What a fair price looks like
Condition on WishThrift is described by the seller against five grades, and nobody inspects it on your behalf — so the description and the photographs are what you are buying on.
| Condition | Typical | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £150 (~$200) | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £128 (~$170) | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £98 (~$130) | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £68 (~$90) | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £38 (~$50) | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
Sterling guide ranges with an approximate US dollar equivalent at £1 ≈ $1.33 (July 2026). Sellers set their own asking price; these are a starting point for judging an offer. All five grades explained.
The checklist before you pay
Cordless tools sold without batteries or a charger, which can cost more to replace than the tool is worth, and worn brushes on corded tools.
Run through these before money changes hands — they are the things that decide whether a power drill is worth what is being asked:
- Worn chucks that slip under load
- Taped or repaired cables, a safety concern
- Burnt-smelling motors
- Missing chuck keys on keyed models
And the things worth paying more for, because they hold their value:
- Chucks that grip without slipping
- Recognised trade brands
- Undamaged cables with no repairs
- Original case and side handle
Common faults and fakes
Counterfeit batteries and chargers are widespread and are a genuine fire risk. Fake tools themselves are rarer but exist in the premium brands.
Ask which battery platform it takes, exactly what is included, and for a photograph of the tool running. Buy batteries from a reputable source rather than with the tool.
WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or grade anything, and no marketplace check replaces your own. If a seller will not answer a direct question about condition or origin, that is the answer.
Questions to ask the seller
These are the three that get asked most often about a power drill, and the answers tell you most of what you need:
Fit a bit, tighten it and try to twist it out. A slipping chuck is the main wear point on an old drill and buyers test it.
Run it through your hands, checking especially where it enters the body. Nicked cables are a safety issue and must be disclosed.
Say so. Original cases keep the accessories together and buyers value them more than the plastic is worth.
Also worth establishing before you commit:
- Tighten a bit and test it under load
- Inspect the full length of the cable
- Run it and listen for bearing noise
Photographs to ask for
If the listing does not already show these, ask — a seller who has the item will send them in minutes:
- The drill from the side, whole
- The chuck close up, with a bit fitted
- The cable, particularly where it enters the body
- The case and every accessory included
Details to confirm before you commit
- Brand, model and power in watts
- Chuck size and whether keyed or keyless
- Whether it has hammer action, reverse and variable speed
- Whether the case, chuck key, side handle and any bits are included
Live power drill listings
Nothing matching is listed at the moment. Browse tools & diy for what is live now, or everything on the site — stock changes daily and new listings are free to post, so it is worth checking back.
When to buy
Steady all year with a lift in spring as people start projects. Recognised trade brands sell within days; unbranded drills sell slowly.
Prices move against that cycle for a buyer: the cheapest time to buy is when sellers are listing most, not when demand peaks.
Paying and collecting safely
WishThrift does not process payments, hold funds or offer buyer protection — you agree the price and the method with the seller directly, which is what keeps the platform free on both sides. Meet somewhere public where you can, inspect before you pay, and keep the conversation on the site so there is a record of what was agreed. Be wary of any seller who wants to move the conversation elsewhere before you have agreed anything.
Selling one instead?
If you already have a power drill sitting unused, it is free to list and there is no commission — the price you agree is the amount you keep. Read how to sell power drill for what to photograph and how to price, or what power drill is worth at each condition grade.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pay for a used power drill?
Around £16 to £98 in good condition, more for barely-used examples and less for anything with a described fault. Compare against the seller’s photographs rather than the grade alone.
How do I check a power drill before buying?
Ask which battery platform it takes, exactly what is included, and for a photograph of the tool running. Buy batteries from a reputable source rather than with the tool.
Is buying a power drill second hand safe?
Yes, with the ordinary care any private sale needs. WishThrift does not authenticate, inspect or hold funds, so inspect before you pay where you can, meet somewhere public, and keep the conversation on the site. Cordless tools sold without batteries or a charger, which can cost more to replace than the tool is worth, and worn brushes on corded tools.
See also: all buying guides · power drill value guide · selling power drill · Tools & DIY · condition grades.