Are Refurbished Drills a Good Deal? A Complete Guide

Thinking about buying a refurbished power drill to save some money? It’s a smart move that many DIYers and even professionals make. A quality refurbished tool can offer fantastic performance at a fraction of the cost of a new one, but it’s important to know exactly what you’re getting into.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about refurbished power drill costs and the key factors to consider to ensure you get a reliable tool that will last for years. We will cover how much you can save, where to shop, and what to inspect before you buy.

Understanding Refurbished Drill Costs: How Much Can You Save?

The primary motivation for buying refurbished is the cost savings, and it can be significant. Generally, you can expect to save anywhere from 20% to 50% off the price of a brand-new drill. The exact discount depends on the brand, model, condition, and where you buy it from.

Let’s look at a real-world example. A popular new drill kit like the DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver (Model DCD771C2), which includes the drill, two batteries, a charger, and a bag, typically costs around $130 at major retailers. A factory-refurbished version of the same kit can often be found for $70 to $90. That’s a savings of over 30% for a tool that has been professionally inspected and restored.

For DIY-focused brands like Ryobi, the savings are also compelling. A new Ryobi ONE+ 18V Cordless Drill/Driver Kit might sell for $80, while a refurbished model from a certified outlet could be as low as $50. Over time, these savings add up, allowing you to build a more capable tool collection on the same budget.

However, be aware of the “bare tool” option. Many refurbished deals are for the tool only, without a battery or charger. This is great if you already own other tools from the same brand’s battery platform (like DeWalt’s 20V MAX or Ryobi’s 18V ONE+). If you don’t, the cost of buying a new battery and charger separately can sometimes erase the savings, so always check what’s included in the price.

Key Considerations Before Buying a Refurbished Drill

Price isn’t everything. To make a smart purchase, you need to weigh several important factors. Paying close attention to these details will help you avoid disappointment and find a tool that performs like new.

1. Know the Source: Who Refurbished It?

Not all “refurbished” labels are equal. The source of the refurbishment is the single most important factor in determining the quality and reliability of the tool.

Manufacturer-Refurbished (Best Option): This is the gold standard. Tools are returned to the original manufacturer (like DeWalt, Milwaukee, or Bosch), where they undergo a rigorous inspection. Worn parts are replaced with genuine components, the tool is tested to meet original factory specifications, and it’s cleaned up. These often come with a manufacturer’s warranty.
Authorized Third-Party Retailer: Reputable sellers like CPO Outlets or Direct Tools Outlet (for Ryobi and Ridgid) have a close relationship with manufacturers. Their refurbishment process is typically very reliable, and they also provide warranties.
Individual Seller (Use Caution): A tool listed as “refurbished” on a marketplace like eBay or Facebook Marketplace by an individual seller might just mean it was cleaned up. There’s no guarantee of professional inspection or repair, and it likely won’t come with a warranty.

2. The Warranty is Your Safety Net

A warranty is your protection against a faulty product. A brand-new power drill often comes with a 3 to 5-year warranty. A refurbished drill will have a shorter one, but it’s still crucial.

Look for a refurbished drill that includes at least a 90-day to 1-year warranty. This gives you plenty of time to put the tool through its paces and ensure everything works correctly. A seller that offers a warranty is showing confidence in their refurbishment process. If there is no warranty, you are buying the tool “as-is” and accepting all the risk.

3. Battery Health is Crucial

For a cordless drill, the battery is its heart. It’s also the most expensive component to replace. The condition of the battery included with a refurbished drill can vary wildly.

Ask about the battery: Inquire if the battery is new, used, or reconditioned. Some premium refurbishment programs will include a brand-new battery.
Budget for a replacement: If you’re getting a great deal on a drill with a used battery, it might be wise to budget for a new battery in the near future. Lithium-ion batteries have a finite lifespan and lose their ability to hold a full charge over time.
Check compatibility: Ensure the battery is a genuine OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) product. Aftermarket batteries can be cheaper but may offer lower performance and a shorter lifespan.

4. Perform a Physical Inspection

If you can inspect the drill in person, here is a quick checklist of what to look for:

Chuck: Open and close the chuck to make sure it operates smoothly. Put a drill bit in, tighten it, and check for any “wobble.” A wobbly chuck will not drill straight holes.
Trigger and Speed Control: Squeeze the trigger to feel for a smooth, responsive variable speed control.
Forward/Reverse Switch: Make sure the switch clicks firmly into each position.
Clutch: Twist the torque-setting clutch. It should click distinctly at each number.
Body: Look for cosmetic scuffs and scratches, which are normal. However, be wary of deep cracks in the housing, as this could indicate the tool was dropped and may have internal damage.

Where to Find Reliable Refurbished Power Drills

To find the best deals from the most reliable sources, start your search at these places:

Direct Tools Outlet: The official factory outlet for Ryobi and Ridgid tools. They offer “factory blemished” (new with cosmetic flaws) and “factory reconditioned” tools at excellent prices.
CPO Outlets: A large, reputable online retailer that specializes in new and reconditioned tools from top brands like DeWalt, Bosch, and Makita.
Manufacturer Websites: Some brands, like Bosch, have an official “Reconditioned Tools” section on their websites.
Major Retailers: Big box stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s sometimes have refurbished tool programs available online.

By focusing on these trusted sellers, you greatly increase your chances of getting a high-quality tool that is backed by a solid warranty.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the difference between “refurbished” and “used”? “Used” simply means the tool was owned and operated by someone else, with no professional inspection or repairs. “Refurbished” implies the tool has been inspected, cleaned, repaired to factory standards, and tested to ensure it works correctly.

Is it better to buy a refurbished premium drill or a new budget drill? Often, a refurbished drill from a premium brand like DeWalt or Milwaukee will outperform and outlast a brand-new drill from a lower-tier, budget brand. You get better build quality, more power, and superior features for a similar price.

Do refurbished drills come with a case and accessories? It varies by listing. Always read the product description carefully to see what is included. Many refurbished kits come with the same accessories as a new one (charger, battery, case), but “bare tool” offers will only include the drill itself.