I bought a battery-powered impact gun a few months ago. After a week, the battery would not stay charged. In fact, if I didn't keep it on the charger, I would not have enough power/torque to last the day. The tool truck took the gun and sent it back for repair. It's been six weeks. Is this normal for a repair? Shouldn't he have given me another impact gun? I only had it two weeks.
"Waiting for a tool return: Kind of like watching water boil, it's it? You just never know when it's going to find its way back to your box. Like I have said in the past, always find out if they 'warranty' before purchasing a tool, especially a big-ticket tool like that electric, impact gun. I would ask your tool rep to put a trace on your new gadget and see where it is in the queue."
My dad retired and passed his old tools to me. Even though some of these were purchased in the 60s and 70s, is there a warranty on the brand-named items?
"Wow! Thanks, dad! You have a little bit of homework in your future with these tools. Before taking a 'broken' item to the store or tool truck, find out from the manufacturers' home office what the rules are regarding warranties. Don't forget to get names and phone numbers for future reference."
Have an automotive service-related question for Pam Oakes? Email it to Tire Business Senior Reporter William Schertz at [email protected].
ASE-certified technician Pam Oakes is the owner of Pam's Motor City Auto & Tire Center, an award-winning automotive service business in Fort Myers, Fla. She also is the author of the book series Car Care for the Clueless and hosts a weekly radio talk show by the same name on CBS Radio's The Sky and CoachMeRadio. And yes, she still "turns wrenches."