Refurbished Tools

[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?