2023 Garage Sale Thread

[mritchie77]

Picked up this Lakeside S wrench for $2.

 

[Rickster]

All tools garage sale this morning in a town called Douglassville, 45 min drive away. The posted sale start time was set at 8am..... I got there a bit early. Talked old cars with the guy for a bit and bought a bunch of his tools. When 8am hit I was already home in my garage with a cup of coffee sorting everything out. Got some nice Snap-on tools for a fair price, he knew what he had and was pretty strong on his prices but they weren't bad prices at all. The angle wrench set, 6pt wrench set and 1/2dr long rail of shorty's are SAE, the two shorter rails are metric. Two 1/2dr ratchets, one long handle are nice. The three long pliers are Mac. Took a chance on the refill kit, price seemed cheap. Spent more than I wanted to, but got some good stuff.

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice scores, BMW!

My planned route seemed likely to be decent, but it wasn't.

The Col Flea is still waiting for warmer weather to get more of the weekend warriors, - It was not near;ly full, and entirely pro/semi-pro sellers, and often Eprey prices. so a pair of P&C 1241 water pump pliers, and a little "kit" with tweezers, SS scissors, probes and such. That will go into my lantern and stove box, which is inside and handy, and I use it a lot for general purpose stuff as well. Saves trips to the garage.

 

[d42jeep]

I wasn’t enthusiastic about any of the three sales I spotted on Craigslist but only the second was a complete dud. The first sale was the second day of a family run estate sale. There were very few tools but I thought that the little oiler was cool. The box cutter looks to have never been used.
The third sale seemed extremely unlikely to produce anything worthwhile. It was a sale put on by an artist’s studio in downtown Berkeley. Surprisingly we found several vintage tools, especially McKaig Hatch wrenches. McKaig Hatch wrenches

Late model Barcalo combo
-Don

 

[Outlawmws]

I like that oil can! "Continental Arms corp."

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I thought that the little oiler was cool.

Nice find!

I like that oil can! "Continental Arms corp."

I found the same one several years ago. Made in England and imported if memory serves. I posted it on the Oilers thread.

 

[tombell572]

bmw--nice 10th reading Starrett mic, regularly calibrated. Must have been used for super-close tolerance work.

Tom B.

 

[Raineman]

I had a good day. Its gonna take a while to get it presentable, but here is a preview.

 

[mikeinri]

All tools garage sale this morning in a town called Douglassville, 45 min drive away. The posted sale start time was set at 8am..... I got there a bit early. Talked old cars with the guy for a bit and bought a bunch of his tools. When 8am hit I was already home in my garage with a cup of coffee sorting everything out. Got some nice Snap-on tools for a fair price, he knew what he had and was pretty strong on his prices but they weren't bad prices at all. The angle wrench set, 6pt wrench set and 1/2dr long rail of shorty's are SAE, the two shorter rails are metric. Two 1/2dr ratchets, one long handle are nice. The three long pliers are Mac. Took a chance on the refill kit, price seemed cheap. Spent more than I wanted to, but got some good stuff.

Wow, that's a respectable haul!

Mike

 

[Raineman]

Rickster *****

 

[alinc100]

Rickster *****

I've told this story before, Rickster used to live in SE.MI. We've bought,sold,picked,unpicked together several times. I can't count on one hand how many times we've set up to go to a sale/made an appointment to shop and when we pull in Rick is loading his car ,having beaten us by 2-3 hours to a sale. Rick also comes prepared to a sale with cash,and a willingness to dig, and knowledge of what hes looking at and what its worth. I think he brings the homeowners donuts and makes them fresh coffee in bed.

 

[Raineman]

Here’s another little preview of yesterdays find.
Had to take all the drawers out, some of which had some goodies in them.

 

[bmwrd0]

Raineman, are you planning on replacing the slides on that KR? If so, I would be very interested in the old ones.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I've told this story before, Rickster used to live in SE.MI. We've bought,sold,picked,unpicked together several times. I can't count on one hand how many times we've set up to go to a sale/made an appointment to shop and when we pull in Rick is loading his car ,having beaten us by 2-3 hours to a sale. Rick also comes prepared to a sale with cash,and a willingness to dig, and knowledge of what hes looking at and what its worth. I think he brings the homeowners donuts and makes them fresh coffee in bed.

Oh, Rickster is “that guy”. The one always one step ahead of you who possesses crazy skills. Part military special forces for his abilities to randomly appear and sniff out deals and you never see him coming . Part salesman with the gift of gab who can sell a snow cone to an Eskimo . Those dudes always get the best deals. I can usually be one or the other of these but not usually both at the same time

Raineman, are you planning on replacing the slides on that KR? If so, I would be very interested in the old ones.

