When buying power tools you obviously want to get the best value for your money whether that be discount power tools, very special offers or just maybe factory reconditioned power tools. Whether you use powers tools every day as part of your work or you just require DIY tools for more occasional use the reconditioned power tools retailer is worth searching for. Some products are obviously easier to locate than others. You will not generally find the just released latest factory reconditioned cordless tools the day after the new product has been released but do not let that put you off looking for the bargains in the newer 36v or 24v tools. If you look at the offers available through the reputable new and reconditioned tools suppliers then you'll quickly get a feel for the available products.
Why would anyone want to purchase reconditioned cordless tools or any other reconditioned power tools? Usually the price is the driving factor with huge savings being available. From time to time, however, someone is genuinely looking to find a powertool which is no longer manufactured and unable to find the product on eBay.
The actual wording can be a little misleading because you'd really believe a unit had been back at the factory to have a makeover when you review the words manufacturer reconditioned tool or sometimes manufacturer refurbished tools. Years ago I had a great Black & Decker corded Power drill which even the B&D guys said was a great product, so when the time came I sent the product back to the factory to be repaired or refurbished or reconditioned. In the 21st century it is almost certainly cheaper to purchase a new replacement tool from a factory reconditioned tool retailer.
So exactly what is a Manufacturer Reconditioned Tool?
Under almost all circumstances a product which has been returned to a retailer has to be returned directly to the manufacturer because it can not be sold as new. The exception is perhaps if the box and packaging of product was undamaged or unopened. Once the product returns to the manufacturer the product will be subject all the rigorous checks to ensure the product meets the as new specification. If all the tests checkout correctly then the product is re-packaged and is in as new condition. In practice the product is new but just done some additional travelling.
If you are purchasing power tools as reconditioned power tools then very often the only difference you'll be aware of is the word - Reconditioned - written on the packaging. You'll even get the same manufacturer warranty that you would with your new power tools. Sometimes the factory reconditioned maybe described as factory outlet stock.
Most of the major manufacturers supply reconditioned products but sometimes they will be restricted to a select number of retailers or dealers. Some retailers are specialist suppliers of factory reconditioned tools only. Some manufacturers don't like to have their regular higher priced power tools available for sale in the same tool retailer feeling that the reconditioned units will undermine the sales of the regular products. Can you imagine the questions being asked about the pricing and the difference between the 2 identical looking products one of which maybe half the price of the other one!
Whether you are looking for a Makita cordless drill, Milwaukee corded power drill, a Paslode nailer, Porter-Cable router, a Bostitch stapler, Bosch reciprocating, an 18v cordless drill or a product from another major manufacturer then just follow your nose and look out for the factory reconditioned tool suppliers.
