Man With A Wrench

We called Man with a Wrench to look at our dishwasher, which had stopped working and was blinking an LED to indicate a fault. The technician who came did a very quick test and quickly told us we needed a new heating element, and that the part was $220 - $230 + $180 labour, for a total of over $400 before taxes.

Given the cost, and that the dishwasher was over 12 years old (although it is in very good shape) we paid the $95 service fee, so that we could determine if we should simply replace the dishwasher.

The next day, I found the part we needed, brand new, on PartSelect.ca for $60 including shipping. I ordered it and installed in in less than an hour.

I expect companies to mark up parts that they order and resell, but a 300% markup is ridiculous. As well, $180 for an hour's labour (if I could do it in an hour, the tech could certainly do it in less) is also extreme. They are obviously not waiving the service fee, but simply building it into the estimate.

UPDATE: After this review was posted, I received a call from Alex, one of the co-owners of Man with a Wrench. He said he wished I had called their customer service line, and immediately offered to refund the service call fee, if I would remove my review. I told him I would have to think about it. We had a discussion in which he tried to explain his business model, and I tried to explain that when someone quotes me a price, I don't assume it is negotiable. As well, he indicated that his labour cost had to be the price it was, to support their guarantee. During the conversation he asked a couple more times about my removing or changing my review, and then said he would refund the service fee anyway. I told him he did not need to do so, but could do whatever he wished (and he did refund the service fee). We agreed that I would let him know my decision in a couple of days.

The next morning, Alex texted me to ask that, since my only issue was with the price, I at least raise the star rating of my review. But the evening before, the dishwasher had started showing the same fault - the problem was not with the part indicated (I had actually tested the old one before installing the new one, and it tested good, but as I am not a tech, I decided to trust the tech's analysis). When I told Alex that, he again referred back to their guarantee. But I am not impressed by the idea of paying for parts and labour, when perhaps a better diagnosis up front would have been more cost effective. In the end, the whole episode, especially the attempts to get me to change or revoke my review, felt very distasteful.

Outstanding customer service! It's no wonder this company has a high rating. I had a problem with my fridge the other night so I called and spoke with Alex. (It was 7pm and he answered the phone himself). He spent at least 15 minutes talking to me and recommended I do a few things before having to pay for a service call. So far it seems like it has worked but regardless, I would not hesitate to call him again with any appliance problem. Truly a kind and honest human being. Not something you find so easily anymore. Anna W.

Second time I've used these guys. First time was for a dryer issue. This time a dishwasher.

They quickly diagnosed the issue was a faulty part.

Fast efficient clean and dependable.
Would recommend without hesitation.

I first called man with a wrench when I had a problem with my fridge. Oleg performed a number of diagnostic tests to make sure he diagnosed the problem and then gave me the best advice. He was very honest about the cost to repair vs replace and helped to understand exactly what was going on.

The second time I called, my washing machine flooded all over my apartment.
The service man was wonderful and thoroughly checked the appliance over but couldn’t find anything wrong with it, and the flooding didn’t happen.
He even checked my dishwasher to make sure it was t the problem.

A few weeks later, I had the problem again. It was 8:30pm in a Saturday. So I called expecting to leave a message. But Alex answered! He helped me to calm down and asked me a series of questions to get a better sense of the problem.
He also was mindful of service costs and genuinely Cared about my situation

My mother used man with a wrench, on my recommendation, for her fridge and was very happy with the service.

I absolutely recommend Man with a Wrench for any appliance needs. The techs are honest and friendly and knowledgeable.

- Replaced 2 parts + labour
- Came out as a follow up to work next day to correct and issue.

These guys are fantastic. Truly dedicated and didn’t give up on our issue with our fridge. They’ll be by only call going forward for everything appliance.

Comparing to other companies that I contacted here on homestars.com, Man with Wrench is the most efficient and least intrusive during the quote gathering process.

They provide me with the information required and the next steps to hire them (e.g. to provide address, contact information and available time for service). Others, contacted me multiple times both on SMS and Phone, which is something I dislike.

There was a mixed up in scheduling, but Alex, one of the owner came out himself for the service, even he was a bit under the weather. The girl in the office double-checked to ensure that I am ok for him to come to service the dryer.

The service was done quickly and efficiently. Alex was able to diagnose that the issue was the fuse, not the dryer.

I will definitely hire this company again for any future appliance service/repair.

Prompt response to service request. Alex arrived prepared, prompt and pleasant. He couldn’t find the cause of our slow leak but was proactive in ordering the gasket in case the problem continues. He made some adjustments to the leveling of the dishwasher as it was leaning a bit forward and observed a wash cycle for leaks. There were none and I am hopeful it will remain so. I have no problem calling them back if need be. Alex even shared his expertise regarding new appliances! Thanks!

My dishwasher had been installed badly in the condo we bought and despite my several attempts to fix it, I couldn't pinpoint the problem. I contacted man with a wrench, they responded very quickly. Alex was my repair person and he was polite, friendly and efficient. He double checked to make sure I was satisfied with the installation and took the time to explain everything to us thoroughly. I'm very happy with this company. I'm a first time homeowner so it is nice to know that they are a trustworthy company.

My only small critique is that I didn't get a confirmation of the repair window I had selected, so I wasn't sure if he was coming until he called to confirm that he was on his way. It's a small thing though so I still give them a 9.9 out of 10.

I called Man with a Wrench as my washing machine had started making an awful noise and had a small leak. I called on Wednesday and made an appointment for Friday. On the Thursday, my dishwasher also started leaking. I called and asked if the technician could look at both and was told yes, but the price of the service call would increase.

Unfortunately, while he was there, Josh was unable to get either machine to replicate the issues, but he took a lot of time to thoroughly go over the machines. He also advised that he could tell the washer was going to have major problems very soon due to its age and the way it was spinning.

While he wasn't able to fix the machines (the dishwasher works just fine now, the washer repeated its behaviour the next load after his visit so I'm just going to replace it) he was a very cheerful and honest guy who obviously wanted to help.

One word of advice for potential clients -- call if you want to make an appointment. I filled out the online form and didn't hear from anyone (in over one business day) but when I called, I got an appointment right away.

Glad I used this company,friendly, knowledgeable, clean when they fixed my stove & it works like new. They care about their customers which means a lot! I will definitely use them again!