New vs. Used Tool Value

[Junkman]

When buying a tool, such as a Snap On ratchet, do you value a new tool more than a excellent condition used tool? I see a lot of Snap On tools on ebay that are selling in the same price range as similar tools on these forums. I would prefer to support a forum member whenever possible, but most times by the time that I see the ad, the tool is sold or someone else is also communicating with the seller to buy it. For the most part, there are very few tools that I need, and the only things that peak my interest are those specialty items that I feel that would make life a little easier for me while working on my old cars. Thanks for your thoughts... Junk...

 

[tonydanzah]

i kind feel if its not sold from snap on its used, no matter the condition

 

[Junkman]

Some Snap On tools haven't been made in many years, and you can't find them on the truck any longer. This is one of the problems with specialty tools.

 

[Packard V8]

Junkman, that's a very vague and open ended question.

Yes, I value new more than used. Who wouldn't?

No, new is not more cost-effective for the casual user. I've been buying used Snap-on for fifty years. They were and are still my choice. However, unless one is using them in a high-dollar-per-hour environment, or is independently wealthy, Snap-on new prices just don't compute.

I've got a box full of specialty tools I'd never have bought new and may never use. However, just yesterday, I pulled out a tool I'd never used and it was the only thing in the shop which would accomplish the task. Glad I made a home for them.

jack vines

 

[zessin]

yea i hate it when theres snap on in plastic selling for retail or more on ebay. i always check snap on price before i bid on item because alot of the time on ebay id rather spend a extra $20 with for a brand new ratchet then a used one on ebay. and imo 50% of the snap on screw drivers that are still availibe are cheaper from snap on brand new.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I'm cheap, so if I can find a good used item for less money than new I'll buy it instead.

 

[woody 73]

New versus used that is a tough question I would think 99.999% percent of the people would go for the option of new over used.

Don't get me wrong I hate buying a used tool be it electrical,air ,battery or hand tool and then the tool in question falls apart soon after buying it, trust me that is not fun!

Never being a rich person I have spent my life buying mostly used items,maybe if I hit the big one I might buy some new things but for me I still get much enjoyment out of old tools in good condition.

 

[JeremyManning]

As soon as u take the new tool home it is used, if I can't find it used and I need it I will buy new or items that wear out eg drill

 

[Scooterfish]

I think there is a thread around here about the used price is dropping on the used SO 9-- series ratchets. Tool truck dealers were offering trade in of $10 for 9-- towards the the new duel 80s. So for $10-30 you could have a nice ratchet for casual home use.

 

[mrholeshot]

Some used Snap-On products are better than the new ones. The fact is the first time you put a socket on a ratchet or wrench to bolt it's used. I never really had the time to shop for used tools when I worked so I bought mostly new (unless someone walked in with used tool to sell). The only value I ever really placed on a tool was how well it does the job.

 

[Blk63Vette]

Hello
I like snap on tools. All my Snap on ratchets are USED expect for one. I have gotten some good deals on used Snap on tools on ebay. I scored Snap On F720 3/8 ratchet and SF720 1/2 ratchet on Ebay for 20 bucks. The owner claimed both were "broken" and needed repair kits...Turns out the SF720 just had dried up grease in it and needed to be cleaned and regreased and works prefectly. F720 needed a rebuild kit and it works prefectly..Mind you they have scratches and nicks in them..I like the patina on them..I bought a Cornwell 3/8 ratchet at a flea market for 3 bucks..It was JUNK inside but a GJ menber bushhawg73 helped me out. I sent the guts of the ratchet to him and he exchanged at work for new guts..I put the new guts in and thanks to bushhawg73 the ratchet works flawlessly (thanks again bushhawg73 ) Again has alot of Patina but I like them like that..I like the history...I bought some Craftsman U series 1/2 and 3/8 ratchets off ebay for 20 bucks..Both again supposeable "dont work"..Turns out they had very very old grease in them..Once grease was removed (soaked it out) they worked prefectly. They are kinda rare made between 1940-41 for the war..Its amazing they lasted this long and work GREAT..

I have nothing against new tools (I like them too)..But, I more inclined to buy a used Snappy,Craftsman, and Cornwell or any USA made tool at the "right" price!!

 

[peterbilr98]

i have a lot of bolth new and used iv found some items on ebay go for as much as new or close to it in those cases i just buy new but i have got some 50% off deals on some major snap on items on ebay.

 

[Fedwrench]

I prefer used at half price. It's kind of like buying a new car, the depreciation once it leaves the lot is huge. That's how I feel about used tool pricing regardless of whose name is on the tool. Another aspect is that tools are meant to be used and scratches like scars on a mechanics hands, show character and experience. I'm not buying jewerly and the closest my tools get to a polishing is a wipe down after a bath in the cuda.

 

[billymade]

I prefer used; I don't see many situations where new makes any difference... once you use it, it is "used". All the complaints on here about the price of pro tools; really become less of a issue when purchased used: "I will continue to buy pro tools at prices that are many times cheaper, then new less quality tools!" Get used, get pro and what a pleasure it is to use these tools!

