Would you/Do you buy reconditioned tools

[mschrank]

Given the choice, I usually will buy reconditioned power tools. Besides considerable money savings, the items I've purchased have always looked brand new and carry the same warranty as new.

Also, to my way of thinking, I know that the unit has been individually inspected for quality vs. non-reconditioned units which might get a quick once-over before being packaged.

If you answer "No", I'm interested in hearing why.

[Ed62]

I haven't bought reconditioned tools, but I wouldn't have a problem doing so. Of course, the difference in cost would dictate whether or not I'd buy new or reconditioned.

Ed

[LCHIEN]

I voted "if the price savings is substntial"

I think, that recon tools are the result of returns that may or may not be broken. In some cases the tool worked fine but the buyer had regret or change of mind. In other cases the tool broke or was DOA and may have had to be repaired, or possibly was returned missing pieces that are replaced. Original packaging may be missing.

In the event missing pieces are replaced and or simply returned slightly used with regrets or change of mind then its OK. - probably the majority of units are htis way.

But, if the unit was DOA or broke, then there's a small chance that the unit may have either additional latent defects or intermittent problems that were not caught by a quick check. That's why I need a guarantee and some major discount for the risk.

Similar for electroncis as well as tools.
Electronics has more chance for intermittents, but I think also a lot more chnaces that it was returned because the original purchaser was too dumb to use it.

[gwyneth]

I voted "if the price savings is substntial"

I did too, but I think this option would have been better phrased as "depending on price and estimation of quality (experience with/reputation of reconditioning company, warranty)".

Mostly I agree with Loren about reconditioned electronics, but there are two differences: safety issues and mechanical components.

Clearly a badly reconditioned power tool could kill somebody. Also, most electronics these days have virtually no mechanical components, so reconditioned electronics almost certainly have new boards popped in everywhere they'd be in doubt.

The combination of safety and the presence of mechanical components that could affect that safety means that a bad reconditioning job is much more of a problem with tools than electronics.

[ragswl4]

I will purchase re-conditioned tools if they are covered by the original factory warranty for the same time frame as a new tool. I would not purchase if the original warranty were for 1 year and the re-conditioned was warranted for 90 days. I agree with Loring that the majority of these tools are most likely from buyers remorse or couldn't figure out how to use it.

In addition the price break must be substantial, at least 40% less than new. I see some re-conditioned tools (Dewalt in particular) that are discounted only 10-15%. For that, I would buy new.

I think there is little risk is buying re-conditioned if the warranty is there. I'm gonna scratch it anyway the first time I use it so minor cosmetics are not a detractor.

[LinuxRandal]

Given the choice, I usually will buy reconditioned power tools. Besides considerable money savings, the items I've purchased have always looked brand new and carry the same warranty as new.

Also, to my way of thinking, I know that the unit has been individually inspected for quality vs. non-reconditioned units which might get a quick once-over before being packaged.

If you answer "No", I'm interested in hearing why.

I voted the closest answer to what I would have said. Based on price, doesn't neccasarily have to be substanial.

However they DON'T always carry the same warranty/service as new. Ridgid is a prime example. Refurbished Don't qualify for the lifetime service agreement. Others I 've seen or delt with in the past were likewise (some as little as 30-90 days warranty, thankfully I don't think they are even around anymore).

[skruffy]

I voted Maybe, but for me it depends on the warranty as well as the savings. For example you can save on a Ridgid cordless drill by getting a recon, but the warrnty is 90 days if I remember right compared to the normal lifetime warranty. But if it's closer and I can save a few bucks, sure.

[HarmsWay]

I voted maybe, but in the case of cordless tools probably never because battery packs can be abused and damaged and still pass inspection. Plus, if they are rebuilt, I'd guess they use the cheapest cells they could get. Good pack life starts with good quality cells that are matched (same batch).

Bob

[Knottscott]

I've bought a reconned MW router and PC roofing nailer. Both worked great and were substantially less expensive. The router looked new, and the nailer was fine.

[JSCOOK]

A few other optional answer might have helped ... I answered ys if substainal savings ... but I think this is pending the price range of the product ... and the type of tool as well ...

[Handy Al]

I bought a re-conditioned PC circular saw from the Porter-Cable Service Center. Looked ran like new.

I bought a re-conditioned Dewalt 12V drill at a store's annual tool tent sale. The 1st one looked like it had been used hard, to the numbers were worned off the chuck. Took it back and found another that look like new.

I think it depends where you by it.

[Martin]

Several years ago, my 1/4 B&D electric drill was damaged in my suitcase when I was returning from a field trip. I took it to the B&D service center. The clerk replaced it from the inventory of "seconds". The replacement was new, in a box. The man at the service center said they company stocked a certain number of "seconds", and they usually didn't have enough repaired items to be listed as seconds, so the manufacturer would just pull a few hundred new ones off the line to box as "seconds". Since then, I have bought several tools as seconds or factory reconditioned, and had very good service from each of them except for the batteries in a cordless drill.

[sparkeyjames]

I'll take the recon every time. Most recons are checked over pretty well. At least by the bigger names like PC, Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch etc. Recons from the so called also rans like B&D Sears and Skil and many many lower rung players are to be avoided in my opinion.
I own a recon'd Dewalt 12" CMS and a Delta 6" Grinder and they have been flawless.


Jim

[TheRic]

I voted "Maybe, if the price savings is substantial" I don't have a problem with buying reconditioned products, as was mentioned before, they are normally looked over better then when they come new.

How much of a savings and what the item is makes a big difference. Also make sure the warranty is the same or better (had it happen once). If not the same warranty then something that is really reduced in price.

I will buy damaged things if the feature that is bad is something I don't care about. Or if I feel pretty confident that I can easily fix the problem. I do look at the time/cost it would take to fix VS savings.

[Uncle Cracker]

I have no problem with saving money on recon tools, with the caveat that the savings should be generous, and I must know by whom the recon is done, and the extent of the warranty backing.