Broken Halfords Advanced Torque Wrench
Discussion
My Halfords Advanced 200 torque wrench stopped clicking yesterday. It's just over 3 years old and has always been stored at 0 when not in use. I understand Halfords have a lifetime guarantee however I've never read the small print (who does) and you need to be able to produce a calibration certificate every 18 months for them to replace. I also do not have the email receipt but do have the order confirmation number so I am sure if I called they could use that to track it back.
Am I right in thinking that not clicking is a broken mechanism and not a case of recalibrating? Worth finding somewhere to repair or just buy another for £130? It's had average use for a home wrench. I switch to winter wheels on two cars each year and a set of track wheels for another that are switched out and torque checked maybe 5 times a year.
Am I right in thinking that not clicking is a broken mechanism and not a case of recalibrating? Worth finding somewhere to repair or just buy another for £130? It's had average use for a home wrench. I switch to winter wheels on two cars each year and a set of track wheels for another that are switched out and torque checked maybe 5 times a year.
ChocolateFrog said:
Firstly I'd just go in to store and hand it to them and say it's broken.
They won't necessarily be up on the small print either. You might just get a replacement or you might get a new ratchet mechanism, not sure how it works with TW's
They tend not to quibble about most things.
That is probably the best port of call to start with and play dumb on the warranty technicalities. Worth a punt to save £130!They won't necessarily be up on the small print either. You might just get a replacement or you might get a new ratchet mechanism, not sure how it works with TW's
They tend not to quibble about most things.
I got hold of the original email receipt but unfortunately the manager was very clued up and you could tell he was dreading following up the "as long as you have a receipt... and certificate to show it has been calibrated." Looks like it's time to buy a new one.
Edited by Goatwidcoat on Monday 3rd November 15:52
itcaptainslow said:
I've never needed a receipt for claiming under the lifetime warranty. If one store isn't playing ball, try another. My local store quibbles like mad around batteries (when the store manager is involved, who quite frankly is the most wilfully unhelpful individual), but the one ten miles up the road is ace.
I did find the original receipt in the end before I went. They did say all Halfords Advanced lifetime warranty items are normally exchanged on the spot, apart from the torque wrenches which specifically state the need a calibration certificate every 18 months and to be fair on the website for the item that requirement is clearly stated. Not that any of us read that far of course.There are a couple of other stores only 15 minutes or so away so I will try both of them too before spending another £100+. I just need to go in when a young lad behind the till doesn't know the rules and just sorts it out there and then!
Edited by Goatwidcoat on Monday 3rd November 17:13
RacingStripes said:
I changed one a year or so ago. Walked in, swapped walked out. Ive never seen my reciept as it was a gift 20+ years ago and changed loads of bits over the years. Usually due to using a large breaker bar.
I wasn't quite so lucky. They are all clearly trained up well here, I tried the other two on my way home from work over the last couple of days and both immediately came out with the calibration certificate being required. They did say to not buy one now and wait a week as they will be discounted in Black Friday. They said calibrating is around £50 a time. I got just over 3 years out of mine and had I calibrated it as required, I would have nearly spent the price of one anyway...MK3 Dan said:
Do you have a trade card or a friend that does if not?
They are currently £104 with one.
I actually do luckily. My wife works for Halfords in their Head Office so I get second user perks. Even get 50% off car servicing etc, it's just a shame I'd never trust them to utilise that benefit lol. I service my DC5 Integra Type R myself and my W204 C63 I've only recently purchased and having a service this Friday on that at a local MB specialist.They are currently £104 with one.
itcaptainslow said:
This thread has prompted me to look at replacing my torque wrench - it s about 23 years old and has never been calibrated. Still feels alright and works fine, mind
What brand is this? Clearly lasted longer than my 3 years lol. Always stored it at 0 and used a very average amount so I am surprised it broke. Never tightened more than 125 either so nowhere close to the 200 limit.Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff