Why does nobody talk about checking return policies before buying tools

I almost dropped $200 on a cordless impact wrench at Home Depot last week, then saw the return policy had a 30 day limit and I'd be stuck if it broke at month 5. Turns out their 90 day window only applies to certain brands, found that on the fine print behind the register. Has anyone else gotten burned by an assumed return window?

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max_cooper211mo ago

Started taking a photo of the return policy at the register before I even pay. Sounds dumb but it saved my butt last spring when a drill crapped out at week 8 and the guy tried to say it was 30 days. Pulled up the photo showing the 90 day sign right above the counter, manager backed down fast. Also started asking the employee directly "what happens if this dies in week 6" before handing over my card. Half the time they give a different answer than the sign says, and that gets me more honest info than reading those tiny paragraphs. Return policies are just a game now, treat it like one and you stop losing money to it.

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ray_sullivan1mo ago

Started noticing this exact pattern everywhere lately, not just tools. Every subscription, every appliance warranty, every gym membership has some hidden catch buried in the fine print that only shows up when you actually need it. Paid $60 to return a dead battery pack last year because I missed the 30 day window by two weeks, felt like I was being punished for not reading a novel before buying a simple item. Honestly feels like companies design these policies to be confusing on purpose, makes you wonder what else is lurking in all those terms and conditions nobody reads.

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