3 Steps to Buy the Right Used Power Tools

Power tools are an important part of your business. But for a business owner or manager who uses tools often and works them hard, the expense of keeping up with your needs can really add up. One great way to keep costs in check is to purchase used tools. While this may not be your first instinct, you can find excellent deals on quality power tools and equipment that fit your needs.

Ready to head out shopping for your next set of used power tools? Here is a short guide to finding the best tools at the right price.

1. Stick With What You Know

Most people who use tools regularly know the brands they trust. Stick with this instinct and trust your experience when shopping for a bargain. Because you take a slightly higher risk when buying used, don't experiment with unknown manufacturers or discount brands.

Research your favorite brands at retail stores before you shop. Look for modern versions and note the particular features you really need - as well as a few that you want. Compare pricing on new models which you can use as a base on older ones. And keep an eye out for transferable warranty programs, which add value to a used purchase. Finally, comparison shop at more than one used location too.

2. Use Reputable Sellers

Shoppers of used items know that there will be a huge variety of quality and prices among various sellers. You may see some incredible deals, but they may also be on very low-quality or nonworking equipment. Save yourself a lot of time and trouble by focusing your shopping on reputable used item sellers.

Pawn shops are a good source, for example, because they only purchase items that work well and are of good enough quality to be attractive to buyers. They also often back up purchases with good faith and are at a fixed location. Pawn shop workers are also knowledgeable and will be able to answer any questions you have.

Online auctions, on the other hand, have little guarantee of long-term value and sometimes a difficult process for trying to resolve any resulting issues. Similarly, one-time sellers (such as garage sales) aren't the most reliable sources of good items.

3. Get Up Close and Personal

Inspect all power tools before putting down any money. Even if the item is guaranteed to work, you also want to check out its parts. Avoid items with frayed cords, rust or visible body damage, a motor that doesn't run smoothly, or missing safety features. Make sure any battery chargers also work and that any important accessories are included.

A worker's relationship with their tools is a personal one, so test out the equipment in your own hands and with your style. How does it feel? How does it handle? How is the weight? These questions are particularly important if you aren't familiar with this model or manufacturer.

Consider bringing along a test item - such as a simple board - on which to test the tool's function so you can see how it fits with your style. If the tool just doesn't feel right, don't override your gut instinct. You want to make a good purchase that will satisfy you for a long time.  

If you know how to shop for used tools, you'll soon find that a whole new world of savings and quality has been opened up. Start today by visiting the inventory at 2 J's Pawn & Gun. Our inventory of tools and related equipment is always changing, so you're sure to find exactly what you need. You may never need to buy a brand new power tool again.