Ages ago I bought a 1/2" ratchet drive at Canadian Tire in Montreal when Husky was their house brand. After much use on bikes and cars it died - the little gizmo that changes direction just started turning around and did nothing. Husky is now owned by Home Depot, and they replaced it in Ottawa immediately without question.

Ahh.

Husky and Kobalt now have a better policy than Craftsman.

  Also better than the Proto brand...sorry to say...    

 Years ago(35+), when I enrolled in an auto tech college program(now defunct, but sponsored by the old Chrysler Corp.), A complete set of Proto tools, tool boxes, & a roll-around box was included with the entry tuition. These tools were on par (including LIFETIME warranty)w/ the other major tool mfg's at that time, & for the most part, are still doing an excellent job.....with the exception of the spark plug socket..... Inquired at my local Proto dealer about replacing said spark plug socket, which is now cracked....  I was told that Proto no longer honors their LIFETIME warranty!!!    WTF?    
  I know, I know, it's only a couple of bucks....NOT THE POINT!!!   unfortunately times are not changing for the better...

I'm getting ready to get a replacement ratchet mechanism for my Dad's old Snap-On ratchet.  It's a least as old as I am.

You can get just the guts to repair it youself?

Yep.  That's what they did with my 3/8 ratchet that I bought in the 70's.  Just sent me the mechanism, which was fine as that was the only thing that was broke.

I can say I've never used the warranty on any of my Craftsman sockets or wrenches.



I probably have a small set of broken ones, but I always forget to bring them with me to Sears to get them replaced...   

Husky and Kobalt now have a better policy than Craftsman.

Specifics?

My base set of tools is Craftsman, purchased in the early 70's. I will say that Sears has really cheapened the quality now, compared to then.

Husky is owned by Home Depot but is made by Stanley Black & Decker, Western Forge, Apex Tool Group and Iron Bridge Tools.
Many are made in China.