Are Factory-Reconditioned Power Tools Worth It?
Factory-reconditioned tools can be one of the best ways to save on brand-name gear, or a trap if the discount is small or the warranty is missing. Here’s how to tell the difference.
What the labels mean
- Factory reconditioned: returned or blemished tools inspected and repaired by the manufacturer (or an authorized partner) and resold, usually with a shorter warranty than new.
- Seller refurbished: refurbished by the seller, not the manufacturer. Quality and warranty depend entirely on the seller.
- Open box: new or lightly handled items returned unused. Check that everything listed is actually included.
- Factory blemished: new tools with cosmetic flaws. Mechanically new, sometimes with a full warranty.
- Used / pre-owned: sold as-is, typically without a manufacturer warranty.
When a reconditioned tool is worth it
A reconditioned tool should be priced well below what the same tool sells for new right now, not below its original list price. New tools go on sale often, and sometimes the new price during a promotion beats the reconditioned price. We generally only rate a reconditioned deal Buy when the gap to the going new price is substantial and the warranty is clear.
Checklist before you buy
- Who did the reconditioning? Manufacturer or authorized reconditioning is the safest bet.
- What’s the warranty, and who honors it? It varies widely by brand and seller, so read the listing, not just the title.
- Bare tool or kit? Listing photos sometimes show batteries that aren’t included.
- Is the battery reconditioned too? A tired battery can wipe out the savings. Prefer listings with new batteries, or bare tools if you already have good ones.
- Is the seller reputable? On marketplaces like eBay, look for established sellers with clear return policies, and be wary of unusually cheap “genuine” batteries, which are commonly counterfeited.
Current reconditioned and open-box deals
We include condition in every deal title, so search for “reconditioned” or browse by brand.
