What to do with distributor wrenches and the like?

[Fixr]

I have a fair number of distributor wrenches (mostly Snap-On), a couple of Ford starter wrenches, some 1980s and earlier VW special tools and 1980s Mercedes special tools that I have no reasonable expectation to ever use again. Any suggestions for how to move them on to someone who might actually use them?

Maybe during the dark days of February I could advertise them on CL or FBMP, but I'm open to other ideas.

 

[bcschief]

Ebay.

 

[Skellyii]

Personally, I wouldn't bother with FB or CL. Too many jerks to deal with. I would do eBay or post here on GJ.
Much better audience.

If you have some 60's era Ford stuff, you can DM me, I'm currently tearing down a 65 Thunderbird, and I still have some stuff from when I first started out, but I'm probably missing a few things.

 

[four.cycle]

ebay is your best option, but the second-hand market appears to be fairly glutted with those things.

right now on ebay:

9 results for indestro 2023​

8 results for indestro 2024​

those are the Chev / Ford units (1/2" and 9/16" (can't recall which one is which)

(and that's just ONE brand)

on the 1/2" model, if you take it to a welding shop and have them heat it up a bit and bend it the right way, it will work on an Opel 1.1L engine just dandy.

 

[PelicanPines]

Pelican Pines
Middle of nowhere, NJ

 

[olsenmotorsports]

I am interested in the VW stuff depending on what it is. I am in the porsche space but a lot of the VAS stuff crosses over!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

EBAY would probably be best for market exposure. Remember the people who want tools for stuff from the 80s have limited life remaining. Liquidating sooner will probably give you the best return.

Someday my GM dealer ecotec timing set will be in the dump too. Probably worth throwing the Northstar water pump socket in the trash too.

 

[Shadowdog500]

+1 on EBay! Some of us still work on older cars and getting proper quality tools comes in really handy.

 

[bwringer]

If there's a model-specific forum out there, members are always interested in getting their mitts on the special tools needed.

 

[KnurledNut]

@Fixr
Any metric? Those should move quickly.

 

[Semi-hole mechanic]

EBAY would probably be best for market exposure. Remember the people who want tools for stuff from the 80s have limited life remaining. Liquidating sooner will probably give you the best return.

Someday my GM dealer ecotec timing set will be in the dump too. Probably worth throwing the Northstar water pump socket in the trash too.

IDK, we saw a ‘87 Fiero with a Northstar V8 in it at StreetMachine Nats back in July, so someone might need that socket.

 

[Fixr]

@Fixr
Any metric? Those should move quickly.

They were from the 80s and 90s, and I haven't really looked at them since. I would appreciate any advice.

 

[KnurledNut]

Probably worth throwing the Northstar water pump socket in the trash too.

People around here are still keeping those alive. Dont ask me how.

 

[rust in the eye]

People around here are still keeping those alive. Dont ask me how.

There is a guy near me that made himself quite a nice little business fixing those things. He's got the head gasket fix down to a science. I'd imagine business has tapered off as most of that era's Cadilacs in Chicagoland are rusted clear up to the door handles by now.
The Northstar was finally a good engine at the end and waay better than the POS wheezing HT4100 it replaced.
@OP
PM me with what MB specific tools you are wanting to let go.

 

[Jgaz]

I don’t know if I saw it on here or not but I went with the idea of “ Give a gift with warm hands”.

I gave my timing light, a spark tester, and a Chevy distributor wrench to a younger (early 40’s) neighbor that is rebuilding an 86 Blazer just like his wife drove in high school.

Ive come to the realization that I’m not going to use these tools any more as I head deeper into retirement.

 

[Rockable]

I bought my Snap On distributor wrench on eBay. That was the first place I looked.

 

[liliysdad]

Remember the people who want tools for stuff from the 80s have limited life remaining.

Hardly. I’m not even 45 and I’m still scouring for 40s and 50s and later vintage make specific tools. Just picked up a pretty slick Snap On L-Head valve spring compressor at an estate sale. I have a couple of good Dwell/Tach meters that get used. Timing lights get snagged every time I see them at a thrift store or garage sale.

There are lots of guys my age and younger turning wrenches on these things.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Hardly. I’m not even 45 and I’m still scouring for 40s and 50s and later vintage make specific tools. Just picked up a pretty slick Snap On L-Head valve spring compressor at an estate sale. I have a couple of good Dwell/Tach meters that get used. Timing lights get snagged every time I see them at a thrift store or garage sale.

