Retail Rhapsody or In Rust We Trust?

scottg1952 · Oct 4, 2009

Since I am kind of new here, I am just wondering what the spread of accumulators is?
How many are strict new retail tool buyers compared to old-to-ancient scavengers?
Show of hands?
Majority of crossover (now/old and thensome), maybe?
I'm just curious.
yours Scott

krusty the clown · Oct 4, 2009

count me as a crossover ( not crossdresser)

speed bump · Oct 4, 2009

Depends I buy a lot of stuff used but if I can't buy it used ill buy new.

Rickster · Oct 4, 2009

98% used tools for me!

Uncle Buck · Oct 4, 2009

90% or more used. Never from the trucks though and more often when new it is from Sears, or even HF these days.

Packard V8 · Oct 4, 2009

If I have to buy a new tool or fastener, I count it as a personal failure to plan ahead. On the rare occasions when I do wander through a new tool store or section, I'm always shocked at the retail prices.

thnx, jack vines

senlow · Oct 4, 2009

I buy some new and some used.

If I can save some money and buy used, I will. That said, I take pride in my work and that filters down to my tools. So, I typically only buy tools that are in excellent condition, without owners marks. I also enjoy using vintage tools.

I buy new tools when I need them immediately. I have a reasonably complete tool selection. So, I no longer need to buy sets of tools. It's often more efficient to buy single wrenches or sockets new. I also prefer new when I buy "high wear" tools such as impact sockets.

StupidHippie · Oct 4, 2009

They make 'new' tools?

99% experienced hand tools and I -try- to buy new pneu and electric tools.

Rob

norry · Oct 4, 2009

back2class said:
I do think alot of it is how you are raised.

Yep, absolutely. We didn't have much when I grew up, so out of necessity, when I wanted good tools I had to buy used ones. Now it's just a habit, I buy used for practically everything except clothing (and of course food!) ... furniture, electronics, and tools I go the used route. Nothing like getting a superior product for a much lower price.

Elroy · Oct 4, 2009

Elroy tells me his box contains certain tools that were procured 100% new. Other categories being obtained used 100%.

The bottom line is a quality tool with a price is right tag. Nothing wrong with experienced tools. Rusty and bent tools don't come home especially if they're import. Then again less than 1% are import.

DOMESTIC is the brand for Elroy. Used is a minor consideration. Quality is a must.

Lookin4'67Galaxieconv · Oct 4, 2009

Maybe 80% used. Occasionally buy new at Sears or Harbor Freight.

rhandwor · Oct 4, 2009

Most of what I buy new is new tools that have just come out. Used aren't generally available for these applications. Otherwise I always try to buy used.
I even topped in a Mall parking lot to pick up a 19mm 1/2 drive impact Matco swivel socket.
Somebody apparently dropped this I was glad to find it.

senlow · Oct 4, 2009

StupidHippie said:
They make 'new' tools?

I -try- to buy new pneu and electric tools.

Rob

I think that should depend on what you are buying.

I have Sioux, Dotco, Cleco, Hutchins and other pneumatic tools that I bought used years ago and they are still going strong. Some of these are at least 40 years old.

I would never hesitate to buy a tool with a used Baldor motor. Unless the shaft is bent, or the windings are burnt.

I have a Powermatic drill press that was originally in an AT&SF railroad maintenance shop. It's still going strong on it's original motor.

I have no problem buying high quality used electric tools such as Milwawkee, Metabo, Hilti etc.

Now, in the case of cordless electric tools, I usually buy new. A used cordless tool usually comes with nearly worn out batteries. By the time you replace the batteries, it's seldom a good deal.

Underdog · Oct 4, 2009

Probably 70/30 Used/New. been going to local flea mkt. past two years to outfit new shop, that and CL. Problem with new is their is less and less good US made tools available. Example today picked up a pair of Peterson Vise-Grips in like new condition. Craftsman panel wrench's will be the next sought after tools, "who would thought it would come to this"?

Bolster · Oct 4, 2009

If I can't find it used in good condition, then new. Or if it's a tool that's risky to buy used (air tools, etc) then new. Or if it's something everyone's talking bout and my curiosity gets the best of me (F80, some Koken, some Toptul) then new.

Otherwise, vintage if possible.

I suppose the split is around 50-50, with power tools being new(ish) and hand tools being vintage(ish).

senlow said:
I have Sioux, Dotco, Cleco, Hutchins and other pneumatic tools that I bought used years ago and they are still going strong. Some of these are at least 40 years old.

Ja, but that's with YOU using them...someone who knows how to care for a tool. When I see a used pneumatic at the local Meximart, I wonder, has it ever seen oil?

WVU Tuba Dale · Oct 4, 2009

I'll take what I can get for the right price. I buy used when the item isnt rusty, bent, or generally abused.

jwitt · Oct 4, 2009

Mostly used now days. I tended to buy more new when I was making my living with them.

Jim

BackTracker · Oct 5, 2009

Truck brand = used. Craftsman, usually new. Generally I buy new if I NEED IT NOW and if that's the case sears is close by so it ends up craftsman all the way.

fatfillup · Oct 5, 2009

Until a year ago mostly new. Now, 99% used, mostly US or German made. As far as electric and air tools, I've had good and bad experience with used, More good than bad. I never buy a used air tool without a ****** in it and usually only buy when a deal is great. Most tools I buy are from guys that no longer turn wrenches, auctions from mechanics that have passed away, or someone who needs cash now. I've done well as long as the tools look in good shape. I have been burned a few times, mostly not paying attention.

jim m · Oct 5, 2009

Uncle Buck said:
90% or more used. Never from the trucks though and more often when new it is from Sears, or even HF these days.

yep the only way to go over 90% used . These days almost all used got my 5 year old and now my 3 grand kids ages 8 months 3 years and 7 extra money whats that

Jim

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