Which power/shop tools would you NOT buy used?

[Photojosh]

As a beginner in the world of woodworking, I'm still picking up tools to build my workshop (though I've noticed that isn't the kind of thing that advanced woodworkers are immune to. Always something new to buy). I've got plenty of tools, but most are in the "framing home improvement" range. So I have a 1/4 sheet sander, but not a ROS for example.

Anyway, I realize that many larger tools (saws, planers, dril presses, etc) are regularly bought used. But what about smaller tools? Is it worth saving $30 to buy a smaller tool used? I mean, who couldn't use a few extra bucks? But nobody wants to waste time looking at tools if they are routinely junk when purchased used.

Example: there is a "used for one project" ridgid ROS on my local CL for $20. Assuming it's in decent shape, that's $40 cheaper than the refurb dewalt I was going to get. But should I just not bother? And if not, what other tools are in that same "don't bother" group?

[herb fellows]

re your example, I would go for it. You can pretty much tell if it's good or not on examination.
That would be my guiding principle. I think I would stick to current and brand names as much as possible though, in case you do need brushes or something else that is very replaceable. Nothing worse than having a paperweight/doorstop for lack of availability of a $5 part.

[cabinetman]

I agree with Herb. As for a ROS, check out whether it looks like it ever got dropped on the pad, or if it vibrates excessively. Note whether its a PSA or H&L mount. Some are changeable. Check the cord for defects and that the switch has a good feel for on and off.

For other small power tools, I usually take a chance on things like drills. I wouldn't buy sight unseen. I like the ability to test.
.

[sweensdv]

Anything cordless.

[Uncle Cracker]

I think in general I'd shy away from used HF power tools... It's a big enough gamble just getting them new, but at least then there's a warranty.

[radhak]

UC cracked it : I wouldn't rule out anything from any of the big brands, but HF and stuff, I'd rather get new or not at all.

And yes, like CM says, never be in such a hurry that you don't try out anything. I have two such tools that I regret : I picked up a craftsman disk/belt sander at somebody's parking lot at his work place; it makes such a noise starting up that I dread using it. Another is a PC belt sander that I just grabbed 'on my way out' from somebody's garage sale - just won't turn on. I plan to keep both of them for some time as a reminder to self not to be impetuous!

And there's always the percentage of savings - if you are saving less than 30%, you might as well wait for a thanksgiving sale and buy new. 50% is not too bad to shoot for either in these times.

[Mr__Bill]

I have to agree with sweensdv. Cordless tools are often sold because the battery is gone and the battery is often as expensive as a whole new tool.

As a rule of thumb, for me, at half the price of new it must look and act new, if it appears used but still serviceable then 10 to 25 percent of the new price. This is for power hand tools.

I never buy used with the idea that I can fix what is wrong with something. If it was easy to fix it would have been fixed and not sold. Needs a new blade is one thing but 'just drop in some bearings and it's a good as new' is another.

I avoid tools that were cheap in the first place and tools that look abused.


Bill, that's my opinion and I'll stick with it until I change my mind.

[Photojosh]

Makes perfect sense to me thus far.

As to HF, I can't imagine buying anything of theirs used. Particularly given that their new prices are so cheap anyway.

[dbhost]

I am going to take exception to the don't buy anything HF used. Northern Industrial is basically HF in a different paint color and higher price tag. I got my 16 speed Northern Industrial drill press for a song and it has been a real work horse...

I would avoid anything cordless for the reasons mentioned above, also sanders is something I avoid buying used. I have see too many people abuse the snot out of sanders and then sell them that I am not willing to take a risk...

Routers are iffy. Excellent new routers with full warranty can be had cheaply if you wait for sales. I got my KM12VC for $99.00 brand new...

I have purchased the following used, with mixed results.

Makita 1/4 sheet sander. Total P.O.S. that I regret buying.
Skil 15 amp circ saw. Loved that saw, somebody else wanted it more than I did though...
Skil corded drill. Burnt it up too quickly.
BT3100, happy as a clam with it.
Drill press. Happy as a clam with it, but would LOVE to upgrade to a Steel City 17"...

I have seen the same lathe I got from HF going used lately for $100.00, and the band saw for $150.00. Don't bother trying to buy their hand held power tools used. They are too cheap to bother getting them used...

Whatever you buy, make sure it works well before you plunk down your dollars for it!

[Photojosh]

I am going to take exception to the don't buy anything HF used. Northern Industrial is basically HF in a different paint color and higher price tag. I got my 16 speed Northern Industrial drill press for a song and it has been a real work horse...

This a good point. There is a price at which almost anything is probably worth taking a chance on. But in general I've got to go with the opnions above. The combo of HF's quality, "assemble it yourself", cheap price new, and knowing how the average person treats tools would make me pretty hesitant to buy much used from HF.

[dbhost]

This a good point. There is a price at which almost anything is probably worth taking a chance on. But in general I've got to go with the opnions above. The combo of HF's quality, "assemble it yourself", cheap price new, and knowing how the average person treats tools would make me pretty hesitant to buy much used from HF.

That's why I say don't bother buying a used HF handheld power tool. But in the case of my drill press, I got a drill press that they usually list for $299.99 and rarely goes on sale. If you figure the -20% for the coupon then figure I have to get a HUGE discount off of $240.00 to make it worth taking a shot at...

I got my drill press, complete with upgraded belts (The OEM ones were gone, and Gates belts were installed when I got it) for $75.00...

I figure I could sell it for parts for more than that...

Another example is of course the 32208 band saw. I got mine, I don't even recall for how much but I remember it was under $290.00 new with the extended warranty. After watching the ads, I see lots of these saws going for $150.00... A bit over my used HF band saw buy point, but apparently not everyones as it went within an hour of being posted...

Don't bother buying a used HF DC either. On sale they regularly hit the $140.00 mark for the 2 HP model.... To make taking a chance on a used one worth it the seller would have to knock the price down well under a C-note...

[tseavoy]

I was just looking in my shop for tools that I bought used:

South Bend 9" metal lathe (c. 1940). Has worked flawlessly
Old Sears cast iron drill press. Could stand a new motor, but is a solid piece of machinery.
Delta Rockwell 9" table saw (c. 1950-60). Can't imagine it failing.
Sears 12" bandsaw (c. 1950-1960). A little finicky to adjust, but has never failed.
B&D 1321 commercial quality 1/2" drill -- a brute.
Numerous had tools -- wood planes, slick (a very large chisel used in boatbuilding) chisels, etc. You may have to make a new handle and refurbish the blade, but for the price --
I recently bought a 10" table saw, sort of a noname saw for $20 I gave to my son. It works good, it just has a rather small table.
I've bought small stuff from Ebay, like Starrett micrometers, collets, collet closers, etc. I was buying high quality brands.
I have some HF tools that work well for me. I wouldn't buy any used though.

Tom on Marrowstone

PERSEVERANCE, n. A lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an inglorious success. Ambrose Bierce

[drillman88]

Anything that has seen contractor use needs to be looked at carefully. I have seen saws, nail guns and other tools take a real beating on jobsites. I generally only buy from people with home shops that take care of their tools or maybe are a little rough from not being used and just need a little clean up and tuning. I always test the tool the way I intend to use it, when I was looking for a table saw I took a 5/4 piece of oak and a good blade, if there was a problem it was the tools.
The only exception I have made was my Delta ts. I bought it for song from a contractor going out of business, the saw was in good shape and I knew the Unifence was worth what I gave for the saw.

[rnelson0]

The only ones I do not buy are the ones that look like they were left under the ocean for 3 years and someone has the audacity to say, "In good condition!"