Buying anything online has major advantages: great prices, 24/7 convenience and next day delivery on most items. However, it also has its downsides. Particularly where power tools are concerned, you don’t have the ability to handle the tool or test it before you buy. Naturally, this can make buying tools online a bit of a hit-and-miss process. That is of course, if you don’t follow the excellent advice given here.
Scour Reviews and Online Forums
The internet may have created a market in which we can’t actually handle a product until we’ve already paid for it. But online reviews and forums have done much to assist the helpless consumer in navigating the seemingly endless sea of product choices. If, for example, you find a great-looking deal for an angle grinder online, there’s really no risk involved. Look at the online reviews of air tools or visit a forum such as Tools in Action and ask for the advice of knowledgeable power tool buffs.
Be Wary of Cheap Tools
Getting a good deal on a power tool doesn’t just mean finding one that’s really cheap. In most cases, power tools are cheap for one reason; they won’t last. This is fine if you’re not a frequent ‘DIY-er’ of course, or if you only need the tool for a one-off job. But if you’re looking to invest in tools that you’ll need to use over a longer period of time, there really is no substitute for quality. The best approach? Decide on a well-reviewed, brand-name tool and then try and find the distributor with the best price.
Look at Refurbished Tools
Unfortunately, not everyone has the money for brand-name tools. Or do they? As well as brand new products, many online retailers also sell refurbished, top-quality power tools as well. Basically, these are tools which have been returned to the manufacturer (often due to a minor defect), and have been restored to ‘as new’ condition. Refurbished tools are often heavily reduced in price. This means of course that you’re effectively getting high-end tools for bargain basement prices.
Right Tool, Right Price
Online stores have understandably become the most popular place to buy power tools for a number of reasons. But to avoid the pitfalls of internet shopping, you have to be sensible too. By scouring reviews and forums and by avoiding cheap, poorly made products, you should have no problem locating the right tool for the job, for the right price.
