Tool Guarantee is very poor

[sloss]

Halford's 10mm Professional Open/Ratchet Spanner

Rachet slipping all the time.

I expected to have the above item replaced under their lifetime guarantee.

On taking it to the local branch I expected to be handed a new spanner with an apology however what I got was a dismissive statement to the effect that the ratchet is not covered under the Lifetime Guarantee. As it's the bit that does the work I was amazed!

There was no attempt to inspect the spanner and on asking for the Manager I was informed he was in a Staff Meeting.

I checked the small print and find:

Additional Information
* Should a Halfords Advanced Professional Hand Tool fail whilst being used for the purpose and in the manner for which it was designed, it will be inspected and replaced. Simply return the product to your nearest Halfords store with proof of purchase and we will arrange a replacement for you.
Proof of purchase is required to validate the Lifetime Guarantee.
Misuse of the product will immediately invalidate the Lifetime Guarantee.
Moving parts are not covered for wear and tear under this guarantee.
Discontinued items will be replaced with an equivalent product in terms of use and quality.
This guarantee does not affect your statutory rights.


I assume the Assistant was referring to 'wear & tear of moving parts'. This tool has not been abused and in fact has not really been used very much at all as can be seen by the general condition.

This is a failure, not wear and tear.

Should've read the small print before....... :

[Dezzy]

See if you can snap it then take it back in 2 bits

[sloss]

This is the way ahead:

Just say to the Manager - it'll be cheaper to replace this spanner than replace one of those large shopfront windows come Monday morning.

But don't let him call your bluff. If he doesn't replace it pop down the local park and give some Chav £20 to go and pan the windows.

Then visit him again and say, Are you going to replace this spanner or is this going to be a weekly occurance.

My money is on him giving in. Maybe not the first time, maybe not the second, but definately by the 7th or 8th you'll get a new spanner.

Posted on another Forum by a Copper no less! Respect!

[Conan_the_Librarian]

Ooooorrrrrrr
As I did with one of their 1/2" drives, bought a new one. Swapped over the parts, took the new one back the next day and asked for my money back. Goods not fit for purpose!

[Dezzy]

I like that

That beats buying a ratchet repair kit from them

[Dave@A8parts]

We started off back in the barn in busby with Halfords gear - They replaced all the sockets no problem however we had the same problem with the ratchets. Sometimes they may only last a few weeks....it was frustrating more than anything as you have to go to the shop to exchange them.

We now use Snap-On tools and I can't rate them enough. The ratchets are more expensive but if there is any fault at all they get changed, same with snips etc if they go blunt they will replace them.

The van come weekly to our premises and we can give them damaged tools and buy new ones.

[RanjS8]

My Dad was a mechanic in the late 70s and early 80s....when he passed away i got all his tools which were stored in the garage.....amongst them were two ratchets...both are spot on still...must be 30 yrs old at least....but I have to say my favourite tool is the 1/2 inch breaker bar.....30yrs old and still the best tool I have.....

in short they just dont make them like they used to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!