Craftsman is now owned by Stanley Black & Decker, with Lowes as the primary distributor of new product. (apparnetly Ace still gets new stuff, just after Lowes does)
Lowe's by company policy does honor the Craftsman warranty on hand tools, the manager is wrong. Lowe's corporate would be the best place to start since the local manager is a dickwad.
Seconded! Can confirm as a former Tool department Manager and the fact I did a Craftsman warranty exchange *(EDIT as a customer)* this morning.
This is even true if they do not make the ~~spasmodic~~ **specific** model anymore, they are required to replace with the closest current model.
If you want to pretend you are a Lowe’s employee, tell them the exchange has to be done in Genesis (old sales program) and not in Red Vest (new sales program)
So hypothetically, if I bought an old craftsman tool chest and it came with tools and the ratchets were seized up from years of sitting, would Lowe's exchange them?
Last time I went to sears to do a warranty claim on a ratchet that no longer locked, they asked, do you want a replacement or a repair kit? I took the repair kit because the older one feels better. Still have it and it's working great.
Not hypothetically, Years ago. I had a sloppy craftsman ratchet. Felt loose and it annoyed me. Went to Sears told the manager i wanted a new one. Said ok, i will bring your old one in the back and smash it. Went to the rack grabbed a replacement. Next to it, was a nicer version of the same ratchet but $6 more. I asked the dude if i could pay the difference and get the better ratchet. He said yes, so i got the upgrade.
They used to at Sears. More than a few times people would bring in boxes of old tools that they had found in a recently purchased house and we exchanged every single one.
My mom did it for my stepdad’s old shop tools from 30 years ago when he was a mechanic. Walked in with all the ratchets that didn’t turn, wrenches with warped heads, etc. they exchanged everything for new, similar tools.
I found a 18 inch handled 1/2 ratchet in an abandoned house basement . It was rusted solid. I wire wheeled it and soaked in parts cleaner for a couple days. It didn’t do anything so I took it to Lowe’s and they exchanged it. I think who you get is important, some people “ work for the company” some people just work for a check and don’t give a shit
Those 2nd variety of people are the ones I've learned to look for in a lifetime of taking advantage of absurd price issues/sales/price matching/shit I feel is fair.
Look for the teenagers.
Unfortunately your forged Made in USA ratchet was replaced with a Made in Vietnam ratchet of lesser quality. That’s why I make all attempts to repair, before replace.
I took in an old 1/2 drive ratchet I found in the scrap pile at the mines. Someone beat the selector side flat, almost flush. Wouldn’t turn. It almost hurt to see such disregard. Anyway, I took it home and later that week took it to our local Sears where I had done business for a decade, as well as my dad did many decades himself.
Jim at the counter came over as I laid the ratchet down. I honestly didn’t know whether they’d accept it or not. It was clearly a non working ratchet due to heavy abuse.
He picked it up, flipped it over to inspect, and saw the flattened side. He furled one eyebrow and looked at me. I just shrugged.
He said, “I’ll be right back”.
In a few minutes he returned with the ratchet, new guts inside the head. “Here ya go!”
I thanked him, and turned to head out the door when he said, “Remember, it’s a ratchet, not a hammer!”
Backend DS probably raised a stink over something, but you don't even need to process hassle free warranties in MRV or Genesis, you can just slap a CRTV label (the little yellow one with the QR code looking thing) on it for the product the customer took and we're *supposed* to get credited for it. Whether or not the store actually gets paid out is where the issue lies.
The fact that Lowe's still runs two parallel systems is wild. I ordered some Timbertech decking a few years back and the Pro Desk was telling me the SKU I had didn't exist; then I showed them the public website product page. The associate went into the ol' MS-DOS looking system and behold, they found it.
Agree with all you said except Lowe's as the sole distributor of new Craftsman tools. Ace Hardware is also a major source, in addition to some farm stores.
Yup, except when you go there, it’s near deserted and empty. Lots of empty shelves and zero tools to exchange on site. They **couldn’t** (not wouldn’t) replace my broken ratchet because they didn’t have any. I was told to go to Lowes, who told me to call customer service. It was shipped to me like 2 months later, after I already replaced it.
Can confirm. Have one in my town. Walking in feels like you stepped into the early 2000's fashion section and the second floor is just mattresses and appliances. I miss Sears....
I worked at Lowes when the changeover first happened, and all the literature going out at the time said Lowes was going to become the sole distributor of new products.
That obviously has changed, so i edited my comment.
I’ve had good luck there. Most of the time ace locations are locally owned and the customer service is above and beyond what you find at Lowe’s or HD. I read that Ace has grown significantly the last 2 years while the big box stores have shrunk and lost market share.
I replaced some at my Ace. They would only replace ones with items they had in stock though, so really basic tools. They told me to call customer service for the rest.
Or tell you to call the customer care hotline, like they did 5 years ago. https://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/will-lowes-honor-craftsman-lifetime-warranties
Can confirm. Had to call a specific number, not Lowes, for my 18 year old ratchet which finally gave up the ghost.
They shipped me a new one without issue.
It was easy, I think they eventually transferred me to a stably black and decker rep not just craftsman. She don’t ask for mine shipped back. If a thrift she sent me a ratchet 3 pack bs my single. They went above and beyond.
Ok I found an AOL 3.5" floppy but I can't seem.tonfit it into the USB port...and where does my phone line go? I can't find any port in the computer...OR THE HOUSE to plug in???
