Buy Cheap Used Tools and Toolboxes
It’s a fact of life. Whether we like it or not, tools are and will be expensive. Once you get to the specialized and professional-grade end of the spectrum, the tools get even pricier. They’re really an investment that you have to make because you’ll be using them for a lot of jobs in the long run. It’s just like having a car; if you really want quality, you go to the dealership, pick out a brand new car that’s within your budget, and then somehow afford it.
But like cars, tools can be purchased secondhand, too. Pre-owned tools or used tools have been mainstays on eBay for a long time and even brick and mortar pre-owned tool shops are on the rise as well. Getting secondhand or used tools will really save you a lot of money as long as you know what you’re looking for and how to look for it.
Looking on the ‘Net
The internet is a great place to find used tools. eBay has an entire section dedicated to tools, and many users there do sell and even specialize in selling secondhand stuff. The great thing about buying used tools on eBay is that security and buyer satisfaction is a priority of many in the trading community. Thus, any reputable seller you find will be willing to give you an entire range of payment and shipping options to suit your preferences. You also won’t find yourself guessing about what you’re buying because eBay sellers are very often well-stocked with photographs and specification sheets.
Aside from eBay, there are some online retailers in the United States (and even some other places in North America) that specialize in buying and selling pre-owned or used tools. Just do a quick Google search, and you’re sure to find at least a couple of them. Many of those sellers buy used tools from craftsmen who are retiring or are replacing their tools. It shouldn’t come as any surprise that you’ll be able to find a lot of unique pieces with pre-owned tool retailers. Professional-grade tools are plenty, and you can even find some unique ones like handmade or vintage tool kits. If you think the seller’s reputable and you’ve got several dollars to spare, give it a try. You won’t even need to get out of your seat.
Shopping Around
You can also do your own shopping around for your first (or next) set of pre-owned or used tools. Garage sales are usually a great place to start if you’re looking for pre-owned anything, and that includes tools. There are many homeowners out there who are selling entire toolboxes because they’re moving or because they’ve got spares. Take advantage of the opportunity because many such homeowners are selling pre-owned (and, very often, barely used) tools at great prices, even as low as 40% of the original retail price. Drive around and look for announcements for garage sales, or just pay a visit to the nearest flea market. You’ll never know what you might find.
If you’re not comfortable with the idea of bargain hunting at garage sales and flea markets, there’s still hope. ReTool, a chain of retailers specializing in pre-owned tools, already has several brick and mortar stores across Detroit, Minneapolis and Texas. ReTool’s staff can help you pick out the right tool that you need for the job, and just like any other store, you can test your new discovery before purchasing it. Because ReTool offers such used tools at less than half the original price, you’ll feel like you just struck tool gold.
Posted in Tools