Craftsman replacement, Even when.... Options

[Doug Leggins]

I have quite a few Craftsman tools. Of course have always heard/seen the craftsman "guaranteed forever" line on the commercials and packaging. Kinda thought that there had to be a catch to allow for them to not replace tools that were "abused". But, much to my suprise they replaced 2 small tools that I broke by doing dumbassstuff.

I took in a 30mm socket and a 1/2" to 3/8" socket adapter. I broke the 30mm socket (non impact) by abusing it with my impact wrench - rember that damn castle nut! I twisted the adapter into 2 pcs using a 4ft cheater bar trying to remove a lug nut.

No questions were asked by the counterperson about how I broke the tools. In fact they were really pretty happy to go get the new replacements and bring them to me. They even thanked me for bringing in the broken tools and getting them replaced.

This was the first time that I ever took a broken craftsman tool back for replacement. The ease of getting the broken tool replaced suprised the hell out of me and put a smile on my face.

Now i get to test them again. Last night I broke a strap wrench trying to get a sleeve off of the A-arm. (still working on getting the Mueller front needle bearings installed).

You guys ever returned craftsman tools? ever have them not replace the tool?

[jnp914]

Re the Craftsman power tools. Definitely not covered by the hand tool lifetime warranty. Good thing for Sears shareholders they are not.

Up until a few years ago Sears contracted their power tools from Emerson Electric. When the last contract ended, they did not reup with Emerson but instead 'offshore.' That is right, the finest Asian/Malaysian/Sri Lankian/Pakistanian workmanship is now underneath the Craftsman label.

Emerson had excess production capacity. Home Depot bought the Rigid brand, which years ago was serious plumbing tools, and contracted for a new line of power tools. If you liked Craftsman power tools then, you probably will find the Rigid items acceptable. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sawzall-smiley.gif)