Factory Reconditioned Woodworking Tools

Are you looking for cheap and reliable woodworking tools? Buying reconditioned tools can save you a lot of money. This is a great way to acquire tools from brands like DeWalt and Bosch at a fraction of their original cost.

Even with a tight budget, you can get some quality tools if you decide to shop for refurbished. However, there is a lot of stigma surrounding these tools. The last thing any woodworker needs is to end up with a lemon after spending their hard-earned cash.

Are factory-reconditioned woodworking tools to be trusted? Are you risking your money by not buying a brand new one?

Factory Reconditioned Tools – What You Need to Know

A tool that’s returned to the factory due to a defect covered by the warranty doesn’t just end up in the garbage.

Instead, it goes back into the production line, where it is returned to normal working condition. However, due to its status as a “used” tool, it doesn’t go through the usual sales process but is sold at a much cheaper rate.

Therefore, though it works the same as new, a factory reconditioned tool is much cheaper off the shelf. And for a bargain-hunting newbie looking for quality, you cannot afford to miss them.

Why Buy Factory-Reconditioned Woodworking Tools?

They’re cheaper

You’ll save a lot of money if you choose to buy refurbished woodworking tools. They can be nearly half the price of a brand new tool, even with the same level of performance.

If you’re just starting out, consider buying refurbished instead of settling for a cheap but new entry-level tool. Chances are, you’ll get a much better tool for the same price.

They’re of high quality.

You’re not cheaping out if you buy a refurbished tool. As a matter of fact, you end up with “like-new” quality almost every time. Remember, reconditioned tools go through the same manufacturing line as new tools, and so the quality is nearly indistinguishable.

Personally, from experience, you can expect the same levels of performance even though you’re spending much less for the tool. The main difference between them and new woodworking tools is that the new tools haven’t been used before.

You can get all the major brands.

Buying refurbished woodworking tools doesn’t mean that you have to limit your tastes and preferences. A quick tour through eBay will tell you that there are more than enough refurbs from all the major brands. Whether it’s DeWalt, Bosch, Makita, or any other brand you need, you can easily find it.

The best part is that even your favorite brands cost half as much when they’re reconditioned. This is why you’ll find veteran woodworkers searching for used tools whenever they can afford to.

They are fully serviceable. 

A serviceable tool has widely available parts and is easy to maintain. Reconditioned tools are just as serviceable as their new counterparts. If a component breaks down, you can easily replace it. If maintenance is necessary, it’s the same procedures.

In a nutshell, I can attest that buying a reconditioned woodworking tool won’t limit your ability to maintain it.

When Shouldn’t You Buy a Reconditioned Tool?

When your work depends on it

Refurbished tools are just as good as the real deal, except they have been used or damaged before. Think of them as used cars—there’s always going to be mileage from the previous owner.

If you’re a professional, you need to invest in quality tools that won’t disappoint you. It’s generally a good idea to buy new whenever possible because new tools tend to last longer than used tools. 

When there are better options 

Investing $500 in a reconditioned tool that goes for $1,000 when new might seem like a good idea. However, if a newer model goes for $800, then it doesn’t make sense to spend that much on the old model.

Refurbished tools are valuable when they offer the same performance as new tools without the cost. If you can spend slightly more and get a brand new tool with better capabilities, go for it.

How Much do Reconditioned Tools Cost?

How much do you stand to save if you buy reconditioned tools?

Makita RT0701C

Let’s say you’re looking for a router. The Makita RT0701C costs about $95 when it’s brand new. However, if you buy a factory reconditioned tool, you’ll only pay $62 - $76 for the same tool.

The margins only grow when you shop for more advanced power tools. You can save upwards of $200 on a table saw, or $500 and more on an industrial cabinet saw.

There are great savings to enjoy when you shop used woodworking tools, especially if you know where to look.

Where Can You Buy Factory Reconditioned Tools?

Your local hardware shop may have a few refurbished tools up for sale, so always make a point of asking.

Some of the best places to get grade A reconditioned tools include cpooutlets.com, factoryauthorizedoutlet.com, eBay, and Amazon.

You can also source high-quality refurbs straight from the manufacturer, but there might be a minimum limit for how many units you can buy.

Alternatively, you can visit woodworking forums to sample the power tool listed for sale there. 

Final Word

If you’re in the market looking for a new woodworking tool, you have two options: buy new, or buy used.

Most people choose the first option because of the assurance of quality that comes with a brand new tool. There is also the guarantee offered by warranties, plus the accessories and bonuses you get when you buy a new tool.

In contrast, reconditioned tools may not come in a kit, and they don’t always have a warranty. Some third-party sellers issue limited warranties for refurbished woodworking tools, but it’s never guaranteed.

However, the appeal of a lower price for the same level of quality is too attractive if you’re working with a tight budget. In many cases, buying reconditioned tools is usually the more affordable option.

Keep in mind that reconditioned tools tend to come with some dings and scratches, even though they’re usually in top condition.