Lifetime guarantees are increasingly rare in the retail world, but consumers bear at least some of the blame. A horde of online dumpster divers forced L.L. Bean to discontinue its lifetime guarantee after they raided secondhand shops for goods they returned for new gear. Customers sued, but the policy’s reduction to one year of coverage remains in effect. A few years before that, a rapidly expanding REI made a similar change to its policy after years of abuse. It isn’t that companies aren’t standing behind their products: They’re just getting a little tired of handing out goods to people who went on scavenger hunts for someone else’s cast-off gear. Not every company has lost faith, however.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Zippo Lighter
$18 and up from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Bradford, Pennsylvania-based Zippo has been making its trademark refillable, windproof lighters since 1932. Starting at less than $20, Zippo lighters come with a lifetime guarantee that ensures the company will fix your lighter every time it breaks down.
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Le Creuset
$255 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
As cookware goes, Le Creuset is not cheap. But it’s covered by a warranty that remains in effect as long as the original consumer is alive. It won’t cover abuse, burns, or gouges on a pot, but it will make sure that you never have to buy a new one because of a factory defect.
Related: 30 Kitchen Essentials That Are Built to Last
Cross Pens
$23 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Virtually indestructible and meant to last for generations, Cross pens can cost up to $330 and are given a full perpetual warranty guarantee. That means Cross will repair or replace any pen for any reason for the life of its owner. But ink refills, custom décor, fountain pen nibs, and other parts damaged from impact, unreasonable use, or obvious abuse are excluded.
Related: The Best Gifts for Writers
Stanley Vacuum Bottle
$25 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Stanley has been making these stainless steel containers since 1913, and they still keep liquid hot for 15 hours or cold for 60. They’re also still covered by a lifetime warranty and will be repaired or replaced, whether costing $25 or $72.
JanSport Backpack
$44 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
There’s a reason why JanSport backpacks from the ’80s and ’90s are still on the backs of students today. The first is that they’re fairly affordable for families. Secondly, Jansport guarantees them for life, which means they’ll fix it or replace it should anything go wrong.
Related: Cheaper Alternatives to Popular Products That Won’t Disappoint
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Lodge Cast Iron
$30 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Cast iron is easy to use, easy to season, and easy to clean. Even if you let it go rusty, you can always scrub and re-season it. In fact, Lodge is so confident that it doesn’t have a written warranty: It’ll stand by its cast iron for life.
Related: The Right Way To Clean a Cast-Iron Skillet
Master Brand Classic Combination Lock
$9 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
If a lock fails, probably the last thing you’re going to be looking for is a new one — but if it fails without you losing all of the stuff it’s protecting, and hasn’t been cut or otherwise destroyed through abuse, Master Lock will send a replacement under its Limited Lifetime Warranty.
Leatherman Multi-Tool
$70 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
There isn’t just one Leatherman multitool. This Portland, Oregon, company has dozens to choose from, but backs each of its tools with a 25-year warranty that covers the primary owner, though not abuse, alteration, theft, loss, or unauthorized and/or unreasonable use.
Related: Best American-Made Products You Can Buy
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Buck Knife
$69 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
The buck knife dates back to 1902, but the Buck Knife company has been around since 1945 and is in its fourth generation. Its “Forever Warranty” has helped retain customers by covering knives in case of defects or poor workmanship. If you used the knife (its gear starts around $20 but ranges up to $500) as a hammer, chisel, pry bar, or screwdriver, Buck will either repair it for a fee or get you a new one for 50 percent of the original price — at least, the first time.
Craftsman Hand Tools
$50 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
After selling exclusively at Sears for nearly 90 years, Craftsman is now part of the Black & Decker Stanley family. You’ve already seen Stanley on this list, so it shouldn’t surprise you that many Craftsman hand tools — including screwdrivers, ratchets, wrenches, and hammers — get a full lifetime warranty. If it doesn’t live up to your standards for any reason, take it back.
Related: DIY in the USA: Tools Still Made in America
All-Clad Cookware
$150 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Cookware is going to take a beating even if you treat it right. All-Clad knows this, which is why it guarantees its cookware against defects for life. Granted, the warranty won’t help if you scratch up a nonstick surface with a metal utensil or mar the outside with a scouring pad, but everything from a $57 fry pan to $1,500 set of copper pots is guaranteed to survive until you’ve cooked it into oblivion.
Shinola Watches
$595 and up from Shinola Shop Now Available on eBay
Detroit-based Shinola wants to make it clear that its products, like the Detroit renaissance, are here to stay. Though it won’t pay for shipping, it will repair or replace a watch at any time for as long as you own it. The battery, strap, and buckle aren’t included, and Shinola advises sending in its watches for maintenance every two to three years anyway.
Darn Tough Socks
$28 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
These socks made by Darn Tough in Vermont are guaranteed for life. Should anything take these thick, soft Merino wool socks out of action, they’re covered and shockingly easy to return and replace. These pricey socks are an investment, but you also get peace of mind with the price.
