Buying used, or secondhand, is something that never really goes out of style, but it's certainly more popular now, considering the current condition of the economy and that frugality is now more common. People are usually quite proud of themselves when they score a good deal on a used tool. And buying secondhand is considered green because the item is given new life.
At The Tool Nurse you will find good-quality used items, with out overpaying?
At The Tool Nurse you will find good-quality used items, with out overpaying?
Buying Guide For Secondhand Tools
Secondhand tools can save you money without sacrificing quality. Learn how to find bargains on used, but useful tools.
Start With Research If you are completely unfamiliar with tool brands and the features available on tools, do a little research. Visit the websites for Sears, The Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, True Value, Ace Hardware or any retailer that sells tools, and take a look at their new selections. Most websites organize tools in a straightforward way so you can easily find what you're looking for.
Head to a local store to get a firsthand look – many tools will be on display and out of the box so you can actually pick them up. You'll see the most-recent models, from low-end to top-of-the-line. Make notes on the prices and available features (especially relating to safety). This is your base from which to work when evaluating prices.
Head to a local store to get a firsthand look – many tools will be on display and out of the box so you can actually pick them up. You'll see the most-recent models, from low-end to top-of-the-line. Make notes on the prices and available features (especially relating to safety). This is your base from which to work when evaluating prices.
Name Does MatterNow that you have an idea of what you'll expect to pay, it's time to consider how you'll evaluate and decide what to buy.
First, consider brand. As with anything else, many folks have their own preferred brand, which they think is superior to everything else. To each his own. But, when considering secondhand tools, a recognizable brand is vital.
As a brand-new purchase, the entry-level bench-top models, which may range in price from $80 to $130, aren't necessarily a bad choice. But unless they're still sealed in the original box, these tools probably aren't the best to purchase secondhand. The same goes for some cordless combo kits, which usually contain two to four tools and sell for about $100. And certainly steer clear of used store-brand tools from discount operations, such as Harbor Freight's Chicago Electric Power Tools. Again, for a novice or as a backup tool, these may be sufficient, but they will probably have outlived their capacity by the time they're sold as used.
First, consider brand. As with anything else, many folks have their own preferred brand, which they think is superior to everything else. To each his own. But, when considering secondhand tools, a recognizable brand is vital.
As a brand-new purchase, the entry-level bench-top models, which may range in price from $80 to $130, aren't necessarily a bad choice. But unless they're still sealed in the original box, these tools probably aren't the best to purchase secondhand. The same goes for some cordless combo kits, which usually contain two to four tools and sell for about $100. And certainly steer clear of used store-brand tools from discount operations, such as Harbor Freight's Chicago Electric Power Tools. Again, for a novice or as a backup tool, these may be sufficient, but they will probably have outlived their capacity by the time they're sold as used.