Replies

1. 
   Ryan1 | Sep 23, 2005 03:57pm | #1

   I'm not positive, but I don't think that there is a standard way of doing it.  I have seen some tools (cordless ones especially) that just have an "R" stamped in ink on the inside of the housing where the battery is inserted.

   But from what I can tell, they should be marked in some form or fashion, so just give it a good look over when in doubt.

    

   in vino veritas

2. 
   moltenmetal | Sep 23, 2005 06:30pm | #2

   The yellow devils we buy reconditioned actually have an R etched into the plastic cases with a dremel or a soldering iron.  One good thing about a reconditioned unit though- at least you KNOW that a real live person has plugged it in and pulled the trigger before putting it back in the box or bag!  We are using them in an industrial setting where nobody honours a warranty and the tools get burnt up pretty regularly.  The reconditioned units stand up at least as well as new product of the same brand in our experience.

1. 
   notrix | Sep 23, 2005 07:00pm | #3

   "The reconditioned units stand up at least as well as new product of the same brand in our experience."Ya know...I've often thought they could be better. One could argue they recon. tech spends a bit more time to make sure it's right. Since it's not a matter of just assembly and finger crossing it's diagnosing and they probably keep track of who did what and don't want it back a 2nd time as it's already being sold at a less profit margin.But still it sounds scary. Perhaps "hand tuned" or something would have us clamoring for the "hand tuned" model<G>.WA

3. 
   JohnT8 | Sep 23, 2005 07:51pm | #4

   I've noticed on many recon. tools an "R" after the model number.

   I've noticed that on DW recons, but I don't think it carries over to all brands.  IIRC, Bosch or some other brands actually tweaks the model number.  More than just adding an "R".

   Personally I have NO problem with reconditioned tools.  Bought a few of them and never had a problem.  As a couple other people pointed out, you've got the comfort of knowing a human actually checked it out, plus you've still got the warrenty.  All in all, you're probably less likely to have probs with a recon that a new one.

    

   jt8

   "Striving for excellence motivates you; striving for perfection is demoralizing."  --Harriet Braiker

4. 
   CHRIS13 | Sep 24, 2005 03:58am | #5

   A good friend and fellow tool junkie was a rep for a power tool company a few years and he told me that a lot of the tools that you can buy as Reconditioned are really what he refered to as Weekend Rentals. Nothing really wrong with them at all, just returned after the purchaser had gotten the job he needed done.

   Chris13

5. 
   dieselpig | Sep 24, 2005 04:32am | #6

   FWIW,  I love reconditioned tools.  In fact when buying a new tool, I always try to find a reconditioned one before a new one for some of the same reasons already mentioned.

   I'd say I've bought at least a dozen reconditioned power tools ranging from my $79 (regularly $99) little Dewalt cordless screw gun to my $379 (regularly $499)  Rigid portable tablesaw.  I've never had a problem with any of them not being up to snuff out of the box.  Some of them looked like they saw a job or two (at the most), but they all end up scuffed in a matter of a few weeks anyway.  Most have looked brand new and all have performed like new.

6. 
   Mitremike | Sep 24, 2005 09:05am | #7

   I have recon DW and in plastic tools the melt an R into them on metal body they use a sticker.

   IIRC if an outlet or retailer sells recon they have to be listed as such--it is a statuete (sp)

   Of course this doesn't apply out of a trunk---<g>

   I have a local Delta PC center and all the tools they sell are recon and each is clearly listed as such--I know they have the same model number just add R to the end like they add K for case suppied tools.

   I too have had success with recon tools--Built twice---

   Mike

   " I reject your reality and substitute my own"
   Adam Savage---Mythbusters

1. 
   Snort | Sep 24, 2005 04:21pm | #8

   My 18 V Bosch circular saw was recently extracted from my truck in the HD parking lot. Never did like it much, so of course, I replaced it with a reconditioned Bosch combo pack: jigsaw, planer & drill. They all have a reconditioned sticker on them.As an aside, anyone with an 18V Brute drill that clunks when it's in 2nd gear, and the trigger's released? I have another that's a couple of years old that doesn't. I got the clunker replaced, but the new recon clunks too. Do they all? "what's in a name?" d'oh!