This past November, I bought a Mastercraft Maximum rotary tool kit (on sale for $70 from $180). It came with abunch of bits and different attachments so I figured I'd try it out. About a week ago, the "shaft" attachment stopped working. It would still spin but there was next to no torque. The bit would just stop turning as soon as it was touched against something. I figured no big deal since the actual rotary tool still works. Well that didn't last for long. On Friday, I was using it to do some headlight work and all of the sudden, it just stops working. The LCD screen will not even turn on. Sucks because I was about 5 seconds from being finished cutting my shrouds

I took a look at Canadian Tire's website and it seems they don't carry it anymore, or any Maximum rotary tool. I somehow found the receipt so I went to the closest CT to deal with it. I figured since it has a lifetime warranty, I shouldn't have a problem. Well apparently their "lifetime" warranty is only valid while that particular model is still being produced. So now all I have is a credit that isn't enough to buy a comparable one. One around here still has one instock, but I'm really not sure I want to get another one. Should I just pony up the extra $$ to buy a Dremel?

Are most lifetime warranties like this? Seems like false advertising to me

 

Sounds reasonable to me. If they don't make it anymore all they should do is give you a credit for the value of what you paid.

I would spend a few extra $ for the dremel. It's your best bet that the model will actually be around and have a true lifetime warranty.

 

^+1 I agree with Deane

 

I have one of those as well. (same 70 deal a couple of years ago)
TBH I'm not all that thrilled with it.
I don't know if it's the cheap bits & tools that it came with, but it's not a very smooth unit.
It's almost impossible to run a bit w/o having wobble.

It's not something I use that often, so I haven't bothered to do anything about it.

 

Agree with what RBull said. It makes sense.
BTW - Dremel FTW. Smooth and precise
Mine is going on 15 years old and still works great! A very handy tool to have a round.

 

dremel ftw x2

Take it back to crappy tire they exchange it over the counter.

 

I never knew that most lifetime warranties were like that. Good thing I found out on something cheaper haha. I ended up getting the same one from another CT today. I can't afford to be without one right now. Once my headlights are done, I have to start working on GeeRider's. I'm going to order a Dremel soon and return the Mastercraft one when it gets here

 

^ did you find that you had the same problem getting anything to run smoothly with the Mastercraft?

 

I've only ever had Mastercrafts rotary tools so I'm not too sure how it compares to others. It definitely doesn't feel too smooth though. If you'd like, once the Dremel gets here, I can post up a review comparing the 2. By the way, does anyone know the best place to buy a Dremel? The 4000-6/50 is on Ebay but I rather buy locally if it isn't too much more.

 

hmmmmmm... i have had a couple dremels... don't remember model # from last year... but currently have the 4000... both have broken down on me... the one from last year i had fixed twice under warranty (which is a pita)... i finally gave up on it and bought the 4000 hoping for better luck. but this one too has given me some niggles. seems like the newer models are just cheap plastic. my dad has a 5 y.o. dremel and you can see the difference... all metal... heavier... and it just works for hours... whereas mine will start to smoke after some heavier work. i guess that's just how it is these days with newer products.

 

That's interesting, thanks.

 

I guess maybe they don't make them like they used to. Mines 15 years old, and all metal components like this. See if you can find one used. It may be better than a new one.

It's too bad thay are made cheaply now but comes as no surprise. Bosch