Wüsthof Knives
$540 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
This iconic German knife maker doesn’t want to have its reputation sullied by bad knives, which is why it will cover defects in material and craftsmanship throughout the life of the knife. If you want that lifetime warranty to stay in effect, don’t use a knife to pry open a container or cut frozen food.
DeWalt Tools
$229 from Home Depot Shop Now Available on eBay
We could make a list of tool manufacturers alone that would fit the “for life” bill, but DeWalt is a bit different. For one, it guarantees that its carbide and masonry bits won’t break or they’ll replace them free of charge. Its multi-tiered warranty also covers mechanics’ tools, which they will replace at any point without question. Its hand tools get a limited lifetime warranty that replaces or repairs defective items.
Escali Scales
$25 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Whether you need a kitchen scale or a bathroom scale, Escali has you covered. Its warranty covers manufacturers’ defects for the life of the scale. Just remember to hold on to your receipt.
Related: 24 Kitchen Accessories You Didn’t Know You Needed
Liberty Tabletop Flatware
$270 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
The “Made in the USA” label will get you only so far with consumers. Liberty Tabletop, whose stainless steel flatware sets start at $70 for four three-piece place settings, is made here, but also comes with a 25-year warranty that covers factory defects and normal use. Is that a “lifetime” guarantee? It depends on how old you are and how lucky you feel.
LupinePet Dog Collar
$14 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
A collar generally has a lot of staying power, but not if a dog chews it to ribbons. LupinePet dog collars include a lifetime guarantee. It won’t cover you if your dog outgrows a collar, loses it, or simply makes it smell or look funky, but a policy that covers chewing can mean big savings for a household that’s trying to train a dog.
Briggs & Riley Luggage
$95 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Luggage is going to get banged up just by nature. But Briggs & Riley will always repair wear or damage under its lifetime guarantee. Granted, you can pay around $100 for the brand’s classic toiletry kit and a suitcase can set you back more than $800 — and you have to pay for shipping on returns — but the company will also send a free repair kit.
Filson Goods
$395 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Since 1897, the Filson brand of bags, apparel, work gear, outdoor gear, and accessories has been based around being rugged enough to tame the Gold Rush and the western elements. That’s given it great confidence in its products, to the point that its guarantee covers repair or replacement of every product it sells for the life of the product should defects, poor workmanship, or even weak materials lead to its demise.
Related: Stores With Comfortable Clothes That You Can Wear for Years
Davek Umbrella
$115 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Davek umbrellas range from simple mini totes ($59) to an exclusive $350 umbrella, all backed by an unconditional lifetime guarantee. If a Davek breaks, the company will send a new one for free (minus shipping).
Kobalt Hand Tools
$219 from Lowe’s Shop Now Available on eBay
This is Lowe’s longtime house brand, and many of its hand tools, garden tools, garage organization tools and other non-power tools get the brand’s Lifetime Hassle-Free Guarantee. Basically, if you have a problem with the tool, just take it back to the store for a free replacement. No questions asked.
Timbuk2
$179 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Timbuk2 bags made their way from bicycle messengers to boardrooms as their utility and durability caught the attention of an increasingly casual workforce. A lifetime warranty covers defects in materials or workmanship; abuse, normal wear and tear, accidental damage, and cosmetic damages such as scratches and stains aren’t covered. It’s a bike bag: It’s supposed to look a bit mean.
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow
$55 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
These inflatable travel pillows are built for the long haul. They’re also protected throughout your travels by a lifetime warranty against defects and shabby workmanship. While you have to have your proof of purchase, Sea to Summit will repair or replace any pillow you haven’t simply worn out.
Related: 25 Carry-On Essentials to Pack for Your Next Flight
Pactimo
$60 from Pactimo Shop Now Available on eBay
Cyclists are hard on their gear, and jerseys are bound to see some tough conditions. But should one fail due to a manufacturing or material defect, Pactimo will replace or repair it for no charge for the life of the jersey.
Related: Cheap Alternatives to Pricey Stationary Bikes and More
DeWit Garden Tools
$118 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Made in The Netherlands, DeWit Garden Tools come with a lifetime guarantee. If there’s an issue with defects or workmanship, it’ll provide a free replacement to the original buyer with a receipt. Be forewarned: Even small tools such as a hand trowel start at $30.
Related: Gardening Gear You Didn’t Know You Needed
Fisher Bullet Space Pen
$31 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Paul Fisher made the first pen to work in zero gravity, and it went up to space on the initial Apollo mission in 1968. That pen is in the Museum of Modern Art today, but the Bullet and the AG-7 replica are not only available, but guaranteed for life.
Patagonia Clothing
$149 from Backcountry Shop Now Available on eBay
Patagonia has made its reputation through clothes that live up to its namesake, a South American region known for its rugged near-Antarctic climate. It doesn’t matter if you’re buying a pair of $700 waders or a $7 headband: Patagonia’s “Ironclad Guarantee” states that “If you are not satisfied with one of our products at the time you receive it, or if one of our products does not perform to your satisfaction, return it to the store you bought it from or to Patagonia for a repair, replacement, or refund.” Even wear-and-tear will be repaired for a small fee.