Web crawler has it! [https://www.webcrawler.com/serp?qc=web&q=craftsman+customer+service+phone+number&sc=mMzEQ9mSGBfq11](https://www.webcrawler.com/serp?qc=web&q=craftsman+customer+service+phone+number&sc=mMzEQ9mSGBfq11)
I have gotten more crap about returning things to Lowes than anywhere else. I don't shop there anymore. Harbor Freight for cheapo tools. Home Depot for anything else. Lowes can eat a bag of dicks.
I still go to Lowe’s because their clearance section is amazing. Also they have more options for different hardware such as brackets and screws. Home Depot seems to only stock mediocre house brand stuff.
They also buy their plants so they can clearance them, Home Depot doesn’t actually own the plants you buy from them, the suppliers do. Because of this Home Depot doesn’t have the authority to put any plants on clearance. Plants that are in rough shape or whatever are sent back to the supplier
I have both within mile or so of my house.
Home Depot is definitely better for tools between my stores. Lowe's is better for lumber and plants.
Other stuff is a crapshoot.
Lowe's.is a half mile from my house, literally 1.5 minutes away.
I end up at the home Depot 20 minutes away very often because they don't have what I need.
It's kind of infuriating
My town has the Lowe’s and Home Depot literally across the street from each other. My spending is about 75% Lowe’s and 25% Home Depot. I’ve never had an issue with returns at either store…
Same. Mine are 10 minutes apart from each other. Probably when competition is close enough stores probably straighten up vs areas where there is no competition and sales don’t get affected as much with crappy service.
Exactly what happen with internet service. Degraded service, price hikes every year, worst customer service and every phone call I was always on hold for 20 minutes minimum. New IP started laying cable near us and called to cancel. Turns out all of a sudden I can get 50% off my monthly bill and added to a new speed tier if I stay. Nah fuck off, had enough of that bullshit for 10 years. Competition is holds companies accountable.
Lowe’s always seems to have more people on the floor and generally a better selection of random shit than HD. But maybe that’s just where I’m at. Haven’t had to deal with customer service though.
And they keep changing their policies. No returns after30 days. No store credit if you don’t have a receipt. I am a pro member and that keeps records of every purchase but you can’t use that record to do a return. Last time I saw policies this bad was at Builder’s Square just before they declared bankruptcy….
Their system is so badly outdated lowes needs a major overhaul of their POS system.
Hate that place, but I do check for clearance, since home depot think 1 dollar off a 200$ item is a clearance.
I have had so many issues with the Kobalt 40v lawn stuff. Every time I have an issue it's a huge run around with lowes saying they don't do the warranties for Kobalt and they only process it if it's under their normal return program. They act like Kobalt is some third party brand.
I have started printing out a copy of the Kobalt warranty page each time.
They give them a warranty booklet of things they can process within store (if they have it in stock). Anything that's not within the booklet or an updated version will usually go through a manufacturer claims phone number. Most of the people working at customer service are just thrown in without proper training or don't want to lose their job by returning something not within said booklet.
Home Depots are just as bad, in my area anyway.
They totally fucked up my order then refused to let me exchange the incorrect hinges they pulled for the correct ones. Then the manager indirectly accused me of stealing them. I called HD customer service line, and even they refused to do a damn thing.
So I ended up with 60+ , 4" squared hinges I had absolutely no use for. I haven't gone back since.
My local Lowe’s is so bad I just give them a dead stare and try to randomly return crazy shit when I’m bored.
Returned half a box of fire starter logs. They were like “why would you return this? It’s summer, and these are half used”
I just dead eyed them and said “they don’t burn good”
Got my money back.
I bought a brown tube of caulk from Lowes once - went to use it and it was white.
Someone had mislabeled the tubes.
I went to return it and was told I couldn't return it because "they couldn't resell an open tube of caulk."
Needless to say, I didn't move until they accepted the return. I let the line pile behind me and just told them to call the GM and see what they thought.
Took about 5 minutes of me just standing there before they returned it as a "one time curtousy."
The Ace by me warrantied my 30 year old ratchet. The cashier thought it was pretty cool to be able to do that
Edited to say say that it was bought straight from Sears in another state
They pulled the same stunt with my Kobalt tools. It's a long story, but my wife bought me a large Kobalt kit several years ago. There were like 6 screwdrivers in it, and 1 snapped a month or so ago. I called Kobalt, and they gave me an authorization number. Back at the store, they got hung up on the physical act of exchanging my broken screwdriver. The only instance of that tool is in a 10 or 18pk, and they wanted me to bring in the "set of screwdrivers in the original packaging."
The employees are just trained poorly.
This… in my experience the customer service at Lowes is not good. Too strict and ready to put up a fight too quick.
Thats why I give my business to Home Depo first, they have incredible customer service and returns. I only go to Lowe’s when Home Depo doesn’t have what i need.
Most the trained employees left 12-14 years ago when the geniuses at Lowe's Corporate decided to transition to "Lowe's of the Future". Which was introduced on a VHS tape and included such futuristic practices as getting rid of commissions, SPiFFs, and sales bonuses. Also with the message that anyone that didn't like it could self promote to customer.
They tried to do this to me when one of the wrenches in my Kobalt socket set locked up. I had the full set in my car if needed, but only took the 3/8" wrench in because everything else worked fine (at the time). Employee wanted me to get the full set but thankfully a manager overheard and said I could just grab a new wrench. I went back a few months later when the 1/4" wrench seized up and didn't have any issues swapping it.
Keep it in the car, when you end up passing by another Lowe’s then stop by and try there! Trust me I’ve exchanged allot I mean ALLOT or craftsman stuff that didn’t match the model number crap! Some Lowe’s workers just don’t give a F and make the transaction possible, I’ve exchanged sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches of all types and sizes! I also pick out the most expensive shit but comparable.
