Would you buy stolen tools?

[jimmycrackcorn]

This was spoken at work one time, and some of the guys said they wouldn't cause of karma, just wanted to see what you guys say about it.

[Itzkwik]

Nope, not gonna happen.

[Uncle Buck]

I have never knowingly bought stolen tools. I would also not buy tools I suspected were stolen. Now with all that said I suspect I have unknowingly bought stolen tools from pawn shops through the years, I would have to be rather naive to think that every tool I ever bought from a pawnshop was not stolen. However as I said before I would not dream of buying something I thought was stolen.

[-lecroix-]

not if i knew they were stolen ... karma is a bitch

[Junkman]

I once purchased some stolen tools with full knowledge that they were stolen. That is because they were stolen from me at my garage. You might say that it was more like paying a ransom for them then purchasing. It was one of those cases, where it was better to give up some cash and get the tools back with no questions asked, then it was to loose them permanently. There was an intermediary involved, and he also told the person that was ransoming them, that if it ever happened again, he would be eating with stumps at the ends of his arms, rather than with hands. After that day, I never had another problem.
I do wonder where some of the tools come from that I see at swap meets, but overall, I think that a lot of them are people just wanting to get out of debt by selling what they own at a loss. I purchased a Snap-On Freon Sniffer today at the swap meet for $15.00, and it is in very nice condition. It is also a older model, so I didn't think that it was stolen. The seller had some other Air Conditioning tools there, and he is also a regular at this location, so I have faith that it isn't stolen. Only mistake that I made was that I didn't purchase the gauge set that he had also with another Snap-On sniffer for $50..... :(

[SpiderGearsMan]

I would buy them , and use my special techniques to get the money back , nobody would get over on me like that ,and , no matter how long it takes , I would find that bastard

[Spookrider]

As I tell other Stu. at my Auto School I got to "You steal my tools, Kiss you degree good bye. I'll get you kick off the program and or worse" The teacher know that I say it and he agrees with my feelings.

[Blacknwhitepit]

I would never buy stolen tools if I knew they were stolen.

I had a crackhead helping me rennovate a VA repo home I bought to flip steal me blind of tools. In the end, I just deducted the cost of the tools from the cash I paid him. He never argued. Something about getting that FIX right away led him to do things that when he was "normal" he did regret.

The sad fact is that people who steal these things are not using the money to buy a loaf of bread and PB&J for their family. They are using them for drugs or alcohol. They know what High end tools are, and know what people will pay for them. This crackhead I had working for me would steal change from your easy chair if you went to the bathroom.

The crackhead once asked me if I wanted a 300 pc Craftsman tool set from Sears new for $75. He said He didn't have it, but he knew guys who "Could get things I wanted on special order". "No" I replied. Life is just too short for that $#it.

I even heard a story about a shop which had a shady guy come by trying to sell a Snap on Brick for $100.00, and that the techs chased him out of there.

The fact is that shady guy will sell it. And someone will buy it never knowing that it was stolen, either thru ebay, a third seller with markup or to someone who just doesn't care that it was stolen.

I think there is something about Karma. Never willingly will I ever buy anything stolen.

In the end, if you have purchased items from a flea market or pawn shop for a while you probably do have something that was pinched; but that does not make you complicit.

JMHO

P.S. Regarding the crackhead, I only hired him as a favor to his father who hoped the work might help him. After the job was done, we never spoke again and that has been 9 years.


-BWP

[Vincent Vega]

Never. Being a recent theft victim I would have some choice words for the guy trying to sell them.

[Vicegrip]

He!! No. There is a "Special" place in hell for tool thieves. I was in a pawn only once many years back working on an HVAC unit and saw a massive pile of tools shelved in the back of the place. This shop had so many they could not display them all. Most had to be stolen by my guess. While I was there a punk slime ball came in with an almost new Porter Cable hypoid saw. No box and he did not look like he even knew what it was. He rolled out with something like $30. I gots my pay for the work done and for some reason I was always busy and unable to take on any work when they called.

If you don't buy from Pawn shops they will have to stop taking in stolen stuff. Stolen is stolen. Bad Voodoo.

[wilbilt]

I have never knowingly bought stolen tools. Karma has nothing to do with it.
I just don't like the prospect of doing jail or prison time related to buying/owning stolen tools.

What can I say? I'm old school.

[Uncle Buck]

He!! No. There isa "Speshal" place in hell for tool thievs. I was in a pawn only once many years back working on an HVAC unit and saw a massive pile of tools shelved in the back of the place. This shop had so many they could not display them all. Most had to be stolen by my guess. While I was there a punk slime ball came in with an almost new Porter Cable hypoid saw. No box and he did not look like he even knew what it was. He rolled out with something like $30. I gots my pay for the work done and for some reason I was always busy and unable to take on any work when they called.

If you don't buy from Pawn shops they will have to stop taking in stolen stuff. Stolen is stolen. Bad Voodo.

Nice sentiment, but there have been hock shops around long before you and I, and there will be long after we are gone! Your not gonna put the hock shops out of business, although it would not disturb me if they did go away. Just unrealistic in my opinion.:beer:

[Blacknwhitepit]

Nice sentiment, but there have been hock shops around long before you and I, and there will be long after we are gone! Your not gonna put the hock shops out of business, although it would not disturb me if they did go away. Just unrealistic in my opinion.:beer:


The hock shops do provide a service.

If pawn shops were out of business, then druggies would resort to muggings, store robberies and ATM theft.

This is the second and third order effects of getting rid of pawn shops.

Think of pawnshops as a lubricant in the degenerate world.

I wish pawnshops would/could go away. But if theives did not have a market for their stolen goods taken while you were not looking or not at home then they will go after cash, maybe not from you, BUT YOUR LOVED ONES in a most unsavory way.

The dirtbags have been there since time began, and they will always be there. Unfortunate, but true.


P.S. And law enforcement knows all of this. Not to get off subject, but this is pretty much the same reason why anyone can get marijuana in any town in the US and the cops don't bust the dealers, The cops know who they are. Simply stated, as long as criminal behavior is reasonably controlled it is accepted. I am not passing judgement JMHO.


-BWP

[Coach James]

I wouldn't buy stolen tools simply because it's wrong and because those tools may be how some guy buys food and clothes for his family. I hate thieves with a passion. I think I should be allowed to shoot someone if I catch them stealing my stuff.

Coach

[TT66']

No to buying stolen tools. And no to buying the pirated software.

[kartracer55]

I would not go out of my way to buy stolen tools, and I would really think twice if I knew they were stolen, and I never knowingly bought stolen tools, however in hindsight Im pretty sure I have UNKNOWINGLY bought stolen tools and I dont lose sleep over it. Seriously, lets be realistic. Somebody already stole these tools, and somebody WILL buy them, so If it turns out that tools I bought were stolen who cares. I didnt steal them, and I didnt ask for them to be stolen. If I didnt buy these tools then somebody else would have gotten the deal instead. Nothing we can do to change it, it is what it is.

