Cheap-Ass Tools: Ridgid Reconditioned Tools
By Sean O'Hara
Budgets are tight lately, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get some decent deals on tools if you’re willing to look. A quick glance at the Depot’s site led me to a section for reconditioned tools. Though this is a loaded topic on either side, the fact remains you can get tools for around forty percent off if you pull the trigger on the right deal.
One example: they’ve priced the Ridgid 12″ sliding compound miter saw $200 lower than its normal $500 off-the-shelf price. The reconditioned Ridgid tools also come with a one-year free-repair warranty — which might actually put them ahead of some of the open-box specials you find on the bargain table.
They aren’t new and may show a bit of wear and tear, but if it’s the difference between having one and not, you might want to consider it. It’s true you’re taking a risk, but depending on what you plan to do with it, it’s at least a solid option.
Ridgid Reconditioned Tools [Home Depot]
July 21st, 2008 at 11:02 am
A friend of mine got a reconditioned Ridgid compound miter saw–the arbor lock broke after less than 5 hours of use such that end of the pin was hitting the shaft while it turned. This is the scary part of using power tools with ear muffs as it is harder to hear the sound of a dangerous condition developing. It must have hit the hole in the shaft enough because the blade started to loosen. Luckily, we did hear the sound of the loose blade through the ear muffs, stopped using the tool and no one was hurt.
While this type of thing can (and does) happen to new tools as well, I won’t trust life and limb that the recondition check was thorough.
July 21st, 2008 at 11:19 am
If you check out the specifications for the reconditioned 18V Cordless Lithium Driver:
Cord Length: 144 feet
Voltage: 120 Volts
July 21st, 2008 at 3:31 pm
if that’s true it’s one hell of a deal, thats a lot of extension cord,
and at least the batteries not going to go
July 21st, 2008 at 8:30 pm
If you are considering getting Ridgid tools, please read this thread first:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20241&showall=1
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:17 pm
^^ At least be fair and say Ridgid Li Ion tools. I still use the corded metal Ridgid drill from the 70s that my Dad gave me. 20 years with him and 10 years with me, and it’s running strong. I’ll keep it just because of the hours on end I spent with it as a teenager with a wire wheel and iron fence.
June 27th, 2009 at 7:54 am
I am not a fan of the newer rigid tools. I’d rather by grizzly, if I am going to go more inexpensive….
http://www.grizzly.com