RIDGID Thumbs their nose at me

[RichNJKubota]

I don't recall the details anymore but I've had issues with Home Depot and 'lifetime warranty'. One was a tool that HD no longer carries. So now I can't get it replaced.
At least at Sears, in a case like this, they offered credit toward another tool of my choice.

 

[tony123]

Some of you may have a different experience, but I have always been dissapointed with a trusted company once they start marketing to the big box stores.

But, in the end, isn't it our own fault. We spend our money with the lowest bidder forcing them to manufacture a cheaper product.

 

[capt jack]

I bought a Makita chop saw at Lowes one time. Just used it one or two times over about 3 months. The next time I used it it burned up! I took it back WITH a receipt. Lowes said after the first 30 days I have to take it up with Makita!.
NOOOO problem, I just walked around to the tool dept. Bought and paid for another just like it, Took it outside , waited about 20 mins. brought the burned up one and the new receipt back in and got a refund. I hope this dose'nt make me look dishonest, I NEVER keep the wrong change given me, I just felt I was not being treated fairly (makita is not a cheap brand)so I "worked" their system.
Jack

 

[Zick]

At least they are not doing what Menards just started to do.

I bought an electric staple gun, opened it up and threw away the package. Used it about 10 times and found it didn't even have enough power to drive a staple in all the way.
I still had my reciept in case of this, so I stop it to return a defective product.
They won't accept a return without the original packaging!!! They said they would exchange it for another one of the same item but couldn't give me my money back or even give me an in store credit!
I'm sorry but how many people have enought space to keep all the boxes and packages of products they buy cause I sure don't.

 

[Bedlam]

If they still carry the item, just go in and buy a new set, and replace the broken one and return with the receipt for a full cash refund.
I have had the stores do this before. thats how the 'defect' them out to the manufacturer.(standard practice for most)
Id like to see just how they display and present their product at HD.

And thanks for the heads up. almost sounds like sears and the craftsman warranty. and then there is the 'sears' brand that they wont guarantee

 

[Zork]

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

Yeah, take the paperwork. I bought a Craftsman tap and die set in 1984, I have used it frequently, and kept my warranty papers. A few years back, I went to the Sears nearby, and the salesman said, "you know, those taps do not have a lifetime guarantee". I proceeded to show him the original warranty, and he chuckled and said, "hang on to that- its worth a lot of money". So my advice is always save the warranty papers.

 

[RWolf]

There's one company that I've and others have never had a problem with "any" tool bought from them "Snapon". You pay for it but any "non-powered" tool (includes drill bits) has a lifetime warranty. You bring it to one of their trucks and it will be immediately replaced if they have it on the truck or will do there darnest to find a way to replace it as soon as possible. It also helps to deal with the same truck as much as possible. I haven't tried their mail order yet. Power tools are generally 90 days but in some instances that may vary. I've also haven't had much problem with Sears. Had an issue with Lowe's last summer but when they didn't come through an email to coorporate and within an hour we had the GM and Asst. GM calling us to get our problem resolved. After that when ever we walk into Lowe's especially in the same department that we had problems before we get the red carpet treatment.

Bottom line is don't let a company push you around with substandard service. A local HD or Lowe's etc. is just that local. Contact cooporate headquarters, Better business bureau etc. Once a company nows that there customers won't stand for substandard service they will either shape up or go out of business.

Good luck.

 

[ray66v]

I have thought about buying the 2 bits that are no good and then returning the bad ones. But then I have to give the @#*&'s more of my money.

The war may not be over, but I appear to have lost the first 2 battles.

My only satisfaction for now, is to let everyone know that RIDGID is not being honest with their customers about the "lifetime warranty" on these tools. And how they were unwilling to take any action to correct my problem.

I cannot fathom why a once high quality company would let a bunch of charlatans use their name to deceive the public.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

I cannot fathom why a once high quality company would let a bunch of charlatans use their name to deceive the public.

One word.....MONEY

 

[tony123]

Some of you may have a different experience, but I have always been dissapointed with a trusted company once they start marketing to the big box stores.

But, in the end, isn't it our own fault. We spend our money with the lowest bidder forcing them to manufacture a cheaper product.

To add to my comment, this forum is probably one segment of the population that doesn't necessarily buy the lowest price item when it comes to these product types. But realize, the majority of the population does. And the majority is speaking with their wallet.