Why buy new tools?

[In My Garage]

Why do you buy new tools? Specifically hand tools.

• Because I can
• Because I take pride in them
• Because I look after them
• Because I need them now and can't wait to hunt them down

 

[afazz]

For me it is 'time'. You have to spend a lot of time and be patient to search and wait for decent used tools. You can get the new tools immediately. Time is the issue.

Exactly. Finding good deals on used tools takes patience, time, and even some luck. I understand that some folks enjoy the hunt, and I certainly respect that, but I'm in my garage building something cool while they're haggling with widows at garage sales.

 

[DodgeMech]

Yeah most decent brand sockets and ratchets and screwdrivers will last the average guy a lifetime, but if you do it for a living, you like to get them new out of the box...or at least I do anyway...

 

[jebutler]

To the O.P. I noticed you're a tinkocker, well you probably go from job site to job site knowing what tools you use and that tool requirement doesn't change much but, in my case as a professional mechanic you at times come across that odd ball tool you will need and don't have. When you need this tool you need it now and unfortunately might have to borrow it. Next thing you tend to do is buy it when the tool truck comes around. For those of us that are pro. mechanics alot of the times we don't have the luxury of time to scout out the internet or flea markets, garage sales, etc. for what we need when we need it. Although, there are occasions when this can be done and taken advantage of but, for me personally, not many. That being said there are always exceptions and I'm sure there are other pros out there that might have great luck with the used tool markets. Also it helps buying tools off the trucks to build relationships with their drivers for any future needs or favors that may be called upon at a later date. Hope this long winded response helps with your question/statement.

 

[rick carpenter]

"Depends" is the best answer. I prefer old tools to new except when I need new. I buy new drill bits, new circ saw blades, new 1/4" hex bits, new screwdrivers, new wire strippers, i.e. wear items, when I need them. I'll buy new or refurb power tools for everyday use. But even "depends" depends. I'll buy nearly any Bell System (used) tool I can find/afford. I'll buy good quality used augur bits. I'll occasionally buy another used plane. I'll buy old hand saws and maybe old power tools.

 

[Tucko]

That's pretty much the replies I was expecting. I understand those "need it now" moments, and the tax write offs. When I first got into the sheet metal trade, I was working in the shop, and I laid out the money for plenty of high end Starrett squares, rules, dividers, etc. figuring this would be my trade and I wanted the best tools I can get. I guess I just love the thrill of the chase to find a good deal on an old tool, whether I need it or not. I remember passing up a crappy looking yardsale on the way to a video store. On the way home, a rather fine looking woman was walking up the driveway of the sale, so my opinion of the sale changed and I stopped. Scored on an eyefull of *** and a beautiful Starret 12" square for a dollar....Now THAT'S a good day...

 

[ajchien]

Sometimes it takes too much effort to find a used tool at a good price when you want it.

If I can hit the swap meet, I'll give it a shot. Depending on what it is, the chances of me finding it varies. Want a ratchet or a combination wrench, no problem. But say you want an indexable ratcheting wrench, or a pair of long 90 degree angle pliers, or a cable hose clamp plier. Good luck finding that.

Buying used is great for picking up stuff to complete a set, or for "I might use that in the future". But it's rarely for "I need it now."

 

[djb2]

I'm with most of the other responses: where do you reliably find cheap used tools?

The pawn shops sell tools for almost what they would cost new. No-name sockets for $1 each. (That likely came from one of those $3 40 piece sets.) Used Harbor Freight tools priced at higher than the current sale flyer. Every once in a while I'll forget, stop at one, and be freshly disappointed.

Yard sales occasionally have cheap tools, but rarely quality brands. Perhaps it's just because I don't get there at 7am while they are still setting up.

 

[rmsg0040]

this guy wants 80, set usually comes on sale for less than 40 @ canadiantire:

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-tools-GEARWRENCH-RATCHET-WRENCHES-W0QQAdIdZ267346852

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...Maximum+7-piece+Gear+Wrench+Set.jsp?locale=en

let me think about it, buy used for 80 or new for half of that

 

[akacoke]

this guy wants 80, set usually comes on sale for less than 40 @ canadiantire:

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-buy-and-sell-tools-GEARWRENCH-RATCHET-WRENCHES-W0QQAdIdZ267346852

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/brow...Maximum+7-piece+Gear+Wrench+Set.jsp?locale=en

let me think about it, buy used for 80 or new for half of that

exactly why i dont wanna buy used tools. or anything used if i have to drive more than 30-40 mins. people over price their stuffs all the time, if it turned out to be garbage there goes your gas money , to me the time to hunt it down online and compete with 10 other victims its just nightmare, unless its something old school or unique i might as well buy new and live happily after

 

[camarotoolman]

i've written 100s of receipts for used tools, never had anyone come back saying it was no good for taxes. Over all, i usualy get 35-40 % of new for a good condition used tool. I only deal in truck brands, proto, sk etc, crapsman is about as low as I go. No CHINA!

