Thursday, April 14, 2011

Smart Tool Buying Tips for DIYers

A Special Guest Post From: Ethan, our friend over at One Project Closer. Thanks Ethan for your tool buying tips and insight!—Peter

The cost to fully equip your workshop can quickly add up even if you only buy the bare essentials. Many do-it-yourselfers that I know own thousands of dollars in tools. That's a hefty price to pay, and so I'm always eager to find ways to save money. Over the years, I've come across a handful of tool buying tips. This post will share some strategies so that you get the right tool and a great deal.


Professional Tools or Not

You may not realize it, but many tool manufacturers are under the same corporate umbrella. For instance, if you read about Irwin Tools, their brand encompasses many other names you'll recognize like Marathon, Hanson, Speedbor and more. Stanley Black & Decker owns Bostitch, DeWalt, Porter Cable and others. Companies are divided like this because each brand is targeted to a specific audience. Fein brand tools are marketed to professionals while Ryobi tools are marketed to homeowners. It's important to consider if you need a professional grade tool and then buy accordingly.

I own a pro-grade framing nailer and love it! This tool performs consistently and should last many years to come. Alternatively, I also own a Kobalt sliding miter saw that costs $170 at Lowes. This is a cheap saw and many users have reported problems with the fence and laser alignment. Both tools live up to my expectations. The point is I knew what I was buying and didn't overspend.




Refurbished Tools

Refurbished tools are purchases that have been returned to the manufacturer because of mis-handling or a product defect. The manufacturer fixes the tool, often incorporating new parts, restoring the tool to factory specifications. These tools pass quality control tests before they are resold through various online venues. Refurbished tools often cost 30-60% less than retail and almost always include a factory warranty.

I'm a big fan of refurbished tools and would recommend it to every do-it-yourselfer, however they may not meet the needs of a professional. There are risks associated with purchasing refurbished tools, but you can take steps to protect yourself. Before purchasing, call the retailer and ask about their return policy. What is the return period? Is there a restocking fee? Who pays shipping? Next, contact the manufacturer and learn about the warranty policy. How do you report problems? What proof of purchase do you need? By answering these questions, you'll be well prepared should problems arise.


Time Your Purchase

A little over a year ago, Consumer Reports published a calendar predicting when specific categories of product go on sale. They analyzed industry surveys, publications, and consulted in-house experts. Unfortunately, tools are not listed on their magic calendar but it does validate the theory that you should time your purchase for the best price. The idea is that you should buy when demand is low. For instance, the calendar suggests buying bikes in September.

If you have the time, watch prices to see how they fluctuate especially around major holidays. The sales may seem gimmicky but often translate into real savings. Take special note around Presidents Day, Memorial Day and Labor Day. You can also expect prices to drop a little while after the tool has been introduced. For instance, the new Paslode roofing nailer was introduced about 6 months ago with a suggested price of $529.00. Already, the price has dropped about $40.



From the Dealer or Big Box?

There is a huge debate over purchasing tools and equipment from a home improvement center versus an authorized local dealer. The argument goes that a big box stores carries substandard versions of the same models found elsewhere. Many users question why a manufacturer would sacrifice their good name by creating a lesser product, but supplying a Big Box store is sure to turn a significant profit. I've seen and read arguments for both sides, and here's what I know.
  • Big Box stores are always competing on price, and here's an example of how that plays out. All John Deere tractors are the same but big box stores only carry the very cheapest model.
  • I've read reliable information about a user opening up a defective Milwaukee Sawzall to find plastic parts that are otherwise metal.
  • In September 2010, Porter Cable started manufacturing a C2004-WK pancake compressor but you'll never find it on their official website. This model was exclusively sold at Lowes.
Manufacturers create specific models for big box stores but that doesn't necessarily mean they are substandard. When you shop around, make sure you compare apples to apples. When in doubt, remember that you typically get what you pay for.

Discounts and Coupons

Retailers are constantly offering discount and coupon incentives to earn your sale, and most of them are revolving deals. That means that a promo code or coupon will probably reappear after a little while, often with very small variations. Here's a great example. On March 24, 2011, The Home Depot released the promo code "SPRINGSAVE" good for $10 off a $100 purchase. This deal only lasted a week, but the same exact discount appeared just the other day with the promo code "HDSPRING" (valid 4/11/2011 - 4/17/2011).

