FAQs

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Answers

  1. How do I repair my older Bridge City Tool Works tools?
    If your tool needs re-calibration or needs to be repaired and it has been more than one year from the purchase date or you purchased the product from John Economaki prior to the acquisition by Harvey Industries, please contact Rutager West with Bridge City Tool Repairs at www.bctwlegacyrepairs.com.

    Rutager West operates an independent tool repair company and can give you an estimate on the approximate charge for repairing your tool.  This includes tool recalibration, functionally repairing the tool, or aesthetically restoring it

  2. What was the Founder's Circle?
    This was a membership offered to all Bridge City Tool Works customers.  For an annual fee, the member was entitled to receive a 10% discount off of retail purchases; exclusive purchasing opportunities to the Commemorative and Signature Tool Series; automatic shipping on new tool orders without ordering with a 2% discount off of the tool price; and a 5% discount off of all blemished tools.  The Founder's Circle Membership ended in 2018.

  3. What was the Lifetime Warranty Policy?  
    The Lifetime Warranty was provided by Bridge City Tool Works, Inc when the company first started. That corporation was involuntarily dissolved in July of 2002 due to financial difficulties and as such the Lifetime Warranty Policy ended in July 2002. In November 2002, the assets of Bridge City Tool Works were acquired by a new company but they elected not to initiate the Lifetime Warranty Policy again. The new owners of Bridge City Tool Works, Harvey Industries, has a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all new tools purchased.  If you are not 100% satisfied with your purchase, simply return the item to the selling dealer within 30 days after receipt for a merchandise exchange or full refund (excludes shipping costs).  Tools returned 30 days after delivery are processed under our Return/Repair Policy. 
  4. What was a "blem" tool?
    A "blem" tool stands for blemished and were functionally identical to their full price counterparts but did not pass the vigorous cosmetic inspections.  Only a slight cosmetic difference turned an otherwise perfect tool into a blem. All "blems" carried a full 30-day unconditional money-back guarantee.  They never occured in great quantities and were reduced in price. Unfortunately, we did not know what the blem was on each tool. Usually, it was a scratch in the metal or wood or slight discoloration. It never affected the functionality of the tool.

  5. How do I clean my tools?
    All tools need periodic care and cleaning. If it’s standard brass tarnish, then any brass polish will work. Metal polish like Flitz or maas will not hurt the Juara or rosewood. But should there be any green discoloration, we would recommend removing it with Sandflex then regularly wax the tool. When staining occurs badly, we use Klingspor's Sandflex pad, usually the fine, but also the medium. This will not scratch the wood or metal. 220 and 320 grit sandpaper can work even faster, you just have to be more careful about grain direction. After this, you could also run ‘0000’ Steel wool across the same areas. Rub the wood and metal with the grain of the material. Then finish the tool by applying a fine paste wax like Liberon. Periodically re-applying the wax will help with the longevity of the finish and provide some protection in the future. We also carry a few products to help keep the shine in your tools. You can also contact Rutager West with Bridge City Tool Repairs at www.bctwlegacyrepairs.com. Rutager West operates an independent tool repair company and can give you an estimate on the approximate charge for aesthetically restoring your tools.

  6. How do I sharpen my plane irons?
    The best recommendation is to contact a tool grinding service in your local area who specializes in blade sharpening. Sharpening is a skill that all woodworkers should eventually learn. There are almost as many ways to sharpen as there are woodworkers; asking friends, reading books and watching videos can help you decide what is best for you. A popular method is to use waterstones in 1,000, 4,000 and 8,000 grit along with a sharpening guide.

  7. Can I visit your showroom?
    Yes.  Our showroom is open Monday - Friday from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. Please feel free to come by and try out our line of tools.