Complaint Review: Ridgid

I purchased a 16 gallon Ridgid vacuum cleaner from Home Depot, based on the sticker on the machine that read "Full Lifetime Warranty". The salesman at Home Depot in North Carolina explained that it was covered for everything, as indicated by the word "Full".

After using the vacuum for a short time on dust (with proper filter installed) the motor made a loud squeeling noise, and sparks shot out the top of the motor housing. This was accompanied by strong and acrid smoke that filled the room.

Home Depot management told me to send a picture to Ridgid, and to expect a replacement unit sent three day express with no charge for shipping.

I contacted Lance, a supervisor in the warranty department of Ridgid. He was a bit difficult to understand due to his strong foreign accent, but I did make out that things were different than portrayed. He said I would need to mail the vacuum in at my expense, and wait 7 to 8 weeks for a determination as to whether they would cover the replacement, but that he doubted they would. Lance was borderline hostile. At best, he sounded like a mouthy teenager with a chip on his shoulder.

If their guarantee is only against defects in workmanship, as Lance stated, then they should make that clear to the consumer. It's a low and dirty advertising trick to place "Full Lifetime Warranty" on the sticker, without clarification. That's like guaranteeing a product until the moment it breaks.

I've learned my lesson, and I'm returning the other Ridgid vacuum I just purchased a few days ago, before something goes wrong with that one. Ridgid is off my list for deceptive advertising and cheaply made products.