There are lots of guys my age and younger turning wrenches on these things.

Statistics. You're the outlier, not the center of the bell curve. Demand for those tools is dropping, and will continue to drop. I just used a stubby combo wrench or a universal socket anyway. There will come a day in the not too distant future where the muscle car market completely collapses. Time marches on, and Model Ts aren't as cool as they once were either. Specialists will always exist, some demand will always exist.

 

[mikedodge]

There is a guy near me that made himself quite a nice little business fixing those things. He's got the head gasket fix down to a science. I'd imagine business has tapered off as most of that era's Cadilacs in Chicagoland are rusted clear up to the door handles by now.
The Northstar was finally a good engine at the end and waay better than the POS wheezing HT4100 it replaced.
@OP
PM me with what MB specific tools you are wanting to let go.

The 4100 was junk but the 4.9 it turned into was more reliable then Northstars ever were.
Funny how it took them that long to get things right.

 

[four.cycle]

There will come a day in the not too distant future where the muscle car market completely collapses.

I wouldn't put money on that.
When I walk into a parts store and see the big four-barrel "Edelbrock" carburetors and manifolds and chrome valve covers hanging on the walls, I will sometimes make a point of asking one of the guys on the counter "Are you guys really still selling that stuff?"
The answer is always yes. Every time.
Even little tiny A-1 Auto Parts in beautiful downtown Sequim Washington (pronounced "SKWIM") has 16 linear feet of pegboard with that **** hanging from it.
An independently owned, owner-operated parts store doesn't tie up his money in inventory that isn't moving if he wants to survive in today's market.

Personally, I'm amazed by it, as I figured the market would have died out years ago. It's still there - very much alive and well.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I wouldn't put money on that.
When I walk into a parts store and see the big four-barrel "Edelbrock" carburetors and manifolds and chrome valve covers hanging on the walls, I will sometimes make a point of asking one of the guys on the counter "Are you guys really still selling that stuff?"
The answer is always yes. Every time.
Even little tiny A-1 Auto Parts in beautiful downtown Sequim Washington (pronounced "SKWIM") has 16 linear feet of pegboard with that **** hanging from it.
An independently owned, owner-operated parts store doesn't tie up his money in inventory that isn't moving if he wants to survive in today's market.

Personally, I'm amazed by it, as I figured the market would have died out years ago. It's still there - very much alive and well.

I wonder what the demographic is for buying a carburetor at Advance Auto? My local store has a dust covered display area of header gaskets, carb base gaskets, the T-handle valve cover bolts, performance plug wires, etc. Most of those stores have a dust covered carb somewhere. There was a time flatheads were the standard and OHV was just for those new cars. I'm guessing the margin is excellent, based on the dust present. Stuff hasn't moved in a decade.

 

[lolaetype]

FBMP, but I'm open to other ideas.

There are several schools that train young people in the restoration of classic vehicles. I'd guess they have all the tools they need but you never know. Is there any school near you with that kind of program?

 

[Fixr]

There are several schools that train young people in the restoration of classic vehicles. I'd guess they have all the tools they need but you never know. Is there any school near you with that kind of program?

I'm not aware of any.

 

[liliysdad]

There was a time flatheads were the standard and OHV was just for those new cars. I'm guessing the margin is excellent, based on the dust present. Stuff hasn't moved in a decade.

Yet somehow there are still tons of flatheads and decades old new fangled OHV engines running around.

There is an entire industry built around this hobby. Giants like Summit, Jegs, and Speedway make a lot of money selling parts made by other giants like Holley and Edelbrock. None of those entities shows any sign of slowing down.

There is a huge resurgence in period correct hot rod builds, with everything from 40’s era banger slat flat rides to straight axle, bass boat flake paint 70s street freaks….with everything in the middle.

The hobby looks different, but the old stuff will be around for quite some time still.

 

[four.cycle]

I wonder what the demographic is for buying a carburetor at Advance Auto?

Not a clue. There's only one "Advance" store around here and I think I've only been there once or twice.
The display up at O'Reilly's isn't all covered with dust.
The Edelbrock and Moroso chrome valve covers up at A-1 in Sequim weren't all covered with dust.
He also has about 8 linear feet of pegboard occupied with individual shrink-wrapped parts and pieces for Holley carbs: power valves, jets, metering plates, etc., etc., etc.. - stuff that we never stocked, but could bring in the next day on a special order.
I can only assume he's selling it to somebody.

