Selling Tools & Equipment To Pawn Shops: Get The Most Money For Your Tools

Pawn shops often buy and sell tools and equipment such as electric drills, saws, and more. Tools and equipment sold to pawn shops can often fetch $20 to several hundred dollars depending on the make/model, type, and condition. According to Global Markets Insights, the power tools market is more than $49 billion - this means that there is a healthy demand for both new and used power tools. Power tools are often used by homeowners and businesses such as construction, auto repair, and manufacturing.

Power tools are powered by electricity, air pressure, or a battery. They are designed to make a job easier and faster than if done by hand. New outdoor tools are sold at a variety of stores including hardware stores, home improvement stores, outdoor specialty stores, online retailers, and even some grocery stores. Used power tools are commonly found at pawn shops, garage sales, flea markets, and auctions.

Selling Your Tools To A Pawn Shop

Many pawn shops buy tools and equipment, but not all do. We recommend using Pawn Shop Map’s tool to find pawn shops with tools near you. You should contact the pawn shop before you take your tools in for a quote.

The cost of used tools varies considerably, and a pawn shop may offer you between $20 and several hundred dollars for your used tools. Pawn shops typically make offers for 20% to 60% of a tool’s resale value. You can read more in this post about how pawn shops determine value. Below are various factors that will influence the pawn shop’s offer.

• Age: The age of the tool will affect its value. Older tools are typically worth less because they are more prone to breaking and they do not have the latest technology. Also, replacement parts are more difficult to locate for older tools.
• Condition: The condition of the tool will affect its value. If the tool is in good condition, it will be worth more than one that is worn or damaged. The pawnbroker will inspect the tool’s condition before making an offer. You should expect the pawn shop to ask to try the tool.
• Brand: The brand of the tool will affect its value. Well-known and trusted brands sell for more money. Tool brands vary based on the tool type and application (residential vs commercial). Common tool brands that pawn shops buy include:
  • Black & Decker
  • Craftsman
  • DeWalt
  • Makita
  • Toro
  • Ryobi
  • Husqvarna
  • STIHL
  • Milwaukee
  • Hitachi
  • John Deere
• Rarity: The rarity of the tool will affect its value. Some tools might no longer be available or in high demand.
• Technology: The power tools market has changed over the last couple of decades. Technology is making tools more efficient and productive. Pawn shops will pay more for tools that have the latest technology and features.
• Power: Power tools are tools that are powered by electricity, air pressure, or a battery. They are designed to make a job easier and faster than if done by hand.
  • Corded tools: Corded tools are powered by electricity that is supplied through a power cord. These tools are usually more powerful than their cordless counterparts and are typically more reliable. Corded tools also tend to be more affordable than cordless tools. However, the main downside to corded tools is that they require an electrical outlet to be nearby to use them. This can be inconvenient and limit the areas in which you can use the tool.
  • Cordless tools: Cordless tools are powered by a battery, usually a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. These tools are more portable than corded tools and don’t require an electrical outlet to be nearby. This makes them ideal for outdoor projects or projects in areas without access to an electrical outlet. Cordless tools also tend to be more expensive than corded tools. However, the main downside to cordless tools is that they are usually not as powerful as corded tools and the battery life can be limited.
• Warranty: Tools under warranty have more value. Include your warranty card and proof of purchase when you bring your tool to the pawn shop.

You should expect the pawnbroker to ask you questions about your tool. Pawn shops want to verify that you are the rightful owner of the tool before making an offer. Pawn shops do not want stolen goods, so do not try selling your tool to the pawn shop if it is stolen.

You should clean your tool and make sure it is in good working condition before bringing it to the pawn shop. Pawnbrokers will test the tool to make sure it functions as expected. Pawn shops do not want to buy broken tools. See our tips to clean your tools at the end of this post.

Common Types Of Tools At Pawn Shops

Tools and equipment vary quite a lot - pawn shops may not deal in all tool types. Typically pawn shops will focus on specific tool types and brands. You should always contact the pawn shop ahead of time before bringing in your tool for a quote. Common tool types accepted by pawn shops are listed below (images feature examples of new tools from Lowes.com).

Hedge Trimmer

A hedge trimmer is a gardening tool used to trim and shape hedges and shrubs. It is usually a handheld device with two blades that rotate in opposite directions. The blades are usually made of metal and have sharp teeth that can cut through branches and twigs. Hedge trimmers are used to create neat and uniform edges on hedges and shrubs, as well as to reduce the size of a hedge or shrub.

