Crafty/Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel
- Thread starter Roger D
- Start date
Rastapopouloz
New Member
Hey guys!
Been reading here a while now. Now that some serious misfortune happened to my cherished crafty it was time to register. See if any of u guys had similar issues or perhaps can share some advice.
With 155 hours of operation under the belt the battery obviously wore down. To warm up (to 185 C) takes about 4 minutes the first time and the second time 5 minutes. Then it is pretty much all out of juice. So that is a problem.
But that problem has been discussed amply and the solution is straightforward.
The major issue with this crafty for me has been the casing. A friend of mine had a similar issue before mine did and now it happened to me as well. It is best illustrated with pictures.
So what happens is that when warm the casing weakens and when opening and closing repeatedly it starts to show cracks. After prolonged use ultimately the part that closes off the cooling unit, which consists of two symmetrical parts, breaks off one by one. With half of this part left it still closes off properly and it works altogether but now that the second half is showing severe cracks as well it is a matter of time before this part breaks too, rendering the crafty useless.
Like I said before, a friend of mine had the exact same thing happen to him and he just switched to a different vaporizer without hassling with the warranty. But I like my crafty too much and having read all the positive experiences with the customer service of S&B over here I hope this will be taken care of too. I live in the Netherlands but bought my crafty over a year ago on Amazon UK.
Has anyone had similar problems with the crafty? How best to proceed?
Best,
Mike
Been reading here a while now. Now that some serious misfortune happened to my cherished crafty it was time to register. See if any of u guys had similar issues or perhaps can share some advice.
With 155 hours of operation under the belt the battery obviously wore down. To warm up (to 185 C) takes about 4 minutes the first time and the second time 5 minutes. Then it is pretty much all out of juice. So that is a problem.
But that problem has been discussed amply and the solution is straightforward.
The major issue with this crafty for me has been the casing. A friend of mine had a similar issue before mine did and now it happened to me as well. It is best illustrated with pictures.
So what happens is that when warm the casing weakens and when opening and closing repeatedly it starts to show cracks. After prolonged use ultimately the part that closes off the cooling unit, which consists of two symmetrical parts, breaks off one by one. With half of this part left it still closes off properly and it works altogether but now that the second half is showing severe cracks as well it is a matter of time before this part breaks too, rendering the crafty useless.
Like I said before, a friend of mine had the exact same thing happen to him and he just switched to a different vaporizer without hassling with the warranty. But I like my crafty too much and having read all the positive experiences with the customer service of S&B over here I hope this will be taken care of too. I live in the Netherlands but bought my crafty over a year ago on Amazon UK.
Has anyone had similar problems with the crafty? How best to proceed?
Best,
Mike
vapviking
Old & In the Way
Hey! Welcome!Hey guys!
Been reading here a while now. Now that some serious misfortune happened to my cherished crafty it was time to register. See if any of u guys had similar issues or perhaps can share some advice.
With 155 hours of operation under the belt the battery obviously wore down. To warm up (to 185 C) takes about 4 minutes the first time and the second time 5 minutes. Then it is pretty much all out of juice. So that is a problem.
But that problem has been discussed amply and the solution is straightforward.
The major issue with this crafty for me has been the casing. A friend of mine had a similar issue before mine did and now it happened to me as well. It is best illustrated with pictures.
So what happens is that when warm the casing weakens and when opening and closing repeatedly it starts to show cracks. After prolonged use ultimately the part that closes off the cooling unit, which consists of two symmetrical parts, breaks off one by one. With half of this part left it still closes off properly and it works altogether but now that the second half is showing severe cracks as well it is a matter of time before this part breaks too, rendering the crafty useless.
Like I said before, a friend of mine had the exact same thing happen to him and he just switched to a different vaporizer without hassling with the warranty. But I like my crafty too much and having read all the positive experiences with the customer service of S&B over here I hope this will be taken care of too. I live in the Netherlands but bought my crafty over a year ago on Amazon UK.
Has anyone had similar problems with the crafty? How best to proceed?
Best,
Mike
Have you been able to register the device with S&B, for service purposes?
You have an advantage if you are dealing with S&B Germany (you're in UK?) since often they will warranty repair/replace batteries when S&B America might not. The casing has been a chronic Crafty/Mighty weakness, but it appears you do have the 'revised/reinforced' Crafty housing already.
I think your best option would be the 'service' they now recommend in the online literature.
Clean it well before sending in, they tend to appreciate respect for the device and may reward with less pricey outcome.