I was thinking about your box when He posted this

 

[Raineman]

Beemer, I’ll let you know. Still have yet to do a complete triage

 

[bmwrd0]

Oh, Rickster is “that guy”. The one always one step ahead of you who possesses crazy skills. Part military special forces for his abilities to randomly appear and sniff out deals and you never see him coming . Part salesman with the gift of gab who can sell a snow cone to an Eskimo . Those dudes always get the best deals. I can usually be one or the other of these but not usually both at the same time

Big words from a guy who will haggle over a nickel candy.

 

[RTM]

Here is my haul for the weekend. This was a unique sale. Was the closing down of a vintage Toy Store. Suspect @Private Lugnutz would have been in heaven, or hell, the first day of this sale. I’d been in the store about 6 years prior, and seen the potential, but the guy was ailing, and only had a small portion open for viewing, but it looked fun. Located in an old downtown area close to work, never saw it open on my trips past.

The estate sale company running the sale is one of my favorites, usually reasonable prices on tools, but a bit of a goof on pricing. Others have caught him doubling his prices overnight before half price day, but I’ve never had a problem, as I usually go early for best selection day.

As always, the day job interfered with tool hunting on Friday, and family responsibilities interceded with Saturday early hunting. We finally showed up 30 minutes prior to close Saturday, and there was still some decent stuff left. Lots of bare spaces on the shelves, and a few big things left. 20+ inch long boat model, assembled. Clown balancing on a high wire toy, couple of erector sets, and one display. But also the detritus of an office supply store, paper drill, desk name plaque engraving machine, hole punches galore. I found one of his tool rooms, and grabbed a few goodies




Rightmost are some blue stacking tubs from a free curbside deal, moving left is an X-Acto saw listed at 50¢, an empty X-Acto box like my dad had when I was growing up, 13v power supply to replace batteries , 4 hollow shaft nut drivers, a German made Phillips and a long skinny one, a Krauter pliers s in a decent size, box of bits from a Handee grinder, and some odd posts kinda like binding posts (aka Chicago or *** screws), but really beefy.

The Handee grinder box was kinda fun, cuz the previous owner personalized the lid. And I suspect a few of our more militaria minded can figure out exactly when and where he served, but way behind what I have skills for.




One guy let me cut the line as he had 3 boxes of goodies, including a 3+” thick Baker hardware catalog. In a quick glance we couldn’t find a date, but guessed before 1960. He had an eggbeater drill and brace also. I left behind the frog and sole of a #7 plane, but those were only pieces I saw. I did reunite them. So much more, will see if I can get in next Sunday, as will be work constrained prior.

added the text of the ad below, and two pix
VINTAGE TOY STORE
“JUST THINGS”

APRIL 7 – 9 / FRIDAY-SUNDAY / 10 AM – 4 PM

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

We proudly present the “FULL AND FUNTASTIC” vintage toys and collectibles store “JUST THINGS” owned by “HARRY COSTA” – who was well known around the SF Bay Area for this store, special events and auto collection – he also received many civic awards for his diligent community works - his “JUST THINGS” store was opened for over 20 years and was visited by countless customers including many dignitaries /

The 6,000 sq ft store features an astounding array of old-time toys and vintage collectibles - just a few types of sale items will include trains and automobiles (many Matchbox / Hot Wheels NIB) plus ephemera, memorabilia, collectibles, display cases, store fixtures, office supplies and “TONS OF OLD TOYS” - there is something for everyone - come be like a kid in a toy store again (not to many around anymore) /

NOTE – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY - this sale will be held during 3 consecutive weekends – each wave will emphasize certain collectibles so please check back each WEDNESDAY 9PM for items availability in each WAVE – the below items inventory shows what will be eventually available for all 3 WAVES but may not be available until the designated weekend WAVES – but the PHOTOS are a good indication what is available – when you come to the sale you will understand why we are conducting this sale in WAVES - this store is packed with so much “fun and good” /

1ST WAVE – most of the items that are in the photos are available for sale in the overall store - there will be other items as well but not the ones below scheduled for the following WAVES

2ND WAVE – in marked off areas behind the side front glass countertop showcases - mainly boxes and boxes of ephemera (partial list includes vintage photos, newspapers, magazines, postcards, memorabilia and more) – PLUS very small collectibles ranging from metal soldiers, cereal premiums, political pins, charms and MUCH MORE !

