These Are the Best Places to Buy Used or Refurbished Tools.
If you want to do anything around the house, whether it’s a simple renovation or a major DIY project, you’ll need quality tools. And tools, as you may have noticed, are quite expensive, especially with the tariffs that drive the prices up even more.
Of course, there are alternatives to buying tools: you can usually rent them or even borrow them from a tool library . But renting only makes sense if you’re only going to use the tool once, and renting tools doesn’t guarantee you’ll get the right tool when you need it. Sometimes owning a tool is the smartest option, and if you need to save some money, there’s a simple solution: buy a refurbished model.
A certified factory refurbished tool with a warranty (as opposed to a random yard sale ) can save you a lot of money while still being as functional and reliable as new. The key is knowing where to find these high-quality, certified refurbished tools. Here are the best places to look.
Amazon
This online giant sells just about everything, so it’s no surprise that it also offers refurbished tools. You can search Amazon for “ refurbished tools ” to see what sellers are currently offering, or visit Amazon Renewed and look under the “Tools & Home Improvement” section . If you find a product from a third-party seller, be sure to check the seller’s ratings and warranty.
Restored tool platforms
In today’s economic climate, it’s no surprise that there are many online sellers who specialize in selling refurbished and reconditioned instruments. The best places to look are:
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Acme Tools offers a wide selection of refurbished hand and power tools, most of which are certified and warranted. Returns are free if the item is ordered within 30 days.
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CPO Outlets offers an amazing 120-day money back guarantee on their certified refurbished items.
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Direct Tools Factory Outlet has a huge selection of tools and offers a 30-day return policy, but you’ll pay shipping and a 20% restocking fee.
CPO Outlets is probably the best place to start, if only because of its return policy, but if you can’t find what you need there, Acme and Direct are solid choices.
Large stores
Most large hardware stores sell and rent new tools, so it’s no surprise that they also sell refurbished tools.
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Home Depot typically offers a wide selection of refurbished tools on its official website.
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Lowe’s Outlet stores, which sell scratched and dented items at deep discounts, often also offer used and refurbished tools at significantly reduced prices if you’re lucky enough to live near one. They essentially operate as regional outlet centers, which is why there are only a few around the country. This website has a (short) list of their locations.
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Walmart also has a wide selection of tools on its website.
Since refurbished instruments are always in limited supply, it is best to check all of these sources until you find what you are looking for. Patience and persistence are the keys to success.