Jim

EDIT: Think closely about what is being said here. Im not condoning stolen tools. Many Pawnshop/Ebay tools are stolen, and I realize that, but it doesnt stop me (Or many of you) from buying them anyway. I make LEGAL transactions on tools which MAY or MAY NOT be stolen.

[chad s]

This was spoken at work one time, and some of the guys said they wouldn't cause of karma, just wanted to see what you guys say about it.

So whats your take on it? I hate to assume.....

[chad s]

I would not go out of my way to buy stolen tools, and I would really think twice if I knew they were stolen, and I never knowingly bought stolen tools, however in hindsight Im pretty sure I have bought stolen tools and I dont lose sleep over it. Seriously, lets be realistic. Somebody already stole these tools, and somebody WILL buy them, so If it turns out that tools I bought were stolen who cares. I didnt steal them, and I didnt ask for them to be stolen. If I didnt buy these tools then somebody else would have gotten the deal instead. Nothing we can do to change it, it is what it is.

Jim
I know someone will, but Im not going to be the guy who supports the thieve's behavior.

[jimmycrackcorn]

I would not buy stolen tools, i think i matured as the years past. I defiantly would not want it to happen to me, i guess the karma of it. But i have, bought in the past.

There was this crackhead that came around and he had a $1600 digital camera even had the receipt for it, but i know the guy who bought it from him to turn the profit on ebay, he only paid $200 for it. He comes with various things like laptops and powertools.

[OldCarGuy]

No never purchased anything, particularly tools, that look like they may have been stolen. Plus I would never step into a pawn shop for reasons stated above.

Except one time, many years ago..
Once I went around and purchased a whole bunch of toolmaker tools at a number of local tool shops, and only paid $.10 on the $1.00! However they were all mine with my name half hazardly removed. An apprentice where I worked broke into my tool boxes and swiped them. Needless to say he got arrested and fired. He went to court, and got off easy. A year later another shop called and asked about him. I guess that leopards don’t change their spots and he didn’t learn from his past.

[wilbilt]

in hindsight Im pretty sure I have bought stolen tools and I dont lose sleep over it. Seriously, lets be realistic. Somebody already stole these tools, and somebody WILL buy them, so If it turns out that tools I bought were stolen who cares.

Wow.
I have gained a lot of respect for you Jim, based on your postings and general outlook in many areas.

I have often thought "Here is a young guy that has it right. He knows right from wrong, and has a good outlook for his future".

Based upon your above statement, I guess I was mistaken. Stolen is stolen, and wrong is wrong.

[Uncle Buck]

Wow.
I have gained a lot of respect for you Jim, based on your postings and general outlook in many areas.

I have often thought "Here is a young guy that has it right. He knows right from wrong, and has a good outlook for his future".

Based upon your above statement, I guess I was mistaken. Stolen is stolen, and wrong is wrong.



:+1: Me too!

[ZRX61]

About 25 years ago when I lived in London I was walking home from the pub one night & spotted a couple of characters I knew wheeling a cart with at least 7 or 8 toolboxes on it.

I knew where they lived....

I also reconised the toolboxes & knew immediately who exactly owned them, so I dropped by & let em know.

20 minutes later the owners of the toolboxes showed up at the apartment where the thieves lived...

Baseball bats & steel bars were put to good use. Payback is a bitch.

[ZRX61]

Seriously, lets be realistic. Somebody already stole these tools, and somebody WILL buy them, so If it turns out that tools I bought were stolen who cares. I didnt steal them, and I didnt ask for them to be stolen.

You sir are a prick. The person who *cares* is the LAWFUL OWNER of the tools you fucking parasite.

[kartracer55]

Guys. I didnt say I bought stolen tools intentionally, Im saying I bought used tools and I wouldnt be surprised IF they were stolen. ALOT of stuff at flea markets and pawn shops is stolen and resold, but am I not supposed to buy this stuff because it MIGHT be stolen?? Obviously buying stolen tools is not worth the risk of jail time, but there is no proof that ANY "used" tool you buy on ebay or otherwise is NOT stolen. Do you guys avoid pawn shops because things MIGHT (almost always ARE) be stolen? Doubt it.

In fact, I would be willing to bet that a good portion of Ebay tools are stolen as well. Like I said, If it turns out the tools I bought were (unknowingly) stolen, WHO CARES? What am I supposed to do, throw them away? I know that I paid for them with money earned the Hard and Honest way, and did not know that they were stolen when I bought them, I can only speculate otherwise. I look at is as this: When I see a used tool on ebay, I realize that there is a possibility that it is stolen, and there is no way for me to see it otherwise. I can either get a good deal on it, or pass it up, because If i dont bid somebody else will.

Dont jump down my throat because I have a realistic view on things. I see things like they are and I dont sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, I know my money is made the honest way and I dont knowingly buy stolen tools, so my conscience is clean.

[Uncle Buck]

Guys. I didnt say I bought stolen tools intentionally, Im saying I bought used tools and I wouldnt be surprised IF they were stolen. ALOT of stuff at flea markets and pawn shops is stolen and resold, but am I not supposed to buy this stuff because it MIGHT be stolen?? Obviously buying stolen tools is not worth the risk of jail time, but there is no proof that ANY "used" tool you buy on ebay or otherwise is NOT stolen. Do you guys avoid pawn shops because things MIGHT (almost always ARE) be stolen? Doubt it.

In fact, I would be willing to bet that a good portion of Ebay tools are stolen as well. Like I said, If it turns out the tools I bought were (unknowingly) stolen, WHO CARES? What am I supposed to do, throw them away? I know that I paid for them with money earned the Hard and Honest way, and did not know that they were stolen when I bought them, I can only speculate otherwise. I look at is as this: When I see a used tool on ebay, I realize that there is a possibility that it is stolen, and there is no way for me to see it otherwise. I can either get a good deal on it, or pass it up, because If i dont bid somebody else will.

Dont jump down my throat because I have a realistic view on things. I see things like they are and I dont sweat the small stuff. At the end of the day, I know my money is made the honest way and I dont knowingly buy stolen tools, so my conscience is clean.

Duly noted Jim, and I found some common ground in this post, I think what struck a troubling note for me was your first post almost rang with the sound of casual indifference, which obviously is not the do unto others attitude guys like us should have. After all, we all know how much this stuff costs! As I noted in my post, I prolly have some stolen tools bought in pawn shops too, but I have no way of knowing and bought in good faith so no harm, no foul! I am sure that was what you were trying to express but missed the mark a bit.:beer:

[kartracer55]

You sir are a prick. The person who *cares* is the LAWFUL OWNER of the tools you fucking parasite.

YOU, my friend, are a complete idiot.

