Sell Used Power Tools Online: Drills, Grinders and Kits

If you want to sell an old drill or grinder online, start with a photo of its model label. The buyer needs to know which job it suits, which parts are included and whether it can be used as it is. A cordless drill at a good price can be a poor fit for someone who still has to find a compatible battery and charger.

Identify the exact tool and its job#

Write the brand, model and tool type from the label or manual. A drill driver, hammer drill and rotary hammer have different uses and may take different bits. For a drill, give the chuck type or size if you can verify it. For an angle grinder, state the manufacturer-marked size and show the guard and side handle. For a saw or cutter, identify the model, guard and adjustments you can show without running it. Skip specs you cannot confirm.

Tell the buyer how the tool was used, when it last ran and whether you have a bill or repair receipt. A seller who knows only that the tool ran briefly should say that. Mention if it has been stored since a workshop closed, if it has a replacement cable or switch, or if a control sometimes sticks. List a tool that needs repair with that condition clearly stated.

Write out the battery and charger models#

For a cordless tool, give the battery model, voltage and capacity as printed, the number of packs and the charger model. Say whether the set is tool-only or includes everything pictured. Copy the label on each included pack. The same voltage alone does not establish that the tool, pack and charger work together. Check the manufacturer’s compatibility information for those models before promising a match.

A charging light can show what you observed during charging. It cannot tell the buyer how long an old pack will run under load. If you used it recently, say what you used it for. If you never timed it, write “runtime not measured.” Do not charge or test a swollen, leaking or otherwise damaged pack. Ask the manufacturer or a suitable service provider how to handle it.

Show the pieces and the faults#

Photograph the full tool, label, power connection and included parts. Lay out the case, handle, keys, depth stop, batteries and charger if they come with it. Show the guard and external mounting area with the tool off. Photograph any damage you can see without opening a cover. Keep borrowed bits or batteries out of the photo, or mark them clearly as excluded. See the used-item photo guide for clear label and defect shots.

Here are two examples you can adapt. “Cordless drill with one marked battery and its charger. No bits included. I used it last week. The charge light came on. I haven’t measured runtime.” Or “Corded angle grinder. Guard and side handle included. No wheel included. The cable has visible damage, so I have left it unpowered. For repair.” Put your own tool and part model numbers in the actual ad.

Agree on what can be demonstrated#

Choose an appropriate workspace and let a competent person follow the model's instructions, using the required guard, compatible accessories and protection. Keep visitors away from moving parts. If the cable or housing is damaged, a guard is missing, or the tool smells burnt or behaves unpredictably, leave it switched off and arrange an assessment. There is no need to show a faulty machine running to prove the fault.

If the tool was only run without a load, describe the observation that way. A no-load run leaves questions about performance during drilling or cutting. When you cannot arrange a suitable demonstration, say what was tested and let the buyer decide whether they want an inspection by a technician.

Compare equivalent offers and arrange pickup#

Compare tools and hardware listings with similar models and contents. Compare a bare tool with another bare tool, or count the batteries and charger when comparing kits. Check new prices for equivalent pieces if available. Use the second-hand pricing guide and allow for repairs or missing parts. If selling several tools, put the price and condition next to each and state whether you will split the lot.

Post your tool on Zutilo with its exact model, parts, known faults, asking price and pickup area. Free posting is available within the current category allowance. Agree on inspection and handover in advance and use the safety guide for payment and meeting tips.