You know, i've never heard of sears actually doing something like that.....It is very unfortunate that different stores don't have the same policy throughout every state.
Sears in my neck of the woods have never gave even an inclination to why i was exchanging the tool i brought back. Some (most) were often brought back, and even the ones i've welded a piece of hex bar stock onto for a particular job once, and returned with the weld still inplace didn't even get a why or how.
However, with SK.....(and Bushy i've expierenced the same thing with them) They do go the extra mile for their customers.....and here is an example....I was having trouble with my whole set of 3/4" metric impact socket set (especially 35mm and above). One phone call, and an uncertainty at first because they said they will take care of it and basically hung up. The next day at work a rep was waiting when i arrived with a brand spankin new set "the whole set" of sockets, and took the one i was having trouble with away....But not before expressing their deep concern and if anything ever failed to meet my expectations, to call their relations department and my concern will be handled without haste.
It goes without saying though......You get what you pay for, and you pay for what you get