What will you NOT buy used...

[chrislehr]

We all know you can find Snap On and other truck brands on ebay and CL for 50% of list in most cases.. what will you NOT buy used? I am asking because I am curious. I am guessing items more likely to break you will buy new so that your dealer reps it... but welcome your input.

 

[J.P.]

I won't buy a used air tool; impacts, air hammers, air chisels, etc.

 

[curtrnev]

Torque wrench

 

[wendell]

Same here. I buy static hand tools used. Things with magic smoke or "bits and pieces" are bought new.

 

[mrb]

wimmen

on a serious note, things which could have suffered from abuse that would not be identified with visual inspection. And computer hard drives.

 

[oldgoat]

I was going to say anything electric, but I would also agree on the torque wrench unless I knew the person that I bought it from took good care of things. Air tools aren't too much of a risk usually.

 

[sasquach]

Underwear . I just flat out refuse to buy it used .

 

[wreckercologist]

We all know you can find Snap On and other truck brands on ebay and CL for 50% of list in most cases.. what will you NOT buy used? I am asking because I am curious. I am guessing items more likely to break you will buy new so that your dealer reps it... but welcome your input.

Are you asking about what brands or what type of tools?

Brands? I dunno. I haven't given that much thought although most of the time it seems like you can drive over to Sears and buy new cheaper than whats on Craigslist or Ebay after paying to ship. I'd be leary of brands I don't recognize or tools I don't know the application of.

Type of tools? Electronics for sure. Multimeters, code reader, scanners, ect. Air tools are dicey at best. Cutting tools (drills, saws, end mills, ect unless they look like new or very good condition). Electric powertools........circular saws, saber saws, corded/cordless drills, impacts, ect. It's a **** shoot buying something like that used.

 

[wreckercologist]

Underwear . I just flat out refuse to buy it used .

That's fine. Leaves more for me.

 

[Fedwrench]

Condoms...

Seriously though, it depends on the venue. I won't buy scan tools, DMM, or torque wrenches via Ebay where I only have a single photo to judge the item's condition by. However, there have been exceptions where the seller has really good photos that show the screen powered up etc. and I have gotten some great deals that way.
If the price is right and I can play with the tool to see how well it works, I really can't think of a tool I wouldn't buy used but, I'm cheap.

 

[logical]

Underwear . I just flat out refuse to buy it used .

That would really depend on whose used underwear it was.

 

[trythis]

toilets...

 

[gofastman]

Condoms...

Seriously though, it depends on the venue. I won't buy scan tools, DMM, or torque wrenches via Ebay where I only have a single photo to judge the item's condition by. However, there have been exceptions where the seller has really good photos that show the screen powered up etc. and I have gotten some great deals that way.
If the price is right and I can play with the tool to see how well it works, I really can't think of a tool I wouldn't buy used but, I'm cheap.

just turn 'em inside out and wash the F##K out of 'em!

there arn't a lot of tools I wont buy used if cost is a big concern, I just prefer the newer technology i.e. dual pawl ratchets, composite/quiet impact tools, and flank drive wrenches

 

[sasquach]

just turn 'em inside out and wash the F##K out of 'em!

They say the same about underwear but na I ain't gonna try.

 

[dustin19]

That would really depend on whose used underwear it was.

rosie o donalds ? oprahs ?

 

[Brad54]

I've bought a ton of hand tools used.
For used electric tools, I've bought: Craftsman floor-model drill press, three different band saws (used two of them A LOT and sold them for a profit to get the one I've got now), Craftsman circular saw, small 1/4-inch drill... and I think that's it.
I've also bought a hydraulic shop press (rebuilt it), a stomp sheer and a big blast cabinet used.

Air tools? Sure, if they're obviously well cared for. I bought a Snap-on air hammer at a garage sale that looked barely used and it's served me VERY well. Multi-meters and scanners? My first thought would be "no," but really, they're pretty simple pieces of equipment, and it'd be pretty hard to kill them. And in the case of a multi-meter, you can check it right there if it has a battery in it.

What I'm having a hard time buying used is precision machinist measuring tools, such as calipers, etc.

-Brad

 

[Brad54]

rosie o donalds ? oprahs ?

I believe those would fall under the "parachute" category... and I wouldn't buy one of those used either!

-Brad

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, I've bought every tool listed above used, IF it is local and I inspect it, try it, in person. There is literally nothing I haven't bought used with good success.

Buying anything used on eBay is a **** shoot. Unscrupulous sellers can give vague descriptions and photos which do not show the problem areas. Saying what you see is what you get should be warning enough. What you don't/can't see is the problem.

thnx, jack vines

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

I must be cheap, Ive been through at least 5 used MT2500s, bought all for close to nothing and sold to others in need locally for a profit, my oscilloscope, my PCs, printers, my laptops all used. My Fluke88 I did buy new. Most of my tools are used. Most have come from physical auctions, I got to put my hands on what I was buying before bidding, but I have also bought allot off of ebay. I really like buying stuff fully depreciated, but in good to better than average condition. I think its a hobby, seeing how far I can stretch a dollar. Ive probably got allot more time on my hands than most (no kids or other distractions), and can afford such games (time wise).

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Underwear . I just flat out refuse to buy it used .

YOu stole my thunder!

