Do you prefer to buy new or used tools?

[Spoonrobot]

We discussed this some time ago but we have a few more regular posters now so it's time to review.

What do you prefer to buy, either as a user or collector, new tools or used tools? Why?

Take such things as price points, availability, ease of purchase, condition of implements and so forth before voting.

I prefer to buy used tools if given the choice. Seeing the wear and tear on a tool from the previous user, generally getting a lower price and the excitement of disassembly and cleaning are all attractions for me to used tools. A certain understanding and pride of ownership comes from buying a well-worn, neglected tool and then taking it apart, cleaning, polishing and really getting to know the tool and the previous user. Finding a certain tool after hunting around several dimly-lit, dirty storefronts is a rewarding experience. I like the dull blades and dinged up drivers found on a used tool. The worn saws and files, slightly loose pliers and general scratches and dents that show the life it once led. Where has this tool been and what has it seen?

Of course, most used tools lack the included packaging and accessories of a new tool. Used tools are also more labor intensive to purchase. Does the tool have all implements intact? Is it too worn to be of useful service? New tools have that smooth, factory oiled operation. The sharp click of locks snapping into place and the crisp lines of unused implements. New tools have so much potential, it's a joy to take a shiny new tool and spend a few days on a job site, in the mud, giving it a workout. Really making the tool yours. Buying a new tool is generally as simple as finding the right store, walking to the back and picking out the model you like.

Well?

[Papacat]

I voted used over new. 

Even as a collector, a used multitool seems more valuable to me.  When you look at a used multitool, you can see the scratches and marks and you wonder about the history of the tool.  What was the tool being used for?  What was going on at the time?  Of course, this could be as simple as just opening a beer, but to me it still means more to me.  Also, a used multitool would be cheaper.

-Papacat
 

[I'm Still Bison]

 I like buying new..I suppose it's the kid in me,still wanting to open a new package.However I will buy used if I know the seller,or get to examine the tool first;I like used tools I buy to be fairly minty,with clean crisp actions on the tools,opening and closing.

[Sea Monster]

If it is serviceable condition, I like a used tool.

I, to whatever degree, am for a quality item have a long and useful life rather than the ol' use-and-chuck.
If a tool is in nice enough shape after one owner, I have no problem with being a second (or third) owner.

Price. I rarely encounter a retail agent who earns their % - However, in the case of some Cash and Trade stores, they buy the stuff off some poor sucker for less than its worth, and flog it to some other sucker for more than it is worth.
These guys can often come off as annoying as guys selling New stock retail with no sense of service, interest in the product they are selling, or care for the customer. (Sales for Sales sake annoys me.)

My favourite way to earn a new tool (or anything in this world really), is from a mate or at least someone I've had a drink with, in trade for either an item of my own that means more to them than to me - or in trade for labour.

I'd rather spend a day helping a guy build a fence (even if he's not a mate), and get his nice old set of tools out of it than get double whatever that set of tools is worth to sell in cash just to give it to some jerk in a hardware store.
(Unless maybe that set of tools was worth $10,000. I don't need a ten thousand dollar tool kit, but I'd love twenty grand)

This would seem highly illogical - What am I? A vulcan?

Perhaps my dislike of the "Middle man" who turns my Money into cans of tuna and 2-minute-noodles is irrational, but that's the way I am, I'd rather have things I can use, than money I can spend on things I can use.

I also feel a used item in terms of $$$, is closer to its true value to a person.
Using multis as an example - assuming nothing breaks and they remain servicable, a 2nd hand one is worth the same to anyone as a fifth hand one - but the difference between 2nd hand and NIB is quite much.
This goes fairly similarly for everything - cars, surfboards, etc.

[WhichDawg]

WoW, we should send spoonrobot our old black books! 
but I too like the deals you get from used tools, makes me green

[Benner]

I definitely prefer used.  Apart from the huge money saving element of buying a used tool, which is even more pronounced because of the higher costs here in the UK, I also prefer a tool to be marked so I feel happy to use it on any of the jobs I might have.  Infact, after looking at my collection of sharp things, I have only owned 2 of them from new and one of those was given to me as a present and the other was only a cheap Douk-Douk.

[kreskin13]

New for me. I'm not against used tools but if it's used I usually only buy "old" tools, tools no longer made or available. I like antiques and tools are no exception. I have a few old wrenches, pliers, ratchets and screwdrivers and use them along with my newer tools. I like the look and feel of a really old tool.

I'm like Bison in the sense that I feel like a kid when I'm about ready to open that new package, besides I can't wait to attack that next clam shell package with my new Leatherman Vista!

I guess Madonna and I are just "material girls".

Calvin

[Sea Monster]

I'm like Bison in the sense that I feel like a kid when I'm about ready to open that new package, besides I can't wait to attack that next clam shell package with my new Leatherman Vista!

I don't understand clamshell packaging, I'd rather buy it off a display case and shove it in my pocket, a little "shop soiling" never hurt anyone.
I think it is tacky and makes an otherwise nice product look cheap.
It's also harder to stack clamshell neatly into boxes for transport, and those edges are a hazard.

Who's stupid bloody idea was it anyway?

I am aware of the benefits in regards to security - They are harder to steal than a small, unpackaged item, and it easy to see any tampering (This also assists with telling customers to take a hike if they want to return an item "Oh I'm sorry sir, I'm a dickhead, and your clamshell is damaged, policy is go Colorful Enunciation yourself" )
-With that in mind, that a brand might use excessive Clamshell is perhaps an insult to myself and other consumers, the implication being we can not be trusted.

And if store policy is that clamshell can't be damaged for an item return, then you should have an unpackaged example to play with, it's outright rude to flog a product you can't handle or experience before handing over the $$$ (That said, I am perfectly okay with the rules stores have about trying out Underwear in the change rooms, and I accept not having a "tester" pair available...)