One Project Closer is a website that focuses on providing premium home improvement, how-to and tool review content. In addition, OPC maintains a list of home improvement coupons where you can find promo codes like the ones listed above. It's an easy way to save money so take a look before your next purchase.
Do you have tool buying tips?! Share your knowledge, by commenting below, so we can all take advantage.
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My Standard Disclaimer: This is what I did. This does not mean this is the best way, the right way, to building code, or even safe for your needs. So you are on your own with your project. I make no promises about the information presented here. I'm just a do-it-yourselfer, not a professional at all, sharing my story. So if something goes wrong with your project, you are on your own. Good luck, and have fun!

All content and photos, copyright 2011, Dover Projects.

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Posted by Peter at 2:11 PM

8 comments:

  1. We love these tips. We're not even afraid to go to a place like Harbor Freight for certain things. One more sneaky tip is to maybe go grab a change of address kit at the post office, there's usually some kind of Lowes coupon in there.

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  2. hey guys -- awesome post Ethan. (and Peter love your disclaimer).... same thing with appliances on the big box vs. authorized dealer. big box usually lesser quality but priced accordingly. I'm not a very product loyal kinda guy -- think this is part because I don't feel I have explored enough brands personally yet. But as I buy chordless tools -- I tried to be conscious of whether batteries are swapable -- and here brand matters (as Ethan suggests). Typically though I usually just go with what is the best fit at any given moment. On one hand, I am a proponent of "disposable tools" cheap tilesaw over a rental anyday, and this is where a place like harbor freight comes in very handy . . . love love love. On the other hand though, if I know I am going to use it alot (the core tools) -- I usually spend the extra money and go with the pro quality -- happy Ethan you pointed this out.... There is always overstock places, diggerslist (right?) and hell, flea markets/yard sales for certain things -- very interesting info on timing of purchases, too. You know your sh*t Ethan. and I better stop -- Again great post! Hats off to both.

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  3. Jb, I like to start off strong with my other articles, then close with my disclaimer that says, "but I dont' know what I'm talking about!" Sometimes I do, but hey, the more I know, the more I realize I don't know.

    I like your thinking on the disposable tools vs. the rentals. I rented a tile cutter when we did our backsplash, and it was a fine machine, but coulda gotten bye with a cheapo for the job, and then had something for the future.

    I've gotta try Harbor Freight. I've not tried them yet.

    Ethan does know his "sh*t" and I very much appreciated his time for this article. Hats off to him!

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  4. I always suggest that if you need a precision tool, a dealer or supply house is best. If you just want basic tools, I think big box prices can't be beat. As a tradesman, I put big box power tools to the test every day and I honestly have never experienced a quality issue. Although, there is likely some merit to the issue based on how they sell cheapened up items like plumbing fixtures that are different from what you will buy at a supply house.
    Other thoughts:
    - know the local service centers. If you have a power tool issue, that's where you will need to go unless you mail it in. Can you imagine shipping a miter to a service center? $$! I used to buy DeWalt almost solely because the center was 5 min away.
    - Definitely agree that refurbished tools are a good choice. Service centers usually have some inventory.
    - As Ethan said, timing! I've made some great buys around holidays when tools can be bundled in a promo package.
    - Ask a store manager to mark down the prices! I've negotiated lower prices at big box stores on already discounted merchandise simply by asking!
    Good post, Ethan!

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  5. Hey Paul. Interesting note on things like plumbing fixtures. I need to look into the local "supply houses" more. As a homeowner, DIYer I tend to forget there are such things.

    I'm going to starting thinking more about refurbished tools, because quite frankly... you can never have enough tools! I can think of a few I can't justify with my usage as a weekend warrior, but would like to have at a discounted price...

    Great tip on the "ask and you may receive" a discount at big boxes!

    —Peter

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  6. I love the feedback Paul, JB and Pete/Marty.

    Harbor Freight is a good place to check but I equate it with Walmart. They work to keep prices low too and they're perfect for *certain* things.

    JB, I have too many batteries. Never shopped much at garage sales. I'm a bit nervous with an "as-is", "no-returns" policy. I'm gonna check out Diggerlist a bit more. Thanks for the tip.

    Paul, you're right on about service centers. I've shipped a few tools and it adds up quick! I also agree about negotiating. It never hurts to ask and it sometime works!

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  7. My husband is also a DIY person so he has tools galore. I think the tools he has accumulated so far can have a room of their own. Its okay. He uses them around the house alot to add, repair stuff. He also buys them only when he has some extra money.

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  8. All the talk of the “smart grid” is increasing consumer awareness on the importance of home energy monitoring. I always prefer to quality products.

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Please leave your questions or comments here. I love to get feedback. You can do so without an account or user names and passwords, etc. Just select "Anonymous" next to "comment as". Thanks!--Peter

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