I'd suggest just first checking out the 'fleamarkets' first if you want simple tools.
(spanners, screwdrivers, etc.)
for things like drills and power tools then I agree with the suggestions above.
usually I don't need the tool for more than a few times so it's not cost effective to buy....... and it was 'heartbreaking' to leave my extensive tool collection at home when I moved here.... to start again just kills you.
I'd suggest just first checking out the 'fleamarkets' first if you want simple tools.
(spanners, screwdrivers, etc.)
for things like drills and power tools then I agree with the suggestions above.
usually I don't need the tool for more than a few times so it's not cost effective to buy....... and it was 'heartbreaking' to leave my extensive tool collection at home when I moved here.... to start again just kills you.
I feel your pain. I had it all back home, saws, routers, the whole nine yards. I was on a roll building cabinets etc. We just remodeled and my wife told me "you are building everything." Sniffle, Sniffle." Okay honey if I have too." Since I cannot get a work permit, I thought it would be great to do it here. But alas, no room, no tools, no luck.
I feel your pain. I had it all back home, saws, routers, the whole nine yards. I was on a roll building cabinets etc. We just remodeled and my wife told me "you are building everything." Sniffle, Sniffle." Okay honey if I have too." Since I cannot get a work permit, I thought it would be great to do it here. But alas, no room, no tools, no luck.
Sounds like a pretty big job !!!
Seriously,
If you need a 'start up' kit - the "Helvitia flömarkt" is where I'd have my first look.
If you can find "Helvitiaplatz" in the middle of Zürich (along Langstrasse where the tram 8 passes..... or walk back along the tram 8 line from Staufacher) you will find the 'Xenix theatre' grounds where the markets are held every Saturday from, well, early until about 4pm.
There are a few blokes who sell a decent quantity (N.B. avoided using the word 'quality') of old tools.
Low initial outlay, and you can replace tools with quality as you go.
When I needed to buy power tools to renovate my house 10yrs. ago, I bought most from Jumbo.
A cheap and cheerful make that they (and other retailers) stock is Einhell.
However some just about lasted the course of the year-long project, and are true to adage -"You get what you pay for" (at least one time I had to return one under guarantee).
But if you need (like I did) to buy a few all at once, there is the price vs. quality equation to consider.
You have to bear in mind the frequency and hardness of use they're required for.
In the meantime Landi has come on leaps and bounds with it's own brand - OKAY - of tools ..... plus offers a 5yr. guarantee (depending on the duration of your stay, here).
Jumbo is good, but never buy anything thats marked at full price unless you want some serious buyers remorse when you go there the week after and the same thing is half price. You can get black and decker for quite reasonable prices sometimes.
For power tools, I've got some Migros stuff, some B&D from Coop, some own-brand from Conrad, and various from Jumbo.
For hand tools, certain tools (such as my three torque wrenches) I got through work and probably cost as much as all my other hand tools combined, except for some special-sized sockets, taps, etc. which I also ordered through work. But these are things I use often and last a lifetime. I'm not so concerned about quality when it comes to sockets, extensions, etc., unless they are for high torque applications, or to be used with an air-ratchet, but good screwdrivers and allen keys are worth the money, as they won't mess up your fasteners due to weak and/or imprecise tips.