Klippermate Warranty?

[BMC9670]

Hey Kilppermate owners, I have the opportunity to buy a slightly used machine (only 10 strings jobs, 10/10 condition with all original parts, manuals, accessories) for a hundred bucks and was wondering if the lifetime warranty is transferable.

Anyone buy a used one and needed warranty replacement parts or service? If so, how is KM in this respect?

In the research I've done, they seem durable and of high quality, but you never know - trying to decide if I should spend the extra 50 plus shipping and buy a new one just for the warranty.

 

[jgrushing]

I would not hesitate for one second to buy a used one, assuming everything's there and in working order. Mine's over 20 years old and I've never had to replace any part. It's strung hundreds of racquets.

 

[pingu]

Normally, this machine and its tools last for years. I bought mine new long time ago and not have to replace anything yet. However, for a peace of mind, I'd spend another $50 bucks and get over it. You'll recover that $50 in no time. As I understand, the warranty is for original owner only and I don't think it's transferable.

HTH

 

[athiker]

Hey Kilppermate owners, I have the opportunity to buy a slightly used machine (only 10 strings jobs, 10/10 condition with all original parts, manuals, accessories) for a hundred bucks and was wondering if the lifetime warranty is transferable.

Anyone buy a used one and needed warranty replacement parts or service? If so, how is KM in this respect?

In the research I've done, they seem durable and of high quality, but you never know - trying to decide if I should spend the extra 50 plus shipping and buy a new one just for the warranty.

I would doubt its transferable, most warranties aren't, but call them up and ask. The product description and FAQs actually don't specify original owner only so maybe.

http://www.klipperusa.com/companyinfo/contactus.php

If nothing has been discovered as manufactured defective after using it a number of times I wouldn't worry too much. Have him string up a racquet in front of you if possible to check. There really isn't much to break. Check the welds and mechanics of the clamps and the gripper clam and then don't worry about it.

I bought mine used a little cheaper but was one of my best purchases ever. I sometimes wish I had fixed clamps but for my level and number of string jobs I do it's really a non-issue. BTW, the Klipper flying clamps and gripper hold great. Its just in a few areas of the racquet where the strings are spaced far apart that fixed clamps would be nice.

 

[BMC9670]

Thanks. It helps to know what to look for on a used machine as well. I'm OK buying used as I've had good luck with other types of equipment. I like the fact that it's only slightly used - enough to know it's working well, but not worn at all.

I'm only planning to string my family's rackets - 4 players, and I want to keep the costs down as much as possible. Tennis really adds up!

 

[max]

God, mine is built like a tank. Can't imagine how any of it would break---perhaps if you dropped it from a height some of it would bend.

 

[beernutz]

Does any string come with the machine for $100? I'd get the owner to throw some into the pot to sweeten it.

When I sold my Klippermate after over 5 years of use and 60 string jobs it looked like it had just come out of the packing box. I threw in a reel of Prince nylon and 5 or 6 other string sets and sold it for $85 to the first person who inquired about it with no haggling.

 

[Carolina Racquet]

I wouldn't hesitate getting a pre-owned one providing all of the parts are there. Remember, in addition to the extra $50 you have to pay $35 or so for shipping.

 

[BMC9670]

I wouldn't hesitate getting a pre-owned one providing all of the parts are there. Remember, in addition to the extra $50 you have to pay $35 or so for shipping.

Just did the "calculate shipping" on a new one in their shopping cart and total would be $177.50. I'm looking at the used one tomorrow. If it really is a 10/10 with all the original parts and manuals, I'm taking it home!

 

[max]

You know, if it helps, the only time I had to go back to Kmate was when i stupidly bent one of the little screws in the floating clamp. Called them up; they happily sent me a couple extra in the mail.

With respect to the components, I really can't see what could get seriously damaged in the normal course of business, unless you put it on a workbench and it falls off it or something.

