHD]

Yep, I've noticed that HD seems to be the most helpful when it comes to replacing warrantied tools. I too replaced an obsolete Husky socket about a month ago, a 3/8 drive 15mm deep that had a split. They just grabbed it off the shelf and gave it to me, no questions asked, unfortunately the replacement socket was about 3/8" longer, so it looks odd sitting in my socket tray, but oh well, it does the job. A few years ago they replaced a well abused 1/2" ratchet with a brand new one off the shelf, no problem again.

 

[Zeke]

Somehow HD is giving off the vibe that they are turning a corner. It will take them awhile to weed out the chaff but as the new hires are taking to the floor the place is looking better.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

The people you hire that represent you on the sales floor ARE your company. Can they answer your questions? How do they admit they don't know the answer? Do they have the resources available at their level to escalate a question? How do they handle handoffs to a different department?

I'm just a customer, but I make mental maps of the store and its inventory when I go into any place. I know where I'll find silicone sealant or a T8 light bulb or rubber insert material for holding screen mesh in place for a repaired window screen. I have done all these things and have wandered the stores looking not only for what I want, but seeing what is there so I know what resources are available when I have a project in the future.

I have to make sure I don't wear blue when I'm visiting Lowes because I get asked by people for help and darn it if I don't actually help them. You want to replace a sprinkler head? They are over in this aisle- here, I'll take you there. There's several brands to choose from and many have their own proprietary connections. Do you have the old piece with you? Alright, if you don't, then take a pic with your cell phone and bring it in. Here's some options available...

I have to keep reminding myself I'm NOT staff. I'm just a customer, but when you see a person looking lost and you know the answer, I try to help. I've flagged down a store employee, explained to them the needs of this customer in terms they'll get and reference locations / products in the store that the customer will need.

When you find a good employee that knows their stuff, but also knows the rest of the store, that is one you want to keep. I *hate* being told "That's not my department, but Scott in paint might know." I'm sorry, but stop that stocking task and walk me over to Scott yourself. Do a warm handoff. You might learn something from Scott as well and be prepared for the next time. I don't expect people to know everything when they start, but I do expect them to learn.

I've always felt that if I needed a part time job, I could probably pick one up readily from the box hardware stores. The only real problem is not blowing your paycheck on the employee discount before you get paid!

Between HD and Lowes, I prefer HD, but they are fewer in number and the ones in my area are located in horrible traffic access areas which keep me away.

 

[Dugan]

The people you hire that represent you on the sales floor ARE your company. Can they answer your questions? How do they admit they don't know the answer? Do they have the resources available at their level to escalate a question? How do they handle handoffs to a different department?

I'm just a customer, but I make mental maps of the store and its inventory when I go into any place. I know where I'll find silicone sealant or a T8 light bulb or rubber insert material for holding screen mesh in place for a repaired window screen. I have done all these things and have wandered the stores looking not only for what I want, but seeing what is there so I know what resources are available when I have a project in the future.

I have to make sure I don't wear blue when I'm visiting Lowes because I get asked by people for help and darn it if I don't actually help them. You want to replace a sprinkler head? They are over in this aisle- here, I'll take you there. There's several brands to choose from and many have their own proprietary connections. Do you have the old piece with you? Alright, if you don't, then take a pic with your cell phone and bring it in. Here's some options available...

I have to keep reminding myself I'm NOT staff. I'm just a customer, but when you see a person looking lost and you know the answer, I try to help. I've flagged down a store employee, explained to them the needs of this customer in terms they'll get and reference locations / products in the store that the customer will need.

When you find a good employee that knows their stuff, but also knows the rest of the store, that is one you want to keep. I *hate* being told "That's not my department, but Scott in paint might know." I'm sorry, but stop that stocking task and walk me over to Scott yourself. Do a warm handoff. You might learn something from Scott as well and be prepared for the next time. I don't expect people to know everything when they start, but I do expect them to learn.

I've always felt that if I needed a part time job, I could probably pick one up readily from the box hardware stores. The only real problem is not blowing your paycheck on the employee discount before you get paid!

Between HD and Lowes, I prefer HD, but they are fewer in number and the ones in my area are located in horrible traffic access areas which keep me away.

If HD had the bolt/nut assortment of Lowes id never go to lowes. But finding 9/16 g8 bolts is a pain.

 

[DanCo]

I have a husky USA impact swivel, well the spring inside went bad and it sticks a little.

I thought hey lets stop at HD and replace it. Well i get there and cant seem to find it. Talk to the tools people, no luck. The store manager came to me and said that he no longer has it, but if he did and it was in a package, "He would rip it open to replace a single item"... this to me is a manager that I like. Not many people will do this.

He told me that the tool is prob from the 70-80s era and is before HD bought husky. He gave me a number to call, and he even tried to call for me, but Ive been thinking about it... I think im just gonna keep it as a momento. Its a Husky made in the USA. Why trade that for something not worth nearly as much.

But I just wanted to point out that some stores will help you to great lengths to get what you need. This is the store in New Castle DE, the store manager was willing to do everything in his power.

I've been to that store in New Castle, always a pleasant experience. You're right in keeping it for a souvenir. You might actually get lucky a the farmer's market next door. BTW is Big Daddy Tools still there?

Dan

 

[byoungblood]

Stanley *may* warranty that tool since they are the ones who owned the Husky brand name for a couple of decades and even continued to make some of the tools sold under that name at HD when it became their exclusive brand. You'd probably end up with a Proto or Blackhawk tool in exchange.

Worst they could do is tell you to take it to HD, but it can't hurt to try.

 

[C96]

Not quite ANCIENT, but old and discontinued nonetheless.

My son snapped an old Husky 3/8 drive ratchet right where the socket clips on. The square drive was completely broken off flush....

Took the ratchet back to Home Depot only to find it had been discontinued some time back.... Grabbed one of their full polish series in 3/8 since it resembled the old one in appearance and the gal at the service counter made the exchange no questions asked....

Can’t complain about that, simple quick easy……

 

[7th Kahuna]

Somehow HD is giving off the vibe that they are turning a corner. It will take them awhile to weed out the chaff but as the new hires are taking to the floor the place is looking better.

I wonder if that isn't directly related to the fact that they have brought so many products 'in-house'? I am getting to the point that I hate to shop there because the house brands are unreliable (perhaps unpredictable is a better word). From Home Depots standpoint, that means that going forward they know the majority of the items they are taking back they actually sold in the first place. Good news for them, not so much for me.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I have a husky USA impact swivel, well the spring inside went bad and it sticks a little.

I thought hey lets stop at HD and replace it. Well i get there and cant seem to find it. Talk to the tools people, no luck. The store manager came to me and said that he no longer has it, but if he did and it was in a package, "He would rip it open to replace a single item"... this to me is a manager that I like. Not many people will do this.

He told me that the tool is prob from the 70-80s era and is before HD bought husky. He gave me a number to call, and he even tried to call for me, but Ive been thinking about it... I think im just gonna keep it as a momento. Its a Husky made in the USA. Why trade that for something not worth nearly as much.

But I just wanted to point out that some stores will help you to great lengths to get what you need. This is the store in New Castle DE, the store manager was willing to do everything in his power.

Limited line nowadays. Depends on who the supplier was but I'd assume they'd tell you to forget about it. Unless the new supplier picks up the warranty service for old tools contractually (which they might have to do). I think they're stanley (now) or apex and I don't recall stanley actually having an impact swivel at retail, if it's apex they have it but it will be china and probably unbranded or alternate brand.