Camelbak Hydration Paks
$115 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Those backpacks of water that you take on bike trips, hikes, and to certain outdoor concerts should be the only ones you’ll ever own. Camelbak’s “Got Your Bak Lifetime Guarantee” won’t cover the wear and tear you put on your bag, but it will protect it from manufacturers’ defects and shoddy workmanship.
Related: 20 Must-Haves for Your Next Weekend Hike
Solo Stove Campfire Stove
$110 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Solo Stove produces a number of high-efficiency portable camp stoves and fire pits. Users who aren’t 100 percent satisfied with a purchase for any reason can get a free pre-paid return label for any order shipped within the lower 48 states. Send it back within 30 days for a full refund complete with shipping costs. Return it later, and you’ll get store credit and a bill for shipping.
Goughnuts Dog Toys
$28 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Dog toys are made to be chewed and, under normal circumstances, aren’t the kind of thing expected to last forever. But Goughnuts has built its brand around safe, chewable dog toys and has implanted a red “Chew Toy Safety Indicator” in each to let you know when they become a hazard for your dog. They’ll provide a free replacement, but you’re expected to kick in an extra $9.65 for shipping.
Related: Stylish Pet Products You Won’t Be Ashamed to Own
SunGod Classics3 Sunglasses
$90 and up from SunGod Shop Now Available on eBay
SunGod sunglasses are supposed to stand up to rigorous athletic tests. As a result, the company offers a lifetime guarantee that will repair these not-so-cheap items free of charge if they break. But “break” does not cover lens scratches, wear and tear, loss or theft, alteration, misuse or abuse.
United By Blue Bags
$118 from United By Blue Shop Now Available on eBay
Founded in 2010, this company removes a pound of trash from oceans and other waterways for every item sold. In the interest of not creating more waste, it has customers register its bags and jackets and repairs anything short of general wear and tear. If there’s a flaw, they’ll fix it.
Benchmade Utility Knife
$144 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
This Oregon City, Oregon, knife maker stands by its products, and won’t let a knife die easily. Not only will it replace or repair it for free if it is defective, but cleaning, oiling, sharpening, and adjusting services are part of that warranty.
DaKine Packs and Bags
$20 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Outdoor company DaKine won’t cover every product it makes with a lifetime warranty, but it will repair or replace packs and bags found to be defective within the scope of normal and appropriate use within their lifespan.
Feetures Socks
$15 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
The lifetime sock guarantee is really gaining a foothold. Once an item deemed disposable, socks are getting some extensive, liberal warranty protection. Feetures, for instance, will let you trade in old socks for new ones at any time for any reason if you aren’t satisfied.
Fiskars
$13 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Fiskars believes it makes some of the most durable tools and cutting implements around. But if a Fiskars product proves defective at any time during its life (as one of our sets of loppers did), Fiskars will repair or replace it (as it did with ours) at no cost under its lifetime warranty.
Hydro Flask
$22 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
You only have 30 days to send back a Hydro Flask if you feel it isn’t up to snuff. But if it actually breaks down on you and it isn’t your fault, the lifetime warranty will provide repair or replacement at any time during the life of the product.
North Face Gear
$110 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
The North Face likes to brag about how some of its 1973 Superlight sleeping bags are still in circulation, which makes having a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects all the more important. Damage caused by accident, improper care, negligence, normal wear and tear, or the natural breakdown of colors and materials over extended time and use aren’t covered. Its footwear isn’t either.
Orvis Jackets
$100 to $200 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Orvis says its product guarantees date back to 1856, which makes this iconic outdoor company one of the first (and few) to stand by a 100 percent guarantee. If you don’t like a product or have an issue with it, return it at any time for a replacement or a refund. It isn’t 100 percent free — you’re on the hook for refund shipping — but it isn’t laden with a bunch of caveats, either.
Related: Clothing Brands That Are Still Made in America
Outdoor Research
$75 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
This is some high-end outdoor gear, and Outdoor Research‘s Infinite Warranty has to do some heavy lifting. While it will repair or replace items with defects or shoddy workmanship, it draws the line at swapping out expensive gear after normal wear and tear, mishandling, accidents, defacement, or sale from non-authorized dealers.
Rainbow Sandals
$81 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
There isn’t a greater vote of confidence from a sandal maker than offering a guarantee that covers their stuff until you wear a hole through the sole. That’s what Rainbow Sandals considers the end of your sandal’s lifetime, and it will repair or replace defects up to that point.
Xikar Cigar Accessories
$46 from Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
Cigar cutters and lighters are status pieces, and Xicar wants you spending more time flaunting them than fixing them. If your product fails to live up to expectations, just send it back and Xicar will repair it or replace it under warranty.
Peugeot Salt & Pepper Mills
$118 on Amazon Shop Now Available on eBay
This is one “lifetime” warranty for which it pays to read the fine print. Yes, the mechanism of this French company‘s salt and pepper mills is guaranteed for life. But the bodies are only guaranteed two years from the date of purchase for electric versions and five years for manual mills. Considering their sets start at about $30 apiece, and can cost as much as $210, that difference in coverage can get pricey.
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