Has Anybody had any luck buying tools off of ebay. I am thinking about getting some used snap on tools. The stuff on the truck is so expensive it killing me. I am working in the auto field so i need quality tools. I love craftsman for stuff around the house but it doesen't cut it at work. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

My opinion, for what it's worth. I haven't bought tools, but I have bought a lot of high-end bicycle parts and the market is suprisingly similar. Expensive stuff for what looks like a good price... until you actually see it... Often I end up spending as much as new with more aggravation.

The problem with buying used off Ebay is you're never quite sure what you're going to get until you've had a chance to use the tool a few times. Then you'll know for sure if it's worn out past it's life, at which point it's too late. plus, even on Ebay, Snap-on stuff goes for quite a bit. I've looked longingly at a few tools but backed off before buying. I think I'd rather spend a few $ more, get the tool from the dealer and his be more trusting of his support.

 

with ebay you pay your money and take your chances. I've had some bad deals, but mostly I've been lucky.

Look at the pictures very good and make sure it matches the descripion of what your bidding on.

 

Watch out for the shipping charges some are so inflated, you will end up paying more for the item than if new. I have bought some tools off ebay at a good price, including shipping.

 

I've only been burned once on Ebay, though I have been burned plenty of times buying out of the local trading post. Just pay attention to feedback, and those who have put effort into their auctions. Those who have put effort into selling aren't usually out to just make a quick buck, and of course lots of + feedback from other buyers is encouraging. Also look for a return policy, and some kind of buyers protection.

I beleive the exspense with tools like Mac/Snap-on/Craftsman, is you can always exchange it for new, really no matter what you get. You might as well be buying new tools

 

my tool buying experience has been good and bad on eBay. I've had great luck with socket sets, and hand tools. Air tools too. The place that has been hit or miss is ratchets and torque wrenches. Too often, I find broken teeth, or worn out mechanisms. Hopefully you catch it right away and can send it back. Personally I would stay away from used ratchets..usually its just someone elses problem they are getting rid of.

 

seriously, how does craftsman not cut it?? what is the story behind that? how has it kept you from making money. leave ego and being cool behind....seriously.

 

I've had sucess buying Craftsman sockets on ebay, i think that and sockets are a fairly good option. I really wouldn't consider buying any other tools because ihave no recourse if i break em down the road. Usually get get stuff prob about 60% off what it would cost me walking into sears, and this is with shipping charges, Usually the deals can be had from those folks buying the full sets and parting them out. Thats why stuff usually goes cheaply. Only got burned on a suspension strut, and i got it so cheap even buying one new i made out on the deal.

Definately look out for those folks wanting to charge 20+ shipping to ship stuff if it's a small set of tools it really shouldn't cost tha tmuch to ship.

 

believe it or not I actually picked up a whole 120 piece socket set off ebay for 99 cents.

It was no name stuff, but I realy just needed a cheap set of tools to stick in the trunk of the rice mobile in case the supercharger decided to flake on me. It's worked out great so far.

 

I am not trying to badmouth craftsman. I have a lot of craftsman tools. they have some quality tools but day after day they start to wear. If I only am going to use a tool 3-4 times a mouth i will buy craftsman. No point in spending 60 bucks on snap on punch to beat on. But for the stuff I use all day I think snap holds up better.

 

BeeBoy, That is why I suggested sticking with the name brand, life-time stuff. Buy that busted Craftsman ratchet, run it up to the store and exchange it

 

i just find it funny how many "people who use stuff" all day, still use craftsman, and have for many generations, yet it's still not good enough. many say "the truck comes to them" when something breaks, but i doubt if you break a socket a socket that you will have it replaced within an hour. to each their own.

 

I never buy tools on line but sell stuff all the time .I am getting ready to go through my tools and sell a lot of them both snap on and craftsman lots of hand and air tools If you make a living turning wrenches than you know why you cant compare craftsman to snap on,dont get me wrong I have a ton of craftsman tools but also have a ton of snap on and thats what I use the most I have broken a lot more craftsman tools than any snapon and not just talking ratchets

 

Well one was a Snapon, I called them and they told me that ratchets are not part of the lifetime warranty and I would have to buy a rebuild kit for it.
Go figure...

 

look at that.






if you read the warranty info ont he website, it also clearly states that you need proof of purchase for warranty claims. thats a shame.