 

[canuckian]

I buy used at 50% or less or NOS whenever possible but I have to admit, I do enjoy my visits to the Snap On truck. I don't think I've ever gotten off that truck empty-handed! Most of the tools I buy new are usually smaller items that normally go on Ebay for 80%+ of new price. Just today I picked up a GA358 air chuck for less than $30 with tax off the truck. Saw the same one go used on Ebay a couple weeks ago for $31 plus shipping. I think the fact that it has a hard handle may have something to do with the high auction price. Same thing with the PWCS7 wire stripper/crimpers (awesome tool, by the way!) I bought last week. $45 off the truck vs. $50 BIN on Ebay plus shipping......new FTW! The online Snap On catalogue is a great tool in itself!!

 

[Gregg33]

Like others alluded to, in a shop environment, often times you don't have the time or ambition to search for used tools. One problem with buying used, especially bargain shopping at places like flea markets is that sets are hard to find. I'm sure if you go off of eBay or buy from a mechanic you won't have that problem, but prices will be much higher and closer to new. I guess in an ideal world you'd always want new, but if you can't afford it and you got the time to search for used stuff, it is a great alternative.

Also, to me there is some value or sentimentality in using old tools, especially the real vintage stuff. How cool is it that I can turn a bolt on my race car using an old Mossberg socket that some guy that has long since went to a better place used on a Model T. Maybe I'm strange, but to me that's totally cool! Although for a tech, I'm sure your main thing is just getting the job done.

 

[johnsdeere850j]

i have a lot of bolth new and used iv found some items on ebay go for as much as new or close to it in those cases i just buy new but i have got some 50% off deals on some major snap on items on ebay.

That is one nice day cab pete you got there bud..

 

[GDA]

Nope. The minute I have to use a new tool and have to slide it across the garage floor to work on the other side a "new" or used one becomes all the same to me.

So, I prefer to buy used tools with a solid patina on them at a highly discounted price from new.

 

[leod]

i like to buy both if you get a new tool on sale, it's about the same price as used

 

[Junkman]

Thanks for the responses. The reason that I asked, is that I come across almost new Snap On tools in my travels, and whenever possible, I have been buying them at a discount from the Snap On website prices. I was just wondering how much additional value an almost new or new tool had to the average person on these forums, as compared to a used tool showing many years of use, or what some call patina. When I fist started wrenching over 50 years ago, every tool I owned was used from guys getting out of the business. It was all that I could afford, and sometimes it was more than I could afford. As an example, today, I came across a set of Open End, 4-Way Angle Head (7 pcs.) (3/8" to 3/4") Stock #: VS807B that sells for $234 on the Snap On website. Except for some light scratches from being in a tool box, they are like new. What would you say would be a good price or a percentage of retail to pay for them? Some I would be buying to keep, and others I would be selling. Many times, I have to package a lot of tools to get a decent price on the lot from the sellers.

 

[wchamberlain]

As an example, today, I came across a set of Open End, 4-Way Angle Head (7 pcs.) (3/8" to 3/4") Stock #: VS807B that sells for $234 on the Snap On website. Except for some light scratches from being in a tool box, they are like new. What would you say would be a good price or a percentage of retail to pay for them? Some I would be buying to keep, and others I would be selling. Many times, I have to package a lot of tools to get a decent price on the lot from the sellers.[/QUOTE]

Junk,

Alot of it depends on the ebay market. Sometimes stuff will be sky high and sometimes, people don't wanna spend money at all. For instance the ebay market ***** sometimes, I'm selling that 18pc Mac pick set B/N for $150 shipped, Mac list is $210, that's saving $60 on a B/N product, just depends on peoples wants and needs I suppose

That angle set you speak of, I would say $140-160 tops. It is open, that's the determining factor for me, but then again it depends on what your limit is.

 

[wafrederick]

I have bought used Snap On ratchets on Ebay and did good.I bought two of them in 1/2 drive that had to go to the SO dealer down the road in my area,the guts inside were junk and the previous owner packed them with grease.Got the guts inside replaced under warranty.I did clean the grease out completely before sending them down to the SO dealer down the road in my area.Still work great after the guts inside were replaced.

 

[Busted Bolts]

Thanks for the responses. The reason that I asked, is that I come across almost new Snap On tools in my travels, and whenever possible, I have been buying them at a discount from the Snap On website prices. I was just wondering how much additional value an almost new or new tool had to the average person on these forums, as compared to a used tool showing many years of use, or what some call patina. When I fist started wrenching over 50 years ago, every tool I owned was used from guys getting out of the business. It was all that I could afford, and sometimes it was more than I could afford. As an example, today, I came across a set of Open End, 4-Way Angle Head (7 pcs.) (3/8" to 3/4") Stock #: VS807B that sells for $234 on the Snap On website. Except for some light scratches from being in a tool box, they are like new. What would you say would be a good price or a percentage of retail to pay for them? Some I would be buying to keep, and others I would be selling. Many times, I have to package a lot of tools to get a decent price on the lot from the sellers.

I would figure $100-$160. They are different than most brands. You have a true 4 way wrench where others offer 1 end at 15 degree, and the other at 45 degree. The wrench head is not as bulkie, and are awsome for line work, and limited space areas.

IMO If one finds something like this used in the condition you state I would consider it if it was 50% off. For myself I really don't have the time to go cruising around on classified sites and look for stuff. If I NEED it and my job is being held up due to not having that special tool then I just call my servicing dealer and he expedites for me. If your in the bussiness time is money. Right now for me I'm better off just getting it new, make a couple of payments and not tie up capital. Good luck with your potential purchase.