| 1. Check your local Resource-Recycle Center for | | | | repackaged, and resold. Reconditioned power tools |
| doors, windows, lumber, tile, hand tools, screen | | | | are tested and repaired in accordance with tool |
| doors, sinks, cabinets etc. Most cities have a place | | | | manufacturer standards before being resold, so |
| where you can purchase quality used building | | | | they are always the better choice. |
| materials. Check with your city or do a google | | | | 3. Buy or Sell excess building materials on |
| search on the Internet. You can also donate your | | | | Craigslist.org. (ie: flooring, roofing, tar paper). Many |
| used or excess building materials for a tax | | | | homeowners and contractors have purchase |
| deduction. | | | | excess supplies which take up room in a garage |
| 2. Save money on power tools by buying them | | | | or storage space. A great, free place to sell stuff, |
| reconditioned. Concerns about purchasing | | | | any stuff, online is Craigslist.org. I've sold excess |
| reconditioned power tools? "Reconditioned" power | | | | hardwood flooring on Craigslist for slightly under |
| tools have been thoroughly tested, repaired (if | | | | what I paid for it and more than I would have |
| necessary), cleaned, repackaged, and resold. | | | | received if I had returned it to the retailer |
| Reconditioned power tools are required to meet | | | | (because of the 25% restocking fee). |
| the same stringent quality-assurance standards | | | | 4. Start a Deconstruction Business on the side |
| that a "fresh" power tool from the same factory | | | | and reuse the material that you salvage. |
| would have to achieve. In fact, most power tool | | | | ToolsoftheTrade Editor, Michael Springer said it |
| manufacturers offer the same warranty for | | | | best, "this niche market can serve you well as an |
| reconditioned power tools that they offer for | | | | alternate in this economy." |
| their brand new counterparts. | | | | "For more information on deconstruction and |
| For example, extensive quality control at the | | | | recycling house components, take a look at The |
| Bosch facilities ensures that the quality of | | | | Reuse People of America Inc. is a non-profit |
| remanufactured power tool is equivalent to the | | | | organization that specializes in training and |
| quality of a new power tool. Bosch also is reusing | | | | certifying deconstruction contractors. It has resale |
| high-grade plastic polymers from recycled power | | | | yards in some areas where tax-deductible |
| tool housings in their remanufactured power tools. | | | | contributions of used or surplus building materials |
| But be wary if someone is advertising a | | | | can be made. Another relevant Web site is |
| "refurbished" product. | | | | 5. Be safe. Emergency room visits costs money |
| Refurbished power tools have probably not been | | | | and lost time. |
| rigorously tested and are usually just eyeballed, | | | | |