Posted this at knots, but I know this discussion point has come up here before also…
Most know that they dropped the lifetime warranty on their batteries at the end of ’03… seems that they have reintroduced it. See below
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Just stumbled across this offer from Rigid while drooling at the new Hitachi SCMS.
I normally lurk here, but haven’t seen this thread posted (sorry if it’s a duplicate). Rigid tools is offering lifetime warranty on their cordless tool batteries (in addition to most other items it seems).
Caveat? You MUST register your tool online at rigid’s website. Also, there appears to be grandfather period for tools purchased prior to April 15th, if you register by Sept 30.
Mike
More details at the following site:
http://www.toolsofthetrade.net/articles/showarticle.asp?articleID=2275&position=0&type=article
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Cut & Paste
Ridgid Offers Lifetime ServiceManufacturer sets high standards with service coverage After unveiling a three-year service warranty and three-year guarantee on manufacturer defects last year, Ridgid Power Tools has upped the warranty ante again with the introduction of a limited lifetime service agreement for its power tools and pneumatic tools. The agreement provides free parts and service on normal wear items—such as batteries, brushes, and O-rings—for the original tool purchaser for the life of the tool. According to Ridgid, the service agreement enhances the company’s commitment to the lasting durability and quality of its lines. “We want our customers to be as confident as we are in our products,” says Jeff Dils, president of the power tools division of TTI North America, manufacturer of Ridgid power tools. Unlike a traditional warranty, the service agreement has a required registration process: Tool owners register tools online, or via phone or mail, and receive a lifetime service agreement and a membership number, which they can use to register additional tools later. When a registered tool needs service, the owner can simply take it to a Ridgid service center.The service option is available for tools purchased after April 15, 2005. However, Ridgid is offering a window of time for users to register tools purchased prior to April 15; the deadline to register those tools is Sept. 30, 2005. For more information, contact Ridgid at 866-539-1710 or visit: www.ridgid.com.
Replies
I always wonder about these "lifetime" guarantees. What's REALLY considered the "life of the tool"? Is that as long as the tool exists? Or just until they decide it's beyond it's useful service life?
How long will it be before they change their mind and cancel the "lifetime" guarantee"? Seems like I remember hearing that wally world did that a while back. And didn't Sears do it also on their tape measures? (I'm going from memory here)
I've never registered a warranty in my life, and don't plan to now. All they want is your name and personal infomation. They don't give a crap about having a warranty registered.
Boss
I thought I heard(maybe here) that regardless of whether or not you register the tool the warranty still exists.
I too have never sent one of those cards in, I think they are just trying to get info on me that they don't need.
Doug
From what I could tell, in the past that was true. But, part of the new promotion / warranty program looks like registration is required to honor any warranty claims on the batteries.
It is a pain, true... however, as others have mentioed in threads, Rigid isn't the top choice for a professional (panasonic, makita, HD Milwaukee, Hilti).
Seems like a fair deal, for a bit of legwork in the registration.
mike
Actually if you read what they say it is not a lifetime warantee.It is a SERVICE AGREEMENT for WEAR items.If the shaft of the drill breaks after the warantee period (I think that they said 3 years) that is not covered.