Dont kid yourself. Most of the tools at pawnshops are stolen. Does that stop you (or anybody else) from buying them? No. How about Ebay or Swap Meets? We like to think thats all on the up and up but Im a realist. I know a good bit of it is probably stolen, but its getting sold one way or another, and as long as I truly do not know that the tool is stolen, I dont have a problem with buying it because we can not be sure that it is or isnt stolen. As far as we know, its a used tool that somebody is selling.

Think about the circumstances before you rebutle and further reveal your ignorance and stupidity.

[eschoendorff]

I have never knowingly bought stolen tools. I would also not buy tools I suspected were stolen. Now with all that said I suspect I have unknowingly bought stolen tools from pawn shops through the years, I would have to be rather naive to think that every tool I ever bought from a pawnshop was not stolen. However as I said before I would not dream of buying something I thought was stolen.

Pretty much what he said.:beer:

[eschoendorff]

He!! No. There isa "Speshal" place in hell for tool thievs. I was in a pawn only once many years back working on an HVAC unit and saw a massive pile of tools shelved in the back of the place. This shop had so many they could not display them all. Most had to be stolen by my guess. While I was there a punk slime ball came in with an almost new Porter Cable hypoid saw. No box and he did not look like he even knew what it was. He rolled out with something like $30. I gots my pay for the work done and for some reason I was always busy and unable to take on any work when they called.

If you don't buy from Pawn shops they will have to stop taking in stolen stuff. Stolen is stolen. Bad Voodo.

I really don't think it's fair to assume that goods from pawn shops are all stolen. In fact, around here, most pawn shops go to great lengths to make sure that they are not accepting stolen goods...

[bmwpower]

I mean, how can you even tell anymore? If someone steals some brand new Snap-On stuff and throws it on eBay, no one would ever know. They all get top dollar, whether they're legit or not.

It's a shame, but what are you gonna do really? Not buy any tools from anyone other than Sears, Snap-On, etc. directly?

I see where Jim is coming from.

[kythri]

Wow, reading comprehension is seriously lacking...

I saw kartracer's message before the edits, and I knew where he was going. People need to chill out - especially ZRX61. That was completely uncalled for. Stop being a douche.

[mikeyr]

I am pretty sure I purchased some stolen tools once and the feelings of poo-poo that I had afterwards were not worth it, never again.

My sob story, many years ago I was working as a contractor and had some tools stolen, I needed these tools for my lively hood but these were not good times and I did not have the money to replace them. About a week later I am stopped at a stop light and a guy walks up and offers me a bunch of tools that I could really use for $20, my first answer was no but then he gave me his sob story and I told him I did not have the money. He asked if I had a gas credit card, I said yes and he said "you can have the tools for what it costs to fill up my truck", it cost $16 to fill up his 3/4ton truck that is how long ago this was (well over 20-25 years ago) I remember the cost because I did not even have the $4 to make it a even $20. He gave me $200 maybe $250 worth of tools. He did have a contractors logo on his truck and maybe they really were his tools and he was even more down on his luck than I was, but the feeling that they were stolen bugs me to this day when I use them.

Not worth it, never again.

[kidney]

I've gone a few times to the pawn shop looking for tools. First, they charge damn near close to retail and they are no longer willing to haggle on items. Second, I just feel gross walking into a pawn shop. I will admit to being a bit hypocritical, as I have no real issues buying stuff off of E-bay. As for Craigslist, well, you can usually tell what is stolen and what is not. Just look in the tool section, and look for all the people who sell tool belts that are full of tools. I would bet anyone money that they were taken off the back of someone's truck.

[Blacknwhitepit]

YOU, my friend, are a complete idiot.

Dont kid yourself. Most of the tools at pawnshops are stolen. Does that stop you (or anybody else) from buying them? No. How about Ebay or Swap Meets? We like to think thats all on the up and up but Im a realist. I know a good bit of it is probably stolen, but its getting sold one way or another, and as long as I truly do not know that the tool is stolen, I dont have a problem with buying it because we can not be sure that it is or isnt stolen. As far as we know, its a used tool that somebody is selling.

Think about the circumstances before you rebutle and further reveal your ignorance and stupidity.

The only thing that Jim may be guilty of is posting with his feelings.

Many of us have bought things for a "deal" at a pawn shop or flea maket.

WILBILT, I sincerely doubt he should be the object of our ridicule.

Respectfully,

-BWP

[danski0224]

This was spoken at work one time, and some of the guys said they wouldn't cause of karma, just wanted to see what you guys say about it.

Without a face to face transaction, it is pretty difficult to tell if something is stolen.

I recently bought a bunch of stuff from someone on Craigslist, and I doubt that person stole all of the items, but I suspect that at least some of the items were stolen at some time in the past. I wouldn't be surprised if that person "borrowed" some of the items from a previous employer.

I would not partake in a "fell off the truck" sale and knowingly buy stolen goods.

If I felt that a person was selling stolen property, I would walk away.

I wonder how many people here with issues about buying stolen property will not have issues "borrowing" tools from employers or materials from jobsites....

[wilbilt]

The only thing that Jim may be guilty of is posting with his feelings.

Many of us have bought things for a "deal" at a pawn shop or flea maket.

WILBILT, I sincerely doubt he should be the object of our ridicule.


No ridicule intended. I am just very surprised at the "casual indifference" as someone else mentioned.

I work in a public school district and I see that attitude every day. So many kids have no respect for others' hard work, achievements, or property. Those that are respectful and honest seem to be the exception rather than the rule these days.

Maybe my interpretation of "who cares?" was mistaken. I sincerely hope it was.

[dxdexter]

I would never knowingly purchase stolen tools. I had many of mine stolen in the early nineties and know the sickening feeling all to well. I always look for them to this day when I go to flea markets.
I also would never buy any tools that have been engraved by the owner even if I know the person whose initials are on them, for fear someone would think I stole them. I may be wrong on this but many of the new Snap-on tools for sale on Ebay could possibly be dealers ridding themselves of overstock (maybe wishful thinking on my part).

[kythri]

No ridicule intended. I am just very surprised at the "casual indifference" as someone else mentioned.

I work in a public school district and I see that attitude every day. So many kids have no respect for others' hard work, achievements, or property. Those that are respectful and honest seem to be the exception rather than the rule these days.

Maybe my interpretation of "who cares?" was mistaken. I sincerely hope it was.

If you buy anything at a pawn shop, where there's a chance the merchandise is stolen, and you don't take it home, consumed with guilt, then you've got the same "casual indifference" that kartracer55 has.

He wasn't referencing likely stolen tools, he was referencing pawn shop/eBay buys, and how he wasn't going to lose any sleep over the possibility that something he legitimately purchased might have originally been stolen.

Is anyone on this board any different?

Jesus, the shit is deep here.

[wilbilt]

If you buy anything at a pawn shop, where there's a chance the merchandise is stolen, and you don't take it home, consumed with guilt, then you've got the same "casual indifference" that kartracer55 has.

Jesus, the shit is deep here.

