How to Buy Quality Tools for Cheap on Craigslist
New tools aren’t cheap, but you can find incredible discounts on Craigslist if you know how and where to look.
Despite scammers, scammers and junk hawkers, Craigslist continues to be a popular marketplace for many second-hand goods. Quality tools and outdoor electrical equipment are quickly promoted on Craigslist when priced right. Here’s how to find the best tools for the best price.
What tools do you need?
If you’re a tool freak, it’s always fun to browse through the tools section on Craigslist and then navigate to the listings that you think are great deals, but not the best way to get started building your workshop. Instead, focus on your needs and start with one or two tools at a time.
First, determine what the average price of this instrument (plus tax) is if you bought it new. If make and model are important to you, make sure you know the exact cost. This will give you a basis for determining how much you will save when buying a used one. If you can get a little-used tool at 40-50% off its list price, then you’re good. In many cases, you can do better.
How to evaluate the tools used
Check out the different DIY and Pro brands. DIY tools are made for weekend warriors looking for a lightweight tool at a good price. Professional brands are often referred to as contract or commercial grade tools and are built for professionals who depend on a tool that works day in and day out for their livelihood.
DIY power tool manufacturers include Ryobi, Craftsman, Kobalt, Black + Decker, Skil, and Porter Cable. There are exceptions as Craftsman and Skil still make some contract grade tools, but these brands are generally less expensive and considered lightweight. If you buy these tools, expect to pay a lot less and avoid them if they look like they were frayed as they have a much shorter lifespan.
Major professional brands are DeWALT, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita and Hilti. These new tools are the most expensive and built to withstand the harsh jobsite conditions. To learn more about the best brands for a particular instrument, be sure to check out our School of Instruments series here on Lifehacker.
When faced with a choice between two instruments in the same condition and at the same price, choose a professional brand. It is much more likely that you will get a lot of benefit from this tool, but keep in mind that it could have had a much harder life.
Consider who is selling the instrument. If you are buying from a contractor, keep in mind that the tool went through the call and not the homeowner who bought the tool once to install the ladder.
Before buying an instrument and setting a price, make sure you have the ability to connect and use it. Test your chargers to make sure they work and ask them to include all accessories, cases, and operating instructions. If they are not available, then trade as you are buying an incomplete instrument.
When buying cordless tools, check the warranty period and the cost of replacing batteries. In many cases, the price can shock you and you may end up spending more on new batteries than the price of the tool. Ridgid has an excellent lifetime warranty on power tools and batteries, but you’ll need an original proof of purchase.
Don’t let dirt and rust scare you away from good hand tools. Quality tools like Craftsman, Estwing and Channellock can be repaired with a little time and lubrication. Standalone power tools can also be cleaned and used profitably. Just make sure they are properly lubricated and oiled if they sit for a long time. Hand-held power tools are more difficult to repair, so it is best to buy them in good condition.
When to buy
It’s always best to buy tools when you don’t need them right away. You will feel less desperate and can walk away if the deal turns out to be unprofitable.
You have more bargaining power to buy seasonal instruments in the off-season as the seller will have much less prospect. Buying a lawn mower in the winter and a snow blower in the summer will give you the best price. At the start of the season, you’ll find loads of mowers and gas equipment that won’t start, so owners put them on Craigslist to get rid of them. If you have the skills to service small engines, you can probably get these devices back in operation by cleaning the carburetor or replacing the spark plugs.
How to search
On Craigslist, you can bookmark search to include the search term as well as variables including price, owner / dealer, newest versions, and featured image. Just search and bookmark the page. Craigslist also provides search RSS feeds, so you can load multiple feeds into a reader like Feedly to quickly scan products and prices. Or, you can use a service like IFTTT to receive email or SMS notifications when a new item is posted with your criteria.
It is best to search in the general Craiglist search box, as tools are not always listed under the tools category. You will also find them in the Household, Garage Sale, General, Farm & Garden sections, and also for free!
However, be careful not to steal your tools. Tools are often the first thing thieves grab when they steal an open garage or construction site. If something seems suspicious about a deal that’s too good to be true, or the salesperson is just acting suspicious, it’s best to leave. Tools that are new in the box (NIB) that someone wants to dump cheap should be alarming. Buying stolen goods and tools is bad karma. Do not do this!
When you finally find this perfect tool, contact the seller and make an appointment. Be sure to check out our Craiglist buying guide and negotiation start guide to learn how to get the most out of your deal. Good luck!
Photography by Charles and Hudson and Tool Crave .