3rd WAVE – in marked off areas a "caboose" full of trains and accessories (mainly Lionel) PLUS a "truck" full of model cars and trucks (Hot Wheels, Matchbox, Tootsie Toys, Dinky and more) plus car related magazines, photos and MUCH MORE !



This sale is easy to find since it is only a few blocks East of El Camino Real off W. Angus Avenue - parking is good like our last sale on San Mateo Avenue (right across the street) – close by are FREE PARKING LOTS plus metered street parking /

Prior price quotes and further info are only for autos, pianos and furniture (LR, DR, BR, etc.) - masks are optional - security system active, valuables kept off site and neighbors alerted - cash or credit cards - hope to see you - THE YES CO STAFF

THE ITEMS LISTED BELOW MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE UNTIL A CERTAIN WEEKEND WAVE – PLEASE LOOK AT THE PHOTOS FOR AVAILABILITY


WE DO NOT RESPOND TO QUESTIONS REGARDING THE SALE - BEST TO JUST SHOW UP IF INTERESTED!


TOYS / COLLECTIBLES
modern, vintage and antique toys of every variety
Planes, trains, automobiles and games by: Marx, Argo, Tootsie, Lionel, Dinky, Tudor, Metalcraft Corp., Empire, Lesney, Moko Lesney, Tonka, Buddy L, Amsco, Mattel, American flyer, sig manufacturing, Ray line, Fisher Price, Hubley, Gilbert, Ideal, Nylint, Ertl, Micro machines, Wyandotte and more
pop culture collectibles, Americana, YoYos
movie memorabilia, movie posters
Marilyn Monroe, Elvis items
ephemera, premiums, advertising items
Disney, Hanna-Barbera, Marvel
Kiss Psycho Circus, Star Wars action figures
Matchbox fixtures and display cases, hundreds of NOS Matchbox cars NIB, Hot Wheels track, slot car track
tin litho and wind-up toys, celluloid
Hallmark, Avon
model kits (cars, planes, boats) - dolls, dollhouse furniture
point of sale countertop displays/vending
vintage collectible radios by Philco, Fada, Zenith, RCA and more, some vintage cameras
a wide variety of National and International Exposition items, Worlds Fair items
many MANY packaged toys, Pez
Hopalong Cassidy items, GI Joe, Barbie, Beenie Babies, Simpsons, kewpie dolls, trolls,
vintage family games, vintage electronic football and racing games
chemistry sets, many erector sets (antique and modern)
vintage car and car show collectibles
vintage lunch boxes, Thermos - scientific posters
trading cards of every variety - vintage collectable patches
action figures, metal figurines - vintage baby toys
vintage battery operated toys (some w/ boxes)
items made in Japan, made in Hong Kong, made in occupied Japan
political memorabilia, pinbacks
vintage Life Magazines – Christmas decorations
San Francisco, Oakland and San Bruno memorabilia
Coca Cola / Disney collectibles
vintage battery operated robots
civic and military medals, foreign coins, tokens, charms
lithograph food crate and can labels, tobacco tin's
farm animals, animals, play sets - metal soldiers, tanks, cannon
collectible matchbooks, buckles and key rings
vintage miniature steam engines
electric trains, train playset decorations structures people
many NIB old stock Lionel Ho size train cars, engines, motors, controllers, "Lionelville" world making items
friction trains, cars, toys, plastic and rubber cars, diecast model cars
some Legos
******* magazines, car magazines, Antique reference books and more
sealed McDonalds and Burger king "Happy Meal" toys
lots of NIB action figures - Batman, Star Wars, Judge Dredd, Generation X, Mighty Max, Ghost Rider and more
Whitman books: **** Tracy, Don Winslow of the Navy, Clyde Beatty and more
automotive, car show ephemera
old San Francisco Photographs, San Bruno Ephemera
dice, poker items, playing cards
sports cards, sports collectibles, pennants, sports memorabilia
toy guns, holsters - movie cards, movie posters
Marx and Tom Thumb typewriters
antique and toy reference books and price guides
antique large format stereoscopic images, some rare views
Keystone “Tour of the World” set
vintage view masters, stereo viewers
antique California Safe and Lock Co safe
beer taps, ashtrays, postcards, shot glasses
miniature and full-sized sewing machines, treadle machines
vintage vinyl records, vintage 8 track

