When you shop for tools, does the idea of checking out the warranty ever enter your mind? Workers who rely on their wrenches and other tools to get the job done need to know that they made the right investment. Even if you are a hobbyist who works on cars or putters around your home for fun, you still want to feel like you found the best possible deal on a quality tool.
If you buy tools based on the manufacturer’s reputation and the warranty offered, then you have probably made a great decision. Each manufacturer offers different types of warranties, but you should look for a few traits in the warranties offered on the tools of your trade.
Lifetime Warranties
A warranty is the manufacturer’s promise that you are buying the best quality product the company has to offer. For example, a lifetime warranty gives you peace of mind for as long as you own that tool. A lifetime warranty says that the manufacturer has the utmost confidence in the product’s ability to withstand reasonable wear and tear. You can trust in the quality of the tool.
Redeeming the Warranty
You should expect any reputable warranty to require some effort on your part. When you buy new tools with warranties, never throw away the original packaging for the tools. You should keep your receipt, and you should also keep any accessories the tools came with in a place where you can easily access them, even if you don’t use them.
Some companies might attempt to repair the tool although that is probably unlikely. Other companies allow you to simply return your tool for replacement while other companies want you to send back the completely packaged product with your proof of purchase. As long as the manufacturer is not asking for anything out of the ordinary, such as a letter from the retailer confirming your purchase, then you will need to fulfill your end of the bargain so that the manufacturer honors the warranty.
The Company’s Reputation for Honoring Warranties
If you are buying a tool from a manufacturer you have never heard of simply because of the warranty, you might be making a solid decision. However, you should check the company’s reputation for honoring its warranties, or the warranty might not be worth the paper it was printed on.
If the company has a steady stream of dissatisfied customers in regards to the warranty, then pay that little bit extra for a more reputable product. With the right warranty, you will only have to pay for a tool once in your life. It makes sense to spend a little more on that purchase for a better quality product.
Look for a reputable company with quality products, preferably those that offer a lifetime warranty. Use the tools according to the manufacturer’s directions, and you will likely experience years of use. If the tool breaks down for any reason, you can contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement, per their policy.