FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Refurbished tools

PaulGC | Posted in Tools for Home Building on March 18, 2007 08:47am

Friday I bought a “refurbished” Dewalt 12″ Dual Bevel miter saw (DW716). It regularly sells for $499 but I got it for $349. The warranty is only 6 months thought but I don’t mind. The tool store I bought it from told me they bought a bunch of these saws from the factory directly. These saws were used at demonstrations in hardware stores somewhere. Most were never used at all, just put on display with a bunch of other Dewalt tools and promoted by someone from Dewalt to customers in those hardware stores. My saw was spotless out of the box. It’s a very solid tool I must say.

 My question is simply this – Have any of you bought “refurbished” tools before, what kind of tool(s) did you buy and how good did you find them to be?

 

Paul

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. User avater
    user-246028 | Mar 18, 2007 09:01pm | #1

    I bought a refurbished Dewalt 14 v cordless drill kit. I wanted something small and light as a back up. It has good power and keeps up surprisingly well with my makita 18v lithium. No complaints here.

    Dave

    1. MikeSmith | Mar 18, 2007 09:05pm | #2

       i think diesel pig has bought a lot of refurbished

      i've bought several over the years... usually better than newMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

  2. Hackinatit | Mar 18, 2007 09:08pm | #3

    If I can buy what I need refurb/used, I do. It's used after the first pull of the trigger, anyway.

    Troy Sprout

    Socialism in general has a record of failure so blatant that only an intellectual could ignore or evade it."
    -- Thomas Sowell

  3. DougU | Mar 18, 2007 09:08pm | #4

    Paul

    I'll buy refurbished over new everytime their offered.

    Think about it, they usually have the same warrrenty as new, they have been gone over for a second time, and if they were used as a "weekend rental" they probably were not used all that much. I guarntee that I will work them harder in the next week or two then the previous owner did.

    I've bought 3 or 4 refurbs and I'm yet to be disapointed.

    Doug

    1. User avater
      dieselpig | Mar 27, 2007 02:12am | #17

      I'll buy refurbished over new everytime their offered.

      Think about it, they usually have the same warrrenty as new, they have been gone over for a second time, and if they were used as a "weekend rental" they probably were not used all that much. I guarntee that I will work them harder in the next week or two then the previous owner did.

      I'm just going to 'cut and paste' what you said because I'm of the exact same opinion.  I'd guess I've bought a 12-15 reconditioned tools in the past few years and have yet to have a problem with any of them.  Just bought another reconditioned Hitachi siding nailer about two weeks ago, in fact.View Image

      1. mike585 | Mar 27, 2007 03:14am | #19

        Where do you get the reconditioned Hitachi guns?  There's a couple of dealers of reconditioned Bostich nailers on ebay. You can buy a $300 gun for about $125, under warrantee.  Some deals are so good that I wish I had more use for them.

        1. User avater
          dieselpig | Mar 27, 2007 03:15am | #20

          Mike, I get them through my tool/nail supplier at New Hampshire Tool Outlet.View Image

  4. Tom69 | Mar 19, 2007 12:09am | #5

    I have bought several recon Dewalt tools. All work great years later.

  5. vintage1 | Mar 19, 2007 12:58am | #6

    I bought a refirb dewalt planer several years ago.  no complaints and it saved me about a $100. 

    I don't seem to see them (refirb) as much anymore though.

     

  6. CaseyF | Mar 19, 2007 02:13am | #7

    I always look for refurbished tools and I always check that they have the full waranty on them before I purchase them. It is one of the best ways to save money on tools IMO.

    The first one I bought was a cordless paslode angled finish nailer about five or six years ago. Still works great, the only thing I've had to do on it is replace the air filter.

    Not long after that I got a PC sawzall, and most recently a slightly damaged ladder (that one obviously wasn't "refurbished", but was a store model that had cosmetic damage, perfectly safe and 40% off).

    Good luck finding more.

    Peace,

    Casey

    "Oscar Wilde said that men do not value sunsets because they can not pay for them. But you can pay for them, you can pay for them by not being Oscar Wilde."

    G.K. Chesterton

    1. Sasquatch | Mar 24, 2007 12:30am | #15

      Please explain the meaning of the Chesterton quote.

      1. CaseyF | Mar 27, 2007 01:54am | #16

        The quote is from one of my all time favorite books, "Orthodoxy", by Chesterton. I think he is just trying to say that you can pay for sunsets by not being a total a-hole, and actually being grateful and awe struck by them. Chesterton was a contemporary of Wilde's, and was very similar to him in that he had a quick mind and a sharp wit. You could perhaps draw a parallel between Wilde and Howard Stern, if that gives you a little idea about how some people felt about him. He was often rather malicious, cynical and pessimistic. He was a wonderful writer, but stepped on a lot of toes and offended a lot of people.Now don't get me wrong. I actually really enjoy a lot of what Wilde said and wrote. And in fact, late in his life he became a Christian just like Chesterton and wrote some very lovely poetry about Jesus. Peace,Casey"Now don't tell me that you have been leading a double life? Pretending to be mean while being really nice all along. That would be hypocrisy.-Oscar WildeOr something like that anyway.