Don't be so sure. I know that the pawn shop I frequent makes every reasonable, no, beyond reasonable effort to document every item they receive. They are required to by law. Minimum of two forms of ID, current utility bill or something with a valid address that matches the ID, and even a thumbprint.

All serial numbers are documented and provided to law enforcement on a regular basis. When I walk out of there with a tool and a receipt, I am not consumed by guilt, because I know there is very little chance the item was stolen. If I were to find out I had purchased a stolen item, I would return it to the owner myself.

Who cares? I do.

[jhn9840]

Years ago a couple of guys would roll up to the shop I worked in with a van load of tools on a fairly regular basis, they never made any attempt to cover up the fact that they were selling hot tools. Although I never bought anything from them most of the guys would.

They finally got caught breaking into a Ford dealership and went to prison. Every time they were at our place I had the feeling that they were eyeballing all of our stuff up too. Guess we just got lucky nothing happened.

jhn9840
John

[rocco]

i would never for Karma alone.

[tuned10]

NEVER! It's just wrong. Plus the bad karma......

[goodfellow]

Back in 1981 my shop was broken into by professionals. They were able to disarm the alarm, gain entry and and cleaned out every toolbox in the place -- taking only the highest value items. They picked the lock on my MAC boxes and took out the good stuff and even relocked it. I lost $18K of tools that night and never forgot the helpless feeling knowing that my ability to make a living was severely compromised.

Over the years there have been many times that a van would drop by the shop with "discount" brand name tools sold out the back for 20 cents on the dollar, and each time I tell 'em to hit the road (and I also alert the police) because I know that in many cases some poor guy just lost his livelyhood because these "bustards" have no morals or conscience.

[l_bilyk]

I would never buy a stolen tool

[bmwpower]

Back in 1981 my shop was broken into by professionals. They were able to disarm the alarm, gain entry and and cleaned out every toolbox in the place -- taking only the highest value items. They picked the lock on my MAC boxes and took out the good stuff and even relocked it. I lost $18K of tools that night and never forgot the helpless feeling knowing that my ability to make a living was severely compromised.

Over the years there have been many times that a van would drop by the shop with "discount" brand name tools sold out the back for 20 cents on the dollar, and each time I tell 'em to hit the road (and I also alert the police) because I know that in many cases some poor guy just lost his livelyhood because these "bustards" have no morals or conscience.

Yea, but what would you have done if they were, say, 50-75 cents on the dollar?

I guess my point is, if it's not too low of a price, they could be legit tools.

[eschoendorff]

Okay guys, let's summarize:

NONE of us would ever knowingly or willingly buy a stolen tool. Period.

We all buy from ebay, flea markets, pawn shops... but I think that we all have the good presence of mind to frequent only reputable establishments. I think Wilbilt spoke of the measures that the local pawn shops take to make sure that the items they sell aren't hot. The shops here do the same stuff. I don't even near the ones that are shady.

So, relax! We're all basically saying the same thing, just in different ways. And we have all known Jim long enough to know that he is a good kid and really does not condone buying stolen tools. Hell, I kn ow him from a couple of different forums and he would be one of the first people that I would lend my tools to.

[Coach James]

Well said eschoendorff.

Coach

[Uncle Buck]

Yup, I will agree.

[bmwpower]

....Crack is sometimes a wonderful thing.

Yup, I will agree.


What?!? I didn't peg you as a druggie.

[kythri]

Hell, I would! That's how I get most of my tools, I can't afford to buy them new. I have a guy I know that takes orders like was metioned earlier, just got a snappy ball joint tool picked up for me for the low low price of 20 bucks. Crack is sometimes a wonderful thing.

Did you join the forum simply to troll this post?

[wrenchr]

There are few thing's that you should not mess with.
Three come to mind. A Married women, A man's car, Last but not least, His damn TOOL's.

[ZRX61]

YOU, my friend, are a complete idiot.

Dont kid yourself. Most of the tools at pawnshops are stolen. Does that stop you (or anybody else) from buying them? No. How about Ebay or Swap Meets?

I don't buy from Ebay, Swap meets or Pawn shops PRECISELY because of the chance of ending up ruining someones livelyhood.
& as someone who had to work in a shithole factory for 6 month to replace tools that were stolen from me I DO know how it feels when some worthless cunt removes food from my table..
You have the WRONG attitude.
My original comment stands.

[ZRX61]

Okay guys, let's summarize:

NONE of us would ever knowingly or willingly buy a stolen tool. Period.

But apparently some members on here just don't "care"....



We all buy from ebay, flea markets, pawn shops...
No "we" don't....

[Uncle Buck]

What?!? I didn't peg you as a druggie.

OMG! My post was supposed to follow the leader of the band's post!:lol_hitti

[Uncle Buck]

Hell, I would! That's how I get most of my tools, I can't afford to buy them new. I have a guy I know that takes orders like was metioned earlier, just got a snappy ball joint tool picked up for me for the low low price of 20 bucks. Crack is sometimes a wonderful thing.

I don't buy from Ebay, Swap meets or Pawn shops PRECISELY because of the chance of ending up ruining someones livelyhood.
& as someone who had to work in a shithole factory for 6 month to replace tools that were stolen from me I DO know how it feels when some worthless cunt removes food from my table..
You have the WRONG attitude.
My original comment stands.

Well, everyone knows I was looking for a third and I think I might actually have a winner! I have narrowed the field to one of these two dipshits! :wtf: I think we could figure it out easier if I could just see how much forehead slope each has,:spit: or possibly the amount of knuckle drag that may be involved as each plods his ignorant ass through the day!:lol_hitti Why couldn't Larry and Moe here just let this thread die, eschoendorff had made a tidy summary and closed things on a friendly note, then in stumbles these two Goobers!:lol_hitti

[swgray]

But apparently some members on here just don't "care"....




No "we" don't....

But "we" do shop there.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9314

For what its worth, I would buy from any of the mentioned places. Pawn shops here are highly regulated, they report to the police what they get in. If its stolen it found out at that time.

Unfortunately, their prices are high.

Flea markets vendors for the most part (the ones who make a living at it) I feel are on the up and up. Its the ones that have a few items in their trunks that seem to be the shadiest.

Ebay is what it is. I buy and sell. I know I'm honest and have to take for granted that most others are too. I think most on here know when not to deal with certain vendors on ebay.

Never say never, some of us have memories.

[ZRX61]

I stopped to look at that Blue Point box because I'd never seen one before. Driving past a shop & then stopping to look at something doesn't constitute "shopping". If that was the case you could be charged with soliciting some prozzie just for looking as your drove thru your local redlight area....
I've NEVER spent 1c in that, or any other pawn shop....

[ZRX61]

Well, everyone knows I was looking for a third and I think I might actually have a winner! I have narrowed the field to one of these two dipshits! :wtf: I think we could figure it out easier if I could just see how much forehead slope each has,:spit: or possibly the amount of knuckle drag that may be involved as each plods his ignorant ass through the day!:lol_hitti Why couldn't Larry and Moe here just let this thread die, eschoendorff had made a tidy summary and closed things on a friendly note, then in stumbles these two Goobers!:lol_hitti

So I guess now we can lump you in with the forum lowlife who doesn't *care* about stolen tools. Thanks for clarifying your position on theft.

