Should You Buy Refurbished Milwaukee Tools? Here's What You Need To Know Before You Do

Milwaukee is widely recognized as one of the best power tool brands in the U.S. Known for its product reliability and durability, Milwaukee has carved a niche primarily in the construction industry, though it has everything from simple hand tools to those cordless outdoor power tools homeowners love. That said, we all like a bargain, and unfortunately, Milwaukee tools are often priced at the upper end of the market alongside DeWalt. However, if you want to get deeper price cuts on a Milwaukee power tool, many owners often claim that you can go the refurbished route. Is it safe to buy a refurbished Milwaukee power tool, though?

Well, the best advice is to approach with caution, especially if you're purchasing from an unauthorized Milwaukee seller. Why? Every retailer will define refurbished tools quite differently. Of course, refurbished tools are technically second-hand products that have been repaired, tested, and inspected to look and operate like new again. However, after just replacing a battery and wiping off the dust, an untrusted seller can still slap a refurbished label on a used Milwaukee tool and decide to list it in like-new condition. As a result, you might end up with a poorly repaired mower or drill that will fail after a few months.

However, that's not to say that there are no trusted sellers. For many owners, certified or factory-refurbished Milwaukee tools are always a safe bet. They're always reconditioned and inspected by a technician approved by the manufacturer and often come with a professional seal of approval.

Why buying a refurbished Milwaukee tool is sometimes a smart move

For many owners, getting the best deal is often the primary motivation for considering refurbished power tools. Luckily, Milwaukee is well known for producing sturdy power tools that stand up to abuse for an extended period. Due to this, it's always easy for consumers to purchase used drills and saws that are almost as good as new, provided that they know what to look for and where to shop for refurbished Milwaukee power tools online.

After all, when you buy from second-hand Milwaukee verified retailers like Acme Tools and Factory Authorized Outlet, you'll enjoy a care-free experience. Additionally, you'll benefit from customer support and a limited warranty in case anything goes wrong, either with the tool itself, or the battery. You just have to exercise caution with who's actually selling the tool. Many owners have reported that some Milwaukee products bought on Amazon are usually not the real deal.

Besides that, a refurbished Milwaukee lawn mower is way cheaper compared to a brand new model. Even if it is a newer model that was launched a month ago, the savings you'll get with a second-hand model might allow you to upgrade to a high-end machine with advanced specs. Plus, according to most owners, some refurbished Milwaukee tools are new returns. This means you can easily snag premium tools for a fraction of the original price, saving hundreds of dollars without compromising reliability and performance.

The cons of buying a refurbished Milwaukee power tool

One of the drawbacks of buying a second-hand Milwaukee power tool for your garage and yard is that you might get a machine that doesn't look as great as a brand-new one. Sure, refurbishers will definitely wipe down the dust, and even clean a used model. Still, many of these products will come with scratches and dents that might not be appealing. Besides that, there's no telling what a used Milwaukee M18 Cordless Grinder has been through. If the owner had daily habits that could damage your power tool, you may end up with an appliance with a short lifespan ahead.

Even if you're shopping from a trusted seller, there's no way of knowing how powerful the tool is. Plus, most appliances, including Milwaukee power tool batteries, have limited lifespans, so there's also the chance of buying a tool that's almost at the end of its lifespan. Lastly, when you buy a used power tool, you're pretty much saying bye-bye to the original manufacturer's warranty. However, as mentioned earlier, you'll still enjoy coverage if you buy from an authorized third-party retailer, though the safety net period will be shorter.

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