Replies

1. 
   Riverprof | Jan 07, 2007 11:32pm | #1

   You can always check the accuracy of gauge, rule, or square against a reference gauge, rule, or square, so there's no mystery about whether a used layout tool is accurate.

   But, if I can use a very old, politically incorrect metaphor: I don't see the point of investing in a Starrett unless it's a virgin. Get one from Lie-Nielsen and you'll never need to worry about where it was before you got it.

   Even so, check it against a reference.

   Those are my thoughts.

   Rp

2. 
   ctsjr | Jan 08, 2007 03:18am | #2

   I've purchased a Starrett 12" combo square, 4" combo square and 4"double square on Ebay.  All were brand new and all are dead on.  What do you mean by dropped?  Tom

   "Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"
1. 
   johnebe | Jan 08, 2007 03:47am | #3

   ...dropped? moving from higher to lower? ...i guess it's easy to check your own starrett squares with the mark and flip but wouldn't I need to find someone with another starrett/reference straightedge to check a used straightedge? ...seems like a lot of these sellers on ebay are getting things second hand for resale or inheriting them...suppose they would take them back or risk the bad feedback......i guess I'm wondering about the actuality of a starrett or any straightedge losing it's accuracy with ONE drop as people on previous posts have said. ...

1. 
   ctsjr | Jan 08, 2007 05:32am | #7

   I guess I didn't understand in your original post about a dropped Starrett tool.  I assume you are referring to a specific incident or tool listing as having been dropped.  I would certainly be wary of that.  As with all Ebay purchases, check out the seller.  All of the Starrett items I purchased came from persons living in Athol, MA, which leads me to believe that either Starrett employees are given tools that are seconds (paint blemish, etc.) or can purchase tools at a great discount.  All of mine are the cast heads with satin chrome rules, and as far as I can tell with my engineer's squares, are true.  There were no blemishes or dings that I could see, and all were from rebutable sellers with 100% feedback, and all were listed as brand new.  All of them came in the original boxes with the plastic wrap  still on them.  I found the prices too good to pass up.  Caveat Emptor.  Tom"Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"

1. 
   dukeone | Jan 09, 2007 03:26am | #10

   Tom/All: I wonder if any folks in the far east are counterfiting Starretts? They could copy the box, paperwork, everything looking real. It is happening with all kinds of other goods so I guess it is possible. Wholesale the fakes to E-Bay sellers and there you go. Anyone bought tools on E-Bay and thought they were, after a close look, copies?

   Duke"... Buy the best and only cry once.........

1. 
   ctsjr | Jan 09, 2007 05:32am | #11

   I suppose that is possible.  I do doubt (perhaps it's denial?) that what I've bought from folks in Athol, MA are forgeries.  Like I said though, Caveat Emptor.  Tom"Notice that at no time do my fingers leave my hand"

2. 
   lagosme | Jan 08, 2007 03:50am | #4

   I felt comfortable buying my Mitutoyo and Starrett squares used. The parts are of substantial steel, and the germane mating surfaces are long and internalized. The only potential for damage I see is if there were multiple stories involved in the drop, onto a hardened concrete landing pad. My $0.02...

   Edited 1/7/2007 7:52 pm ET by lagosme

3. 
   Troy | Jan 08, 2007 04:45am | #5

   I bought a 6" starrett combo square on ebay and it was fine until I dropped it in my shop and broke of a corner of the 45 degree part of the head, The thing to watch for on e-bay is the condition and the shipping charges often the stuff that is in like new condition will sell for almost as much as you would pay retail. I think it is worth a shot to buy on e-bay but just be careful.

   Good luck

   Troy

4. 
   dukeone | Jan 08, 2007 05:13am | #6

   John: I think any drop hard enough to ruin it would leave telltale marks.? Duke

   "... Buy the best and only cry once.........

5. 
   bakesale1 | Jan 08, 2007 10:05pm | #8

   Probably apochraphal, but I once heard that you can send any Starrett back to them, and they'll true it for you.

1. 
   johnebe | Jan 09, 2007 02:55am | #9

   ...actually might make a good article for FWW...drop testing various precision tools and the manufacturing variables that affect their abilities to withstand abuse... i'll need a complimentary Starrett 4ft straightedge, beveled & graduated, if they use my idea...