LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Reconditioned tools

2K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  hairy 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have bought a couple of reconditioned tools in the past and have been happy with them. I was wondering. Where do these tools come from; where do they go and who reconditions them. Since they are made offshore, do the returned tools go offshore to the factory, or are they serviced here? They seem to be very popular. When I go shopping for a reconditioned tool, they always seem to be out-of-stock. I'm currently looking for a Rigid belt/drum sander and a 15 amp router.
 
#2 ·
Sometimes, the "reconditioning" is little more than make sure the tool powers on, and wiping the dust off it. I worked in the tool rental dept at the big orange box for almost 8 years and did that more than once.
 
#3 ·
It would be extremely hard for me to believe they would go offshore for service and then back here for resale. I ones returned as defective as re repaired and checked, others just look to see everything is there. They still come with a warranty (maybe not quite as long as a new one) , so if parts are missing or it doesn't work you have recourse. It is a catch as catch can deal, if you see something you want and the discount is right (20% off list is not enough!) jump on it.
 
#4 · (Edited by Moderator)
I really can't help with this question for a proper answer, as I've never bought a re-conditioned tool before…When I buy one, I buy new, as most all tools come with some kind of warrenty, wheather short or longer…..I don't want to buy someone elese's problem…....Even though they have been looked at, worked on, and ready to sell, I still prefer buying new…....
 
#5 ·
Reconditioned tools I have bought came with a full year's warranty and new batteries. I still don't know who is doing the reconditioning; maybe a third party? It's getting more hard to find good tools at any price. 40+ years ago, tools were made to last and are still in service today. You can't say that about today's tools that may only last a year or so. I have a B&D router that is at least 40 years old and still works like new. I also have a B&D 10" miter saw that is about 30 years old. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles of the new saws, but it still works well. I have the first Makita 9.6V cordless drill that has to be over 40 years old and still works like new. I could go on and on about the old tools I own. How about a 75 year old Delta drill press that sees daily use. If you have any old tools and they work well, don't be tempted to trade them in for the "latest and greatest", unless you just like to throw money away. I got a little off track with this OP. Maybe I will create a blog on tool buying.
 
#6 ·
I knew a contractor once, who was short of funds, and when he needed a special tool, would just charge one at the lumberyard, and when finished, would return it. They could not sell the returned tool as new, so hence the reconditioned designation. Bet there is a lot of that going on. There was nothing wrong with the tools, just lack of funds for purchasing.
 
#7 ·
Like Jim says…
I worked at a tool house several years ago. Contractors would buy a tool for a specific job and then return it for a refund, when the job was done. It was the company policy to refund money if the customer wasn't happy. Personally,I thought it was unethical.
It would get shipped back to the manufacturer. Off shore, I don't recall.
I would have no problem buying a reconditioned machine…
 
#8 ·
I have no problem with buying reconditioned tools as long as:
-They are from a reputable manufacturer, and
-There is a valid manufacturers warranty with service conveniently available to you.

Starting out with an off-brand item, then adding the uncertainty of questionable service is a bad bet.

Ron
 
#9 ·
I once bought a reconditioned 1/2" Bosch hammer drill from a dealer that sold new and reconditioned. I think that with him being an authorized repair center, he fixed one that someone got a replacement for, then sold it. It was a little more than 1/2 price. It lasted about a year of light to moderate use. I won't go that route again.
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top