Dropped Torque Wrench

[Trav]

They seem to be trying to step up their game with better quality tools made in Taiwan which I have no problem with, free country and fair trade partner and all that but it sounds like they need a concrete published return policy like Craftsman had.
IMO if this company can get their act together with better warranties and parts availability on other tools like their new air guns (which seem to be competitive) they might really be Craftsman replacement but unfortunately 90 days and zero parts support is a real deal breaker for me personally.

 

[dlundblad]

FYI, HF's warranty policy varies store to store and employee to employee. Their site says you need your receipt, but my local store could care less. I bought their ratcheting wrenches 3 years ago. The 14mm died during its first few uses. Exchanged it last Sunday issue free. They grabbed a new pack off the shelf and removed the 14. Back to the "open box" deals shelf in the back they went.

Others here have had similar experiences.

I agree with Trav's air gun comments. No warranty or aftermarket support is a deal breaker. I wish I made a more educated buy when I bought the 3/8" air ratchet. So far, i am happy though. $70.

 

[Trav]

For $70 the ratchet you got was a deal, its an reactionless ratchet IIRC correct? One of those in a big brand name is 4X the price.

 

[willbur]

They do this in order to refuse to honor the "lifetime" warranty, in my opinion.How many ppl keep receipts? Easy way to disqualfy and still say "lifetime" warranty.

 

[Trav]

Or like like some companies with thermal paper receipts that cant be read after some time. HD pulled that one on me a few years ago.

 

[eljefino]

Originally Posted By: Hootbro
If you got a old type "Beam" style torque wrench, with a appropriate 8 point socket between the two, you can spot check your clicker against the beam and get a rough idea if you are in tolerance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDh4HzWCGic


If you have allen sockets they'll fit 6 pt female sockets of the same size as well.

 

[dlundblad]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Or like like some companies with thermal paper receipts that cant be read after some time. HD pulled that one on me a few years ago.


Good point. Never thought of that.

 

[SZR48207]

Hijacking an old thread since I have a similar concern.

I dropped one of my large torque wrenches (50-250 lb-ft) from about 5ft high but it was in the blow molded case during the fall. The impact upon hitting the floor caused the case to pop open, though, and the wrench partially fell out of the case at the ground level. There was no visible damage to the wrench.

Was damage done?

 

[Trav]

Probably not, the case took the hit not the tool.

 

[RyanY]

They do this in order to refuse to honor the "lifetime" warranty, in my opinion.How many ppl keep receipts? Easy way to disqualfy and still say "lifetime" warranty.

And some receipt printers use "disappearing" ink that fades within a month. After that any warranty claims are essentially null and void.

Fortunately all my HF returns have been pretty smooth with no receipt needed. If/when they deny my return I will discontinue my use of their products. After all, low price tools are only a bargain if they do what they are intended to do, and can be replaced if/when they fail.