Gunsmithing using ebay for tooling and indicators

[SSC]

I am in need of some new indicators and a couple people have said to check ebay for them. I have in the past bought things off of ebay and have sworn I will never do it again because it isn't worth the hassle to save a few bucks. But my list to buy is longer so I am thinking I might give it another shot.

How many of you guys have used ebay for stuff like this? I mean this is precision measuring equipment, how do you know how well this stuff has been taken care of???

 

[hero's machine]

Re: using ebay for tooling and indicators

as with anything used.....you pays your money and you takes your chances.

 

[2156SMK]

Re: using ebay for tooling and indicators

I picked up an interapid 0.002mm test indicator on ebay a couple weeks ago for under $50 because nobody bids up metric tools...

0.002mm is around 0.00008" so it's got slightly finer resolution than my other 0.0001" indicators.
The impressive thing about this indicator is the smoothness of the needle movement compared to my Mitutoyo 0.0001" indicators.
wow, what a difference.
Now I know why they demand the premium price.

 

[STR]

Re: using ebay for tooling and indicators

I haven't bought anything in a while, 99% of everything I've bought there was like new. I only had one bad buy, and lost $20.00. Considering how much I save through out the years, who cares. Look at the sellers ratings before bidding.

 

[ugsly]

Re: using ebay for tooling and indicators

I don't like to buy used indicators. I do buy a lot of tooling inserts and holders off eBay. If you bite the bullet and buy nice indicators and take care of them, they will last a long time.

Kc

 

[rszkutak]

Re: using ebay for tooling and indicators

I search ebay and of course locally on CL when looking for tooling and indicators. I've gotten great deals on ebay before, I actually prefer to use Ebay as opposed to CL, way too many CL flakes out there.

 

[wtopace]

Re: using ebay for tooling and indicators

I have bought quite a few indicators and micrometers from Ebay. Some very good deals can be had on the old USA made steel Starretts there.

You should also check Craig's List as well. I have had some really good luck with people selling "old machining tools". Picked up a peacock dial indicator, a set of Brown & Sharpe Calipers and a Starrett micrometer all for under $75... all looked nearly brand new and were serialized and inspected recently.

 

[x ring accuracy]

Re: using ebay for tooling and indicators

I snagged an Aloris with 5 holders, alot of misc cutting tools, etc for 300. As stated, buyer beware but good deals are out there