 

[nathan2013]

Of course some of the tools when not used properly, they tend to break or it some parts may be damaged. My dad loves to fix things and as a birthday gift i will give him a complete set of top new tools for dad.

 

[MPOWERD]

I buy both... Usually only new tools if they are on a major sale such as closeout or if I have an immediate need and cant find used...

 

[KEH]

I buy used for the fun of hunting down a bargain. I've never had a problem buying from pawn shops at a reasonable price, they respond to money being waved around here, but I have walked out on them a few times. Sometimes new is what's availiable. I needed a 17mm crowfoot for my diesel tractor injector. Couldn't find one new locally except an import at a high price or a Proto, I think, at a high price. Wound up getting one from the Snapon truck at a lessor price. Sometimes new, even tool truck, is a better deal.

KEH

 

[uniballer]

Sometimes we cant hold back, addiction or habit? I buy because I can or I horde! Two garages full. Looking to build another cause I run out of room! I love to find older, nicely used tools at sales or pawn shops but if I cant find it there, I buy new!

 

[cburnscrx]

I bought almost all of my DeWalt stuff used.

That said I mostly buy new hand tools because I like complete sets....right now! Call it OCD or whatever, but I hate having a missing wrench or socket.

 

[KPSquared]

Someone has to buy them new for you poor bastards to end up with them. . .

 

[finn]

I don't buy used tools because there is generally no significant savings when you consider the time / gas wasted chasing after overpriced, worn out Craigslist junk compared to the one in a hundred real "deals" out there.

People that do pick up real bargains on used tools seem to be, in my opinion, more in it more for the adventure /hunt than for finding a tool that they will actually use.

Swapmeets occasionally do yield a prize, but again you end up wasting an awfull lot of time for the rare yield.

Used tool resellers are not a good deal. They are selling at a profit, so what's in it for me?

I avoid garage sales at all costs. The people that frequent them creep me out.

 

[sberry]

I don't buy much used in common hand tools, its not that I wont but am with the hunting part being too tedious. Jaws on some are worn out and if it is getting trade level use may have a limited service life, no point in starting half worn out. I did buy a pair of channeloks from a flea a while back, 8 dollars or so and the jaws were great, minor finish issue that matches the rest.

It was easy,we use them, I rarely buy just because its a good deal, I got to need it.

 

[RCStocker]

I buy new tools for the constructio site if I need them but I have been buying and selling for 50 years. 99 percent of my hand tools, woodworking tools and machinist tools including 80% of my machinery are used. After years of collecting I have so many of everthing I don't need a thing. Sooner or later you will find it for pennies on the dollar. Buying new makes no sense to me.

 

[jethro29]

it's a writeoff.

 

[battlegraduate09]

round here i can buy cheaper off the snap on truck than i can on craigslist.

I usually just get on the truck and see if there is any sales, sometimes thats the cheapest route. Matco 3/8s swivel sockets were on sale for like 238 or something and get a free 1/4 drive swivel impact socket set. Well, i have no use for 1/4 impact sockets so i asked what hed take for just the 3/8 set. I paid 130 brand new off the truck.

I was happy with a full torx socket set in 1/4,3/8, and 1/2 drive with both regular torx and tamper proof plus the 3/8 socket i wanted for under 300 bucks.

 

[peterbilr98]

because I can no I buy some used but don't have a lot of time to go to sales if I need it I buy it and keep move in on

 

[kythri]

Used tools are great, when the prices are reasonable.

I end up buying a lot of stuff new because many/most people selling used are convinced that their used stuff is made of gold and worth as much, if not more, than new.

 

[richard0403]

There's always the issue of warranty and defects when you buy used tools. I once bought second new tools for dad and they ended broken in less than 3months. So I eventually bought him new power tools that are more than 2 years with him now.

 

[CWP1616L]

For me, even brand new tools aren't good enough. I gotta have tools with ZERO defects.

 

[Rezeppa]

Used tools are great when reasonably priced. As stated earlier wear items are difficult to buy used because of condition. I don't like to buy used Allen, Torx bits, screwdrivers, and impact sockets. When I first started I bought a set of Snap-In deep SAE impact sockets that were in far from new condition. After just over a year of use the common sizes were almost rounded off. I thought I was so slick buying used but have found on certain items to be much more pain and hassle than value. Another example is torque wrenches. I purchased a new 3/8 drive 10-100 Ft-lbs wrench for about 250$ and a co worker bought the same one for 140$. After he had to get his calibrated for 80$ and unexpected expense he only saved 30$. It was in good shape and I'm sure all used torque wrenches don't need to be recalibrated but is it worth the risk.

 

[nahuebsch82]

I have a mix of new and used, right now my tool set is at a level where I can't justify paying premium for a tool I'll use once in awhile. OR if I need to upgrade a tool, where my current tool is working but it would be nice to have something that does the job better. I can hold out until I find that steal of a deal . Those who have seen some of my posts know what I mean. I don't buy shiny tools for show as it seems others do.

