Gearwrench Warranty Process: Where Can You Take Your Broken Tools?

“Gearwrench tools are making a big move in 2019 to becoming one of the most recognized brands for quality inexpensive tools. Many professionals technicians are making the switch to Gearwrench sockets and ratchets, and they are becoming a well-known brand. There are even Gearwrench Tool Trucks starting to be seen across the United States in 2019.

So, maybe you have bought some Gearwrench tools and have had a problem. Or you are planning on buying some Gearwrench tools and want to know where you can warranty them out if you have a problem.

Well, I did a ton of research and came up with this list of Gearwrench Distributors which may accept your broken or warrantied tool for a direct swap.

The absolute first thing I would do if I had a broken Gearwrench tool I wanted to have warrantied would be to call Gearwrench customer service directly (they pick up fast and are friendly).

To contact Gearwrench Customer Service:

1-866-907-9716 Monday-Friday between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM EST

You can also send them a direct message by filling out their contact form here.

Who Carries Gearwrench Tools:

Here is a list of Gearwrench distributors and you may or may not have luck having your tools warrantied at these locations. Some people report simply bringing in their broken tools and having them swapped out for new ones. Others tell of stores telling them to contact customer service directly and that they don’t handle warranty claims at their stores. It almost entirely depends on the store and the staff working there. You can always ask to speak to a manager if you feel the person helping you doesn’t understand what tool warranties usually mean (swapping a tool).

In 2019 all of these locations sell Gearwrench tools and you may be able to warranty your tools at any of their locations.

List of Big Name Gearwrench Distributors:

1. Fastenal (People have the best luck at Fastenal locations for warranty)
2. Home Depot
3. Lowes
4. Sears
5. NAPA Auto Parts
6. HD Supply White Cap
7. Grainger
8. Applied Industrial Technologies
9. Lots of smaller stores that aren’t chains carry Gearwrench
10. Gearwrench Tool Trucks (Yes, they exist. No, they are not common)

Tips for Faster Gearwrench Warranty Service:

Keep the original receipt of where you purchased the tool, or buy your Gearwrench tools on Amazon — seriously they have some awesome prices. Next, if you have a problem with a broken tool call the customer service first and answer their questions. There is a chance they will just ship out a new tool directly to you, and you don’t have to go anywhere to warranty your tool.

The next best option if you don’t want to talk to customer service is to go to a Fastenal location near you. They seem to be one of the best distributors for handling the warranty process with Gearwrench. You may also get lucky and they may just hand you a direct swap for your broken tool.

I highly recommend keeping your original receipt so you can prove the purchase of the Gearwrench tool although not required. You will most likely receive better service when showing a receipt of purchase, and you should always try the distributor that you originally bought the tool first. 

What Gearwrench Warranty Covers:

• All tools for life (except torque wrenches and accessories) against defects in material and workmanship

Gearwrench Warranty Does Not Cover:

1. Carrying cases
2. Pouches
3. Accessory Bits
4. Consumable Products
5. Tool Boxes
6. Bits
7. Bit Sockets
8. Taps
9. Dies
10. Files
11. Torque Products

What is Gearwrench’s Warranty on Torque Wrenches:

“Accuracy standards for calibration on Torque Products are warranted for 90 days from the date of buyer acceptance.  Torque Products in North America must be sent to Angle Repair & Calibration Service, Inc., 175 Angle Drive, Beckley, West Virginia 25801 (304) 253-5729 at Customer’s cost for evaluation. Product meeting warranty criteria will be repaired or replaced subject to Apex’s sole discretion. Torque Product components are subject to normal wear through use and replacement thereof is the responsibility of the Customer.” Source

Conclusion:

Gearwrench’s warranty on hand tools like ratchets and sockets is pretty great. No, they don’t suck at getting your tools back, and generally, they are pretty helpful. It also helps that there are so many different distributors of Gearwrench tools so you should always have an option of a nearby chain store that may warranty your tools with a direct swap.

If you are someone that really likes having a lifetime warranty on your torque wrench products then stick to a different brand. Tekton tools, for example, will warranty their torque wrenches for life if they break.

My take on buying torque wrenches? Spend a little bit more money and buy from a brand that is known for making high-quality torque wrenches.

My favorite brand is CDI tools which makes torque wrenches for Snap-On tools (well that is the word on the street). Check out their entire line up on Amazon for some awesome prices and some seriously professional quality torque wrenches at a fraction of the price. This is a link to Amazon for all CDI torque wrenches for sale.

Want to read more about my favorite ratchets in 2018/19? Or how about Gearwrench 84t or 120xp what is better?

Or just in general the tools that 95 mechanics wish they knew about sooner.

Thanks for reading and I hope that helps you get your Gearwrench tools warrantied faster!