Sep 01, 2016

Your Go-To Guide for Buying Used Tools

Purchasing tools second-hand from GD Liquidators can be a great way to acquire the devices you need at a great price. We carry an assortment of used industrial tools at our conveniently located Edmonton warehouse. Welding supplies, impact sockets, drill bits and pneumatic equipment are just the beginning. A range of power tools, nail guns and hand tools are also yours to peruse and procure. But buying second-hand has its risks. How can you tell if you’re getting a deal or a dud? Here are some tips to make sure you walk away with a quality tool at a bargain price.

Research First

Before you hop in your car to come and see us, get a sense of the market price of the tool(s) you’re looking to procure. Check out retailers like Canadian Tire, Lowe’s or Rona for current costs. You want to be able to recognize both the appearance of a healthy product and a fantastic discount when you see it.

Buy Name Brands

What’s in a name? Quite a bit when it comes to tools. A label you don’t recognize is always a risk, doubly so when it comes to buying second-hand. Stick with trusted brands that have a reputation for building quality products used by the pros. DeWalt, Bosch, Skil and Makita are a few of the most highly-performing brands sold on the market today.

Be Vigilant about Power Tools

You can get perfectly functional power tools at a fantastic price if you do your due diligence and closely inspect them beforehand. Here are some things to keep in mind when you investigate.

  • Closely examine the cord. Note if there are any crimps or other visible defects. Be wary should you find any. Also, be on guard if you discover any electrical tape on the cord, as it could indicate a broken wire or other electrical flaw.
  • Examine the plug. Make sure all prongs are relatively straight. Investigate the casing and determine if all screws are in place. A missing screw may mean the tool was taken apart in the past for repairs.
  • Inspect the motor vent. A clean vent is preferred, but a bit of dirt shouldn’t be a deal breaker. However, burn marks or smoke trails should raise a serious warning bell, as this could be an indication of an electrical problem. Similarly, it’s also a good idea to give the motor vent a sniff for lingering odours of smoke.
  • Turn the tool on. Look out for any sparks and listen for any grating sounds. Note how the device feels in hand. It should be vibrating but seem easy to control.

Hand Tools are a Go

It’s hard to go wrong with hand tools. Avoid anything with massive amounts of rust or immovable parts, and all should be good.

Buy from a Reputable Retailer

Shop at GD Liquidators. We have the most abundant supply of quality used tools in Edmonton. Contact us today to inquire about the tool you’re looking for, or simply come on by.

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