 

[rsanter]

torque wrenches
torque testers

bob

 

[Ross]

Anything that I am relying on the battery to work. Too often a new battery costs as much as a new tool and battery. It is difficult to tell how much life is left in a battery.

 

[american lockpicker]

Condoms...

I was thinking that too. I buy everything new.

 

[yellowbox]

no air tools , everything else i will consider

 

[comedyman809]

batteries for my cordless stuff, and drill bits and taps...i will consider anyting as long as it works like the tool was designed too, scrathes and and dings can be over looked if the price is right and it does not affect the performance.

mainly used stuff i buy is because it is way too expensive to buy new.

i do however prefer buying used diapers.

 

[Aberdale]

I will buy anything used . . . . . if the price is right. You could say I'm a penny pincher. A skin flint. A bargain hunter. That's okay. I just like good deals.

What have I bought used? Hand tools. Air tools. Electric tools. Diagnostic tools. Hydraulic tools. Computers. Sure, a few times I've been disappointed, but it's no big deal. Just move on. But I've had pretty good luck most of the time, and figure I'm way ahead of buying new.

All my Snap-Ons were purchased used. As was my Rotary 2 post lift. And the MAC toolboxes. The Monarch lathe, Bridgeport mill, brake lathe, valve grinder, air compressor, Sony laptop, Floor jacks, Gantry crane, torque wrenches, Starett calipers and dial indicators. Even my cars, trucks, and motorcycles were all purchased used. The Corvette. The BMW. And the F150. Even my house was used.

I figure I've literally saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by buying used over new. The way I see it, even when I buy something new, it's only new for a few days, then it's used. So why not buy used in the first place and save the depreciation?

Dale

 

[W_KY]

toilet paper....

I'm always leery buying electronics used, especially something like a cordless drill. People tend to give them a pretty hard time and I'd hate for them to give up the ghost right after I've purchased. Now if I knew the person or I could test it out good before purchasing, I'd probably at least consider if the price was low enough.

 

[Stuey]

Socks,
Torque wrenches
Batteries
Precision tools
Precision measuring tools

 

[StingRay]

Gee I bought two of my torque wrenches used. Both are Snap On and both came from retired Journeyman techs that were the original owners. The 1/2 inch one was vitually new and you could tell. The 1/4 drive one I got from an old retired mechanic that said he only ever used it on automatic trannies and hardly ever at that. It was in the original box and I got it for 25 bucks. I'm surprised so many wouldn't consider a used torque wrench if you inspect it and know where it comes from. I talked to both of these guys for at least an hour and it was obvious that their stories were legitimate.

 

[Mickey O]

toilets...

There was a good market for the larger gallon per flush toilets when they were banned by building codes and the 1.6 gallon flush toilets weren't performing like they do now. Now a used toilet seat I wouldn't buy, that, underwear (although as a kid all my clothes were hand me downs, all of them), helmets, scarfs and torque wrenches.

More stuff I won't buy used (I'll just keep adding):

Shoes

 

[z28snksknr]

Sandpaper
Gasoline
Food
Paper Towels
Zipties
Crimp Connectors
Electrical Tape
Solder
Drywall Compound
Paper
Oil Filters

....ok, I'll stop.

 

[scotte]

Originally Posted by Fedwrench
Condoms...

Seriously though, it depends on the venue. I won't buy scan tools, DMM, or torque wrenches via Ebay where I only have a single photo to judge the item's condition by. However, there have been exceptions where the seller has really good photos that show the screen powered up etc. and I have gotten some great deals that way.
If the price is right and I can play with the tool to see how well it works, I really can't think of a tool I wouldn't buy used but, I'm cheap.

just turn 'em inside out and wash the F##K out of 'em!

just make sure you use the side that doesnt have the ghonnasiffaherpallitus on it

 

[Major Ramifications]

I will buy any tools used. Of course, I inspect them first. Used tools can work just as well as new ones, and if they need any attention, the parts are cheap enough.
Most of my clothes were bought used, but no socks or underwear. I do buy the scraps from the underwear manufacturer to use as gun cleaning patches.http://southernbloomer.com/

 

[glenmore]

Toothbrush

 

[selohssa]

Lottery tickets (even if they are only used once).

I will buy anything used but I will pay a price that even if it is broken, I won't lose sleep over it.

 

[Rickster]

I hardly ever buy any new tools, used is the way to go! I buy torque wrenches for myself and resale but never if it's stored loose in a toolbox drawer. Has to be stored like it's special and look not abused in any way. If the guy I'm buying from looks like he cared for a tool then I'm willing to buy it used.

 

[arkangel06]

electronics and torque wrenches unless i know the previous owner

 

[tonydanzah]

i have bought 10 out of the 13 air tools i own used off ebay. Only one was broken, I knew that buying it. Cost me $25 for the repair kit and i was still $125 ahead.

 

[Flash21]

Why won't you guys buy used torque wrenches?

I'm trying to figure out if you look it over closely before buying, check its function, it looks like it was always stored in the case, you're told it was always zeroed after use and you plan to get a fresh calibration on it...why you wouldn't buy it used.

 

[Mickey O]

I've rethought the torque wrench thing, I would buy a used one but only if it was from someone that used "honest" in front of his name, like Honest Joe, Honest Bob, etc., that way you know it would be good.