RIDGID Thumbs their nose at me

[ray66v]

If you shop at Home Depot you probably have seen the RIDGID line of just about everything anymore.

For years the RIDGID name has been synonymous with quality, DO NOT MAKE THAT ASSUMPTION any more. They have been "pimping out" the name to what they called, "a private manufacturing vendor."

The story started last Christmas when I asked for, and received a set RIDGID of wood boring drill bits. I recently had an occasion to use said bits, and quickly found them to be of inferior quality. One bit in particular, broke the first time I used it!

Well, the package says "full lifetime warranty," this is where it gets interesting. Home Depot will not take them back, they say I have to go to RIDGID, RIDGID says Home Depot is the warranty center, just take them back with the receipt for replacement. As I said I got them for Christmas, "6 months ago," so there is no receipt.

I thought surely they would be willing to take care of a loyal customer.
WRONG! They said, I am hosed.

I said now wait a minute, the package does not say anything about needing a receipt, and I own countless "lifetime" tools no one else ever requires a receipt. Yes, because no one else is trying to weasel out of the warranty!

Bottom line they do not care, and will not do anything to help.
AVOID THE RIDGID BRAND!

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I'd say your beef is AT LEAST as much with Home Depot as it is with Ridgid.

I've bought quite a few Ridgid pipe dies, pipe cutters, sewer auger, ect, (ie professional plumbers tools) from a plumbing supply house near here. I've had a couple issues with some of those products. "Masters Supply" has ALWAYS stepped up and taken care of the warranty claims, no questions asked, no reciept needed.

So don't let "the big orange box" slide on by without taking their share of the blame.

 

[aczlan]

I said now wait a minute, the package does not say anything about needing a receipt, and I own countless "lifetime" tools no one else ever requires a receipt.

it would appear that you need to go somewhere other than HD to get it fixed.
or perhaps you need to print this page (the Rigid warranty page linked from the drill bit page) and take in with you. likely the person you talked to @ HD didnt know that there is a difference for things that are not power tools.

the rigid site has a "Authorized Service Center Locator" listed on thier site (Service Centers - RIDGID Professional Tools, you might try that.


Aaron Z

 

[ray66v]

Your right. HD does deserve some blame. Primarily for not knowing the warranty process they agreed to.
A process that should be required to be printed clearly on the package.

 

[ray66v]

it would appear that you need to go somewhere other than HD to get it fixed.
or perhaps you need to print this page (the Rigid warranty page linked from the drill bit page) and take in with you. likely the person you talked to @ HD didnt know that there is a difference for things that are not power tools.

the rigid site has a "Authorized Service Center Locator" listed on thier site (Service Centers - RIDGID Professional Tools, you might try that.


Aaron Z

Apparently some where in the fine print RIDGID says the manufacturer of the bits requires you have to have a receipt. Since the drill bits were a gift, 6 months ago, the receipt is long gone.

There is no reason to require a receipt, other than to get out of replacing them.

I went back and forth with RIDGID via E-mail all week. They say their is nothing they can or will do, because they have nothing to do with the product.

Since they did not tell me that before the purchase, I am here to tell all of you now. RIDGID does not make some of these products, and does not get involved in helping you get what you pay for.

 

[arrow]

Not to dismiss your warranty problems, but my concern is that the bit broke under first usage. This whole thing you are experiencing is example 101 on how to destoy a business.

 

[aczlan]

Apparently some where in the fine print RIDGID says the manufacturer of the bits requires you have to have a receipt. Since the drill bits were a gift, 6 months ago, the receipt is long gone.

if they require a receipt it they have to have it in writing, the warranty on their website for NONPOWERED tools (here) makes NO mention of a receipt being needed for warranty service.

so they aren't doing as they say they will, not certain who is over fraud and consumer protection in your state but (if you want to pursue it) you could forward your emails and the text of their warranty to them... at times that has helped resolve a sticky situation with a stupid company.

another option might be to call or stop in at A & A Hydraulic Repair Co who is listed as being a repair center and is ~20 miles from your profile location... you might get better service there than from HD or directly from Rigid.

A & A Hydraulic Repair Co
5301 West 161st Street
Cleveland
OH ,44142
TEL: 216-362-4000

HTH

Aaron Z

 

[john_bud]

A retired person could take HD to small claims court. It will cost them 100x the simple tool replacement cost.

 

[Charlesaf3]

Doesn't Home Depot own Ridgid now?

I'd try another home depot. Quality of managers varies.

Though home depot is being run into the ground no doubt. Before Nardelli 8 years ago it was a good company.

 

[bigshovel]

I have never seen drill bits be warranted for any length of time regardless of who makes them. I have diamond coreing bits that cost in excess of 400 bucks and would not expext they be warranted. As a manufacturer that would be almost impossible to do. Ever catch a concealed nail with a spade bit, trash first hole, my fault not manufacturer.

Brad