Reconditioned vs New?

Daydreamer

I want to add to my power tools stash, but need to save money on purchases, as most people do these days.

Is it wise to look for reconditioned power tools, or should I bite the bullet and wait to purchase new power tools?

Moondance

Buy new.

The options are greater and your warranties are usually pretty good.

If you use cordless power tools, you might have trouble finding replacement batteries when needed!

heretoday

Unfortunately, with used reconditioned power tools there may be underlying problems that won't show up until you have a few hours usage on the tool. Some problems simply don't show themselves until a tool gets hot.

Woodyoumind?

I don't like reconditioned but you never know what you may find. They may be perfectly alright but then again, they could be horrible. If I buy reconditioned, I make sure it has a good guarantee.

WoodWrangler

Hit or miss, but I don't love the reconditioned tool model. I'm open to it if the warranty is EXTREMELY good and will cover me, but other than that I don't favor it. I think a "used" tool might be a better bet ... especially if the tool has been used and has been working good.

Use craigslist.org to find some good deals in your area.

Wood Gnome

I tend to go with new. I have never had good luck with used tools or reconditioned. I prefer to have a new tool with a good warranty. I've saved no money if I have to repair a used tool or if I end up buying a new one because the used one was no good.

unique1

There's a lot of people that are "against" reconditioned tools I guess but I've never had any problems. I generally look into whatever I'm buying though...

Usually you'll know if it's worth the gamble. For example, if it's a $900 power tool for $150, it's most likely not worth the try. Sometimes the seller KNOWS there is a problem with it and attempts to sell it anyways without saying anything. So that being said, I guess it is the gamble if you don't really know what you're doing.

woodpecker

Well, people do buy reconditioned tools. Whether you get good ones depends on how lucky and how alert you are. Examine the tools carefully before you purchase. You might end up with good ones. If you want the best of power tools with warranties, you must go in for new tools.

JackLeg

Stick with the brand names from their rebuild sites and you'll be OK. I've got several "rebuilts" and most are good as new. They also have new warranties, so what's the downside?
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WoodChuck

I would definitely not shy away from reconditioned. Like previously stated you can often get them with good warranties/guarantees attached to them "just in case". Not to mention how many hundreds+ of dollars it could save you.

melodious

Reconditioned is okay if you're buying it from the manufacturer and if it has a good warranty. You aren't really saving any money at all if you end up with a tool that only has a 30-day "warranty" (it happens) instead of a full year!

heretoday

Yeah, you guys are right about the reconditioned as long as it is a name brand and it is carrying a warranty. The warranty does make a big difference and I wouldn't be as worried about overheating (which I mentioned a few answers back) if there was a warranty with the tool.

Laughingmouse

Good tips!

I wanted to get some tools for the hubby and was considering reconditioned. I didn't k now that brand names also had reconditioned tools.

I think this thread just saved me some heartache!

Twiceshy

Since I won't be doing anything really complex, to start with, anyway, I think I will check out some of those brand name reconditioned power tools.

Which brands are the best?

oldnamvet

That depends on the tool. I always like brands like dewalt, bosch, porter-cable, milwaukee, .... for power hand tools. Others like skil, black & decker, ... are fairly low end to start with. Those I wouldn't take reconditioned if they gave them to me.