Chainsaw

A chainsaw is a portable mechanical saw, powered by a motor, that is used for cutting wood. It is usually equipped with a long, sharp, toothed blade that is mounted on a bar that runs along a guide bar. Chainsaws are used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting firewood, felling trees, and pruning branches.

Leaf Blower

A leaf blower is a gardening tool used to move leaves, grass clippings, and other debris from one area to another. It works by forcing air out of a nozzle, which then propels the debris away from the user. Leaf blowers can be powered by electricity, gasoline, or battery.

Push Mower

A push mower is a type of lawn mower that is powered by the user pushing it forward. It has a blade or blades that spin when the user pushes it, cutting the grass as it moves. Push mowers are typically smaller and less powerful than riding mowers, and are used for smaller yards or areas.

Riding Mower

A riding mower is a type of lawn mower that is designed to be ridden on, rather than pushed. It typically has a seat and steering wheel, and the cutting deck is in front of the operator. Riding mowers are typically used for larger lawns, and can be powered by either gasoline or electricity.

Electric Drill

An electric drill is a power tool that uses a rotating, spiraling drill bit to bore holes into a variety of materials, including wood, metal, plastic, and masonry. It is powered by an electric motor and is used for a variety of tasks, such as drilling pilot holes for screws, enlarging existing holes, and creating new holes.

Air Compressor

An air compressor is a device that takes in air and compresses it into a smaller volume, increasing the pressure of the air. This compressed air can then be used to power tools, inflate tires, and other tasks. Air compressors can be powered by electricity, gasoline, or diesel engines.

Power Saw

An electric saw is a power tool that uses a motor to spin a blade, allowing it to cut through materials such as wood, metal, and plastic. Electric saws come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from small handheld saws to large stationary saws. They are used for a variety of applications, such as cutting lumber, trimming branches, and making detailed cuts in woodworking projects.

Electric Sander

An electric sander is a power tool used to smooth surfaces by abrading them with sandpaper. It is commonly used in woodworking, metalworking, and automotive projects. Electric sanders are available in many different sizes and types, such as belt sanders, orbital sanders, and random orbital sanders. Electric sanders are used to quickly remove material from a surface, leaving a smooth finish.

Nail Gun

A nail gun is a tool that is used to drive nails into wood or other materials. It is powered by either compressed air, an electric motor, or a battery, and it works by firing a nail at high speed into the material. Nail guns are used in construction, carpentry, and other projects that require the fast and accurate application of nails.

Power Ratchet Set

A power ratchet set is a type of toolset that includes a power ratchet. A power ratchet is a type of hand-held power tool that is used to quickly and easily loosen and tighten nuts and bolts. It works by using a ratcheting mechanism that allows the user to quickly and easily rotate the nut or bolt without having to manually turn it. Power ratchet sets usually come with a variety of different-sized sockets and other attachments to fit different types of nuts and bolts.

Lathe

A lathe is a machine tool used to shape a piece of material, such as wood, metal, or plastic, by rotating it against a cutting tool. It is used to create symmetrical shapes and to cut threads into the material. Lathes are used in a variety of industries, from automotive and aerospace to jewelry and watchmaking.

Power Washer

A power washer is a machine that uses high-pressure water jets to clean surfaces. It is typically used to remove dirt, mold, grime, and other unwanted materials from a variety of surfaces, including concrete, brick, stone, and metal. The power washer can also be used to clean vehicles, decks, patios, and other outdoor surfaces.

Portable Power Generator

A portable power generator is a device that produces electricity from an internal combustion engine. It is usually powered by gasoline, diesel, or propane and is designed to be easily transported and used in remote locations or for emergency backup power. Portable power generators are often used to provide electricity for camping, tailgating, and other outdoor activities.

Cleaning Your Tools

Pawn shops will give you more money when you bring in clean tools. Spend half an hour cleaning your tools with common household items before you get a quote at a pawn shop. You can follow our simple instructions below:

1. Disconnect the power supply. Unplug corded tools, or remove the battery from cordless tools.
2. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or debris from the exterior of the tool.
3. Remove any blades or other removable parts and clean them separately with a soft brush.
4. Use a compressed air canister to blow away any dust or debris from the interior of the tool.
5. Wipe down the interior of the tool with a damp cloth.
6. Apply a small amount of lubricant to any moving parts.
7. Dry the tool with a cloth. Many tools can rust when they are exposed to liquids.
8. Reassemble the tool.