[kythri]

I don't buy from Ebay, Swap meets or Pawn shops PRECISELY because of the chance of ending up ruining someones livelyhood.
& as someone who had to work in a shithole factory for 6 month to replace tools that were stolen from me I DO know how it feels when some worthless cunt removes food from my table..
You have the WRONG attitude.
My original comment stands.

And my original comment stands. Stop being a douche.

How, praytell, does one manage to ruin another's livelihood buy purchasing merchandise from eBay/swap meet/pawn shop?

If it's already been stolen and is on the open market, the livelihood has already been ruined, methinks.

One could make the argument that patronizing said establishments propogates the cycle, but that's a completely different argument.

Take your holier-than-thou attitude and stick it straight up your ass. If you truly felt about pawn shops like you claim, you wouldn't be caught within a hundred yards of one, you lying sack of hippo-shit.

[kythri]

So I guess now we can lump you in with the forum lowlife who doesn't *care* about stolen tools. Thanks for clarifying your position on theft.

Are you still harping on that? Did you not pass basic elementary school reading comprehension? You've completely misinterpreted what the guy said, and you continue to blather about it.

Sheez.

Posting on Internet forums - so easy a caveman can do it.

[MarkH]

Interesting, we must not have had Snap 0n vs Craftsman enough recently since it looks like someone is wanting popcorn time again.

I see two nice summaries. 1. Not knowingly and that includes suspicious circumstances.

2. Depending on where you live, pawn shops can be good or bad, buying from someone's trunk = trouble anywhere. Ebay is, well we are honest on what we sell we hope others are too, unfortunately that is not always the truth. They do try to police stolen items.

3. Having something stolen is no damm fun!!!!

[wilbilt]

One could make the argument that patronizing said establishments propogates the cycle, but that's a completely different argument.


...and one that should include Indian casinos. Talk about life-ruiners.

Stealing tools would have no attraction if there was no market for them. I seriously doubt that the percentage of stolen tools in pawn shops and on eBay is as high as some are claiming (unless you count the bushels full of "confiscated items" (http://search.ebay.com/confiscated_W0QQfrppZ50QQfsopZ1QQmaxrecordsreturne dZ300) being auctioned due to increased airport security).

[ZRX61]

Are you still harping on that? Did you not pass basic elementary school reading comprehension? You've completely misinterpreted what the guy said, and you continue to blather about it.
[/B]

Here ya go:
Somebody already stole these tools, and somebody WILL buy them, so If it turns out that tools I bought were stolen who cares.
What part of "who cares" are you having difficulty with?


EDIT: Think closely about what is being said here. Im not condoning stolen tools.
But you don't care anyway.... Like others have said: If you don't buy from these establishments that's one less customer the thieves are catering to...
I'd gladly brand tool thieves right across their foreheads & remove every finger they possess... & that STILL wouldn't be enough punishment.

[Jay H 237]

I have been a member of this board for quite some time and visit almost everyday even though I don't post much. I will say this thread has become one of the worst I have seen on here! :mad:


I would never buy anything that I knew was stolen either. I don't make a living with my tools, just a hobbiest, but it would still hurt losing what I have. I don't want to support and encourage those that steal.

Now maybe we could get this thread back on track or atleast talk about Harbor Freight buying out Snap-On. :lol_hitti

[tweety652]

well rumor has it craftsman is buying out harbor freight.

[tweety652]

Pittsburg-the Official Tool Of Nascar!!!

[kartracer55]

If it turns out the tools I bought were (unknowingly) stolen, WHO CARES? What am I supposed to do, throw them away?


Here ya go:

What part of "who cares" are you having difficulty with?



What part of my SIMPLE scentence is your thick head having trouble with? Read that Closely. Take it slow, maybe try and write down the main idea. Your legitimatly stupid if you cant understand this scentence, DIRECTLY quoted from my original post. Its called inference.

Let me spell it out for you.

ME BUY TOOL.
ME THINK TOOL NOT STOLEN.
ME PAY WITH HARD EARNED MONEY.
ME FIND OUT TOOL STOLEN.
ME NOT UPSET BECAUSE ME KNOW TOOL ALREADY STOLEN AND ME ALREADY PAY FOR TOOL THE HONEST AND LEGAL WAY.

There, I cant make it any simpler. Stop dwelling on this, suck up your mistake and cut your losses. You mis-interpreted my original post and thats fine, it happens to us all. Move on, your arguing about nothing. I obviously dont buy tools that I know were stolen, plain and simply put, Im not full of guilt if it turns out a used tool I bought had unkowingly been stolen. This is not a difficult thing to understand.


To Everybody else, thanks for the comments and for not jumping down my throat. Obviously many of us (except ZRX61 apparantly) have an intelligent and moral view of the situation, I think we all agree for the most part.

Jim

[bmwpower]

Sure compare me to the 3 stooges, real mature. Plus what idiots watch the 3 stooges. Anyways, I'm the one picking up sweet deals like this for 40 bucks:

You definitely "stole" those tools...geez.

[bmwpower]

Nope, paid for them with money I earned legally

Not what I meant, but let's not go down that road.

[bmwpower]

Dude, now you have misunderstood me! :wtf: I am legit in my apology, I apologized for my post on page six which was partially aimed at you because of your original misunderstood post! The most recent post is my way of retracting my page six post. So no, I am in no way comparing you to Curly.:beer:

I think all those smilies throw everyone off!

FYI...your page 6 is not necessarily someone else's page 6.

[Coach James]

Who watches the Three Stooges? :) (Raises Hand).

Coach

[bmwpower]

Ummm... tazman59 or whoever you are. I'm calling BS on your tool purchase...you know, the one you deleted?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap-On-Tools-3-8-impact-sockets-and-air-wrench_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43993QQihZ001QQi temZ110152710199QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

http://i6.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/ac/1f/2793_1.JPG

[Uncle Buck]

Ummm... tazman59 or whoever you are. I'm calling BS on your tool purchase...you know, the one you deleted?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap-On-Tools-3-8-impact-sockets-and-air-wrench_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43993QQihZ001QQi temZ110152710199QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

http://i6.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/ac/1f/2793_1.JPG

Ouch! sweet catch bmw! Now don't ch just know that has to hurt being called out like that! So much for his credibility!:wtf:

[tweety652]

Ummm... tazman59 or whoever you are. I'm calling BS on your tool purchase...you know, the one you deleted?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap-On-Tools-3-8-impact-sockets-and-air-wrench_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43993QQihZ001QQi temZ110152710199QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

http://i6.ebayimg.com/02/i/000/ac/1f/2793_1.JPG

think you could explain this im lost:confused:

[Coach James]

My guess would be that since the auction doesn't end for another ~2.5 hours and the current bid is $504.00, tazman couldn't have already bought them for $40. Unless this seller or someone else on ebay was selling another set of the exact same thing.

