The Two Types Of Power Tools You Should Reconsider Buying Used

When you're trying to put together a collection of power tools that every homeowner should have, it can be an expensive process. Even if you're buying a power tool kit that has several tools and batteries in it, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several hundred dollars. If such prices aren't in your budget, you might consider purchasing used tools to save some money. However, you should probably avoid purchasing used cordless power tools and chainsaws because of the potential for unseen damage in these tools.

Buying manual hand tools is usually safe as long as you inspect them closely for unwanted wear and damage, like cracked wooden handles or wrenches that slip when in use. If you're buying corded used power tools, you should check the power cord for loose connections or damage. Even gas outdoor power tools can have problems to watch for, including clogged air filters and dirty spark plugs, which could indicate improper maintenance of the older machine. 

If you decide to purchase used cordless power tools or chainsaws, try to stick with models that the seller can verify the age of. If you're buying the best-ranked power tool brands, which should deliver the greatest longevity, you'll want to be sure that they're not really old and near the end of their useful lifespans.

Buying cordless power tools used is a hit-or-miss proposition. As cordless power tools age, they may see a reduction in the level of torque and power they can deliver. Additionally, watch for cracked housing on the tool, as this can lead to rust or short circuiting, which could significantly shorten the power tool's lifespan.

Some of the ways to extend the life of power tools is to perform proper maintenance. If the original owner didn't maintain it by doing things like wiping it clean after each use and keeping it away from moisture exposure, the unit will almost certainly have a shorter lifespan. You also cannot be certain that the original owner didn't overuse the tool. The motor in a cordless tool might generate a lot of heat when used for high-demand tasks, which could cause premature wear on the motor.

Finally, you can't be sure how the original owner treated the batteries on the cordless power tool. Old or poorly treated batteries might not deliver the level of power that you need to use certain tools and may run for a significantly shorter amount of time than a new battery. Always check the battery for damage, which could lead to a fire. Additionally, battery packs for power tools may last only a few years from the time of purchase, so when you buy a used tool-and-battery combination, the battery could be close to (or past) the end of its useful life, forcing you to invest in new batteries.

Chainsaws are versatile tools, but they can cause accidents and injuries (even under perfect conditions) because of the speed of the chain during normal use, which can be 50 to 60 miles per hour. Because of safety concerns, people should never use a chainsaw that has obvious or hidden damage, which makes buying a used chainsaw a potentially unwise choice without close inspection.

You can't be certain about the way the original owner used the chainsaw, meaning it could have suffered a lot of abuse that left it in poor condition. A common problem with older chainsaws is scoring on the piston when the machine has been run without the proper lubrication. Pistons can seize when they don't have the proper lubrication (which leads to scoring), which is why manufacturers rarely accept a warranty claim when a piston seizes up. Mechanics know to remove the spark plug and shine a flashlight into the hole to look for scoring and scratches on the cylinders on a used chainsaw, but the original owner might not let you inspect the chainsaw this closely. 

Additionally, a used chainsaw could have a bent or warped bar that causes the machine to fly backward unexpectedly during use, placing you or bystanders in danger from the running chain. Always closely inspect the bar. If the used saw has been operated with a bent bar for a while, other parts could have stress and damage. You should always carefully inspect a secondhand chainsaw and test it by cutting wood before buying it to try to catch hidden damage.