But beernutz is right, if the guy's getting out of stringing, you might be able to deal for string (and a nice savings there might be reached).

 

[cap.phillips]

I wouldn't hesitate to buy the used one. Unless it was dropped off a roof or run over there really isn't much to go wrong with the Klippermates. They are very simple but very sturdy. I have strung hundreds on mine over the last 6-7 years and it looks like new. The only thing I have replaced are the frame plates and they only cost about $4 each. As far as the warranty, I would take my chances and buy used. I'm sure you'll get years of good use out of it.

 

[Faithfulfather]

I bought mine off of **** about 2 weeks ago. I have already done about 6 string jobs. They are built like tanks, so if I were you, I would jump on it and not look back!

 

[Donny0627]

this is kinda an interesting debate haha. Its funny how people praise the lifetime warranty and the high build quality of the klippermate in the same breath. If it is build the way people say, then I would suggest you buy the used one...

 

[bcart1991]

As heavy as the stringer is, it would probably be cheaper to buy replacement parts from K'mate (you can get just about every part you need) than box it up and send it back for replacement.

Heh.

 

[dancraig]

Years ago I started out with a Klippermate.
After about 200 racquets the screw that adjusts the tension bent, inside the handle. It couldn't be turned or removed. Klippermate sent a new clamp for free. They sent it right out, and only asked that I send the bad one back after I received the new one.
A little while later the other clamp developed a similar problem. Only this time the adjustment screw broke, inside the handle. It couldn't be removed. Again they sent out a new clamp.
Those clamps are rather expensive to buy.
That said, I wouldn't hesitate buying a good used one. I was stringing a lot of racquets, probably many more than most stringers.

 

[DTSCDS]

To answer the original question, the last page of the manual has the warranty. The last sentence of the first paragraph:
"This guarantee is not transferable from the original purchaser."

I see no reason not to get one if you have the chance and can get a decent price.

 

[aussie]

The warranty only applies to the original owner and is relevant to the machine itself and tools accompanying the machine. The K'mate is solidly constructed as indeed the floating clamps are, but even the best constructed products can develop problems/faults.

The gripper jaws on my machine developed a problem after about 80 string jobs where the 2 jaws did not meet flush resulting in the string sometimes slipping when under tension. One email to Klipper in Illinois and 2 new jaws were received by me in Austraila 8 days later (at absolutely no cost to me). I also broke an awl point and Klipper shipped me a new one under warranty although they pointed out that warranty wouldn't normally apply as I may have been at fault. They replaced it as an act of goodwill and that really says a lot about them as a company. Wonderful support and after sales service.

Having said all that, when you factor in the additional new purchase price and the shipping cost, a good condition used K'mate won't disappoint. If you need a part or two, Klipper will always ship to you pronto.

One thing worth considering - keep in good with the seller if you can and ask him would it be okay for him to request any parts needed from Klipper (at least in the short term until you are satisified all is good with the machine and clamps).

Good luck!!

 

[max]

this is kinda an interesting debate haha. Its funny how people praise the lifetime warranty and the high build quality of the klippermate in the same breath. If it is build the way people say, then I would suggest you buy the used one...

I think you're on to something that might be important there: if you build it well in the first place, the additional business costs of a lifetime warranty are going to be smaller.

Martin Guitars made their guitars heavier in the 1970s, I understand, in order to reduce the later occurring repair costs. (But some acoustic guitar players feel it made the guitar sound a bit worse; interesting how recent trends in guitarmaking have gone to 1930s style construction).

 

[dancraig]

I also broke an awl point and Klipper shipped me a new one under warranty although they pointed out that warranty wouldn't normally apply as I may have been at fault. They replaced it as an act of goodwill and that really says a lot about them as a company.

New awl? I broke my awl tip years ago. I then took it to my bench grinder and made a setting off tool out of it. Still use it to this day. Had no idea I had a shot at getting a new one.