[tweety652]

oh-now thats funny!!!!!

[wilbilt]

ME BUY TOOL.
ME THINK TOOL NOT STOLEN.
ME PAY WITH HARD EARNED MONEY.
ME FIND OUT TOOL STOLEN.
ME NOT UPSET BECAUSE ME KNOW TOOL ALREADY STOLEN AND ME ALREADY PAY FOR TOOL THE HONEST AND LEGAL WAY.
Jim

Hmm.
You buy stolen tool.
Law no care you think tool not stolen.
Law say possession stolen property.
Law say can't buy stolen tool honest and legal.
You know tool already stolen.
You do long jail time.

Or:

You no care tool stolen.
Law care tool stolen.

Sorry, but that's the way it is. And that's the way it should be.

[kythri]

Hmm.
You buy stolen tool.
Law no care you think tool not stolen.
Law say possession stolen property.
Law say can't buy stolen tool honest and legal.
You know tool already stolen.
You do long jail time.

Or:

You no care tool stolen.
Law care tool stolen.

Sorry, but that's the way it is. And that's the way it should be.

Not really. If he's buying stuff through eBay or a pawn shop, there's no way in hell he's doing any kind of time for possession of stolen property.

Possession is one of those charges that are used to bust someone who's knowingly trafficking in stolen stuff, but is skirting around being the actual criminal. If a pawnshop purchase or eBay purchase goes bad, worst case scenario is that you lose your stuff.

In most states, pawn shops are the party that assume the most liability - if they purchase stolen property, and resell it, and then it's discovered that the property was stolen and has to be returned to it's rightful owners, the pawn shops have to make good on that - refund of purchase price to the customer, etc. They're the ones left holding the bag.

This is why 95% of pawn shops have very detailed records, and go out of their way to cooperate with law enforcement to verify that the property isn't stolen.

As far as eBay goes - well, make your purchases through PayPal, or use a credit card that can be charged back. It's not a perfect guarantee, but it's the best you can do. If someone sells you hot stuff, and you end up having to forfeit it, you have a chance of recouping your loss.

[SilverToy]

I mostly lurk on this site but I have to chime in...
I am very careful about where I get my tools. This goes back to having a chest stole from me that was handed down by my father when he passed away. The worthless pri..., I mean the idiots that took them, probably were disappointed because the tools were so old, and they probably did not have a clue as to what half of them were for as my grandfather was a tool maker in the 30's. In addition to 50-60 pieces of Ford tools, what was in that chest was all hand forged, hand ground tools that had been passed through generations.
Yes, I am real careful not to do that to other people.
That was in 1990, still pisses me off.

[Blue]

I mostly lurk on this site but I have to chime in...
I am very careful about where I get my tools. This goes back to having a chest stole from me that was handed down by my father when he passed away. The worthless pri..., I mean the idiots that took them, probably were disappointed because the tools were so old, and they probably did not have a clue as to what half of them were for as my grandfather was a tool maker in the 30's. In addition to 50-60 pieces of Ford tools, what was in that chest was all hand forged, hand ground tools that had been passed through generations.
Yes, I am real careful not to do that to other people.
That was in 1990, still pisses me off.

Ouch. That would hurt. Tools is one thing, but tools that were passed-down from family is an entirely worse crime.

[kidney]

In most states, pawn shops are the party that assume the most liability - if they purchase stolen property, and resell it, and then it's discovered that the property was stolen and has to be returned to it's rightful owners, the pawn shops have to make good on that - refund of purchase price to the customer, etc. They're the ones left holding the bag.



Exactly...Around here there is a Police task force that goes around to different pawn shops and checks out some of their items from time to time. Mainly those that carry serial numbers. I've have a few friends that have had their stolen speakers returned to them b/c the serial numbers on the speakers were still intact, they also had written down the numbers and kept proof of ownership. I know all my Milwaukee tools have serial numbers on them. I understand that after years of use those numbers get worn off, but it doesn't hurt to keep a record of them. I know it's a pain, but some tools have information cards that you can fill out to register that tool. On some of my high price items, I save the sales receipts, take a quick digital picture and write down, if any, serial numbers.

Also, a little bit of time with a number punch set might be worth it, too. Punch in a number in a hidden place. Say like on a drill, some you can remove a piece to replace the brushes. Put it in there, take a picture and document it. You never know what might help get your tool back. Or at the very least, have proof for your insurance.

[Blacknwhitepit]

When it comes to pawn shops, Yes they are regulated. Most require two forms of identification to pawn an item. However most items that criminals sell to them know that items are not marked. Even if the items are marked, the cops do not have the time to spend combing through pawn shops.

I know for a fact that pawn shops do not care, and will give things up only when faced with certain facts. For example. I was watching an item on EBAY that was clearly coded with a US Army ID number, this was so clearly marked with the unit of designation and was so new, that the buyers absolutely knew that it was misappropriated. The pawn shop that tried to sell it was less than 2 miles from Fort Lewis. However, They still tried to sell it. Only after I called the pawn shop, local police and company commander of the unit, that it was it de-listed and an OOPS was issued by the seller.

By the way it was a Brand new Snap on Impact gun.

Since it was not over $500.00 CID did not get involved. It was a matter of military prosecution (More work for the Company Commander) In the end, nobody really cared, because the Snap on Impact gun was getting written off as class 9.

Thiefs know what they can get away with.

So I am not on the "Pawn shops" care about stolen items bandwagon



-BWP

[kythri]

If a pawn shop buys stolen merchandise, and that stolen merchandise gets taken away from them to be returned to it's owner, the pawn shop is out money.

It's in their best interest to not buy obviously stolen merchandise.

As stated earlier, you have to be an idiot to believe that nothing at a pawn shop is stolen, but, by and large, it's my belief that most of the stuff is legit. I've dealt with pawn shops from Portland, OR to Medford, OR, and they're mostly single-business, single-owner. They don't want to buy stolen stuff, because they know that it's a hassle for them and a severe cut into their profits.

I mean, if some crackhead walks in off the street with a toolbox full of tools he wants to pawn, there's a real good chance it's stolen.

If some doucher from the Army, clean-cut and dressed decently walks in with a new impact wrench, a sob story about how he just bought it, but really needs to make a car payment, and the buyer doesn't know anything about the markings, I can easily see that situation occuring.

All of the pawn shops I've visited in Oregon, where I've had chance to witness a person pawning their goods, the procedure it pretty much the same - other than a small item here or there (under $100), the majority of the stuff gets taken in the back "for the manager to examine" or some such other phrase. They take it in the back to check it against fresh police reports of stolen property, they phone it in to the police with serial numbers (if any), and do their best to ensure it's not stolen. They then log it into their inventory system (who isn't computerized these days?) and check the seller's ID (which also gets keyed in).