OFFICE /MISC SUPPLIES
drawers full of trophy making articles
lots of office supplies, paper, all sizes, colors
tools, hardware, power tools, bench tools, grinders, Drill Press, several large tool chests
engraving machines, paper drill – much hardware
industrial paper cutter by Imperial – metal cutter
many sealed boxes of floppy disks / diskettes 3m, Verbatim, Maxell, JVC, KAO

trophy making supplies
plastic heat seater by AJM Inc.
several large paper cutters
some vintage luggage - chalkboards
hundreds of piano rolls, sheet music
antique and vintage flashlights
vintage Sunlamp, vintage slide projectors - decanters
several large wooden hand painted signs

FURNITURE / FURNISHINGS
many metal filing cabinets, 2 and 4 drawer, regular, legal and lateral
many glass and metal showcases / display cases 4’ / 6’ x 4’
large quantity of metal and wood shelving and book shelve
some small counter top display cases / large greeting card wood cabinet
lots of metal racks, every size, every color, wall display shelves
some small furniture items - figural lamps – MUCH / MUCH MORE

 

[mikeinri]

Wow, I would have had a hard time leaving the Erector sets behind!

Mike

 

[Outlawmws]

Wow, I would have had a hard time leaving the Erector sets behind!

Mike

I'm up to three metal cased sets: all three have the motor. I keep finding my past and buying it back if not stupid $$

 

[Smokeshow69]

Smokeshow69 said:
Oh, Rickster is “that guy”. The one always one step ahead of you who possesses crazy skills. Part military special forces for his abilities to randomly appear and sniff out deals and you never see him coming . Part salesman with the gift of gab who can sell a snow cone to an Eskimo . Those dudes always get the best deals. I can usually be one or the other of these but not usually both at the same time

Bmwrd0 said:
Big words from a guy who will haggle over a nickel candy.

I find joy in the negotiations process . It’s a personal goal of my own to always be improving in that area and be beating myself for each item/items I negotiate on. But I’m also aware of how this may be a source of offense or irritation for people so I try to be self aware and most of the time know when to turn it off .

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I think he brings the homeowners donuts and makes them fresh coffee in bed.

A cheery, Santa/Jerry Garcia-like appearance and demeanor doesn't hurt!

 

[Outlawmws]

Only one worth getting in the car for. No tools that I wanted, but some interesting things. The big score was the Briggs, go cart/mini bike engine. It had compression and for these, that's about l that matters, and it even has the Centrifugal clutch. Uprights are hard enough to find, and with CA outlawing the sale of gas yard equipment, its getting worse.










Some Smalls: A nice thick Agat chunk, A blade for a tool I don't have but want, A Sony Discman - tested it out and it works fine, I use these for a small system in a book case adn having a spare is a good thing. came with the ABBA Gold album, and after one listen I gave that to my youngest who liked it. (Lots of songs that reminded both girls of different vid games) The grey rock is called a hagstone according to my oldest daughter (Wave ground holes and divots and one goes through - It looks better in person that in the pics)




Back side of the Agate:




Hagstone up close:

 

[Raineman]

Still doing evaluation on the Snap on KRA 650/655 box. Its rough. Some of the collective leftovers in the box are in the picture in this post. All but a couple sockets are Snap on. Snap on test light and MAC circuit tester. One of the oil filter cups is Snap on. The wing puller frame is Snap on as well. The Allen wrench set is Vulcan. Angle screwdrivers are Snap on and Blue Point. I’ll post pictures of the box when I get it operational again.

For those who may be curious, I paid $100 for all of it, which includes the boxes. I’m pretty dang happy with this one.

 

[Rickster]

You guys are too funny! Every one time I get lucky at a garage sale there are 10 other times I strike out, told to come back when their open or my favorite "cousin Bob is bringing over the tools and he's not here yet".

 

[Outlawmws]

"cousin Bob is bringing over the tools and he's not here yet".

I can't remember how many times I've head variants of that, or the "We haven't decided about those; maybe later today or tomorrow..."

 

[bmwrd0]

"oh, all that sitting out in the open? No, we just left it there for when cousin Timmy gets home from jail."

 

[S-K Tool Fanatic!]

I can't remember how many times I've head variants of that, or the "We haven't decided about those; maybe later today or tomorrow..."

Those always annoy me.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I can't remember how many times I've head variants of that, or the "We haven't decided about those; maybe later today or tomorrow..."

