Okay Listers,
I did what you asked: I waltzed (maybe it was actually more like I tangoed)
into the
Sears Hardware store in Medina, Ohio with a 3/8" drive ratchet handle, two
scarcely used
1/2" drive sockets, a screwdriver with a soiled handle, and a pair of oddly
shaped
pliers. The young lady at the service desk was puzzled at my reason for wanting
replacements. I told her I was not satisfied with the tools. She asked why
('cause there
doesn't appear to be anything wrong with them.) I explained to her that it
doesn't
matter why I want replacements. She agreed and asked an associate to bring up
some
replacements. They were all new except the ratchet handle which was
refurbished. I
objected to that and she unhesitatingly got a new one for me.
Now, as far as I am concerned, Sears did exactly what their warranty proclaims,
in spite
of the FACT that there was nothing whatsoever wrong with the tools I brought in
for the
exchange. I do not have any feel for the superiority or inferiority of the
ratchet
handle. Its noise made me remember a little procedure a friend did to mine
years ago: he
popped it open and packed the interior with white grease; it becomes much
quieter. I'd
do it to the new one, but I went back into the store and asked for my old one
back,
because we were old friends and I was afraid I would be hurting its feelings.
She looked
at me kind of funny, said sure, and mumbled something about why I need a life,
as I
walked away.
I wish someone could really offer a "scientific" evaluation of old vs. new
Craftsman
ratchet handles. Are the old ones really better or are old tools just sexier
because
they have the look, smell. sound and feel of use, dirt, grease and dents. I
still have
no complaints about Craftsman products or how Sears warranty works. This
experience was
exactly like every other one I have had with Sears.
FWIW, IMHFO all other disclaimers, etc.
Jim
"James H. Nazarian, Ph.D." wrote:
> If I have read your message correctly, IMHO there is a significant difference
>in the
> warranties of Sears automotive batteries, and those of Craftsman brand hand
>tools.
> The tale of the DieHard Battery is, I believe, a simple "price adjustment".
>Most
> retailers, including Sears have a policy to make them for 30 days after you
>make a
> purchase. I have received credits from numerous purchases made at numerous
>retailers
> including Sears. They usually just verify the competitor's price by phone or
>by my
> presented advertisement from the competitor. Simple enough.... As for the
>Craftsman
> exchanges, I am not happy to hear that some of us have been given exchanges
>that
> were refurbished, but does it really matter? Tools get soiled in use; one
>month from
> now I won't be able to tell which is the new replacement, or which is the
> refurbished one, or which is old or which is a new tool when I retrieve one
>from my
> tool box. I would rather get a new tool in exchange, but when my various cell
>phones
> have died prematurely, sometimes replacement products were brand new, and
>sometimes
> they were remanufactured. It really doesn't matter unless cosmetics are
>important.
> Back to Craftsman for a moment... I will assume that any refurbished tool was
> repairable like a ratchet wrench, but doubtfully a screwdriver or a socket.
>the
> customer service desk does not have refurbished replacements for every
>Craftsman
> hand tool: only those for which there is a high demand for replacements, and
>for
> which a refurbishing program is practical. I will pick out a pair of tools,
>one
> rebuildable and one not, and give Sears a replacement try. I'll report back
> forthwith.
>
> Jim
>
> kingwj@mail.del.net wrote:
>
> > I'd like to invite all listers to waltz right into a Sears to
>attempt an
> > exchange, necessary or not, report your results back here please.
> >
> >
> > Gregory R. Dyche
> > >
> > > . Sears' Craftsman hand tools have always been great for me because
> > > when and if I ever break one, or get paint on the screwdriver handle, I
> > > "waltz" right into any flavor Sears store without having to find a
> > receipt or
> >
> > Battery in my LAC (1978 Bonneville-4 wheel Pontiac not 2 wheel Triumph) went
> > dead in ~1982. A quick trip to Sears Auto Center and a new DieHard in under
> > the hood. There is some rule that a car battery shall not die while Sears
>has
> > them on sale so 2 weeks later the Sears circular has an add for DieHards on
> > sale. I return to Sears to get my credit and low and behold "we don't do
>that
> > anymore".
> >
> > I immediately state I'm not satisfied and the reason for my dissatisfaction
>is
> > I paid too much for this battery. Fine they said, bring in the battery and
>we
> > will credit your account. I did and immediately bought a new battery on
>sale.
> > That was the last time I stepped into a Sears auto center. About the only
> > place left I go in Sears is the paint section.
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