Buying Second Hand Tools/Gear(New To Ice Climbing)?

I'm a greenie who's in the market for a (mostly)complete ice climbing setup, and to be honest I'm not sure how to start. I'm going to ice climb more this winter than previous years, so I would like to purchase tools, crampons,  and boots. 

I'm specifically curious about how to go about buying used ice tools. Is there much to be worried about? Should I be worried about visual signs of wear (paint chips, scratches, etc)? I have friends who tell me they're bomb proof, and most cosmetic damage is just that - cosmetic. I'd appreciate any ideas!

Thanks!

The picks are the issue in used ice tools. Picks are consumables — they will wear down over time. Specifically, striking rock can really damage a pick.

The picks can be filed down or replaced, but they can only be filed so much, and replacement picks, depending on model, can be pretty expensive.

your biggest concern should be availability of replacement picks. Don't buy a discontinued model where picks are not available. I go through two to 3 sets of picks a winter. 

Nick Goldsmith wrote:

your biggest concern should be availability of replacement picks. Don't buy a discontinued model where picks are not available. I go through two to 3 sets of picks a winter. 

This.

take a look at tools you may be interested in do a quick google search and make sure picks are still available. other than that...they are pretty bomb proof. used would be no issue. maybe take a look and make sure the head is still nice and tight. 

What was said above: most tools are pretty tough.

If you need all ice gear:

Spend your money on well fitting boots first. New or lightly used.

Then, get some crampons. Due to the stresses they see, and the thinner material, combined with lower price, I’d go new.

Then see how much money you have left. If needed, you can always share tools for single pitch climbing. If you have some money left, used can work well, as long as picks are available (as mentioned above).

Nick Goldsmith wrote:

your biggest concern should be availability of replacement picks. Don't buy a discontinued model where picks are not available. I go through two to 3 sets of picks a winter. 

I once sold a pair of Aztars for the price of brand new picks, since they stopped making the picks years before I got these tools.