Thought I was saving money buying used tools but learned the hard way

I spent $350 on a used air compressor from Facebook Marketplace last month. It worked okay for 2 days then the motor started smoking and died completely. The guy blocked me when I messaged him about it. Now I gotta spend $600 on a new one with a warranty because renting one for this job costs almost as much. Anyone else get burned buying used equipment thinking you were getting a deal?

2 comments

2 Comments

emmaj331mo ago

@oscar_ellis you're spot on about the safety thing, I never even thought of that. Reminds me of when my cousin bought a used welder off of Craigslist and it literally sparked every time he turned it on, he could have burned his garage down. These sellers just clean them up and list them without checking anything inside. I get being careful with money but sometimes you really do get what you pay for. My buddy bought a pressure washer from a yard sale and the hose had a pin hole leak he didn't see til the second use, soaked his whole driveway before he noticed.

oscar_ellis1mo ago

Happened to me with a table saw from a pawn shop. Looked fine when I tested it but the bearings went out after a week. Here's something nobody talks about - used tools from private sellers usually have zero safety inspections. That compressor might have had a bad pressure switch or frayed wiring that couldve blown up in your face. I'd rather buy cheap harbor freight stuff new than take that gamble again lol. At least you get a warranty and the peace of mind knowing it wont catch fire.