Where to Find Cheap, High-quality Tools
Cheap tools aren't always particularly easy to find, but by the same token, you don't necessarily have to settle for junk tools just because you're looking for cheap tools. There are a variety of places where you can buy inexpensive, high-quality hand tools and power tools. All you need is to know where to go to find them.
Not all states have a pawn shop on every corner, but there are a good number of states that do. While these structures might seem imposing, with the bars on their windows and seemingly endless traffic of junk sellers marching in and out, but the truth is that pawn shops often tend to be the single best source for inexpensive tools that you'll be able to find. Tools at a pawn shop are tested for proper operation, they are taken in for sale or money is loaned against them. If the customer does not pay back the loan, then the pawn shop sells the tool to recoup their investment. You can generally find lightly used tools in pawn shops for as much as 50% of the price of a new tool. Use caution, however, as not all pawn shops sell for such low prices. Just as often, you will find tools that are priced at or near the new retail price. You can usually haggle these prices down somewhat, but if the dealer feels strongly that the tool is worth what they are asking for it, they will not be likely to knock much off of the sale price, regardless of how well you can strike a bargain.
Another excellent source for high-quality, inexpensive tools is in yard sales. Typically in yard sales, you will find tools that a homeowner or new apartment dweller simply has no use for anymore. In particular, you'll want to focus on moving sales, as these are most likely to be sales for people who are considering downsizing their home to something smaller and more affordable. These people will often sell off what they don't have room for, particularly if they are an elderly couple who are moving to a condo or are moving south.
Estate sales are another excellent source for finding cheap hand and power tools. Dealers and online sellers of tools will often try to arrive at estate sales early so that they can cherry-pick the best items for resale, so you'll have to be able to outsmart them. Truthfully, though, it isn't particularly difficult if you simply remain respectful to the family who is holding the estate sale. Many times, dealers can become testy if they think you're "muscling in" on what they are trying to procure, but you needn't worry about them. Simply offer to pay what the family is asking for the item you want to purchase, and you'll get it. Dealers often attempt to purchase large lots of items in an attempt to save still more money. The trick is that you just have to be on your game when you're around these people.
Finding cheap tools may not be difficult, but there is another consideration you have to keep in mind. Secondhand power tools seldom come with a warranty you can use. Some hand tools still carry their original warranty, however, regardless of how many times the tool changes hands. Craftsman tools were once like this, but the rules have changed somewhat. You'll be able to get an identical in-stock item in most cases for tools produced for Craftsman, Husky and Kobalt. Tools that you can usually get full replacements for include Snap-on, Matco, and several others that cater primarily to professional repair shops.
Not all states have a pawn shop on every corner, but there are a good number of states that do. While these structures might seem imposing, with the bars on their windows and seemingly endless traffic of junk sellers marching in and out, but the truth is that pawn shops often tend to be the single best source for inexpensive tools that you'll be able to find. Tools at a pawn shop are tested for proper operation, they are taken in for sale or money is loaned against them. If the customer does not pay back the loan, then the pawn shop sells the tool to recoup their investment. You can generally find lightly used tools in pawn shops for as much as 50% of the price of a new tool. Use caution, however, as not all pawn shops sell for such low prices. Just as often, you will find tools that are priced at or near the new retail price. You can usually haggle these prices down somewhat, but if the dealer feels strongly that the tool is worth what they are asking for it, they will not be likely to knock much off of the sale price, regardless of how well you can strike a bargain.
Another excellent source for high-quality, inexpensive tools is in yard sales. Typically in yard sales, you will find tools that a homeowner or new apartment dweller simply has no use for anymore. In particular, you'll want to focus on moving sales, as these are most likely to be sales for people who are considering downsizing their home to something smaller and more affordable. These people will often sell off what they don't have room for, particularly if they are an elderly couple who are moving to a condo or are moving south.
Estate sales are another excellent source for finding cheap hand and power tools. Dealers and online sellers of tools will often try to arrive at estate sales early so that they can cherry-pick the best items for resale, so you'll have to be able to outsmart them. Truthfully, though, it isn't particularly difficult if you simply remain respectful to the family who is holding the estate sale. Many times, dealers can become testy if they think you're "muscling in" on what they are trying to procure, but you needn't worry about them. Simply offer to pay what the family is asking for the item you want to purchase, and you'll get it. Dealers often attempt to purchase large lots of items in an attempt to save still more money. The trick is that you just have to be on your game when you're around these people.
Finding cheap tools may not be difficult, but there is another consideration you have to keep in mind. Secondhand power tools seldom come with a warranty you can use. Some hand tools still carry their original warranty, however, regardless of how many times the tool changes hands. Craftsman tools were once like this, but the rules have changed somewhat. You'll be able to get an identical in-stock item in most cases for tools produced for Craftsman, Husky and Kobalt. Tools that you can usually get full replacements for include Snap-on, Matco, and several others that cater primarily to professional repair shops.