Refurbished Tools

[Gem99ultra]

Recently while shopping for some tools I stumbled across a number of 'Refurbished' tools on eBay. Non-electric, by the way. Prices are tempting, usually almost half price.

What is your opinion on going the Refurb route? Any reservations?

 

[mikester]

You need to define what refurb means for non-powered tools. Pitch fork with straightened tines?

Some tools, it doesn't matter if it's used or not unless it's been abused. I'm weary of anything refurb that's electronic or requiring batteries. Burned once twice shy.

 

[Oaktree]

You need to define what refurb means for non-powered tools. Pitch fork with straightened tines?

Some tools, it doesn't matter if it's used or not unless it's been abused. I'm weary of anything refurb that's electronic or requiring batteries. Burned once twice shy.

That's the trouble, "refurbished", especially when used in a private party sale means whatever the seller wants it to mean. Don't think I'd buy a used power tool off Ebay, way too much stuff there that's not as represented, but a commercial site like CPO Outlets should be OK. I'd imagine most of what they sell are returns that can't be resold as new, but are perfectly functional (and new enough so that batteries are still available).
Disclaimer: I have never bought anything from this site, but do know a couple people who have.

 

[Rowdy Redneck]

I have bought a lot of refurbished tools - Bosch electric hammer drill, Milwaukee electric impact wrench, 2 Dewalt nail guns, 5 Ridgid nail guns, Ridgid circular saw, just off the top of my head. All were in like-new condition and represented considerable cost savings. CPO Outlets is my go to source, although they recently stopped selling Ridgid. Never bought anything battery powered, although considering a cordless nailer.

 

[caver]

I bought a refurb Milwaukee pneumatic framing nailer from CPO a few years ago. It looked new with one exception in that it had a number engraved up near the head that was not factory.

 

[Gem99ultra]

No, no powered tools e.g. battery nor electric. I'm looking at Rockwell stuff like their refurbished JawStand Portable Work Support Stand and their open box JawHorse Sheetmaster Portable Work Support Station Vice Clamp.

It looks like their running about 1/2 the price of the new stuff. I suppose the other side of the equation is what quality are tools from Rockwell? I have no idea myself... Opinion or experience with Rockwell?

 

[reb]

Bought a couple of refurbished electrical tools several years ago. They worked quite well. Got tired of the expense of replacement batteries for a drill, so I rigged up a way to run it off an external 12 volt source. Still works great.

 

[Bird]

I've had good luck with buying refurbished tools; household appliances, etc. I can't recall ever being sorry about one of them.

 

[WranglerX]

Only refurbished tools I would buy are ones done by the original manufacturer of said tool....

Dale

 

[Gregster613]

Don't mean to de-rail this thread at all, just had to jump in and say Hi to Bird, welcome back - it's been quite awhile since I've read a post with your wisdom dashed in. Missed seeing your advice. Hope you are well and continuing to chase this thing we call life! Keep it coming, I like to hear what you have to say. Greg

 

[LS Tractor Owner]

I purchased one tool, a "refurbished" Ryobi reciprocating saw.... $40 from CPO off Ebay. It lasted cutting 4 - 4x4's, and the gearbox disintegrated.....

Ended up buying a new Rigid corded one after using the cordless Rigid 18v and being impressed. I will never buy another refurbished power tool.

 

[oosik]

I've considered buying refurbished/reconditioned power tools directly from the tool manufacturer. Never took the leap of faith. I have enough problems with brand new tools. Don't need to take on added chances.

 

[mcfarmall]

I bought a Bosch right angle 12v driver and a 12v impactor driver that were refurbished by Bosch. Had them for ten years used regularly with no issues.

 

[Tinhack]

Back when Sears had replacement parts centers, I bought a refurbished rotary tool there. I think they were made by Dremel for Sears. I don't remember what it cost but I must have thought it was worth it at the time. That has to be more than 20 years ago. I still have that tool and use it probably weekly. I keep it hanging at one of my work benches with a barrel sanding bit. I bought a B&D jigsaw for $5 about 20 years ago and it's still running great. Just used it yesterday.

I'm not sure I'd do that today. Especially off Ebay.

I don't buy as many hand tools now as I used to. I'm old and have just about everything I need. I still have my first tool box I bought at Montgomery Ward in the late 60's along with drawers of wrenches. I bought there because it was my first charge card. All my Craftsman tools came later.

 

[PILOON]

In many cases the refurbish is simply 'no question asked' returns.*
They get auctioned off to re sellers who in turn do the 'refurbishing'.**
Often the problem is very simple like a damaged cord or defective switch.

*recently a neighbor was trashing a power shovel that they replaced under 'no question' policy.
Rather than handling the return they said to trash it, which he did as I was passing by.
Heck it was but a defective trigger switch, a standard one to boot.
10 mins later I had me a nice electric power shovel!

When those 'big box stores' negotiate volume buys they get a % allotment/discount for defects etc.
Like perhaps 5-0% in free product to cover, saves shipping/handling costs.

**At one time I came across an auction site that acted as a clearing house for those 'return lots'.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Going forward, yesterday I received my "refurbished" JawHorse from Rockwell Tools, which I bought on eBay for about 1/2 the new tool price. First inspection and first use disclosed zero defects. No even a scratch. I also have a refurbished Rockwell support stand coming in the next day or two. Hopefully it'll be as good of a buy.

Like Tinhack mentioned, I don't buy as many tools now as I used to buy. Heck - I'm up to duplicates on most stuff already. But... I'm addicted. Right now I'm into mechanical work, welding, wood working, lumberjacking, and landscaping. Perhaps I need some new work-type hobbies to justify needed a new line of tools?