We’ve all heard the old adage, “They don’t make ’em like they used to.” You hear that saying and reminisce about all the times your grandfather told you a pair of work boots lasted him 20 years without needing a re-sole, and how he only owned one pair of underwear for his whole ridiculous life—and he probably wasn’t even lying.
Unfortunately, with most modern consumer products—everything from automobiles and household appliances, to work boots and denim jeans—that old saying is getting truer by the day. Quality of manufacturing has declined over the last few decades, with fewer and fewer companies really standing behind their products.
But don’t worry, because here are ten companies who, with their lifetime warranties, would probably say we’re full of shit:
Zippo Manufacturing Company
The world’s most well known lighter manufacturer, Zippo has pumped out quality USA-made lighters since the 1930s. But when you buy a Zippo, you’re doing more than buying a lighter; you’re making a lifetime investment in heritage and quality. In fact, the company’s lifetime guarantee is so cut and dry, their famously trademarked saying is, “It works or we fix it free.” It’s worth noting that such a blanketed statement applies only to Zippo’s signature (and, luckily, most common) windproof lighters. Other products, like their fire starters, hand warmers, writing instruments, and butane lighters, do come with warranties, but of varying lengths and degrees.
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Darn Tough Vermont Socks
With a warranty as good as Darn Tough’s, we really have to wonder how these guys are still in business. From their website: “If you were able to wear out a pair of Darn Tough socks, we’ll replace them. At any time. Just package the socks up, fill out the form, and send to the appropriate address—we will send you a brand new pair!” Oh, AND they’re manufactured right here in the ol’ U.S. of A. You just can’t beat it.
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Craftsman Tools
For nearly 100 years, Craftsman tools have been the industry standard for everyone from weekend DIY’ers and garage gear heads, to real-deal professionals, tradesmen, and anyone who wants to get the job done right the first time. Their no-hassle lifetime warranty made them famous, and to this day, still applies to the grand majority of their tools. However, in 2012, Craftsman instituted a new 25-year cap for things like rakes, shovels, clippers, hoses, sprinklers, and other yard tools, which is only valid with a receipt. Even with the new guidelines, they still have one of the best warranties in the business.
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Boltz Furniture
Oh, you’ve never heard of Boltz Furniture? Well, pay attention: This company offers customers quality handmade steel furniture, made in the U.S.A.—Arkansas, to be precise. They stand by their products and guarantee their sturdy build and simplistic dependability for life—so long as you’re the original owner. Not only will they fix or replace the broken piece, they’ll even pay to ship it!
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Dr. Marten FOR LIFE Boots
From the production floor to the mosh pit, Dr. Marten boots are a staple of blue collar culture the world over, and have been since they first opened up shop in the years following World War II. And when they say “for life,” they really mean business. Every pair of their For Life boots—which are priced pretty competitively with their regular boots and shoes—comes with a lifetime guarantee. They will repair and replace those boots for the rest of your life.
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Saddleback Leather Co.
Saddleback’s main website header perfectly describes the company’s warranty policy: “They’ll fight over it when you’re dead.” Pretty catchy, eh? But really, these folks offer their consumers a famous 100-year warranty, which means they back their products so hard, they fully warranty them against defects in materials and workmanship for a whole 100 years. Imagine buying a bag that’ll live longer than you. Creepy, right?
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Shinola Watches
When discussing America’s industrial past, you’d be remiss not to mention Detroit. And while America’s blue collared past seems to be forever in our rearview, Detroit is still alive and kickin’, and Shinola Watches are a prime example. These beautiful timepieces are handcrafted in Detroit and guaranteed for life. No gimmicks. No nonsense. Just good quality watches. It’ll cost you $25 to have it serviced, but if you’re looking for “forever,” it’s a fee worth every penny.
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DAVEK Umbrellas
Honestly, who doesn’t hate umbrellas? I can think of no invention in the history of mankind more worthless than these Godforsaken oversized toothpicks. The second a gust of wind comes along, you might as well just yell “Bye forever!” and throw them to the wind—if they haven’t already snapped or folded over on themselves, of course. The people at DAVEK know and understand our pain, and that’s why all of their umbrellas are engineered to last and guaranteed for life. Should your DAVEK ever fail to function properly at any time, or suffer from defects in materials or workmanship, DAVEK will repair or replace your umbrella, free of charge, no questions asked.
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Snap-On Tools
For those who prefer an alternative to Craftsman, Milwaukee-based Snap-On offers excellent quality products with an even better quality lifetime warranty. All of their tools are covered by the warranty, so long as your tools are registered with Snap-On and were purchased from an authorized dealer, agent, or vendor. The only exception that we could find is air tools, which are still replaced or rebuilt, but for a nominal fee.
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Cutco Cutlery
Cutco knives really take this whole “forever” thing seriously. Their lifetime warranty covers everything excluding blatant abuse (and even then, they’ll replace your knife for 50% off the purchase price!), and every single knife that comes back for a service receives a detailed multi-step inspection, re-sharpening, and a thorough wash, before being neatly and carefully re-packaged, and sent back out. Cutco’s dedication to quality and their customers is evident from the moment you land on their site. Their products are built to last, and they have no problem proving it.
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