Bought a used auger attachment for $150 and it almost wrecked my wrist

Picked up a used auger off Facebook marketplace last weekend to save some time on a backyard job. First two holes went fine but on the third one it hit a root and twisted so hard I nearly dropped the whole rig. Turns out the clutch was totally shot and the guy I bought it from knew it. Anyone else get burned buying used power tools from randos online?

2 comments

2 Comments

wadeyoung10d ago

Whoa, that sounds rough. Man, I had a similar thing happen with a chainsaw I picked up from a guy on Craigslist a few years back. The thing looked fine, started right up, but the chain brake was completely busted. I didn't notice until I was cutting a branch that sagged back and the saw kicked like a mule. My arm ached for a week. I just assume now that anything used from a stranger is hiding a problem, and I always budget for a trip to the repair shop. Your mileage may vary, but that trust is just gone with private sales in my experience.

spencer_perry779d ago

Right up there with buying a used car from a guy who says "it just needs a tune-up." My first used saw had a loose flywheel that nearly took my hand off. Learned real quick to bring a smarter friend to look things over before handing over cash.