(Before anyone thinks I am a loony, I've never actually put much thought into it before this topic, but given the opportunity to have a whinge, I'll take it!)

[kreskin13]

I'm like Bison in the sense that I feel like a kid when I'm about ready to open that new package, besides I can't wait to attack that next clam shell package with my new Leatherman Vista!

I don't understand clamshell packaging, I'd rather buy it off a display case and shove it in my pocket, a little "shop soiling" never hurt anyone.
I think it is tacky and makes an otherwise nice product look cheap.
It's also harder to stack clamshell neatly into boxes for transport, and those edges are a hazard.

Who's stupid bloody idea was it anyway?

I hate those clamshells also. They are a waste of material and absolutely not "green". Some things come in more than one type of packaging and I will always buy the one with less packaging even if I have to pay a little more. It has to be the marketing folks who came up with this as a way of making their products look better than they are. If it is in such a substantial package it must be great right? Hogwash!

Perhaps I should use my new Vista on marketing people.

Calvin

[TWBryan]

               A good number of my power tools are reconditioned (they look new). I think buying used tools is a good idea,if you buy from a reputable vendor. That said I tend to buy hard-use tools new for warranty purpose,and to avoid any weakness created by prior stress. Guess I'd have to vote twice wouldn't I?

[J-sews]

I spend a lot of time rummaging about at flea markets and antique stores searching for old vintage tools. Some of what I own is pretty well beat up, others only slightly used. When trying to obtain items no longer in production, beggars can't be choosers. Virtually all of my older tools were obtained "used".

That being said, I'm also interested in the exciting new stuff that comes out every year. (I certainly don't want to wait around for a "used" Skeletool to become available.) So I also have my share of tools purchased "new"

Guess I'd have to vote twice as well

[cryptrick]

It doesn't really bother me, New or Used. I would probably vote for used just a bit ahead of new because of the prices in the UK. Its sometimes only economical to get used tools. I can also feel more relaxed in using them for tougher jobs as they are probably already scratched

[Anthony]

I agree a lot with Spoon, I prefer used.  I've only recently bought a "new" multitool, a Swisstool (and they rarely show up for sale used)...all my others have been bought or traded for used.  The lower price is a factor, but I like the look and feel of used tools, and the "hunt" to get them.  Anyone can pay $70 for a Wave in a Wal Mart, but a used tool has a story behind it.  Inspecting it and cleanining it up is part of the fun for me also as odd as that sounds

That said, the used tool I might buy can't be FUBAR...scratched, dinged, slightly bent, discolored...alll fine with me if the price reflects that. 

[Spoonrobot]

I'm like Bison in the sense that I feel like a kid when I'm about ready to open that new package, besides I can't wait to attack that next clam shell package with my new Leatherman Vista!

I don't understand clamshell packaging, I'd rather buy it off a display case and shove it in my pocket, a little "shop soiling" never hurt anyone.
I think it is tacky and makes an otherwise nice product look cheap.
It's also harder to stack clamshell neatly into boxes for transport, and those edges are a hazard.

Who's stupid bloody idea was it anyway?

I try to save all the packaging from new tools in case I have to sell later. It's much more of a hassle to try to save big obnoxious clampacks than neat little boxes.

[Grant Lamontagne]

As a collector interested in oddities, I usually have to buy used.  Of course I have nothing against new tools and buy them as well.  If I didn't buy used though, I wouldn't have some of the neat oddities I have!

Def

[kreskin13]

I'm like Bison in the sense that I feel like a kid when I'm about ready to open that new package, besides I can't wait to attack that next clam shell package with my new Leatherman Vista!

I don't understand clamshell packaging, I'd rather buy it off a display case and shove it in my pocket, a little "shop soiling" never hurt anyone.
I think it is tacky and makes an otherwise nice product look cheap.
It's also harder to stack clamshell neatly into boxes for transport, and those edges are a hazard.

Who's stupid bloody idea was it anyway?

I try to save all the packaging from new tools in case I have to sell later. It's much more of a hassle to try to save big obnoxious clampacks than neat little boxes.

I do the same thing, I even open those blasted clamshells by cutting around the tool in such a manner that the tool will fit back in somewhat neatly. Whoever wins (3 of you) in my next giveaway will find out. Both Charges, the Spirit and most of the SAKs I'm giving away all came in clamshells! 

Calvin

[edap617]

I prefer "used" for tools that I intend to actually use. For collection purpose, only brand new.

[crls1]

I buy used tools only if they are no longer produced, since second hand tools have almost the same price than the new ones.

Carlos

[ducktapehero]

I like new ones. I wanna make my own memories.

[FredKJ]

I'm planning to spend a day at the antique shops on Broadway here in Denver to see if I can come across some vintage SAK's.

[AJ]

New works best for me.

[J-sews]

New works best for me.

Don't like having to repair old junk, eh?   

[Spoonrobot]

I prefer "used" for tools that I intend to actually use. For collection purpose, only brand new.

What is the used tool situation over in your corner of the globe?

[edap617]

I prefer "used" for tools that I intend to actually use. For collection purpose, only brand new.

What is the used tool situation over in your corner of the globe?

Used tools here can only be obtained from friends willing to sell their tools when they upgrade to newer model or swapping of tools among friends. No other sources for used tools aside from what I mentioned above.   

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

For me I prefere to have new tool's as you then know the tool's history, and wether it's been abused or not

[Biru]

I much prefer new. I'm so terrible at sharpening that I look at used and wonder "Is this owner a bad as I ?"

Like you say, sometimes overstress isn't necessarily obvious.

[Mike, Lord of the Spammers!]

Exactly, metal's not like a bit of wood where you can see the damage