        1. mike585 | Mar 27, 2007 03:09am | #18

          There's no end to what you can learn here. Thanks for that.

           "With every mistake we must surely be learning"

        2. Sasquatch | Mar 27, 2007 08:51pm | #23

          Thanks, I guess that makes sense.

          I've been reading books of quotes lately, and I find myself puzzling over the meanings.

          I guess that comes from being an orthodox iconoclast ;-)

  7. JMadson | Mar 19, 2007 02:20am | #8

    The majority of failures in tools (anything actuallty) happen at two different times - the first is when the piece is brand new and second is when the tool is reaching the end of it's useful life. A re-furbished tool has already passed the first form of failure and should be in for the long haul.

    “The richest genius, like the most fertile soil, when uncultivated, shoots up into the rankest weeds..” – Hume
  8. User avater
    zak | Mar 19, 2007 02:59am | #9

    Perhaps I'm the only one. . . but I did buy a refurb bosch router set (1617), and it had passed inspection when it shouldn't have.  The plunge base wouldn't plunge straight, so template guides were worthless, among other problems.  Bosch being bosch, they sent out another refurbished set the next day, and paid for returning the first one. 

    Bottom line: I still go for refurbished when I can find them, but make sure they have a decent warranty, and give the tool a once over when you get it.

    zak

    "When we build, let us think that we build forever.  Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone." --John Ruskin

    "so it goes"

     

    1. oldhand | Mar 19, 2007 04:33am | #10

      I bought a recon 12V dewalt saw drill combo several years ago and didn't notice till the warranty was gone that some sorry crook had returned it with one older style battery instead of the XR model it was billed as. This clever thievery left me with a premature one battery set  which I offloaded on someone with more yellow tools. I still buy recon stuff a lot but try to be more alert.Retired until my next job.

      1. DrynDusty | Mar 19, 2007 05:46am | #11

        I got a refurb Ridgid combo with 18v hammer drill, saw and flashlight. The Drill had a defective trigger: wouldn't go variable speed. It was fixed under warantee and has done good work for the past 2 or 3 years.
        I would do it again.
        I also have bought used tools, like a Milwaukee Super Sawzall for $99.00, and a 24 foot aluminum ladder for $20.00, both in very good condition. I'm an addict.
        Norm

  9. User avater
    IMERC | Mar 21, 2007 09:33am | #12

    good buys..

    Bosch and Miwaukee offer full warrenties on their refurbs...

    Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming

    WOW!!! What a Ride!
    Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

    1. SBerruezo | Mar 23, 2007 07:28pm | #13

      I just bought a recon. PC sawzall.  Pulled the trigger on it, and it smelled odd to me.  Looks brand new, maybe it's just a new tool smell that will go away.  I haven't put it to work yet though.

      So far I've had good luck with used.  I bought a Skil 77 years ago for $60-70.  Works great.  I got a Milwaukee close-quarters drill, used once, for $50.  6' Type IA FG ladder for $20.   

    2. JulianTracy | Mar 23, 2007 09:20pm | #14

      Although Bosch offers a 1 year warranty on their refurb tools, I don't think you get the "ProAdvantage" 3 year warranty coverage on their refurbs.JT

      1. User avater
        IMERC | Mar 27, 2007 09:35am | #21

        I believe they come with a whatever warenty is offered on new...Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

        WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

        1. JulianTracy | Mar 27, 2007 04:00pm | #22

          Bosch and RotoZip Reconditioned Tools WarrantyRobert Bosch Tool Corporation ("Seller") warrants to the original purchaser only, that all BOSCH portable and benchtop power tools will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of one year from date of purchase. From the CPO Bosch tools website...Considering the advantages of their ProVantange 3year deal on the new cordless stuff - I don't think it'd be worth saving a couple dollars and dropping down to the recon standard 1 year warranty.I'm no Bosch rep, but I've taken adavantage of a few of the features of the 3 year deal - including being able to buy brand new Bluecore batteries through the 3rd year of warranty coverage at 1/2 price ($42 direct for 18volt).That's a heckuva a warranty and it'd be silly to pass it up for $10-15 discount.Plus, I had to have a drill replaced, the cordless planer fixed and a corldless circ saw repaired within those 3 years.Am I very happy with having to have these so-called heavy duty tools repaired - no, but the service behind the tools more than makes up for those problems.JT

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Podcast Episode 685: Patching Drywall, Adding Air Barriers, and Rotted Walls

Listeners write in about running a profitable contracting business and ask questions about patching drywall, adding air barriers, and fixing a patio poured against the house.

Featured Video

How to Install Cable Rail Around Wood-Post Corners

Use these tips to keep cables tight and straight for a professional-looking deck-railing job.

Related Stories

  • Affordable Scans, Accurate Plans
  • FHB Summit 2025 — Design, Build, Business
  • A Summer Retreat Preserved in the Catskill Mountains
  • Fine Homebuilding Issue #332 Online Highlights

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2024
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers
  • Issue 327 - November 2024
    • Repairing Damaged Walls and Ceilings
    • Plumbing Protection
    • Talking Shop

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data