Trust me, they care.

And seriously - on the moral spectrum of things, is buying gray-market merchandise (such as possibly stolen tools at a pawn shop) any worse than taking advantage of a seller who has no idea what they're selling, lowballing them due to their lack of education on the product?

[MarkH]

To sum it up. We have lived around the country. Rules and enforcement vary.

From no id, no ownership, no problem, to you do not bring it here if it is hot so you better stand on the corner with your trunk open, up to the police have been called. So this arguement may never end with the wide spread nature of this forum. How the pawn system works just varies too much.

[kidney]

And seriously - on the moral spectrum of things, is buying gray-market merchandise (such as possibly stolen tools at a pawn shop) any worse than taking advantage of a seller who has no idea what they're selling, lowballing them due to their lack of education on the product?


I've always felt that as long as the person selling the item is happy with the price given, there is no problem. However, for sake of the argument, lets say some old lady is selling off her husband's truck brand tools. And you offer her a low price, while telling her what a great deal you are giving her b/c those tools aren't very good. Then yes, I would think that was pretty shifty.

[Blacknwhitepit]

If a pawn shop buys stolen merchandise, and that stolen merchandise gets taken away from them to be returned to it's owner, the pawn shop is out money.

It's in their best interest to not buy obviously stolen merchandise.

As stated earlier, you have to be an idiot to believe that nothing at a pawn shop is stolen, but, by and large, it's my belief that most of the stuff is legit. I've dealt with pawn shops from Portland, OR to Medford, OR, and they're mostly single-business, single-owner. They don't want to buy stolen stuff, because they know that it's a hassle for them and a severe cut into their profits.

I mean, if some crackhead walks in off the street with a toolbox full of tools he wants to pawn, there's a real good chance it's stolen.

If some doucher from the Army, clean-cut and dressed decently walks in with a new impact wrench, a sob story about how he just bought it, but really needs to make a car payment, and the buyer doesn't know anything about the markings, I can easily see that situation occuring.

All of the pawn shops I've visited in Oregon, where I've had chance to witness a person pawning their goods, the procedure it pretty much the same - other than a small item here or there (under $100), the majority of the stuff gets taken in the back "for the manager to examine" or some such other phrase. They take it in the back to check it against fresh police reports of stolen property, they phone it in to the police with serial numbers (if any), and do their best to ensure it's not stolen. They then log it into their inventory system (who isn't computerized these days?) and check the seller's ID (which also gets keyed in).

Trust me, they care.

And seriously - on the moral spectrum of things, is buying gray-market merchandise (such as possibly stolen tools at a pawn shop) any worse than taking advantage of a seller who has no idea what they're selling, lowballing them due to their lack of education on the product?

First,

KYTHRI

I have read many intelligent posts by you and was shocked by what you said.

Another thing, please don't use the word "doucher". It is a useless idiom; "Douch" is French meaning to shower/clean. Stolen is dirty and we all know that.

To paint the picture of a woe is me soldier, pawning off a stolen tool bothers me the most. It is irresponsible to say the least.

What is clear to me is that no matter WHO took/missaproprated or found the tool is immaterrial.

What is disconcerting is that a pawn shop took the tool.

TRUST ME, A PAWN SHOP KNOWS WHAT EVERYTHING IS WORTH, AND WHAT NOTHING IS WORTH.

To actually say or believe they did not know unit markings (around a military post!!!!).. Is ludicrous....Pawn shop keepers know every unit and what they are doing...directly effects their business).

So this "babe in the woods" S#!t dont't work on me. They knew where it came from and only took a guess no one else would.

-BWP

[Canadian Charlie]

I've bought a lot of used Snap On tools off eBay, you never know if they are stolen or not

[kythri]

First,

KYTHRI

I have read many intelligent posts by you and was shocked by what you said.

Exactly what shocks you?

Another thing, please don't use the word "doucher". It is a useless idiom; "Douch" is French meaning to clean. Stolen is dirty and we all know that.

At least in the US of A, "douche" is a noun, referring to a product used to clean the vaginal or anal cavity. Therefore, a doucher is a person that uses such product. I stand by my use of the word.

To paint the picture of a woe is me soldier, pawning off a stolen tool bothers me the most. It is irresponsible to say the least.

Kiss my ass. There's thieving assholes everywhere - Army, private sector, etc. Suddenly, I'm the bad guy, because I used a soldier as an example? Exactly who do you think stole that tool that "was clearly coded with a US Army ID number, this was so clearly marked with the unit of designation and was so new, that the buyers absolutely knew that it was misappropriated." that YOU brought up?

I'm going out on a limb here, but I'll bet you that it wasn't a civilian who snuck onto the base, stole it, and sold it to a pawn shop.

Perhaps my earlier illustration, based off of YOUR comments is what was shocking?

What is clear to me is that no matter WHO took/missaproprated or found the tool is immaterrial.

What is disconcerting is that a pawn shop took the tool.

TRUST ME, A PAWN SHOP KNOWS WHAT EVERYTHING IS WORTH, AND WHAT NOTHING IS WORTH.

To actually say or believe they did not know unit markings (around a military post!!!!).. Is ludicrous....Pawn shop keepers know every unit and what they are doing...directly effects their business).

So this "babe in the woods" S#!t dont't work on me. They knew where it came from and only took a guess no one else would.

-BWP

While the possibility is extremely slim, it's possible still that it could have been a legitimate acquisition. When you purchase merchandise off of eBay, or from any second-hand source, do YOU ask the seller if the merchandise is stolen? Do you check the serial numbers with police?

I'm not saying that the trafficking of stolen merchandise is right, but blaming a pawn shop for the stolen merchandise problem isn't right, either.

I've seen a number of comments in this thread about how the pawn shops are the problem, because they create a market for stolen merchandise, enabling the thieves to ply their trade.

Personally, I think it's our lax criminal justice system that's to blame. If we had harsh punishments for crimes (they don't have a vandalism problem in Singapore because you get whipped to shit if you do it, for example), we'd have less crime. You get caught stealing, you lose a hand. Simple as that.

But, no, that's barbaric.

[wilbilt]

Personally, I think it's our lax criminal justice system that's to blame.

The reason we have a lax system is because of people's lax attitudes.

"Who cares?" :see:

[kythri]

The reason we have a lax system is because of people's lax attitudes.

"Who cares?" :see:

So, you're in the "blame everyone but the criminal" crowd, too. :thumbup:

Why am I not surprised?

Obviously, it's people like kartracer55's fault, for not losing sleep over the possibility that some of his legally purchased tools might be stolen property well before he purchased it.

Here's a shocker for you, buddy: You've purchased second-hand stuff. The likelyhood that at least one piece of your collection was stolen prior to your purchase of it IS PRETTY DAMNED GOOD.

Are you a guilt-wracked insomniac because of that possibility? Because if you're not, you're a goddamned hypocrite.

