| Author | Message | ||
     Jaime Crusellas (Jaime) Senior Member Username: Jaime Post Number: 304 Registered: 05-2003 |
I bought the large Metrinch socket & combination wrench set from Sears about 8 months ago. Metrinch tools have a feature that allows you to use one socket or wrench for either an SAE or metric fastener. They have these little bumps on the face of the socket or wrench that when you turn the tool slightly it grabs on to the side of the fastener. So its quite convenient in that theoretically you cut the number of tools you need in half. Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. I found that unless I held the socket and applied force in exactly the same plane as the fastener, I tended to slip the socket off the nut, and bang my knuckles againt the hardest sharpest metal object in the vicinity. I also noticed that in high torque use, the open end wrenches were more likely to slip. However, I thought that the ratchets, 1/4 inch drive handle, extension bars, were well made. The overall impression though, was that I could count on getting aggravated at least once while using these tools. So I walked into Sears yesterday, and told them I had bought the set sometime last year, that I had used it for at least 6 months, there is nothing wrong with it, but I was not happy with it (and explained why), I did not have my receipt, and could I get a store credit. the woman who was helping me found a record of the purchase on their computer, and gave me full credit ($187) on the set! I propmptly applied it to a 254 pice tool set for $199 http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=0 0933354000 Now, admittedly this one takes up a lot more room than the Metrinch, but I'm happy with it, and with Sear's customer service. | ||
| Ryan Roundy (Rrefxut) Member Username: Rrefxut Post Number: 95 Registered: 12-2003 |
I've have the same socket set Jaime, and absolutely love it. I've had it a year and a half and it's done pretty much everything expected of it, plus the trays sure can come in handy. I only wish the set had the 1/4" metrics in 6 point, my only complaint. I Love Sears as well. With my job, I use to have to work on location, moving every 2 weeks, to 6 months. I use my tools hard, and if I had one break when in a new location, it was a real pain in the rear to have to go search out the Snap-on guy. I found that with my craftsman tools, there was always pretty much a Sears near by, even while I was working in Kaua'i, and they have never given me a hassle as to why the tool broke, even when it was painfully obvious that I used the tool in an application other than intended. Granted, for air tools and such, I usually buy elsewhere, but with hand tools, Sears service can't be beat. Ry | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1759 Registered: 02-2003 |
i too had the metrinch and had the same experience! bloddy knuckles one s shame on metrinch bloddy knuckles twice shame on me. it took me a while but i saved and got the next kit up from yours for $300 as i wanted more bigger sizes. as you'll find the sears ratches are pathetic in quality, dangerous almost. the upgraded polishet thin ratchets from sears are much nicer but they are $60. for a $30 more you can have snap on, but you loose the convenience of beating on the tool and returning it at sears. rd | ||
| Dave Statler (Falconx84) Member Username: Falconx84 Post Number: 125 Registered: 02-2004 |
In my sears experience.... the refurbished tools are better than the original. Apparently they didnt properly grease the ratchets and firction simply killed them. This problem is fixed with the refurbished models | ||
| Bob Shinn (Bshinn) Member Username: Bshinn Post Number: 143 Registered: 01-2004 |
Although I have had good experiences in the past, something soured me a bit. The 1/2" Torque wrench I had snapped the PLASTIC locking collar for the torque setting. I promptly took my "lifetime warranty" Craftsman tool to have it repaired. They presented me w/ a quote of $100.00 & 2weeks to repair. I threw the BU!!$h!t flag & just decided to live with it. Much to my good fortune about 2 weeks later Home Depot offered to swap any Craftsman tool for the equivilant Husky. Walked it w/ about $350.00 worth of Sears torque wrenches & wakled out w/ 3 new Husky's with STEEL locking collars, N/C. With protective cases the craftsmans didn't come with I might add. I still buy from Sears, but the "lifetime warranty" on all handtools is BS pure & simple. B | ||
| Dave Statler (Falconx84) Member Username: Falconx84 Post Number: 127 Registered: 02-2004 |
It might be the store you were @ that is the problem.... Also, I know some tools take exception to the lifetime warranty -- actually, it's "guaranteed forever" which is nice because I get my dads tools. Friends using impact wrenches used to snap sockets all the time. It's clear that they're using the wrong tool for the job, but they pick up the handful of brokent sockets, take them back and get some more. | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1762 Registered: 02-2003 |
Bob, check the archives and i rant about the same exact thing with the Torque wrench. I broke the plastic collar and i felt it should have been covered under manufactuer defect. they said it was only good for 90 days but gave me 1/2 off on a new stle torque werench AND let me keep the old broken one. If you check the torque wrnech has a limited warranty not the "Guaranteed Forever" like the normal tools. | ||
| Bob Shinn (Bshinn) Member Username: Bshinn Post Number: 144 Registered: 01-2004 |
Dave I agree using thin walled chrome sockets on an impact driver is abuse, the problem w/ the torque wrench was not, it's a design defect. Rob, I noticed that in the fine print when I took it in for repair, funny they don't make a big deal about it when you buy it. | ||
| Jaime Crusellas (Jaime) Senior Member Username: Jaime Post Number: 309 Registered: 05-2003 |
I have an 35 year old craftsman 1/2" ratchet from my dad. He was a mechanic in a Godiva chocolate factory and used the ratchet every day. Although its well worn and beat up, it was finished a lot better than the new stuff. The new ones have what look like grinding wheel marks around the ratchet head, and the edges of the handle are not as smooth as they used to be. Little things, but it looks like rushed production. Anyway, I'm still happy with the set, and one of these days, I'll upgrade the ratchets. | ||
| Art Bitterman (Aardvark) Member Username: Aardvark Post Number: 97 Registered: 05-2003 |
I go through 1/16" punch's like candy here at my gunshop. Walk into Sears with a half dozen broken or bent and walk out with new-no questions asked. Been doing this for the last 5 years. Think they would have caught on by now! | ||
| Jack Quinlan (Jsq) Senior Member Username: Jsq Post Number: 624 Registered: 10-2002 |
metrinch. what a brilliant concept. |