 

[Rockuf8]

I've seen SO ratchets with soft handles on ebay that are completely stained with grease so much so you can barely see the orange on the handle anymore and people bid on them like they're the best option and pay almost as much as other identical tools that are brand new on ebay, I don't get it. Some people just don't care what condition a tool is in as long as it still functions. I can't do it, which is why I decided against used SO, Matco, Mac boxes for my garage.

 

[WHT]

Some used tools demand such a premium, it often makes no sense to me to go used. If I can get a new flawless F80 for $60 shipped, why buy a banged up one for $53.99 used?

I agree. The tool flippers have increased the price of many used tools to the point of "why bother?". Buy new and look for good prices.

 

[Pumpman1968]

I agree. The tool flippers have increased the price of many used tools to the point of "why bother?". Buy new and look for good prices.

The deals ARE out there on good used stuff.........you just have to look. If they weren't, "the tool flippers" wouldn't have anything to sell.

I just bought a pile of "vintage" tools online from a Pawn Shop in Washington. I saw something in the pictures that other people overlooked. When I got them, there was a NICE bunch of Snap On items from the very early 30's and an almost complete Cornwell angle wrench set that was also from the 30's. I sold the Snappy stuff to a guy in Virginia that repairs Model A Fords using ONLY period tools and the Cornwell stuff to a collector. I didn't make a pile on either, just enough to cover my cost plus a little for me.....which I rolled over into some new Williams ratchets.

I do this all the time.

I got divorced 10 years ago and the judge was nice enough to let my ex-wife have 95% of my tools...and I'm an industrial mechanic.

I started doing this about 2 years ago. I haven't put a dime into my pocket, BUT, I have replaced everything I lost....and then some.

 

[bgarrett]

Why buy new? I suppose its to impress the Snap-on Snobs. I have been using a mixed collection of wrenches for more than 40 years and when I looked at Alloy Artifacts I learned that my tools were made in the 1930s, 40s and 50s And I have been using them on cars made in the 30s, 40s, and 50s.
When I was young I wanted a nice chrome shiny matching set but as I learn the history of American made tools, I find it more interesting than shiny new stuff. Two weeks ago I got 75 wrenches at an estate sale for $15. All American made. I got a box of 215 sockets with about 40 made in Japan and Taiwan, no Chinese for another $15 and that box had a pile of new grease fittings

 

[Dimitri]

I buy new tools because I take care of them and having a tool that has already been buggered some way or the other really gets on my nerves.

The deals ARE out there on good used stuff.........you just have to look. If they weren't, "the tool flippers" wouldn't have anything to sell.

I don't know, most of the pawn shops here in the GTA have gone bankrupt. Especially the ones that focused a lot on tools etc. The few that have remained alive were Jewellery Pawn shops for the most part I find.

I got divorced 10 years ago and the judge was nice enough to let my ex-wife have 95% of my tools...and I'm an industrial mechanic.

That is rough, I've heard that from a few Americans, up here they are "tools of your profession" and are not part of divorce settlements as the judge cannot take away your lively hood. Oddly enough same with bankruptcy here tools, and a car (no that $80k Lexus will have to go, you can drive a Corolla etc though).

Dimitri

 

[kiatech]

Because I have all of the basic stuff already.

 

[SKAutomotive]

Because I can't find out I need Tool X to do Job Y and then go to the used tool store and be guaranteed it is there.

 

[nato]

For myself, it depends. Most of the time, it's a trade-off between emotional buying & impulse. I would say I buy 65/35 new-to-used. Usually, when I buy new tools, they're off the truck that same day and mostly because I picture myself using it that moment or very soon afterwards. It's still somewhat easier to make weekly payments on somethig new than to come up with 100% of funds and hold out to get it slightly cheaper used (odd sense of rationalizing, I know....lol).

As far as used tools go, most of the one's I've picked up in life have typically always been in damn good condition with very attractive price tags. Another factor is most newer expensive tools that I've bought USED, are well worth the price difference compared to new.

They all have the same warranty, but I've NEVER bought broken used tools to take advantage of the lifetime waranty.

And if you can afford it, why not always get something new? It's a feeling type situtation. There's just something about fresh chrome goodness.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Most people don't take into consideration their time in finding used tols that they actually need. I'll spend an hour searching for **** on eBay without thinking about it. When I actually need a specific tool amd can buy it with near zero time invested, that's a good thing.

 

[Super Sport]

I don't beat on my tools, and most used ones I've come across were used in a professional environment and look well used. Of course, a number of them have ended up in my toolbox anyway. I'd say 75% or more of my tools I bought new. It doesn't help that Sears practically gives the damn things away when they go on sale or clearance.

If I was a pro, used tools wouldn't bother me any.

 

[HaroRider]

Its an addicting hobby?

 

[BDT/NWMN]

If I come across an acceptable quality tool at a price I am willing to pay; that is fine... That tool will serve me well; whether I am the first or third owner..