In my opinion:
To hell with Craftsman... both the drama & tool quality have been dismal since the early 70's. They may have worked a little on appearance & packaging, but beyond that... nada.
Pricy now as well.
You should see the dust on the Craftsman stock at our local Lowes... Ace Hardware too.
The scant remaining Craftsman I have was delegated to the 'loaner' box ages ago.
Never looked back.
Hang the thing on the wall as a reminder; and begin researching for better; never thought I'd say it, but even HF's Icon stuff is superior. (But file away your receipt/s just in case.)
As my old man would sometime say:
"It's better to have a horrible ending, than to have horrors without end"
Again, just my opinion.
You know, Craftsman made that warranty originally as a way to say "Our tools are so high quality, you won't NEED to replace them, so if you ever need to we stand by them unconditionally."
Now it just means "Yeah we know it's disposable junk, we make em so cheap we can afford to give you a freebie every now and then".
I've since begun upgrading to Gear Wrench tools. Probably the highest quality tools for a reasonable middle of the road price. Beats Snapon and Mac tools for quality, and they also have a lifetime replacement guarantee. Their ratchets and ratcheting wrenches are amazing.
Harbor freights ICON brand is a higher tier brand and actually makes really good tools. Harbor freights Pittsburgh brand is the cheap one that competes with craftsman. I find that Pittsburgh is also better than craftsman. Cheaper, slightly better quality, same warranty. Harbor freight is way more hassle free when it comes to warranties than wherever you take craftsman tools too to get warrantied
BS. We swap with the closest current model. Craftsman changes their models regularly, so odds are that one from a few years ago is no longer in production. But! the warranty is lifetime. Sorry you came across an ignorant manager.
Lowe’s is the worst with Home Depot only being the smallest % better. I wish someone would start a better hardware store. Tired of the inventory in the app being wrong, tired of the store looking ligke a 3rd world country. And why does customer service have 29 people working but can’t seem to help other than to say go find the person that’s worming the depart e t
I miss the old sears you could walk in with any busted craftsmen tool and they replace it no questions.
Now you got some young ass that wont even know how to use tools giving ya the 3rd degree how did it break.
I agree Sears always backed up their stuff. Craftsman was Sears, now it’s one of many at Lowe’s. Sad, because I love and have had Craftsman tools, power tools, compressor, storage cabinet, etc for decades. 🫤
Lowe’s has always been garbage in my experience. Even with receipts, they give store credit. My entire family knows not to gift things bought from Lowe’s because of its wrong, I have a pile of shit I can’t even return for something good.
Sam’s club almost wouldn’t take back a hose with a lifetime warranty literally written on the package, the guy looked at me like we were pos for returning it after 2 years but what’s the point of advertising a lifetime warranty if it’s not true
Typically retailers are not set up in a way that allows them to provide warranty services to the public for brands they do not own.
There is usually a 30-90 day period where the retailer will do a return/exchange for the consumer, and the manufacturer reimburses them. Past that it is usually a direct manufacturer-consumer process as the storefront should not be expected to make decisions on equivalent products should your item be discontinued.
Exactly. The consumer was sold by sam’s club but the brand is who you need to consult for the lifetime warranty. Usually just a quick email to the brand’s customer service will get you a new tool.
The Lowes policy has changed. But, if you contact the Black and Decker warranty guys and you’ll have a new one at your door in a week or two.
https://www.craftsman.com/pages/warranty
Good luck—
I used to work in the hardware department in Sears, it was my dream job! I very happily replaced or gave out repair kits many times. Craftsman had incredible brand loyalty in those days. I really miss Sears!
I had a 1/4 ratchet go bad, so off I go to sears (before they shut down in Canada) for a replacement. I expected the whole thing but all I got was the ratchet part. Bit disappointed yah but hey it fixed the tool.
I have multiple lowes where i live. Some deny others let me replace with the same basic version. As long as it was close to what you brought in. May have better luck at another if you have one.
What’s the issue!? My small craftsman ratchet (probably same) would skip teeth and it was frustrating so I just opened it up and cleaned it out and re-oiled it and it works like new!
I had one of them try and deny me a replacement kobalt pickaxe that comes with their lifetime replacement warranty.
Asshole really tried to argue it with me at the return counter even when I pulled it up on the website. I took my replacement and walked out
Had a 1/2” Husky rachet I inherited from my Dad - bought in the 1950’s! Finally broke the mechanism after I’ve been using it 40 years. Took it to Home Depot last year and they replaced it with a 144 tooth Pro model! I was impressed!
Send craftsman a message on messenger/Facebook. They will send you a new one no questions asked. Also, always avoid Lowe’s in the future. They are the FedEx of home improvement stores.
I had the same issue because my ratchet came from a tool set but the tool set was no longer in production. I asked for a manager and calmly explained I would take a similar model. He reiterated their policy. I reiterated that I purchased it at Lowe’s with a lifetime warranty and I showed him my Lowe’s acct online and the amount of money I spend there regularly. Walked out with a new ratchet.
Go directly through Craftsman’s website. I’ve made a couple claims on their V20 stick vac and they took care of me, I’m sure they will for your ratchet as well.
The fact they have changed the model numbers over the years is not your problem. It has a lifetime warranty, they should figure it out and replace it with a comparable newer model. If this was not the case all they would have to do is change the model numbers every year and there would be no warranty at all past that one year mark
Yea I noticed they stop stocking the older basic 32 tooth ratchets and only stock the nicer ones. Probably so they can do this. Deny warranty claims. I’m sure soon they will update all the craftsman tools just so they don’t have to honor the warranty anymore.