 

[jmjmkim]

You don't need any warranty. I've had mine for more than 25 yrs. For a 100 bucks, the return you get is unmeasurable.

 

[jim e]

New awl? I broke my awl tip years ago. I then took it to my bench grinder and made a setting off tool out of it. Still use it to this day. Had no idea I had a shot at getting a new one.

Years ago, I also broke off an awl tip, this was back in the wooden racquet days. I also used a bench grinder, but to make a chisel out of it, Used that to chisel the grooves in wooden racquets when the head of the racquet got worn down, then used an old string to burn in (smooth), the groove. It served its purpose back then. Don't really use an awl any more other than for replacing grommets, or enlarging a grommet hole.

 

[BMC9670]

Well, the machine was sold out from under me - turns out one of the seller's college teammates wanted it. So, I ordered a new one and it gets here tomorrow. I'm sure I'll be back with many newbie stringing questions - although I've found answers to a bunch of them here already. Great resource!

 

[max]

It's fun. I just got done stringing one up; did it outside in the shade.

What made it nice was that I'd given my clamps a good, good cleaning---it had been a while. Nice how they just snap on.

 

[BMC9670]

The new Klippermate came last Wednesday and this weekend I strung up my first racket. Took about an hour and 45 minutes being very deliberate and reading everything two or three times as I went. I can see getting down to an hour or so. Strung up my Pro Kennex 5G with Head RIP Control (not any easy string to work with from what I've heard) and it turned out great! I set the machine at 52 lbs and checked the racket with Racketune on my iPhone afterwards - 51.3. Not bad! Went and hit with it and felt as good as my other, which was strung at my club at the same tension about 2 weeks ago.

What a great experience! This is exactly what I was after - A quality machine (built like a tank) for a really good price that is easy to use and does the job. Very satisfying not to have to pay $18 a pop at the club and get the same result and without the wait. Wish I had done this sooner.

 

[max]

Years ago, I also broke off an awl tip, this was back in the wooden racquet days. I also used a bench grinder, but to make a chisel out of it, Used that to chisel the grooves in wooden racquets when the head of the racquet got worn down, then used an old string to burn in (smooth), the groove. It served its purpose back then. Don't really use an awl any more other than for replacing grommets, or enlarging a grommet hole.

I think there was only about one or two times I had to use an awl; someone else's frame, one of those pain in the ass jobs. I had a breath of relief when the whole thing was over!

 

[bcart1991]

What a great experience! This is exactly what I was after - A quality machine (built like a tank) for a really good price that is easy to use and does the job. Very satisfying not to have to pay $18 a pop at the club and get the same result and without the wait. Wish I had done this sooner.

Excellent! Welcome to the club. The stringer should pay for itself before the year is over.

 

[spacediver]

The new Klippermate came last Wednesday and this weekend I strung up my first racket. Took about an hour and 45 minutes being very deliberate and reading everything two or three times as I went. I can see getting down to an hour or so. Strung up my Pro Kennex 5G with Head RIP Control (not any easy string to work with from what I've heard) and it turned out great! I set the machine at 52 lbs and checked the racket with Racketune on my iPhone afterwards - 51.3. Not bad! Went and hit with it and felt as good as my other, which was strung at my club at the same tension about 2 weeks ago.

What a great experience! This is exactly what I was after - A quality machine (built like a tank) for a really good price that is easy to use and does the job. Very satisfying not to have to pay $18 a pop at the club and get the same result and without the wait. Wish I had done this sooner.

good stuff!

I love my klipper

 

[pingu]

..without the wait. ...

That was the main reason why I got my Klipper. Anyway, welcome to the club

 

[athiker]

Glad it seems to be working out for you. To those that mentioned it holding up well unless you dropped it...well when not in use I used to keep mine sitting on a TV tray that was a bit wobbly. It got bumped and fell off...twice! Seemed to have no effect whatsoever (Btw, I don't keep it on that stand any more!).