Tool budget getting tight, as a way of getting more bang for the buck, was considering reconditioned tools. The Dewalt 18 volt angle drill goes for about 40 dollars less reconditioned.
So what are your thoughts and experiences with reconditioned tools?
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Replies
Picked up a recon rotozip inthe Spring. Not enough miles on it yet to see how long it will last, but OK so far.
Our shop has replaced nearly every one of our 6 cordless drill at least once. many were replaced with reconditioned ones. That said, I hate picking up a tool that does not work...or worse yet works unpredictably. The luck i've had with the ones i used was not very good. coursing on and off, sticky or malfunctioning transmissions. The reconditioned batteries didn't seem to fair much better lasted about 9 months.
I've not bought reconditioned in quite a while but when I was pondering the same question I came across several comments relating to cordless tools.....
While the tool itself was usually in good shape most folks complained about the condition of the batteries.... not holding charge and the like, if you already have several DW 18v batteries for your other gear, then this might not be a concern.
I bought a "rebuilt" Paslode trim nailer several years ago at eBay, the seller explained that the original buyer used it, had problems, and returned to the store.... they sent it back to the shop for repairs (cleaned it up and checked it out as OK) When I received the gun it was in excellent condition and has worked beautifully as one would expect from a new gun.
Many reconditioned tools are just returns from those suffering from buyers remorse..... that are checked out and cleaned up and quite often carry the same warranty as new.
I have wondered if reconditioned tools went through a better inspection than the tools comming off the line.
I've had good (but limited) but limited luck with recons so far. I'm pretty sure dieselpig buys mostly recons now.
Common theory is that was each tool has to be gone over individually in order to ensure it works. Plus, they almost always come with the full manufacturer's warranty.
I have some recon Dewalt stuff. It all looked new when I got it, and has worked fine. I think you're perfectly safe buying it.
Bubbajames,
I've bought Bosch recon routers and sanders from http://www.cpotools.com and have had no problems. All looked as new, worked fine, and have the full manufacturer's warranty. Saved a bunch of money too. I think you'll be happy.
Steve
There are two secrets to keeping one's wife happy.
1. Let her think she's having her own way.
2. Let her have her own way. President Lyndon Baines Johnson
I've never bought from CPO Bosch, but I am considering it. Their Money Back Guarantee is a little odd though.
"Money Back Guarantee
We are committed to customer satisfaction. All our products are covered by CPO’s 30 Day Money Back Guarantee. If you aren’t happy with your purchase, send it back unused within 30 days, and we will refund the amount of the merchandise ordered. All returns will be assessed a 15% restocking fee, unless the product is damaged or defective. Please note that CPO’s 30 Day Money Back Guarantee is for the amount of the merchandise ordered and does not cover any additional expenses related to installation, materials, etc. The customer is responsible for the return shipping costs unless an incorrect or defective product was shipped. Click here for more information on our return policy."
It's the third sentence that is a little troubling to me. How will I know if I'm happy with my purchase if I haven't used it yet?
Boiler,
I wasn't worried. I bought a fixed base/plunge combination router, a 5" ros, a 1/4 sheet finish sander, and a detail sander. All were perfect and remain so to this day (1 1/2 years later). If concerned about clumsy wording, call their customer service desk and talk it over with them. As I said, I got excellent products, and saved a bunch of money. They seem to be good people.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah. Just enjoy, have fun, and stay safe.
SteveThere are two secrets to keeping one's wife happy.
1. Let her think she's having her own way.
2. Let her have her own way. President Lyndon Baines Johnson
Every reco I have bought has functioned just like a new one.
Welcome to the
Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime.
where ...
Excellence is its own reward!
the same here...
but they were Bosch and Milwaukees...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
At least half of the battery tools and most corded tools we have purchased over the years are recon. I have had one PC air compressor with a valve that leaks occasionally and I could have gotten it fixed but didn't. My fault. DanT
My first real cordless drill was an 18 volt Dewalt that was a recon. Lasted over 5 years. I finally snapped the chuck off it. If I remember right I paid under $180 for it, 2 batteries, charger and case. It was one of my better tools for the money.
I also bought my new Makita 18 volt kit reconditioned and haven't had an issue yet.
If your tool budget is tight you might look into a corded version of what you want. I realize now that I am rarely too far from an outlet to plug in. The cordless is great for small tasks where breaking out a cord isn't realistic.
Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
" new Makita 18 volt kit reconditioned and haven't had an issue yet. .... The cordless is great for small tasks "Ahem - if all you use an 18V Makita for is the small tasks, you have issues!;)
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
Small meaning a handful of screws or whatever it might be. Something that running a cord for would take as much time as just doing it cordless.
If I get into something I'll be running tons of screws then the corded tools come out of the truck. Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
There was a joke there someplace
Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!
I knew there was, I just wanted to clarify what I meant by small tasks or jobs. Woods favorite carpenter
FKA- Stilletto
I've added onto my 18 v Dewalt line up by buying some items(like the drill you're talking about) on E Bay.
You can get a really good buy on the bare tool- no batteries included, but if you have that platform and extra batteries than that might be something for you to look into.
I bought 5 tools that way several years ago. You can catch batteries at 2 for $99 quite often.
I've never bought any cordless recons, but have Dewalt SCMS and table saws that I bought recon'd. Have worked flawlessly for years.
http://grantlogan.net/
Have not bought anything mechanical new for over 15 years, tools, appliances, trucks, whatever. Have not even bought a new pair of shoes for > 15 years.