I had that exact conversation at a barn clean out recently. I could see good stuff in one room that they were not left people into because the floor was soggy. I told them “I’m here now, with cash. If I leave I’m not coming back”. This seems to be the biggest problem with family run sales. But sometimes you get lucky

 

[3baygarage]

Rickster plays dirty. Nothing like showing up for an estate sale only to find out people got let in before the start time. Seen it many times. Unless workers are there to prevent it. Heck, I did it on accident myself once (told the story earlier in the thread I believe). Garage sales, there's always that chance people just walk up.

One time years ago, this was funny, I hit a moving sale the day before by mistake. Old guy emptying his garage. I was a day early, Friday rather than Saturday. The guy was outside in the yard and told me come on in. He didn't have great tools, but when I told him what I like he whipped out this old Craftsman set and goes "Is this the kind of $h!t you like?". I thought it was so funny. I ended up buying a nice bunch of brass off him as I was into scrapping.

 

[3baygarage]

I had that exact conversation at a barn clean out recently. I could see good stuff in one room that they were not left people into because the floor was soggy. I told them “I’m here now, with cash. If I leave I’m not coming back”. This seems to be the biggest problem with family run sales. But sometimes you get lucky

There was a nice basement tool sale years ago, family sale. They let limited people in at a time. I waited my turn in the blistering cold on an icy driveway for over an hour. The guy in charge was a family friend or something. Super douche. As you said they had a room to the side of great USA stuff but had it taped off. People kept trying to look in there but they wanted to sell all the **** first like a no name Japan socket tin. He kept saying tomorrow, tomorrow we'll open that room up. Finally I'm like "Yeah, well I'm here now and looking to buy stuff." So they let me in, and a big time antique dealer in there. Then I had to negotiate for my pile. I think the seller went high at $60 after all that. I offered $40, which was very fair. He left the room to make other deals and the antique dealer said I was being very reasonable. I knew that I was. I think we settled on $50 and I put a few things back to make him happy.
I remember all the weird **** that happened over the years because I think the estate sales were more of my hobby than the tools at that time. Otherwise I'd have bought the better stuff then!

 

[Smokeshow69]

There was a nice basement tool sale years ago, family sale. They let limited people in at a time. I waited my turn in the blistering cold on an icy driveway for over an hour. The guy in charge was a family friend or something. Super douche. As you said they had a room to the side of great USA stuff but had it taped off. People kept trying to look in there but they wanted to sell all the **** first like a no name Japan socket tin. He kept saying tomorrow, tomorrow we'll open that room up. Finally I'm like "Yeah, well I'm here now and looking to buy stuff." So they let me in, and a big time antique dealer in there. Then I had to negotiate for my pile. I think the seller went high at $60 after all that. I offered $40, which was very fair. He left the room to make other deals and the antique dealer said I was being very reasonable. I knew that I was. I think we settled on $50 and I put a few things back to make him happy.
I remember all the weird **** that happened over the years because I think the estate sales were more of my hobby than the tools at that time. Otherwise I'd have bought the better stuff then!

Well- like Randall Raines said- without defeat, you can’t appreciate victory(yes I just made a gone in 60 seconds reference). But seriously it’s the highs and the lows of this hobby that keep us coming back. It’s a treasure hunt to explore new picking opportunities each week and to be able to find what we want and still get a good deal.

 

[WisJim]

Dumb luck comes through for me. I passed a sale I was unaware of, went back to look, and found only one item of interest, a nice 1/4" drive SK inch socket set, only $5.

 

[d42jeep]

You would have sucked even if you paid list price!
-Don

 

[3jakes]

WisJim ***** on the $5. 1/4 SK set, nicely done.

Only one sale to go to this weekend & was actually near by.
Spent $46. for the pile:
Baby sized L. Coes wrench
Stanley 700 corner table top vise
Wilton vise (I guess cheap import)
B&C Table top sharpener was frozen up, but a little PB Blaster got it spinning free. "No Skill Required"
4 hatchets (1 Kelley, 1 Plumb)
2 fresh jugs of Synthetic oil.
4" drop hitch

 

[mikeinri]

Dumb luck comes through for me. I passed a sale I was unaware of, went back to look, and found only one item of interest, a nice 1/4" drive SK inch socket set, only $5.

Yup, You ****...

Mike

 

[zanyad]

Dumb luck comes through for me. I passed a sale I was unaware of, went back to look, and found only one item of interest, a nice 1/4" drive SK inch socket set, only $5.

You ****!

 

[Provincial]

Another **** for WisJim.

 

[Raineman]

and another "You ****" for WisJim

 

[S-K Tool Fanatic!]

I also vote a “you ****” for @WisJim !
-Tommy

 

[Old Radar]

Continuing the roll, another **** for WisJim.