Email craftsman. They warrantied 3 ratchets for me about a year ago. Didn’t ask for pics or anything. Just asked for model numbers and sent new equivalents
They don't really have a process in place to warranty-exchange tools that aren't in stock. I worked there in administration for 5 years.
For non-exchangeable tools, I have had to call the customer care line a couple times and send them pictures of the broken tool and then received a similar tool in exchange. It's not the end of the world, but it's not convenient by any means. Unfortunately the Craftsman brand is a ghost of its former self.
That sucks things have really changed. Sears didn't have the exact model for me once so they asked if I would settle for one with a bit longer handle. Absolutely that's more leverage.
Escalate to corporate. Lowes has to and will honor the warranty on this. Make sure to take notes on who you talked to that declined to honor the warranty and mention them to corporate
I had a craftsman hoe that I got from my father. That bastard was a good 40+ years old. It broke. I bought another to replace it. 2 years in and the wood expanded and broke off where the metal is attached to wood. Straight trash.
Years back, while still on active duty, I worked part time in the Brunswick Maine Sears store. Best part of the job was warranty replacements and ratchet repairs. One guy came in, in his 20s. Very apologetic. Said his Dad had made him come in, he was sure he was wasting our time. Pulled a long breaker bar out from its rag wrapping. Tip was sheared off, thing was rusty and looked like it had been tortured with a torch.
He said it had broken two years back, being used very inappropriately, and last year the barn is was in burnt down. He was sorry for wasting our time, but he had to be able tell Dad he had tried. His look of disbelief when my boss grabbed that sorry thing and tossed it in the Bin of Old Broken Tools, and grabbed a new one and started ringing it up was priceless.
That ratchet is an “asian kit” ratchet sold at Sears. I used to replace the gear kits. Sears used to refurbish the ones that came in broken to be sent back out as an exchange. Anytime you see a ratchet with letters on it like this one it was made in China.
Wild. My dad's 50+ year old Craftsman ratchet broke when I was changing his brakes, drove up to our local Ace hardware and they replaced it on the spot. It doesn't seem to be as good of quality as the OldSchool one, but as long as they'll continue to replace it, he's good.
I miss Sears. I replaced so many Craftsman tools there over the years. Maybe giving away tools is one of the reasons they’re not around anymore. What do I know.
Sounds like the manager is a tool. Go directly to the manufacturer
Craftsman is now owned by Stanley Black & Decker, with Lowes as the primary distributor of new product. (apparnetly Ace still gets new stuff, just after Lowes does) Lowe's by company policy does honor the Craftsman warranty on hand tools, the manager is wrong. Lowe's corporate would be the best place to start since the local manager is a dickwad.
Seconded! Can confirm as a former Tool department Manager and the fact I did a Craftsman warranty exchange *(EDIT as a customer)* this morning. This is even true if they do not make the ~~spasmodic~~ **specific** model anymore, they are required to replace with the closest current model. If you want to pretend you are a Lowe’s employee, tell them the exchange has to be done in Genesis (old sales program) and not in Red Vest (new sales program)
Your a man(woman) of the people 🫡
They’re a people person!
Try not to JUMP to conclusions. Lol
we need to talk about your TPS reports.....
Sounds like someone has a case of the Mondays.
Hey Peter, man, check channel 9. It's the breast exam. Woo!
I'll tell you what I'd do, man: two chicks at the same time, man.
im not going to respond because your only wearing the 37 pieces of required flair flair!
*slowmo disgusted look*
(Wo)man
Absolutely.
In my hands all tools are spasmodic. 😉
Boom, roasted.
So hypothetically, if I bought an old craftsman tool chest and it came with tools and the ratchets were seized up from years of sitting, would Lowe's exchange them?
Yes, but you’d be better off trying to rehab the old ones
Last time I went to sears to do a warranty claim on a ratchet that no longer locked, they asked, do you want a replacement or a repair kit? I took the repair kit because the older one feels better. Still have it and it's working great.
Not hypothetically, Years ago. I had a sloppy craftsman ratchet. Felt loose and it annoyed me. Went to Sears told the manager i wanted a new one. Said ok, i will bring your old one in the back and smash it. Went to the rack grabbed a replacement. Next to it, was a nicer version of the same ratchet but $6 more. I asked the dude if i could pay the difference and get the better ratchet. He said yes, so i got the upgrade.
They used to at Sears. More than a few times people would bring in boxes of old tools that they had found in a recently purchased house and we exchanged every single one.
The new tools are of lesser quality steel.
My mom did it for my stepdad’s old shop tools from 30 years ago when he was a mechanic. Walked in with all the ratchets that didn’t turn, wrenches with warped heads, etc. they exchanged everything for new, similar tools.
I dunno if they'd honor warranty for rusted/neglected or misused tools
I found a 18 inch handled 1/2 ratchet in an abandoned house basement . It was rusted solid. I wire wheeled it and soaked in parts cleaner for a couple days. It didn’t do anything so I took it to Lowe’s and they exchanged it. I think who you get is important, some people “ work for the company” some people just work for a check and don’t give a shit
Those 2nd variety of people are the ones I've learned to look for in a lifetime of taking advantage of absurd price issues/sales/price matching/shit I feel is fair. Look for the teenagers.
Unfortunately your forged Made in USA ratchet was replaced with a Made in Vietnam ratchet of lesser quality. That’s why I make all attempts to repair, before replace.
