Starrett Customer Support

[Birdhunter]

I’ve always used Starrett rules and combination  squares and double squares. I’ve moved onto slide calipers, outside micrometers, and depth micrometers. I recently added a couple of dial indicators for adjusting a big jointer.

I have to credit Starrett with both incredibly fine tools, but also superior customer support. They have resolved every issue and answered every question.

The difference between the junk I bought early on and the starrett replacements is stunning. The stuff is pricy, but worth it.

 

[Cheese]

True story...about 30+ years ago I purchased two Starrett framing squares from Fastenal to replace the cheap Stanley framing squares I had been using. I just got tired of having to constantly use the "center punch method" to tweek the Stanley's into square. At this point in time, Woodpeckers squares weren't even a thought in anyones head and there were no alternatives other than Starrett.

Consequently, I ordered two Starretts and after about 10 days they arrived at Fastenal but they were both out of spec, (as in they were better than any Stanley I owned, but still outside of Starrett's own specifications), so I reordered and when the new squares arrived, they too were out of spec. Long story short...Fastenal put me in contact with the Starrett customer support person.

After a couple of conversations with the Starrett guy, I happened to mention that I had to go to Boston to set up some equipment for the Semiconductor International Show. He said Starrett also had a booth at the same show and that he was working it. He suggested I bring the Starrett squares to Boston, drop them off at the Starrett booth and then he would personally bring them back to the Starrett QA people in Athol for them to look at and measure.

Another long story short, the hand-off of the framing squares was made and I returned home shortly after the show. Several weeks later I received a package from Starrett containing 2 new framing squares with each one having a SLC, Standard Letter of Certification included. I think I paid only $28 for each framing square and each SLC probably cost Starrett $20 or more in time & labor.  [eek] 

As a comparison, the current price for a SLC for one of their Master Precision Squares that costs about $700 is about $50.

Buy once...cry once. [big grin]

 

[Charles959]

What puzzles me about precision squares is that there is a specification for how precisely flat the edges are, but none for the 90 degree angle between the two pieces.

 

[Cheese]

What puzzles me about precision squares is that there is a specification for how precisely flat the edges are, but none for the 90 degree angle between the two pieces.

Well the Starrett 20 Series Master Precision squares are certified to have an accuracy of .0001" every 6".

Whenever I've checked my Starrett combination squares and Starrett double squares against the 20-6 Master Precision square, there was never any light showing between the two blades. So they'd be square to within at least .001" or less.

 

[FestitaMakool]

I don’t doubt you.
Recently I’ve bought a Starret from a Danish dealer (Dealer didn’t know much about Starret), a set from Axminster (Who rather sell their own brand (not tested by me)). Then I ended up with an order from Lee Valley, who had the double square. Lastly I got hold of a one more 150mm combination square from Dictum in Germany (Forged head with scriber and chrome ruler - perfect combination!) I got this after giving my 150mm combo square for my carpenter niece for Christmas. She wasn’t happy with all 200-300mm carpenter squares that didn’t reach shallow depth and so on (as me...) - She was surprised and very happy for the gift, as a carpenter she hadn’t seen one.. (Truth is, she helped me out before Christmas, and this square immediately made the perfect bonus, so I had to hide mine while we were framing, paneling walls and fitting a two wing door)

But, it brings me to Starret”s poor distribution in Europe, even brand knowledge - Witch seems close to zero. I did even write to Starrett UK, inquiring several squares, and where to order from (couldn’t order directly from them). Till this day, no answer. Starret has many products more known, like round saws, blades for jigsaw and so on. As far as I can tell, there’s a huge opportunity for Starrets measuring tools.

So, if you happen to speak to them, let them know.. I’m very happy with my squares, although a couple needed some light “calibration”. But, they are definitely keepers, and hope my sons will use them after me.

 

[Cheese]

I have a Starrett 25-441 dial indicator and Starrett 644 dial depth gauge that I wanted to have serviced. Nothing major, nothing broken, just a simple clean and service after 40+ years of use.

The Repair Department replied promptly but I was surprised at the turn-around time they quoted. All bold faced words are Starrett's.  Just an FYI.

Starrett Athol has encountered longer than normal repair times we are currently estimating 4-5 months or longer.  Starrett has partnered with MSI-Viking Gage DBA Starrett Calibration Services who will quote fairly and deliver a much better turnaround time for repairs.  If you would like to forward your tool to MSI-Viking or contact them for a quote we have provided the information for you below.

MSI-Viking Gage
DBA/Starrett Calibration Services
Attn: Repair Dept
321 Tucapau Rd.
Duncan, SC 29334
customercare@msi-viking.com
864-433-9771

 

[peacefulandpatriotically]

That's interesting.  I contacted Starrett about 5 weeks ago to inquire about a repair to a pair of 6" dividers that were about 1 year old, hardly used that I wanted serviced for a problem with a lack of smoothness in the adjustment.  I was simply told to ship my item to their headquarters; no mention of estimated wait (my fault for not asking that first) or the option to send to MSI.

I will follow up with them next week and see is they have a status update.

I have a Starrett 25-441 dial indicator and Starrett 644 dial depth gauge that I wanted to have serviced. Nothing major, nothing broken, just a simple clean and service after 40+ years of use.

The Repair Department replied promptly but I was surprised at the turn-around time they quoted. All bold faced words are Starrett's.  Just an FYI.

Starrett Athol has encountered longer than normal repair times we are currently estimating 4-5 months or longer.  Starrett has partnered with MSI-Viking Gage DBA Starrett Calibration Services who will quote fairly and deliver a much better turnaround time for repairs.  If you would like to forward your tool to MSI-Viking or contact them for a quote we have provided the information for you below.

MSI-Viking Gage
DBA/Starrett Calibration Services
Attn: Repair Dept
321 Tucapau Rd.
Duncan, SC 29334
customercare@msi-viking.com
864-433-9771