toolreviews.online

Can You Help answer a Query

      Should I buy quality used or budget new power tools tools?

I’ve been asked this question many times over the years and it’s a difficult choice to make.

The only used tool I have bought is a Clarke CL500M Metal Lathe with Mill Drill with a known fault which I fixed in minutes,lucky. I viewed it first and saved a lot of money and it was like new apart from fault. Three strong men struggled to load into the van and then into my workshop. The seller had original receipt and all bits to go with it plus some extra bits and pieces.

Do some research on all the features available on the type of tool you are looking for. Generally more features mean more money. List most important ones for you.

Used tools

Buying quality used tools is an excellent way of building up a decent set of tools. BUT and there’s always a but, it can cost a lot more if you buy a duff un. Never buy a used power tool that you haven’t physically seen and played with and don’t know the seller. There’s no redress for faulty used tools. Lots of used tools sold on various auction sites and local small ads are stolen. I know this because in my kitchen fitting days attempts were made to break into my van on regular basis but I made a ”fort knox” van. When I lived in Chelmsford a few years ago more than 40 vans were broken into in one night including trying mine.

If a quality used tool stops working some manufacturers do sell spares which I did in my Triton Tools days www.toolsparesonline.com cover Triton, Silverline, GMC plus a few accessory tool spares. Unfortunately, nowadays it’s rarely economical to pay someone to repair power tools because you have the cost of delivery there and back, cost of spares, labour, PAT testing and the dreaded VAT and of course there may be other related problems. If you know and trust someone selling a tool that’s the best way and can produce a bargain. Ask friends if they know of anyone selling. When you find a tool you want, first impressions are vital. Is it in nice clean condition and got all the bits that came with it. Most cabled power tools, the motors have an armature, field and two brushes. If competent take out the brushes one at a time, usually a black cap which unscrews. They are black carbon attached to spring and should have no chips or burn marks and ideally about 15-20mm long depending on size of tool. While brush out look down the brush cavity and you will see the armature which when new was a copper colour but with use will have a darkish coating which should be a nice even colour. If black and scored with burn marks that’s it walk away. Put brushes back in original cavities and replace caps, little tricky sometimes. Ask the owner to plug it in and switch on running up and down the full speed range, very first switch on is where any worn bearings will make a noise. Keep it running flat out for a couple of minutes and smell for any burning smells, smell any then walk away. If you can use it under load do so to see how power holds up. If it’s a router have a look at the base for wear and tear good sign of heavy use. For a circular saw check the blade, if worn and showing signs of wear on blade face, overheating marks etc. be aware. Whilst unplugged from mains check bearings by gripping and moving blade sideways looking for play, there probably will be very minor play on the shaft that blade is attached to, anymore than minor walk away. Don’t be afraid to ask silly questions, they are the best ones and don't be afraid to haggle on price, it’s your money.

New Budget Tools

Many budget tools now have a three year guarantee, but you must follow the route to get it by registering on line within 30 days of purchase and keep original receipt ideally from a recognised retailer. Print off the certificate and put in a safe place. Before buying check on the retailers returns policy, quite often you have to return to the manufacturer at your expense after 30 days.

First thing to do is to be honest with yourself about how much you want to spend. Are you sure you will actually use it or how much use it will get. How much are the extra bits such as saw blades, router cutters etc. Do your research and plenty of it, look for genuine reviews where the tool has actually been used, it will pay off. Don’t look at special offers until you know what you want. It’s easy to buy for the wrong reasons. Check on stock availability.Try and buy branded names that have been around for a some time. The old saying you get what you pay for no longer applies. It’s the other way round now, many upper range tools are overpriced. Now I have sort of retired, physical work, I am looking at budget brands when I need something because I know they won’t get a huge amount of use or be abused. I recently needed an air staple gun for a project and purchased the Silverline one for about £30.00. 3 year warranty and very pleased with it, does staples and nails. Review has been done here

 Silverline Air Nailer/Stapler 50 mm 18 Gauge, 633524