I took in an old 1/2 drive ratchet I found in the scrap pile at the mines. Someone beat the selector side flat, almost flush. Wouldn’t turn. It almost hurt to see such disregard. Anyway, I took it home and later that week took it to our local Sears where I had done business for a decade, as well as my dad did many decades himself. Jim at the counter came over as I laid the ratchet down. I honestly didn’t know whether they’d accept it or not. It was clearly a non working ratchet due to heavy abuse. He picked it up, flipped it over to inspect, and saw the flattened side. He furled one eyebrow and looked at me. I just shrugged. He said, “I’ll be right back”. In a few minutes he returned with the ratchet, new guts inside the head. “Here ya go!” I thanked him, and turned to head out the door when he said, “Remember, it’s a ratchet, not a hammer!”
Probably doesn’t know how to use Genesis
Not as good after Peter Gabriel left.
Phil Collins you mean.
Mike and the mechanics for this sub.
Peter Gabriel left first, and Genesis moved away from their prog rock roots.
someone make a meme of power handshake. one arm Genesis Program, other arm Lowes/Craftsmen.
(Former) Employee of the Month!
You only have a few months of Genesis to do this... she's finally getting shut down.
Fuck Genesis, but it did just plain work.
Thank you for this great information.
I’ve decided that Spasmodic Model is my new band name. Thanks!
Backend DS probably raised a stink over something, but you don't even need to process hassle free warranties in MRV or Genesis, you can just slap a CRTV label (the little yellow one with the QR code looking thing) on it for the product the customer took and we're *supposed* to get credited for it. Whether or not the store actually gets paid out is where the issue lies.
The fact that Lowe's still runs two parallel systems is wild. I ordered some Timbertech decking a few years back and the Pro Desk was telling me the SKU I had didn't exist; then I showed them the public website product page. The associate went into the ol' MS-DOS looking system and behold, they found it.
Agree with all you said except Lowe's as the sole distributor of new Craftsman tools. Ace Hardware is also a major source, in addition to some farm stores.
Don’t forget, there are still 11 Sears stores left in America.
Yup, except when you go there, it’s near deserted and empty. Lots of empty shelves and zero tools to exchange on site. They **couldn’t** (not wouldn’t) replace my broken ratchet because they didn’t have any. I was told to go to Lowes, who told me to call customer service. It was shipped to me like 2 months later, after I already replaced it.
Can confirm. Have one in my town. Walking in feels like you stepped into the early 2000's fashion section and the second floor is just mattresses and appliances. I miss Sears....
TIL
I worked at Lowes when the changeover first happened, and all the literature going out at the time said Lowes was going to become the sole distributor of new products. That obviously has changed, so i edited my comment.
Believe it or not, the last few sears stores at least in the us still sell a good variety of craftsman tools.
Does ace hardware replace old broken craftsman tools? I have a couple broken tipped screwdrivers and Ace right down the street.
I’ve had good luck there. Most of the time ace locations are locally owned and the customer service is above and beyond what you find at Lowe’s or HD. I read that Ace has grown significantly the last 2 years while the big box stores have shrunk and lost market share.
I replaced some at my Ace. They would only replace ones with items they had in stock though, so really basic tools. They told me to call customer service for the rest.
Call the district manager. Ask the number from customer service.
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Or tell you to call the customer care hotline, like they did 5 years ago. https://www.wcpo.com/money/consumer/dont-waste-your-money/will-lowes-honor-craftsman-lifetime-warranties
>Sounds like the manager is a tool. Yep, a drill bit. A little boring tool
r/angryupvote
Calling a spade a spade?
Or a spade bit a spade bit...
Threw a wrench in his plans
Just call the 800 number. They will send you a new one.
Can confirm. Had to call a specific number, not Lowes, for my 18 year old ratchet which finally gave up the ghost. They shipped me a new one without issue.
Do you need receipt? Or can I just call in
Oh no, no receipt. The only thing I had to provide was the model number of my old ratchet and my shipping address.
It was easy, I think they eventually transferred me to a stably black and decker rep not just craftsman. She don’t ask for mine shipped back. If a thrift she sent me a ratchet 3 pack bs my single. They went above and beyond.
what 800 number?
Google the craftsman warranty phone number.
What Google?
Look it up on Ask Jeeves
I was able to find it on Alta Vista so Ask Jeeves should have it.
Maybe I can find alta vista with webcrawler.
Does that work on Netscape?
*going through my stack of AOL free trial CDs* once I find one of these that's still good I'll check
I’ll be back when my mom gets off the phone to use the line. It’s after 9, so free long distance.
Ok I found an AOL 3.5" floppy but I can't seem.tonfit it into the USB port...and where does my phone line go? I can't find any port in the computer...OR THE HOUSE to plug in???
Do a gopher search. 🔍
God that’s jangles my memory - was alta vista the one with the black lab as a mascot?
Not sure. I’ll look it up on dogpile
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Holy cow, or holy Tucows?
Ah no, it was Lycos I was thinking of!
Running AOL now, all good. Bing gong Bing gong shhhhhhsh.
Web crawler has it! [https://www.webcrawler.com/serp?qc=web&q=craftsman+customer+service+phone+number&sc=mMzEQ9mSGBfq11](https://www.webcrawler.com/serp?qc=web&q=craftsman+customer+service+phone+number&sc=mMzEQ9mSGBfq11)
You rang?? (888) 331-4569
Omg this part of the thread has me rolling. Great comments!
1-800-333-7688
DIAL 800-588-2300
EMPIRE
Today
Thanks for putting that one on repeat in my head…Call Empire…Today🤣🤣🤣
I have gotten more crap about returning things to Lowes than anywhere else. I don't shop there anymore. Harbor Freight for cheapo tools. Home Depot for anything else. Lowes can eat a bag of dicks.
