Used Power Tools on eBay: What to Know Before You Buy
With power tools the listing title often says “tool” when only the bare body is included. Batteries and chargers can cost as much as the tool, so what is in the box and which battery platform it uses matter more than the price alone.
We have not joined the eBay Partner Network yet, so links to eBay on this site are plain links and we earn nothing from them today. We may earn a commission in the future if we join.
See available listings on eBay
This opens an eBay search for “used cordless drill”. Listings change daily; we have not checked any listing and show no prices here. Seller descriptions are the seller’s own statements.
What to check in a tools listing
- Bare tool or kit
Bare means no battery or charger. Compare the total you would need to buy to have a working setup.
- Battery platform and voltage
Batteries and chargers are generally platform-specific (for example 12V vs 18V systems). Confirm they match tools you already own.
- Working condition
Ask whether it was tested under load. Check for chuck play, damaged housings, worn brushes and heat marks.
- Charger and battery condition
Request battery age or capacity details if given; weak packs reduce runtime.
- Parts and safety
For saws and sanders, confirm guards, blades and dust ports are present.
These are general points, not an inspection of any listing. The seller’s description is the seller’s statement; we have not verified it.
Common traps
- Listings for parts, empty cases and accessories alone can appear beside working tools.
- Return and shipping costs on heavy items change the real price.
Used, Open Box or Refurbished?
- Used
- Open Box (New other)
- eBay Refurbished – Certified
- eBay Refurbished – Excellent
- eBay Refurbished – Very Good
- eBay Refurbished – Good
- Seller refurbished
- For parts or not working
eBay uses defined condition labels, and they are not interchangeable. An ordinary “Open Box” (listed by eBay as “New other”) is not a “Certified” anything; a seller’s own repair is not an eBay Refurbished item. Check the condition value and any warranty on the listing itself.
Guides
Guides planned for this category
These are in preparation and not yet published:
- Buying a used cordless impact driver: checklist
- Milwaukee M18 vs M12 battery platforms
- Do used power tools come with a warranty?
How we researched this page
General buying points compiled from manufacturer and eBay documentation and common listing practice. Model-specific facts will be cited per guide. Not based on testing the items. See How We Evaluate.