So, you may have to pay for a battery and you may have to pay for a housing, or then again you might be pleasantly surprised by S&B cs. Also keep in mind that, if you request, there may be an option to upgrade to a Mighty.
As far as I know, none of these repairs or even the upgrade would reset your warranty start date.
Lastly is the suggestion that you hone your soldering skills and replace battery yourself, if you are inclined...but this doesn't get you a new housing!
Keeping exterior of cooling and top of Crafty unit clean can help prevent the casing from cracking. If dirty they are sticky and add to pressure as c/u is installed/removed.
best of luck!
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Hi guys,
Big Crafty user.. have two in rotation (mainly so one can be in repair).
Both have the same problem now.. they charge sporadically, if at all.
The charge indicating pattern (blinky blue) starts going a bit crazy.. instead of a steady pattern it sometimes seems almost random. Like it's having a heart attack.
I opened my original one and tried to power it off an external power supply
(big lab supply) to no avail.
Now I've tried replacing the battery with a fully charged one and I just get the blinky blue when I hit the button. One in 10 tries it starts up and then works fine for that sesh.
Going to send the unopened unit in.. should I just go for a Mighty?
I'm also considering using the heating unit (complete with bowl) and thermocouples with a miniature Arduino and custom machined aluminum housing to make a custom Crafty. Other than a user replaceable battery (18650 cell), what features would people want? I assume Bluetooth and a display on unit would be nice too.
Big Crafty user.. have two in rotation (mainly so one can be in repair).
Both have the same problem now.. they charge sporadically, if at all.
The charge indicating pattern (blinky blue) starts going a bit crazy.. instead of a steady pattern it sometimes seems almost random. Like it's having a heart attack.
I opened my original one and tried to power it off an external power supply
(big lab supply) to no avail.
Now I've tried replacing the battery with a fully charged one and I just get the blinky blue when I hit the button. One in 10 tries it starts up and then works fine for that sesh.
Going to send the unopened unit in.. should I just go for a Mighty?
I'm also considering using the heating unit (complete with bowl) and thermocouples with a miniature Arduino and custom machined aluminum housing to make a custom Crafty. Other than a user replaceable battery (18650 cell), what features would people want? I assume Bluetooth and a display on unit would be nice too.
vapviking
Old & In the Way
If your unopened unit is still under warranty it sounds like a replacement would be forthcoming -as you apparently know!
This is the perfect time to upgrade to Mighty. You should try to be clear and ask about it when you send Crafty in, lest they just send a new Crafty before you have a chance to ask!
As far as making a custom vape from an old Crafty, I think if you make it look like a pen and hit like a Grasshopper then you may be on to something there...
I highly recommend upgrading to the Mighty if you send the Crafty in for repair. Put a note in the package when you send it in and also mention it on your initial RMA request. I have no regrets about upgrading. It's nice not to have to be constantly charging the device.
I agree with vapviking about sending the Crafty in clean and well packaged. I sent mine in almost spotless with 226 hours on it, the battery was well past its prime and I didn't think I'd stand a chance of getting it warranty replaced. They did however and let me upgrade to the Mighty for 50€
One last piece of advice is to not let the oven get so filthy. They do seem to last longer the cleaner you keep them.
I agree with vapviking about sending the Crafty in clean and well packaged. I sent mine in almost spotless with 226 hours on it, the battery was well past its prime and I didn't think I'd stand a chance of getting it warranty replaced. They did however and let me upgrade to the Mighty for 50€
One last piece of advice is to not let the oven get so filthy. They do seem to last longer the cleaner you keep them.
GT63TT
New Member
I originally wanted the mighty when a friend talked me into thr crafty for portability reasons. Once it broke i too upgraded to mighty w zero issues
Rastapopouloz
New Member
Yes it has been registered and it is on its way to Germany, after a thorough cleaning. They right away offered an upgrade to a Mighty for 50euros in the RMA, but only if the crafty has a warranty issue, of which I am not altogether confident. So fingers crossed!
Thanks for the advice Vapviking!
whatitdew
Vapes R Great
Sent a crafty from Canada to OAK on the 12th, arrived in the 20th.
At first my package said it was shipped to the wrong address and was getting returned to me and then the next day it magically arrived at the right destination lol.
Haven't heard anything or had any updates on my RMA, I guess these cock-a-roaches are closed up for the holidays? Trying to get the Mighty upgrade for my friend.
mod note: Please review the rules- Don’t attack products or companies. You can post your opinion, and you can criticize, but posts written to offend are not allowed.
