Would You Consider Reconditioned Tools?

Have you ever considered buying either used or reconditioned tools?  I readily choose reconditioned products over new.  Usually they are reduced in price sufficient to represent a significant savings over new.  I can only remember one occasion when the product was not as good as new.  I have purchased reconditioned tools from a number of outlets and I would willingly do business with any of them again.

There are some misconceptions about buying reconditioned tools.  “They’re used and abused.”  “They’re worn out.”  “They have been discontinued and consequently are obsolete.”

In many cases the product has never been used at all.  It could have been an open box product at a store and never was sold.  In some cases people actually buy the tools, and return them after finishing their project with it. I mean: what the heck?  It’s cheaper than renting.

Many of these tools are lightly used, then returned to the store for a refund. Perhaps the original buyer didn’t like a feature.  The tools that are returned to the store may end up in the closeout bargain departments.

Some tools get returned to the manufacturer. The manufacturer can’t sell them as new.  They clean it up, if necessary and verify the tool is like new operating condition.  Some manufacturers also mark their products indicating that it was reconditioned.  It may or may not be in the original packaging.  It may also be packaged without the original manuals, and possibly some accessories.

I have noticed mostly hand tools and these include most every kind.  They include drills, drivers, circular saws, reciprocating saws, nailers, compressors sanders and more.  I rarely have seen the larger floor mounted tools, such as table saws and large shop air compressors.  It’s unlikely that a customer would take a larger tool home and then quickly return it. 

So, with a little research before spending your tool budget, you can get a lot more tools for the same money compared with new.