Have Extra Power Tools? Here’s How Much a Pawn Shop Will Pay for Them

Are there extra power tools lying around your garage collecting dust? Maybe you bought them from a neighbor for a home renovation job, or perhaps a relative passed away and left their tools to you. Regardless, if you have extra power tools, you are more than likely sitting on some money. Researching what the different power tools are worth (so you’ll at least have some idea of their value) and then bringing the top-dollar items to a pawn shop could be a nice little payday for you! If all that research sounds like a lot of work, read our handy guide here. It includes all the information you’ll need to make a confident sale.

It’s All About the Brand

When it comes to pawning power tools, the brand name is the name of the game. Popular brands fly off the shelves. Although pawn shops will take most kinds of power tools, to entice them to want yours, put the most popular brands in front of them. Pawn shops sell many of their power tools to contractors, so if you are pawning brands contractors trust, you are more likely to be successful. Here are a few of the trusted brands that pawnshops are looking for: 

Bosch Power Tools

Bosch is a big name in power tools. The reliability and performance of their products make them prime items, so if you are sitting on any Bosch power tools, you won’t have a problem selling them to a pawn shop. Keep in mind, their condition is also a factor. Make sure they run well and have no obvious damage. If they are visibly damaged, be prepared for the pawnshop to mark down what they will give you.

DeWalt Power Tools

DeWalt is only a step behind Bosch when it comes to power tools and is another brand that pawn shops look for. Prized for performance and battery life, DeWalt will be easy to sell to almost any pawn shop. Again, keep the condition of the tools in mind, and don’t be surprised if a shop marks down what they’ll give you if the tools are old or in poor shape.

Milwaukee Power Tools

Milwaukee power tools are the most common brand on this list. However, that does not decrease the demand for them. They are affordable and perform well against the other top competitors, so many pawn shops are happy to take these off sellers’ hands. They know they can sell them quickly to contractors or other buyers. If you have any Milwaukee power tools in your garage or basement that aren’t being utilized, you should consider offloading them for some quick cash.

Finding the Right Sale Price & Getting the Most out of Your Power Tools

The power tools that pawn shops will pay the most for depends on the brand, the condition, and the type of tool. As discussed in the earlier section, brands with high demand like Bosch, DeWalt, and Milwaukee will earn you top dollar. Other brands like Stanley, Craftsman, or Dremel are examples of brands that are not in as high of demand. However, condition plays a significant part as well. For example, you could earn more on a Stihl power tool in perfect condition than a Milwaukee tool that is damaged. Finally, the type of tool is going to affect the price. You’ll earn more on a table saw than you will on a cordless drill. We’ll cover each of these factors in more detail below. 

• Good brands boost the price. Pawn Shops will likely resell your tools to contractors looking to buy used. Contractors know good tools and will look for specific brands. If you are sitting on some top-quality brands, they will bring the highest prices. Shops know they can sell tools faster (and for more money) when they are trusted brands. Bosch, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Stihl, and Snap-On will earn you the most. Usually, pawn shops will pay anywhere from $30-$200 for working tools, but you can expect that price to increase if you have any of these top performing brands. 

Pro Selling Tip: In addition to selling top power tool brands, try to sell your tools in-season. For example, contractors are busiest during the spring and summer, so sell your used tools during this high-demand time. You’ll see significant profit increases if you sell during peak season. 

• Good condition will get you more. The condition of your power tools is a factor in the sale price. Pawn shops want to sell working tools. By making sure yours are well-running, undamaged, and newer models, you can expect a fair price for the sale. If your tools are in poor condition, it might be better to just keep them.

Pro Selling Tip: Charge up your tools before taking them to the pawnshop. The first thing the pawnbroker looking them over will do is test them to see that they work, so having them charged saves time. Also, spiff them up a bit before you bring them in. If they look good, chances are they’ll sell better.

• Different types of tools will earn you more. A cordless drill is going to bring in less money than a table saw. When you need quick cash, keep that in mind. How often do you use a table saw compared to a cordless drill? Maybe sell the table saw for more cash and keep the cordless drill. Table saws and large power tools retail anywhere from $500-$1500, so you can expect to sell your tools (depending on the other factors) slightly below those numbers.

Pro Selling Tip: Look up the retail price of the power tool you are considering selling. Then when you go to sell, your first negotiation should be a little below it. The pawnshop will negotiate, but it is always better to start at a higher asking price to get the most value out of your power tools.

Earn a Quick $50 or $100 Pawning Your Power Tools 

Ultimately, if you need a quick $50 or $100, selling power tools to a pawn shop is an easy way to get it. A Milwaukee cordless drill, rotary saw, or nail gun should get you the quick cash you need. Always keep in mind the other factors from the previous section. The right brand, condition, and demand have the potential to make you some big money. If tools are sitting in your garage or basement collecting dust because you don’t use them, sell them. You can put the cash you would make towards something else in your life. Down the line, you can always buy more refurbished tools when you do end up needing them.