Ryobi Home Depot Unobtainable Warranty Denver Nationwide

I bought a Ryobi 1/2" cordless impact driver from Home Depot.  It was sold as the tool only, and did not come with a charger or batteries.  I had an issue with the tool after only 6 months of moderate use, and tried to return it for service.  I was informed that I had to also include a battery and charger, and that I would be without all the tools for up to 90 days.  THis would essentially take me out of business, as I only have one charger and just a few batteries, and most of my other tools are Ryobi as well.  

Ryobi customer service told me these requirements were written in the warranty and there was no recourse.  I then read the warranty and it stated specifically that: "you must ....return all original equipment packaged with the original product." I called customer service back (another 20 minute wait) and read them the actual warranty language.  She was unimpressed, and said that policy was it had to be returned with a charger and battery, even if it it didn't come with the purchase.

Since I bought the impact driver as the"tool only" I should not have to return my separately purchased charger or battery.  A warranty is a contract, and both parties MUST adhere to the contract language.  The language does NOT require me to send in equipment purchased separately.  Besides violating the contract, this is an obvious attempt to avoid their warranty obligations by imposing additional financial burdens on the customer.  I already have wasted several hours of time, and 40 miles driving to resolve this issue for a $99 tool.  

Their insidious goal is clear: If they wear enough people down for long enough, and thus have fewer warranty claims, this not only saves them money, but makes their low quality tools appear to be better:  "What a great product; look how few actual warranty claims we had last year....."

DON"T BELIEVE IT!

Honor The contract.  I did my part by paying for the tool, now process the warranty claim as written.  You should have plenty of batteries to test the tool with: It is a Ryobi!