Buying Reconditioned Tools

Buying Reconditioned Tools

If you’re operating on a limited budget for your power tool purchases, you may want to consider buying reconditioned tools. Reconditioned tools are normally power tools that were returned by their original purchaser due to some sort of mechanical defect. Whether purchasing reconditioned tools is a good idea can depend on who did the reconditioning, what type of warranty is being offered, and what’s included in the package being bought.

Reconditioned Tool Retailers

In most cases new tools with problems are sent back to the original manufacturer where they are inspected, repaired, and tested to ensure they meet the advertised specifications of similar new models. If a tool is found to still be defective in some area, it is not offered for resale; however, the majority of tools can be corrected and are sold as reconditioned tools.

Just about all major power tool manufacturers have a reconditioned tool program including companies such as Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, and Hitachi. Once they have determined the tools meet the proper specifications, they are then sent to authorized retailers where they can be sold to the general public.

Buying a tool that has been reconditioned by the technicians of the original manufacturer is pretty much the same as purchasing a new tool, but you’re receiving a discount. If you purchase a locally reconditioned tool, you’re taking a chance unless you know the repair-person or they have received excellent reviews from previous customers. In many instances these types of reconditioned tools have received a lot of use and eventually stopped working – the repair-person replaced the parts needed to get the tool operating again, but many of the other parts are still well-worn.

Reconditioned Tool Warranties

Warranties on factory reconditioned tools can vary based on the manufacturer, the type of tool, and what was wrong with it prior to being repaired, but in most cases the power tools have warranties the same as if they were new. It can be a good idea to verify that this is the case prior to purchasing any reconditioned power tool.

Warranties offered on locally reconditioned tools are often very short due to the amount of use the tool has already received.

Reconditioned Tool Packages

Before purchasing a reconditioned tool it’s always a good idea to check to see what it comes with as you may discover you’re not receiving all the parts needed to operate it. Even factory reconditioned tools may not be sold with all the pieces offered in the original package, but this is usually reflected in the price you pay. A battery powered reciprocating saw or drill that was originally sold in a combo kit with several batteries, a charger and some blades or bits might be sold as a reconditioned tool without any of those accessories. Purchasing blades or bits isn’t a big issue and you may already own some that can be used, but the tool is useless without a battery or charger.

This can be a great deal if you happen to already own batteries and chargers that will work with the tool, but if you don’t; you’ll need to purchase them before being able to put the tool to any use.

Reconditioned tools can be a great way to save money on your power tools, but always know who did the reconditioning, what type of warranty is offered, and exactly what’s included with the tool.