Thread: Purchase of tools etc from USA

I used this service recently for an item from the US where the shipping the company wanted to charge me was nearly as much as the item cost. This service saved me over $100. I also found the communication excellent - a positive experience for me, I was very happy.

Originally Posted by Poppa

I used this service recently for an item from the US where the shipping the company wanted to charge me was nearly as much as the item cost. .

I found the same with shipping costs so I will be looking at using this service.

cheers

There are a number of similar services around, inc some based in the US.

Last time I looked I thought Price USA was a little exxy.

Last time I looked I thought Price USA was a little exxy

Who do you suggest would be a cheaper alternative Ern?

Can't recall attie; it's been over a year since I looked into it.

I notice that some US online retailers are now using a 3rd party for international order fulfilment; clearly the business is growing.

Thanks Ern, I was looking at a couple of places
TheHammerSource
Wholesale Tool Company | Industrial Machinery + Tool Supply

If you have any other contacts they would be appreciated

Thanks again

Depends what you're looking for ...

For power tool accessories and parts I've had good advice and service from

Welcome to M&M Tools and Machinery

Originally Posted by attie

Who do you suggest would be a cheaper alternative Ern?

I've found that postage from the UK is much cheaper than from the US now. It's worth comparing if you are after stuff that's also available in UK.

G'day All,
While this is great to be able to purchase from the USA or elsewhere overseas with the high Aussie dollar and I've enjoyed the benefit; like paying 25% to 33% of the local RRP.
Here's the sting in the tail though, please be warned that the Australian importers DO NOT WARRANT overseas purchase tools. Cheers, Crowie

Very true......but there's nothing to stop you buying the replacement parts and fixing it yourself. With those kind of savings, unless the 'guts' of a tool (e.g. the motor) fails, you're still likely to be ahead.

If you buy decent brands, chances are the part that fails will be relatively small and cheap (e.g. levers break off, new brushes required, etc.)

I've purchased stuff from the UK, and had excellent support in terms of spares and advice.

I take your point though - worth reinforcing for anyone that thinks they can buy a tool via the US, then innocently wander into the local distributor expecting to have it repaired under warranty !

I've often wondered about overseas made power tools and their potential for use here in Oz. Clearly 120v are useless without a step-down transformer, and even then you have a very high current draw to get the same power (double the amps).

As I understand it the UK uses 230v, and I think Europe uses 220v. Is this correct, and are these tools able to be used here (obviously with a change of plug)?

Brett

I don't know what the regulations say (and Aussie may be different to NZ anyway) but, my parents used European 220v appliances for years, and I have a 220v angle grinder that runs fine. UK appliances/tools use 240v (I think) and they work fine on our 230v as well.

The only catch with UK gear is they use heavier plugs that are rated for 13amps, whereas the standard Aust/NZ plugs and wall outlets are only 10amp. So if you've got a powerful tool that draws more than 10amp you could risk your insurance cover .You can get a sparkie to upgrade your wall socket.

I find my Veritas plane a bit underpowered, but I don't think it's a voltage issue... (hey, this is the hand tool forum )

Cheers, Vann.

Originally Posted by Vann

I find my Veritas plane a bit underpowered, but I don't think it's a voltage issue... (hey, this is the hand tool forum )

Yeah, exactly. The tools I buy in from the UK are all powered by fat so they seem to work ok; oh and they're usually loooong out of warranty. ha!

Fat power is good power