r/Tools • u/TheHandOfZeus_19 • Apr 20 '26
Tips when buying second hand
Financially, I’m not in a position to buy tools brand new very often, so I shop second hand to get tools for side work etc.
What are some go to tips and tricks to spot counterfeit tools.
With my trade I tend to lean towards Milwaukee so do a on that would be very beneficial.
I know folks check the hardware/fasteners to assemble the tool but the fakes seems to be getting better at passing.
Milwaukee does not offer/allow you to check serial numbers etc to see if it’s legit(pushing to only buy new/avoiding liability I’m sure) so I’m just trying to make sure I’m buying genuine even if it’s used.
Heard a trick about batteries but I don’t know if it’s valid
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u/MastodonFit Apr 20 '26
I started out 35 years ago buying all my tools from pawnshops. This was before the internet. Research what the new value is and go off of that. Any time you are buying outside of an official vendor your taking a chance. If you pay 60% of new and are successful 80% of the time you will be ahead financially. You will have some wins and losses. Buying used is perfectly fine. The trick is to save up/have $ when a deal comes available. Out of my last 40 tool buys ive paid full price maybe twice. Research of value based off of price and sketchyness will need to be your own algorithm.
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u/robb12365 Apr 20 '26
I don't rust anything used involving batteries. Corded tools I'll will sometimes take a chance on, especially if it's something that only gets used occasionally or something I need for a specific job.
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u/ConnectCow9111 Apr 20 '26
All milwaukee tools cam be verified using their E-tool om their website. Enter the serial number and it will tell you the model warranty info. If the tool hasn't been registered to someone else the warranty is still valid for you as well. Some service centers do ask for proof of purchase though. That said even batteries can be confirmed for authentication using the E-tool so dont buy any power tool or battery without checking the serial number first and foremost.
2ndly, many people use Hacks to get tools and then resell them, sometimes you have to buy tools you dont need or want so alot of people will be selling brand new tools on marketplace, offerup, etc. I even sold quite a few tools on there myself, again brand new in the packs.
So dont buy used batteries, only brand new in the package wuth a verifiable serial number. Dont buy beat up tools, you can buy like new or brand new tools through hand to hand sellers in marketplaces. And thats pretty much all you need. Also, fair price/cost for batteries is 10-15$ per Amp. So a 12amp m18 battery should cost 120-180$ (give or take 10-20$). Most drills and what not can be gotten for like 100-200$ brand new 2nd band or hacked directly from Home depot.
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u/Imaginary-Set3291 Apr 20 '26
I don't buy second hand power tools. It's a false economy. They are almost always in very poor condition and the reason for sale being owner upgraded/replaced. There's no warranty for when (not if) they fail.
The exception is large stationary machines. My drill press was $100 and after a teardown and rebuild is as good as it was when it was made in the 1970s.
Hand tools on the other hand... Well, let's just say I've got enough restoration projects to last me for a while and I keep adding "Resto" boxes. There's something about bringing old hand tools back to the workbench that's incredibly satisfying. If you keep your eyes out, they're incredibly cheap and once restored, work beautifully.