Want pro-grade tools without paying “brand-new-from-the-shiny-glass-case” prices? Buying used or refurbished tools can be a budget cheat codeif you shop smart.
The trick is knowing where to buy, what “refurbished” actually means (spoiler: it’s not always the same), and how to avoid ending up with a drill that only works on Thursdays.
In this guide, we’ll break down the best places to buy used or refurbished tools, including brand-backed “factory reconditioned” outlets, big-name retailers with
return policies, certified refurbished programs with warranties, and local spots where you can score a stealplus a practical inspection checklist so your next
purchase doesn’t turn into a very expensive paperweight.
Used vs. Refurbished vs. Reconditioned vs. Open-Box: Why the Labels Matter
Let’s translate the tool-world buzzwords into plain English:
Used tools
A used tool is sold “as it sits,” usually by a person (or a pawn shop) with an unknown history. It might be gently used… or it might have survived three
remodels and a cousin named “Torque.” Used can be a great dealjust expect fewer guarantees.
Refurbished / reconditioned tools
These tools were inspected, tested, and restored to working condition. The best versions are “factory reconditioned,” meaning repairs or checks were done by the
manufacturer or manufacturer-trained technicians and typically come with a warranty. Refurbished is often the sweet spot between price and peace of mind.
Open-box / “as-is” tools
Open-box tools are usually customer returns. Some stores also sell “as-is” items that were returned, inspected, and then discountedbut often with tighter return
windows and limited warranty coverage. Open-box can be a bargain… with a side of “read the fine print.”
The Best Places to Buy Refurbished or Reconditioned Tools Online
If you want the “discount” without the “mystery,” start with retailers and programs that clearly spell out condition, warranty, and returns.
These are especially good for big-ticket items like cordless kits, miter saws, nailers, and outdoor power equipment.
1) CPO Outlets (Certified Factory-Reconditioned Tools)
CPO is one of the most well-known destinations for factory-reconditioned tools. The big appeal: many reconditioned listings are described as “like new” and
come with a warranty comparable to new (depending on brand/product line), plus a generous return window for reconditioned items compared with typical “used”
marketplaces.
- Best for: Factory-reconditioned power tools and outdoor equipment from major brands.
- Why it’s great: Clear positioning around certified reconditioned tools, with warranty and return policy details.
- Watch-outs: “Reconditioned” doesn’t always mean “never used”it means “made right again.” Always read listing notes and included accessories.
2) Direct Tools Factory Outlet (RYOBI, RIDGID, and More)
Direct Tools Factory Outlet is a popular stop for steep discounts on “blemished” and “reconditioned” tools (often associated with brands like RYOBI and RIDGID).
“Blemished” typically means cosmetic imperfections, while “reconditioned” usually means tested and restored to working order. For value-focused DIYers, it’s one of the
most reliable “cheap, but not sketchy” options.
- Best for: Big savings on popular DIY tool ecosystems.
- Why it’s great: Outlet-style pricing with defined categories (blemished vs. reconditioned).
- Watch-outs: Confirm warranty terms by category and keep your proof of purchase.
3) Home Depot (Reconditioned Tools + Used Tool Rental Sales)
Home Depot can be a two-for-one here: (1) online “reconditioned” tool categories, and (2) used tools sold from Tool Rental programs. Rental tools have typically
been maintained to stay rentable, but they’ve also lived a harder life than the average homeowner tool. If you want pro-level gear for less and don’t mind a few battle
scars, this can be a smart route.
- Best for: Reconditioned tools online; occasional rental-tool sales for heavier equipment.
- Why it’s great: Big retailer policies and easier returns than peer-to-peer buys.
- Watch-outs: Rental tools can show wearinspect condition and confirm what coverage applies.
4) Amazon Renewed (Refurbished Tools With a Guarantee)
Amazon Renewed is a dedicated program for refurbished, pre-owned, and open-box products. It can be convenient (fast shipping, easy checkout), and Renewed purchases
are generally backed by program-specific coverage. This is a good option if you’re prioritizing convenience and return logisticsespecially for common items like drills,
impacts, chargers, or jobsite radios.
- Best for: Convenience-first shoppers who want a structured program and easy returns.
- Why it’s great: Program framework + guarantee (and often an additional limited warranty after the standard return window, depending on item).
- Watch-outs: Read the listing carefully: “Renewed” can include open-box and refurbished, and included accessories can vary.
5) eBay Refurbished (Certified Refurbished With Warranty Tiers)
eBay’s refurbished program is built around condition tiers (like “Certified” and other grades) and typically includes a warranty length tied to that grade. This can be
a strong choice if you want a bargain but still want an official refurbished structure, clear condition grading, and warranty coverage.
- Best for: Buyers who want certified refurbished deals and are willing to compare sellers and grades.
- Why it’s great: Refurbished grading system + included warranty on program items.
- Watch-outs: Outside the program, “refurbished” language can get messystick to the refurbished program listings when possible.