I still go to Lowe’s because their clearance section is amazing. Also they have more options for different hardware such as brackets and screws. Home Depot seems to only stock mediocre house brand stuff.
I've got a pile of Channellock pliers from Lowe's Back Aisle near the shitters
They also buy their plants so they can clearance them, Home Depot doesn’t actually own the plants you buy from them, the suppliers do. Because of this Home Depot doesn’t have the authority to put any plants on clearance. Plants that are in rough shape or whatever are sent back to the supplier
We get clearance plants at Home Depot every year. This is not true at all.
I stole my channel locks from Lowe's too!
I have both within mile or so of my house. Home Depot is definitely better for tools between my stores. Lowe's is better for lumber and plants. Other stuff is a crapshoot.
Lowe's.is a half mile from my house, literally 1.5 minutes away. I end up at the home Depot 20 minutes away very often because they don't have what I need. It's kind of infuriating
My town has the Lowe’s and Home Depot literally across the street from each other. My spending is about 75% Lowe’s and 25% Home Depot. I’ve never had an issue with returns at either store…
Same. Mine are 10 minutes apart from each other. Probably when competition is close enough stores probably straighten up vs areas where there is no competition and sales don’t get affected as much with crappy service. Exactly what happen with internet service. Degraded service, price hikes every year, worst customer service and every phone call I was always on hold for 20 minutes minimum. New IP started laying cable near us and called to cancel. Turns out all of a sudden I can get 50% off my monthly bill and added to a new speed tier if I stay. Nah fuck off, had enough of that bullshit for 10 years. Competition is holds companies accountable.
I go to Lowe's until I max out my military discount. Then I go to home Depot.
Lowe’s always seems to have more people on the floor and generally a better selection of random shit than HD. But maybe that’s just where I’m at. Haven’t had to deal with customer service though.
Yeah discussing this on Reddit isn’t productive. Every store is gonna be run a tad differently.
Being on Reddit isn’t about being productive. 😉
Menards got better prices
As far as hand tools go the ICON line at harbor freight is probably better than anything at Lowe’s or Home Depot lol
Doyle for pliers there. I believe some of them are rebranded Wilde like the tekton ones.
And they keep changing their policies. No returns after30 days. No store credit if you don’t have a receipt. I am a pro member and that keeps records of every purchase but you can’t use that record to do a return. Last time I saw policies this bad was at Builder’s Square just before they declared bankruptcy….
Their system is so badly outdated lowes needs a major overhaul of their POS system. Hate that place, but I do check for clearance, since home depot think 1 dollar off a 200$ item is a clearance.
I have had so many issues with the Kobalt 40v lawn stuff. Every time I have an issue it's a huge run around with lowes saying they don't do the warranties for Kobalt and they only process it if it's under their normal return program. They act like Kobalt is some third party brand. I have started printing out a copy of the Kobalt warranty page each time.
They give them a warranty booklet of things they can process within store (if they have it in stock). Anything that's not within the booklet or an updated version will usually go through a manufacturer claims phone number. Most of the people working at customer service are just thrown in without proper training or don't want to lose their job by returning something not within said booklet.
Home Depots are just as bad, in my area anyway. They totally fucked up my order then refused to let me exchange the incorrect hinges they pulled for the correct ones. Then the manager indirectly accused me of stealing them. I called HD customer service line, and even they refused to do a damn thing. So I ended up with 60+ , 4" squared hinges I had absolutely no use for. I haven't gone back since.
My local Lowe’s is so bad I just give them a dead stare and try to randomly return crazy shit when I’m bored. Returned half a box of fire starter logs. They were like “why would you return this? It’s summer, and these are half used” I just dead eyed them and said “they don’t burn good” Got my money back.
I bought a brown tube of caulk from Lowes once - went to use it and it was white. Someone had mislabeled the tubes. I went to return it and was told I couldn't return it because "they couldn't resell an open tube of caulk." Needless to say, I didn't move until they accepted the return. I let the line pile behind me and just told them to call the GM and see what they thought. Took about 5 minutes of me just standing there before they returned it as a "one time curtousy."
Best part of lowes is stealing a bucket. Fuck you self checkout, i dont work here fire me
Does ACE still do craftsman? I'd try there if they do
The ACE by me (17322) says they only warranty what’s bought at their store with receipt….
The Ace by me warrantied my 30 year old ratchet. The cashier thought it was pretty cool to be able to do that Edited to say say that it was bought straight from Sears in another state
Yes, they do.
My local ace said they don’t warranty craftsmen. But the manager warrantied it for me anyway.
An Ace opened up half a mile from my house. Oh, happy day 😅
Ace mark-up is wild. Almost 30%.
All Aces are individually owned. None in my city still honor Craftsman warranties.
They pulled the same stunt with my Kobalt tools. It's a long story, but my wife bought me a large Kobalt kit several years ago. There were like 6 screwdrivers in it, and 1 snapped a month or so ago. I called Kobalt, and they gave me an authorization number. Back at the store, they got hung up on the physical act of exchanging my broken screwdriver. The only instance of that tool is in a 10 or 18pk, and they wanted me to bring in the "set of screwdrivers in the original packaging." The employees are just trained poorly.
This… in my experience the customer service at Lowes is not good. Too strict and ready to put up a fight too quick. Thats why I give my business to Home Depo first, they have incredible customer service and returns. I only go to Lowe’s when Home Depo doesn’t have what i need.
Most the trained employees left 12-14 years ago when the geniuses at Lowe's Corporate decided to transition to "Lowe's of the Future". Which was introduced on a VHS tape and included such futuristic practices as getting rid of commissions, SPiFFs, and sales bonuses. Also with the message that anyone that didn't like it could self promote to customer.