[wilbilt]

Here's a shocker for you, buddy: You've purchased second-hand stuff. The likelyhood that at least one piece of your collection was stolen prior to your purchase of it IS PRETTY DAMNED GOOD.

Are you a guilt-wracked insomniac because of that possibility? Because if you're not, you're a goddamned hypocrite.

You just don't get it.
If I found out a tool I bought was stolen, I would make every effort possible to return it to the rightful owner. I do care, and believe in prosecuting criminals to the fullest extent of the law.

What I have a problem with are statements like "The tools are already stolen, so who cares?"

[thefairlaneman]

I hate thieves. I wish someone would offer me a stolen tool. I would call the cops. (not that it would do any good) I bought a nice mikita saw once from a guy who said he used it in his work and needed some fast cash. Good price and later I heard he was in jail because his work was stealing..........LOL

[kythri]

You just don't get it.

You're a hypocrite. I think I got it just fine.

If I found out a tool I bought was stolen, I would make every effort possible to return it to the rightful owner.

I guess I missed the part where anybody here said anything to the contrary...

What I have a problem with are statements like "The tools are already stolen, so who cares?"

What you have a problem with is your comprehension of the statement that was made. It may not have been worded as clearly as you may have liked, but 90% of the people here got what he was saying.

If his statement was meant as you interpreted it, then how do you explain his statement that he wouldn't knowingly buy stolen tools? The statement that you continue to misinterpret, as misinterpreted, and ALL of his other comments contradict, but you obviously can't wrap your head around that.

You holier-than-thou hypocrites need to climb down off your soapbox.

[wilbilt]

You're a hypocrite. I think I got it just fine.


So, in your mind, because I have purchased used tools and don't lose sleep over it (even though I would return a tool should I find out it's stolen) I am a hypocrite?

But someone who would not knowingly buy a stolen tool, but found out later that it was stolen, and doesn't care about that fact, is not a hypocrite?

:headscrat

[thefairlaneman]

I dont buy stolen tools, I just buy them from harbor freight where the tools ARE MADE BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE STOLEN AMERICAN JOBS! LOL

[jimmycrackcorn]

I dont buy stolen tools, I just buy them from harbor freight where the tools ARE MADE BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE STOLEN AMERICAN JOBS! LOL

Sad, but so true......

[kythri]

I dont buy stolen tools, I just buy them from harbor freight where the tools ARE MADE BY PEOPLE WHO HAVE STOLEN AMERICAN JOBS! LOL

Pro-Trade-with-Asia politicians make tools?

[wilbilt]

Pro-Trade-with-Asia politicians make tools?

No, slave-labor proles in poverty and working in despicable conditions make tools.

And we all buy them. Your'e right, I am a goddamned hypocrite. Thanks for clearing that up.

[Blacknwhitepit]

Since I began reading this thread, and posting about it; I have seen what a hot button issue stolen tools can be. I find this provocative issue has brought out anger, resentment and bitterness (not unlike the feelings of being robbed).

For Kythri and Wilbuilt. I must say that I have read almost every post that you have written and have found them to be informative, entertaining and responsible. To which I find myself regretting my continuation of this thread with some of my posts being harsh and not in line with my usual self.

Respectfully,

-BWP

[Uncle Buck]

No, slave-labor proles in poverty and working in despicable conditions make tools.

And we all buy them. Your'e right, I am a goddamned hypocrite. Thanks for clearing that up.

No Wil, you are not, I get what you are saying. Your problem is with the sound of the casual air of indifference and the oh well attitude correct. Well, I caught the same thing but I am not going to go around with anyone about it at this point. What is the use, peoples attitudes, morals, principles and outlooks were established long before I started communicating with them on this board. And as Paul Harvey always says, "It is not one world"

[kythri]

I've never been trying to condone the theft of tools...

Anyhow, I'm out.

[wilbilt]

No Wil, you are not, I get what you are saying. Your problem is with the sound of the casual air of indifference and the oh well attitude correct. Well, I caught the same thing but I am not going to go around with anyone about it at this point.

Yes, I know you are right, and I believe my interpretation of the statements made are correct, as many have been repeated.

I'm done with it.:beer:

[Ray in Kingwood]

Absolutely not. Its the right thing to do.

[toxicz28]

Knowingly, never!

[Stanger]

Old thread guys.

[eschoendorff]

Not this thread again!!!!!!

[5wndwcpe]

Not this thread again!!!!!!


It's kinda like The BLOB it just keeps coming back.

[rsanter]

I would not knowingly buy stolen tools, however I would knowingly turn their info over to the cops.
for me it not about Karma but rather I dont like dealing with people I cannot trust.

I did end up buying tools one time that I now suspect were stolen. he sold be a few tools under the 'hard luck' story and I gave him a fair price. the next several days he was hounding me to buy more, but this time there was not the hard luck story but more the offer that he could get me all the tools I may want.
I had to explain to him several times that I was not interested and that he should stay away.

bob

[daddylama]

heh... old thread.

i was at a garage sale one time... the usual stuff; bunch of crap. long story short, i see bits of a chopper i knew had been stolen from a guy i knew.

call him up, he calls the cops...

about a week later i get a call from the cops... want me to come down to the station and identify some tools that have my name etched into them, that they recovered from that house. they'd been stolen from me like 3 or 4 years earlier!

good karma rocks.

oh, the dude was a double felon for theft... three strikes. bad karma is a bitch :)

[T56 Impala]

Never bought used tools before. Don't think I ever will.

[eschoendorff]

Mods: PLEASE KILL THIS FRIGGIN' THREAD!

[Danglerb]

I've bought tools at a police auction, 100% stolen.
I've also bought things from someone at a swapmeet that later on was arrested, so I suppose those items were stolen as well.
Ebay has to have its share of stolen items.
Pawn shops I actually doubt get stolen items that often since they are checked.
Nice little retail store was open locally for almost 3 years before the owners were arrested, seems they worked nights in a big warehouse and supplied the store with 100% stolen goods.

I'm not going to do anything to help a thief. If I think somebody is trying to sell me stolen goods I want no part of it, but how are you supposed to tell?

[CaptinCrash]

Theres No Way in A Cold Hell i would Buy stolen tools if i knew that the were stolen Except maybe from a police auction may be its just because I've grown up where tools put food on the table but buying stolen tools is like paying someone to permanently damage some ones income or job for a long period of time and its just not right and (in my own opion) who ever does is a scumbag

[Thumper]

Mods...........please lock this thread. This dead horse no longer needs to get kicked.

And by the way......Hell NO I won't buy hot tools.

[Danglerb]

Nobody, or at least almost nobody buys known stolen goods, thats why the profession of fence exists. A fence openly buys stolen goods, and typically at least, sells them as if they were not stolen.

A question with some meaning is to what extent do you make sure the tools you buy are not stolen? Beyond the obvious not dealing with anybody that acts shady, I don't know what to suggest. The basic skill of any con man is to NOT appear to be a con man, so I would not expect a fence to be easy to identify as a fence.