6) Authorized Tool Retailers With Reconditioned Deals (Example: Acme Tools)
Some tool retailers run legitimate reconditioned sections and share education on warranties and proof-of-purchase best practices. This is especially useful when you
want a deal but also want to stay within the “authorized purchase” ecosystem that makes warranty claims less painful.
- Best for: Shoppers who value documentation, warranty clarity, and reputable retailer support.
- Why it’s great: Warranty info is typically more transparent than random marketplace sellers.
- Watch-outs: “Reconditioned warranty” may differ from new-tool warranty lengthcompare the savings accordingly.
The Best Places to Buy Open-Box or “As-Is” Tools (When You Want the Discount Now)
7) Harbor Freight Open-Box / As-Is Sections
Harbor Freight can be a surprisingly good place to snag discounted toolsespecially when you understand how they treat open-box and as-is items. These deals can be
real, but they often come with a shorter return window and may not include a manufacturer’s warranty. Translation: excellent for confident buyers who can test on the
spot, not ideal for “hope it works” shopping.
- Best for: In-store bargain hunters who can inspect before buying.
- Why it’s great: Deep discounts on returned/inspected items.
- Watch-outs: Short return window; warranty limitations; possible missing partsverify before you leave the store.
The Best Places to Buy Used Tools Locally (The “Treasure Hunt” Category)
Local buying is where you can score the wildest dealslike a $25 orbital sander that still has the price tag on it because someone rage-quit DIY after discovering
drywall dust. But it’s also where you need the strongest scam radar and the best inspection habits.
8) Habitat for Humanity ReStore
ReStores sell donated home improvement goods, and many locations receive tools and tool-related supplies. It’s a feel-good option that can be surprisingly practical:
you might find basic hand tools, power tools, extension cords, shop accessories, and materials for your next projectall while supporting a mission.
- Best for: Budget DIYers, starter toolkits, and project supplies.
- Why it’s great: Local deals; mission-driven; ever-changing inventory.
- Watch-outs: Inventory varies a lotgo often and keep expectations flexible.
9) Pawn Shops (Good Deals, If You Know What You’re Looking At)
Pawn shops can have solid tool inventoryespecially in areas with lots of contractors or trade work. You may find name-brand drills, impacts, and saws at decent prices.
The key is to inspect carefully and ask about returns. Some shops test items; others sell as-is.
- Best for: Used power tools, hand tools, and tool sets.
- Why it’s great: You can often negotiate and inspect in person.
- Watch-outs: Warranty is usually limited or nonexistentyour inspection matters more here.
10) Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and OfferUp (Local Deals With Safety Rules)
These platforms are deal factories. Contractors sometimes offload extras, homeowners sell barely-used tools, and you can often find full kits. But you need two things:
(1) a testing plan, and (2) a safety plan. Platform guidance commonly recommends meeting in public, well-lit places, sharing your meetup plan, and keeping personal
info private.
- Best for: Big discounts, bundles, and local pickup (no shipping hassles).
- Why it’s great: More inventory than any single storebecause it’s basically everyone’s garage sale, 24/7.
- Watch-outs: Scams and unsafe meetups. Stick to public meeting spots and verify tools work before paying.
The Best Places to Buy Used Tools at Auctions and Surplus Sales
11) GovDeals (Government Surplus Auctions)
Government surplus auction sites can be a gold mine for tools and equipmentfrom shop tools to maintenance geardepending on what local agencies list. Pricing can be
competitive, and the variety can be huge.
- Best for: Serious bargain hunters and people comfortable with auction buying.
- Why it’s great: Broad inventory across categories, often from institutional sellers.
- Watch-outs: Buyer responsibilities (pickup timelines, condition as listed, fees). Read the lot details like your wallet depends on itbecause it does.
12) GSA Auctions (Federal Surplus)
GSA Auctions is another official route for surplus sales. While inventory varies, it’s worth checking if you’re looking for shop equipment or tools that may appear in
government surplus channels.
- Best for: Buyers who want official surplus channels.
- Why it’s great: Government-run auction site with rotating listings.
- Watch-outs: Auctions take patience and careful reading of conditions and pickup requirements.
13) Equipment Rental Companies’ Used Sales (For Heavier-Duty Gear)
Some rental companies sell maintained used equipment through sales events. This can be a smart move if you want bigger equipment that’s been serviced regularlyjust
expect visible wear. You’re buying function, not a showroom finish.
- Best for: Larger equipment and jobsite-ready gear.
- Why it’s great: Maintenance history is often better than random used listings.
- Watch-outs: Confirm condition, hours/usage, and what support (if any) is included.
How to Buy Used or Refurbished Tools Without Regret
Wherever you shop, this is the part that saves you money. Here’s a simple, practical checklist to avoid buying problems you didn’t budget for.
Bring a quick inspection mindset
- Look: Cracks, missing screws, warped guards, damaged cords, or battery terminals that look corroded.
- Smell: A strong burnt odor can suggest overheated windings or hard internal wear.
- Move: Check wobble in chucks/arbors, unusual grinding, or loose housings.
- Test: If possible, run the tool briefly. Listen for surging, rattles, or high-pitched whining that sounds… expensive.