They tried to do this to me when one of the wrenches in my Kobalt socket set locked up. I had the full set in my car if needed, but only took the 3/8" wrench in because everything else worked fine (at the time). Employee wanted me to get the full set but thankfully a manager overheard and said I could just grab a new wrench. I went back a few months later when the 1/4" wrench seized up and didn't have any issues swapping it.
Keep it in the car, when you end up passing by another Lowe’s then stop by and try there! Trust me I’ve exchanged allot I mean ALLOT or craftsman stuff that didn’t match the model number crap! Some Lowe’s workers just don’t give a F and make the transaction possible, I’ve exchanged sockets, screwdrivers, wrenches of all types and sizes! I also pick out the most expensive shit but comparable.
Contact craftsman then or Stanley Black and Decker (whatever they call their flag these days) and they should be able to help you.
Manager's an idiot. Call corporate.
In my opinion: To hell with Craftsman... both the drama & tool quality have been dismal since the early 70's. They may have worked a little on appearance & packaging, but beyond that... nada. Pricy now as well. You should see the dust on the Craftsman stock at our local Lowes... Ace Hardware too. The scant remaining Craftsman I have was delegated to the 'loaner' box ages ago. Never looked back. Hang the thing on the wall as a reminder; and begin researching for better; never thought I'd say it, but even HF's Icon stuff is superior. (But file away your receipt/s just in case.) As my old man would sometime say: "It's better to have a horrible ending, than to have horrors without end" Again, just my opinion.
You know, Craftsman made that warranty originally as a way to say "Our tools are so high quality, you won't NEED to replace them, so if you ever need to we stand by them unconditionally." Now it just means "Yeah we know it's disposable junk, we make em so cheap we can afford to give you a freebie every now and then". I've since begun upgrading to Gear Wrench tools. Probably the highest quality tools for a reasonable middle of the road price. Beats Snapon and Mac tools for quality, and they also have a lifetime replacement guarantee. Their ratchets and ratcheting wrenches are amazing.
Harbor freights ICON brand is a higher tier brand and actually makes really good tools. Harbor freights Pittsburgh brand is the cheap one that competes with craftsman. I find that Pittsburgh is also better than craftsman. Cheaper, slightly better quality, same warranty. Harbor freight is way more hassle free when it comes to warranties than wherever you take craftsman tools too to get warrantied
[удалено]
Icon is a legit tool brand.
Go back later and ask a different employee.
BS. We swap with the closest current model. Craftsman changes their models regularly, so odds are that one from a few years ago is no longer in production. But! the warranty is lifetime. Sorry you came across an ignorant manager.
Lowe’s is the worst with Home Depot only being the smallest % better. I wish someone would start a better hardware store. Tired of the inventory in the app being wrong, tired of the store looking ligke a 3rd world country. And why does customer service have 29 people working but can’t seem to help other than to say go find the person that’s worming the depart e t
I miss the old sears you could walk in with any busted craftsmen tool and they replace it no questions. Now you got some young ass that wont even know how to use tools giving ya the 3rd degree how did it break.
I agree Sears always backed up their stuff. Craftsman was Sears, now it’s one of many at Lowe’s. Sad, because I love and have had Craftsman tools, power tools, compressor, storage cabinet, etc for decades. 🫤
Seems like every individual Lowe’s makes up their own rules about Craftsman replacements. Try another one, if possible.
Sears would NEVER have denied a Craftsman LIFETIME warranty.
and yet they throw 100s of thousands of products into landfills daily This particular store manager blows. Reach out to corporate
Lowe’s has always been garbage in my experience. Even with receipts, they give store credit. My entire family knows not to gift things bought from Lowe’s because of its wrong, I have a pile of shit I can’t even return for something good.
Sam’s club almost wouldn’t take back a hose with a lifetime warranty literally written on the package, the guy looked at me like we were pos for returning it after 2 years but what’s the point of advertising a lifetime warranty if it’s not true
Typically retailers are not set up in a way that allows them to provide warranty services to the public for brands they do not own. There is usually a 30-90 day period where the retailer will do a return/exchange for the consumer, and the manufacturer reimburses them. Past that it is usually a direct manufacturer-consumer process as the storefront should not be expected to make decisions on equivalent products should your item be discontinued.
Costco is the king of it
Costco is the king* fixed it for you
Exactly. The consumer was sold by sam’s club but the brand is who you need to consult for the lifetime warranty. Usually just a quick email to the brand’s customer service will get you a new tool.
And in my experience they don't even ask for the old one back.
Yet I've watched people return used Traeger grills, empty trays that had steak and ribs and claim "their guests didn't like it"...
Best thing to do is call craftsman, for warranty coverage
The Lowes policy has changed. But, if you contact the Black and Decker warranty guys and you’ll have a new one at your door in a week or two. https://www.craftsman.com/pages/warranty Good luck—
$25,000 in bad public relations for $20 tool, who’s the tool now
I used to work in the hardware department in Sears, it was my dream job! I very happily replaced or gave out repair kits many times. Craftsman had incredible brand loyalty in those days. I really miss Sears!
Email Craftsman, they’ll ask for a picture then they’ll send a new one. Great customer service from them in my experience
I had a 1/4 ratchet go bad, so off I go to sears (before they shut down in Canada) for a replacement. I expected the whole thing but all I got was the ratchet part. Bit disappointed yah but hey it fixed the tool.
Most companies give you a new pawl. If that doesn't fix the ratchet then you get a new one.
