Halfords Pro returns pass test.

I broke my breaker bar[1] last week, which I bought shortly after the
MV[2], so 7 years ago. Took it into Halfords today, fully expecting to
be told to **** off as I didn't have the receipt. Instead they said "no
problem, we haven't got one in stock so we'll order it & call you when
it's here". Which was nice.

[1] The pin that holds the knuckle on sheared.
[2] Needed something to tackle the 55mm 240Nm rear wheel nut.

 

Blimey, most 'guarantees' I have seen on breaker bars specifically state
the knuckle is a disposable item.

 

Get yourself a decent rattle gun.
YKIMS.

 

What makes you think I haven't got one?

 

Buy a decent breaker bar you pikey, I'm still using my Snap-On one,
which I bought when I was a poor apprentice, so, sucks teeth ... 26
years old. Good as new. The ratchets have needed new mechanisms though
(nods to Beav)

Cheers,

Paul.

 

Well, no, I don't own any 'new' stuff, like that 'Eurotools' Spanish
rubbish

Well, my point is that the Snap-on won't break in the 1st place and
leave you in the shit (or with bloody knuckles)

Their combination spanners are just lovely. Well worth the
(significant) investment.

Paul.

 

I'm still using the Britool 1/2 inch ratchet I was given when I started
my army apprenticeship in 1978. It's never needed a ratchet mech
replacement, just the occasional strip, clean and regrease.

 

I'm still using my Kamasa 1/2" ratchet bought at Finmere market circa
1984.

 

I'm still using the Kamasa 3/8ths socket set I was given as a present
from my parents in about about 1981. The ratchet has been massively
abused, has never been apart, and still works perfectly.

 

Yeah. The mechanisms in all my ratchets get a good oiling every few
months or so. A couple were worn out out under previous (to me)
ownerships, but none have ever broken or let go on me. they're all
Snap-on, Stahlwille or Britool though.

Paul.

 

OTOH most folk won't give most of their tools enough use to break them. OK,
there's the mild inconvenience of smashing a Halfords tool, when perhaps a
snapon wouldn't have, but you can get the Halfords item replaced 7 days a
week.

 

I'm still using Bulldog Triumph as they're still closer than Carl
Rosner.

 

Not wishing to jump on every tool thread like some demented mong, but
tool returns are getting very variable responses amongst the pro tool
suppliers.

Stahlwille - Miserable in the UK, so I sent them to Germany. replaced
no problem.
Britool - Shit since they were taken over by Facom.
Facom - Happy to replace any Facom branded tools
Snap-on / Blue Point - No problems. Ever.
Proto - No problem. Excellent customer service in the US. Get a RMA
number & they have UK contacts.
King Dick - Ok, after minor battles.
Beta - Miserable
USAG - Fine, as long as you return them to Italy.

Cheers,

Paul.

 

Well, i'm a bit anal about (not) working with worn out sockets and
splayed spanners, wonky ratchets etc as they just end up damaging
things, especially when they purport to have a lifetime warranty, so I
get them replaced.

Some lifetime warranties are more lifetime than others i've found.

Plus I have fucking loads of time on my hands to badger people .
It's only a quick letter and dropping something in the post ...

Paul.

 

Perhaps I use my tools instead of just polishing them ?

Paul.

 

"When all you have is a ratchet, everything looks like a 3/8" socket"

Er...

 

"I'm sorry, I'm not really into Pokemon".

 

I use my tools on a daily basis and I've never ended up with a splayed
spanner but I can usually manage to find one that fits correctly
rather than using one that's close because I spend my money on
Hollywood tools and can't afford the full set.