Buying guide
Buying used tooling and machine accessories
Published on October 13, 2026
Toolholders, chucks, vices, rotary tables, bar feeders: used tooling lets you equip a machine at lower cost, provided you check the exact compatibility and the accuracy of each item.
Tooling and accessories often account for a large share of the investment in a machine. Buying them used, individually or as a lot, is a good way to save money, on two conditions: they must fit your machine exactly and they must have kept their accuracy.
Compatibility comes first
- Spindle interface: taper type and size (HSK, SK/ISO, BT, Capto…) and pull stud model, which varies between manufacturers.
- Clamping diameter, length and overall dimensions compatible with your machine's tool magazine.
- Rotary table or indexer: connection to your CNC control as a 4th or 5th axis (cables, parameters, control option).
- Bar feeder: bar diameters, length and interface with your lathe.
Accuracy of toolholders and chucks
Examine the tapers with a magnifying glass: impact marks, corrosion or signs of seizing indicate a toolholder that will no longer clamp correctly. Measure the runout with a dial indicator on a test mandrel. For high speeds, ask whether the toolholders are balanced. A hydraulic chuck must hold its pressure, without leaking.
Vices, fixtures and rotary tables
- Vices: jaws and slides without excessive play, flat seating faces, even clamping.
- Rotary tables and indexers: play, brake, indexing accuracy, sealing.
- Zero-point clamping systems: compatibility between components, condition of the clamping studs and seals.
Buying a lot
A tooling lot can be an excellent deal, but insist on a detailed inventory with part numbers and photos, and check a representative sample on site. Worn inserts and cutting tools have little value: the value of a lot lies mainly in the toolholders, chucks and precision accessories.