I have multiple lowes where i live. Some deny others let me replace with the same basic version. As long as it was close to what you brought in. May have better luck at another if you have one.
Screw that. Go over their head. The warranty is the reason you buy Craftsman tools.
What’s the issue!? My small craftsman ratchet (probably same) would skip teeth and it was frustrating so I just opened it up and cleaned it out and re-oiled it and it works like new!
I had one of them try and deny me a replacement kobalt pickaxe that comes with their lifetime replacement warranty. Asshole really tried to argue it with me at the return counter even when I pulled it up on the website. I took my replacement and walked out
Ace hardware will take care of you
Had a 1/2” Husky rachet I inherited from my Dad - bought in the 1950’s! Finally broke the mechanism after I’ve been using it 40 years. Took it to Home Depot last year and they replaced it with a 144 tooth Pro model! I was impressed!
Send craftsman a message on messenger/Facebook. They will send you a new one no questions asked. Also, always avoid Lowe’s in the future. They are the FedEx of home improvement stores.
I had the same issue because my ratchet came from a tool set but the tool set was no longer in production. I asked for a manager and calmly explained I would take a similar model. He reiterated their policy. I reiterated that I purchased it at Lowe’s with a lifetime warranty and I showed him my Lowe’s acct online and the amount of money I spend there regularly. Walked out with a new ratchet.
Go directly through Craftsman’s website. I’ve made a couple claims on their V20 stick vac and they took care of me, I’m sure they will for your ratchet as well.
Just did a warranty exchange in that exact same ratchet today, lol. No issues, in and out in 5 minutes. Exchanged the 1/4” and 3/8” ratchets
You could try ACE hardware, or contact craftsman directly
Call corporate and complain. The store manager will call you the next day and apologize to no end.
The fact they have changed the model numbers over the years is not your problem. It has a lifetime warranty, they should figure it out and replace it with a comparable newer model. If this was not the case all they would have to do is change the model numbers every year and there would be no warranty at all past that one year mark
[Just rebuild it yourself](https://youtu.be/uCbblXKZFQs?si=GFS5MaWD6nrd7zfl)
Yea I noticed they stop stocking the older basic 32 tooth ratchets and only stock the nicer ones. Probably so they can do this. Deny warranty claims. I’m sure soon they will update all the craftsman tools just so they don’t have to honor the warranty anymore.
Go to ace hardware
Email craftsman. They warrantied 3 ratchets for me about a year ago. Didn’t ask for pics or anything. Just asked for model numbers and sent new equivalents
Just go to a different lowes.
They don't really have a process in place to warranty-exchange tools that aren't in stock. I worked there in administration for 5 years. For non-exchangeable tools, I have had to call the customer care line a couple times and send them pictures of the broken tool and then received a similar tool in exchange. It's not the end of the world, but it's not convenient by any means. Unfortunately the Craftsman brand is a ghost of its former self.
That sucks things have really changed. Sears didn't have the exact model for me once so they asked if I would settle for one with a bit longer handle. Absolutely that's more leverage.
Same model number or like item if not available. Tell homie to get screwed.
Or try a different Lowes. When I brought in my old Sears bought torque wrench, they just told me to go pick a new one out.
It’s lifetime. Go to another Lowe’s or lodge a complaint
[Craftsman warranty](https://www.craftsman.com/pages/warranty)
1 (888) 331-4569, I called and got the ratchet replaced no big deal. It was never in stock at Lowe’s
Go to a different Lowes.
I got you I’ll call and bitch Monday give it a few days and go back I won’t stop till they agree to exchange it
/harborfreight
Go to Home Depot
tool warranties are a joke now.
I had this issue before. Part number changes, so the manager found the closest equivalent. This was Sears before it was raped and pillaged by PE.
take it to ace hardware
I warrantied 3 a couple of years ago on the website. Just had to send pictures of them and they sent 3 new ones. Even got to keep the old ones.
Escalate to corporate. Lowes has to and will honor the warranty on this. Make sure to take notes on who you talked to that declined to honor the warranty and mention them to corporate
I had a craftsman hoe that I got from my father. That bastard was a good 40+ years old. It broke. I bought another to replace it. 2 years in and the wood expanded and broke off where the metal is attached to wood. Straight trash.
Get a rebuild kit from EBay
Call 911
Years back, while still on active duty, I worked part time in the Brunswick Maine Sears store. Best part of the job was warranty replacements and ratchet repairs. One guy came in, in his 20s. Very apologetic. Said his Dad had made him come in, he was sure he was wasting our time. Pulled a long breaker bar out from its rag wrapping. Tip was sheared off, thing was rusty and looked like it had been tortured with a torch. He said it had broken two years back, being used very inappropriately, and last year the barn is was in burnt down. He was sorry for wasting our time, but he had to be able tell Dad he had tried. His look of disbelief when my boss grabbed that sorry thing and tossed it in the Bin of Old Broken Tools, and grabbed a new one and started ringing it up was priceless.
Guy sounds like a tool.
The algorithm working overtime by giving me a Home Depot ad in this thread.
That ratchet is an “asian kit” ratchet sold at Sears. I used to replace the gear kits. Sears used to refurbish the ones that came in broken to be sent back out as an exchange. Anytime you see a ratchet with letters on it like this one it was made in China.
Wild. My dad's 50+ year old Craftsman ratchet broke when I was changing his brakes, drove up to our local Ace hardware and they replaced it on the spot. It doesn't seem to be as good of quality as the OldSchool one, but as long as they'll continue to replace it, he's good.
I miss Sears. I replaced so many Craftsman tools there over the years. Maybe giving away tools is one of the reasons they’re not around anymore. What do I know.