Rigid Power Tools Home Depot Lifetime Warranty Informaion Nationwide

Like many people, I purchased a Drill Driver kit from Home Depot, which contained an 18V Drill/Driver, two batteries and a charger. At the time of purchase, I was informed thaat it came with a lifetime warranty on everything, including the batteries, which was a major selling point, given the batteries sell for $99.00 each, which when combined, was more than the selling price of the entire package. I was told that all I had to do was to register the product on line, which I did, in order to activate the warranty. Now, some 6 years later, both batteries have failed and I am being told by the warranty center that I failed to send in the original receipt in order to activate the "lifetime" warranty portion. To be perfectly honest, I don't recall whether I sent the original receipt to them at the time or not. My question is this... My account information shows that I purchased the item June 29, 2010 and registered the item Jul 25, 2010, within the 90 day window, at that registration suffices to prove my purchase (without a reciept) and activates the 36 month warranty. Why then is it necessary to further prove my "proof of purchase" beyond what they already accept as valid proof of purchase, in order to activate a lifetime warranty registration? My warning to future consumers of products claiming a "lifetime warranty", follow the registration instructions TO THE LETTER, keep copies of everything pertaining to the product purchase (preferably somewhere that you can find it when you need it), and that you contact the company offering the lifetime warranty and get some sort of written proof that you have complied with their every whim, and perhaps you'll have a less traumatic warranty experience. I can't say that I was "ripped off", but I do feel that I complied with the registration process to the point that my warranty should be valid (as I stated, they accept as valid my date and proof of purchase) and I shouldn't have to repurchase the item in order to have coverage. I doubt that I will buy any Rigid Power Products again in the future, given that they stand on a "BS" technicality to avoid honoring my warranty. I wish you better luck with your warranty issues. Be aware and informed when you're offered a "lifetime warranty" on anything as there are always restrictions.