Know people who consider it beneath their pride to buy anything used.
Have found that if I buy a 'broken' tool at a garage sale or such, it is nearly always easy to fix and then I know exactly how it has been 'reconditioned'. The ones that cannot be easily repaired go in the spare parts bin, so you have nearly free parts for the next one you find.
Fer instance, this summer found an 18 V and 2 12V Dewalt drills and 8 batteries, probable total cost was $10 for all. One only needed contacts cleaned, did replace all battery cells, the 18 V ahd been left in hte rain and the clutch needed to be dsassembled and cleaned, now work like new. etc. etc.
Goals on buying 'broken' tools is never more than 10% of retail cost, often 1% or even free. Ya gotta enjoy going and treat going to garage sales as a hobby and recreation though.
Some tools, such as Sears RAS, can make you $192 hr for your effort - guy sold me a RAS for $20 this summer, even after I told him he could get $100 for the motor from Emerson. Didn't want to bother. 5 minutes to load in the truck, 15 min to take the motor and carriage off, 5 minutes to e-mail in the claim to Emerson. $80 for 25 min work. Waited 10 weeks for the check though. Like new 40 T Freud blade a bonus, etc.
Appliance example also - the typical nearly unused microwave oven on a 'free' pile at a garage sale usually only needs a microswitch remounted - one of the most common infant mortality items.
I've bought reconditioned tools, usually stuff that I don't use everyday but are still nice to have when you need them.
This computer and monitor where both reconditioned when I bought them.
Reconditioned tools are always my first choice. You save some bucks and still get the full warranty. I've never received a reconditioned tool that looked like it had more than a day's use on it and most appear to be in 'brand-new' condition. I've also never had a reconditioned tool that I had to return... to be re-reconditioned. You get the added benefit of knowing that another set of eyes and hands have inspected your tool before you've received it. I've probably bought 25 or 30 reconditioned power tools over the years... from nailers, to drills, to compressors, circ saws, recips, a tablesaw... you get the picture... and have yet to have a bad experience.
Can you please tell me where you get your recon tools from
Thanks
Zeeya
All over really Zeeya. I've bought them off the internet at ToolKing.com, HeavyDutyTools.net, and CPO Bosch. I've also bought them from my local tool store (New Hampshire Tool Outlet) and even bought a Rigid tablesaw reconditioned at Home Depot.View Image
Thanks appreciate the infoZeeya
I bought a couple of reconditioned Makita drills from
http://www.toolking.com
Good prices, but when you buy something, you get a spam from them at least every week.
Casey
Thanks for the link BT hasen't been sending message notifications so I just got this
All good.
Bosch DBCMS 10", Dewalt 745 and most recently the Dewalt tile saw.
Like I said, all good and saved a ton of wheat!
[email protected]
I bought a reconditioned DW drill. The first thing that caught my eye was the inspection sticker: "Inspected whit pride." Yup - they mis-spelled "with."
Within a few uses, the drill had a sudden change in sound. It felt 'old.' The batteries seemed to need rebuilding sooner than expected.
I still have that drill, and it continues to work fine. Yet, for my own piece of mind, I'd rather pay a few more $$$$ for the piece of mind.
Usually factory recons come with a warranty. Go for it.
I've generally had good luck with reconditioned tools, except two from CPO Bosch. First was a Bosch Colt router with a faulty spindle lock. I later learned it's a design problem with the Colt. The local Bosch store fixed it quickly for no charge. The other problem tool was a Bosch 1/4 sheet sander. I returned it and bought a new one that worked fine. Other recon tools from CPO have been fine. I'll keep buying reconditioned tools when the price is right.
billy
I have noiticed that it seems to be more DeWalt recons put there then any other tools.
Maybe that's why I have started to buy Bosch and Milwaukies.
Nailer
I started buying reconditioned tools about 6 years ago and at least 30% of my tools are recons. I have not had any problems with any of my recons so far. Among the brands of recons that I own are Bosch, Porter-Cable, DeWalt, and Delta.
One thing you may want to consider if you are looking for an 18v DeWalt angle drill is buying the bare tool (no case, charger, or batteries) if you already have DeWalt 18v batteries and chargers. I have quite a few batteries and often buy bare tools, usually new, on eBay. I think I gave around $80 for a DeWalt 18v angle drill plus postage.
I bot the Bosch 4000 portable table saw, the bosch 1587 jig saw and the roto zip as reconditioned tools. All have performed well. I had an issue with the table saw starting, but since I posted that on this forum, it's run fine. I bot all from CPO bosch. I am aware that experience with their staff has been wide ranging, to say it nicely. My experience was excellent. and I will buy my next tool from them when the time comes. ( makita sawzall). I just don't need it yet.
"The nearest thing to eternal life we will ever see on this earth is a governmental program" -Ronald Reagan
I had a bad experience with a Porter Cable hammer drill. The electronics in the switch suks and remains sukky to this day.
Bob's next test date: 12/10/07
Only bought 1 battery powered refurb: a DW XRP drill driver complete with battery (1) & charger. Still works some 12 months later. Not a pro user so I usually have to recharge batteries due to lack of use before a project.
As far as corded tools, I would buy w/o hesitation from the factory outlet sites. Did well over the years with both DW and B&D industrial grade (B&D closed their factory & outlet in Ontario many years ago.
Have bought tools at garage sales and occasionally at 2nd hand/pawn shops and never regretted it. Never -yet - bought a dud.