At first my package said it was shipped to the wrong address and was getting returned to me and then the next day it magically arrived at the right destination lol.
Haven't heard anything or had any updates on my RMA, I guess these cock-a-roaches are closed up for the holidays? Trying to get the Mighty upgrade for my friend.
mod note: Please review the rules- Don’t attack products or companies. You can post your opinion, and you can criticize, but posts written to offend are not allowed.
Crafty Vaper
Ain't easy being green
Hi fellas. 
My Crafty has reached 200 hours and is still hitting like a champ! 
My Crafty has reached 200 hours and is still hitting like a champ! Sad that this is noteworthy at all. 200hrs is the equivalent of about 150 days for me... 1/2 a year is nothing to write home about.
Imagine if other things in life only lasted 200hours.. your phone? car?
If Volcano's only lasted 200hrs, S&B would have a very different reputation. I've had 3 Craftys... 60,60,120. All cleaned all the time etc.
Imagine if other things in life only lasted 200hours.. your phone? car?
If Volcano's only lasted 200hrs, S&B would have a very different reputation. I've had 3 Craftys... 60,60,120. All cleaned all the time etc.
Hi fellas.
vapviking
Old & In the Way
Crafty Devil eh?
USB socket is failing so might not last much longer
Thanks for keeping it real, @Vambo1980 , and for the update.
Are you paying attention, S&B?
Pls send @Vambo1980 a new usb socket...or something!
But I ain't afraid of no numbers.
A friend of the numbers is a friend of mine.
Pablo13
Well-Known Member
Much respect for Vambo. My Crafty is 1 year old and 85 hours in, if it kept on at this rate it would be 2024 before I hit that run time!
Gave my base its second clean yesterday, new mesh, q tip & iso on the sides and she is almost as good as new again
Little tip for getting stubborn marks off the side is to heat up to around 80c then clean. Had a few marks that wouldn't come off at room temp and a little bit of heat seemed to help shift them.
Gave my base its second clean yesterday, new mesh, q tip & iso on the sides and she is almost as good as new again
Little tip for getting stubborn marks off the side is to heat up to around 80c then clean. Had a few marks that wouldn't come off at room temp and a little bit of heat seemed to help shift them.
ChooChooCharlie
Well-Known Member
@Vambo1980 - you should test and post in the Crafty warmup time thread, just to see how @Stu adjusts the x-axis of his graph.
Pablo13
Well-Known Member
Do have a link to this thead? Can't seem to find it.
Vambo1980
Well-Known Member
I have just changed the battery (again) so it's quick. There is no way an original battery could make 250hrs let alone 600 and be useable for 2/3 sessions.
It's a shame the USB connection is bad, but it has seen its fair share of abuse been through a lot me and this crafty. It's in poor shape but has served me well.
Thinking back to times when it was charging while driving and having to slam the anchors on with it flying across the dash at 50mph only to stop in an instant when USB lead slack ran out.
It's done some 50,000 miles travelling with me all around the country for the last 2 odd years.
It's been to 7 different country's and was even with me on my wedding day, but don't tell the wife!
vapviking
Old & In the Way
I'm reminded of a Volvo I once had...
I used to deal with randy at puffitup directly for any RMA purpose. I only sent my Crafty out to him once during the first week of use because the power button stopped functioning. Now, after a year and 4 months, I need an RMA for the overheating battery during first session on a full charge.
My question is: Does S&B Oakland make you sign for the package upon delivery?
My question is: Does S&B Oakland make you sign for the package upon delivery?
vapviking
Old & In the Way
I had to sign for original purchase of a Crafty but since then, no signature required for warranty mailings or accessory purchases. I'm in US.
Mr Mellish
Well-Known Member
My returned unit did not require a signature.
Rastapopouloz
New Member
Update; it was been confirmed as a warranty issue. So I am the happy new prospective owner of a mighty.
Thank you Storz and Bickel, excellent service 
Crafty Vaper
Ain't easy being green
Good morning! 
1st Crafty: 70 hours - overheating
2nd Crafty: 213 hours - lights of death
3rd Crafty: 200 hours - lights of death
4th Crafty: 211 hours - still working...
All with original battery!
VAPE ON!
1st Crafty: 70 hours - overheating
2nd Crafty: 213 hours - lights of death
3rd Crafty: 200 hours - lights of death
4th Crafty: 211 hours - still working...
All with original battery!
VAPE ON!