For cordless tools, treat the battery like it’s half the purchase
Batteries are often the most expensive “wear part” in cordless ecosystems. A bargain drill with a tired battery can become an expensive drill real fast.
If the listing includes a battery, confirm it charges normally, seats properly, and holds power. If it doesn’t include a battery, price your purchase assuming you may
need to buy one.
Keep proof of purchase and document your serial numbers
Many warranty processes depend on proof of purchase. If you’re buying refurbished or reconditioned tools through reputable retailers, save receipts and order
confirmations. It’s unglamorous, but so is paying full price twice.
Where Each Option Shines (Quick Recommendations)
If you want the safest “deal” (warranty + structure)
- CPO Outlets for factory-reconditioned tools
- Direct Tools Factory Outlet for outlet-style reconditioned/blemished deals
- eBay Refurbished (program listings) for graded refurbished items with warranty
- Amazon Renewed when you want convenience and program-backed coverage
If you want the biggest savings (and you can inspect well)
- Harbor Freight open-box/as-is in-store deals (test first)
- Home Depot used Tool Rental sales (great for heavier-duty gear)
- Local marketplaces (Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp) if you meet safely and test thoroughly
- Government surplus auctions (GovDeals, GSA Auctions) if you can handle auction rules and pickup logistics
Final Thoughts: Buy the Tool, Not the Trouble
Used and refurbished tools can be one of the smartest ways to build a workshopespecially if you focus on reputable programs and retailers that clearly explain
warranties, returns, and condition. Think of it like adopting a tool: you want one that’s been checked out, not one that’s “totally fine” and also somehow missing
three screws and its entire personality.
Start with factory reconditioned outlets and certified refurbished programs when you can. Use open-box and local marketplaces when you’re comfortable inspecting.
And no matter where you buy, keep receipts, test what you can, and remember: the best deal is the one that still works next weekend.
Experiences That Make Used & Refurbished Tool Buying Worth It (And Occasionally Hilarious)
If you’ve never bought a used or refurbished tool before, the first time can feel like you’re doing something slightly rebelliouslike ordering dessert before dinner,
except the dessert is a circular saw and the dinner is your bank account. What surprises most people is how “normal” the experience becomes once you know the patterns.
One common experience: the factory-reconditioned confidence boost. You click on a reconditioned listing, see clear condition notes, a warranty, and a
return policy, and suddenly your brain stops imagining worst-case scenarios. The tool shows up, you open the box, and there’s that classic moment of
“Wait… this looks new?” That’s the sweet spot of reconditioned buyingwhen the discount feels real, but the risk feels controlled. People often describe it as the
difference between buying a used car from a friend of a friend (mystery) and buying a certified pre-owned car from a dealer (less mystery, more paperwork).
Then there’s the open-box adrenaline rush. In-store open-box shelves are basically the “clearance aisle” of your tool dreams. Sometimes it’s just a box
that got opened. Other times it’s a return with a missing wrench or a scuffed case. The experience tends to go like this: you spot a deal, you do a quick inventory
check like a detective, you test what you can, and you decide whether the savings are worth the trade-offs. When you win, you feel like you just beat a video game
level called “Retail Pricing.” When you lose, you learn to never again assume “all the parts are probably in there.” (They are not “probably in there.”)
Buying from local marketplaces is its own genre. The best experiences usually involve polite, prepared buyers. They show up with a charged battery (or
a way to test), ask straightforward questions, and keep the meetup quick and safe. The deals can be incredible: lightly used tools from someone who bought a whole kit
for one weekend project and then realized woodworking is 40% measuring, 30% sanding, and 30% questioning your life choices. The funniest part? Many sellers will say
things like, “I used it once,” and you can tell they mean itbecause the tool still looks like it’s waiting for its first real job.
The most memorable “used tool” experiences often revolve around batteries. People learn fast that a cordless tool is only as happy as its battery.
A used drill with a weak battery can feel like it’s sighing through every hole it drills. The workaround experience is very common: buyers either (a) budget for a new
battery right away, or (b) shop listings that include a known-good battery and charger, even if the upfront price is slightly higher. In other words, they stop buying
“a drill” and start buying “a drill system.”
Surplus and auction experiences are for the patient shoppersthe ones who don’t mind reading lot descriptions and planning pickups. When those buyers score, they score
big: shop equipment, maintenance tools, and bulk lots that can outfit an entire workspace for what a single new premium kit might cost. The story you’ll hear often is:
“It took longer than clicking ‘Buy Now,’ but the value was ridiculous.” Auctions reward careful reading and calm decision-making, not impulse. (So… the opposite of how
many of us shop for tools.)
Across all these experiences, the big takeaway is that buying used or refurbished tools feels less like gambling and more like strategy once you have a system:
prioritize reputable sellers and programs when you need reliability, go bargain hunting when you can inspect, and always protect yourself with receipts, safe meetups,
and a quick test whenever possible. And if you ever find yourself saying, “I’m only buying this because it’s a good deal,” congratulationsyou have joined the
worldwide community of people who definitely bought the tool because it was a good deal.