I'm guessing the margin is excellent

When I was working at our Tillicum store in the early 1980s, we were one of Competition Specialties top 10 accounts. I was bringing in 2104 Edelbrock "Performer" manifolds for the "small block" Chevrolet engine by dozens. Usually I was able to finagle a deal with their outside salesman, or one of the guys on their phone lines (I only talked with Woomer a few times) and we'd bring in the manifolds for about $60-$65 bucks (freight prepaid), and we could blow 'em out for $99.88 if they bought the carburetor too. So... about 35% - 45% net margin on those, but with all the add-ons, nickel-and-diming them on the gaskets, gasket adhesive, shiny chrome bolts, Cloyes double-roller chains and gears, camshafts, and lifters (I was buying HL1817 lifters in bulk from Wolverine Gear & Parts in Osseo, Michigan for about $1.13 each in full trays) and the rest of the **** we were working on more like 60% - 80% net profit.

There's WAY more gravy in the schlock than in hard parts - the industry has always been that way. When I got out of that I went out on the road, working as an independent manufacturers representative, and was peddling fuzzy dice, key fobs, sunglasses, and a whole mess of other ****. Margins were off the charts for the retailers. I wrote up an order with one guy who had four retail stores - sold him $1600.00 worth of key fobs @ $. 63 cents a pop - he was retailing them for $4.99 each and couldn't keep the display racks full. You do the math.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Yet somehow there are still tons of flatheads and decades old new fangled OHV engines running around.

There is an entire industry built around this hobby. Giants like Summit, Jegs, and Speedway make a lot of money selling parts made by other giants like Holley and Edelbrock. None of those entities shows any sign of slowing down.

There is a huge resurgence in period correct hot rod builds, with everything from 40’s era banger slat flat rides to straight axle, bass boat flake paint 70s street freaks….with everything in the middle.

The hobby looks different, but the old stuff will be around for quite some time still.

I'm not posting that to hate on those vehicles. I'm aware enthusiasts still have a market. Those who need distributor wrenches can buy new ones on Amazon, 2 day shipped. That's my point, there's a limited market of tool users who both need distributor wrenches AND want to prioritize buying vintage tools. My goal isn't to ruffle any feathers, it's a limited market of buyers. The buyer pool which represents both of those groups will shrink over time. Vehicles with distributors are being produced slower than non-distributor vehicles. Additional stock of distributor wrenches are being produced, including identical snap-on items. The people who have nostalgia for vintage tools are typically vintage themselves, and have an attrition rate. This is not situation to hold vintage distributor wrenches. I'm only thinking about economics, not trying to devalue the hobby.

 

[liliysdad]

I'm not posting that to hate on those vehicles. I'm aware enthusiasts still have a market. Those who need distributor wrenches can buy new ones on Amazon, 2 day shipped. That's my point, there's a limited market of tool users who both need distributor wrenches AND want to prioritize buying vintage tools. My goal isn't to ruffle any feathers, it's a limited market of buyers. The buyer pool which represents both of those groups will shrink over time. Vehicles with distributors are being produced slower than non-distributor vehicles. Additional stock of distributor wrenches are being produced, including identical snap-on items. The people who have nostalgia for vintage tools are typically vintage themselves, and have an attrition rate. This is not situation to hold vintage distributor wrenches. I'm only thinking about economics, not trying to devalue the hobby.

I don’t disagree…but I also think your numbers are just a *hair* off.

I would argue that folks who need a distributor wrench are way more likely to look a good, American made used version. I know that I greatly prefer using a vintage American tool on vintage American iron. Based on the folks I run with, I’m not alone in that preference.

The overall market is small, I will agree on that.

 

[four.cycle]

@2ndGearRubber -
To a degree, you are absolutely correct: in the context of "distributor wrenches" it is indeed an ever-shrinking market.
I am surprised to hear that ANY contemporary tool manufacturer is still cranking them out, to be honest.

I think - to an extent - that the same holds true for "pipe wrenches". Who uses pipe wrenches? Every house built in the last couple decades is plumbed with that "PEX" stuff! What's the application for "pipe wrenches"?
And yet people still BUY them. Go figure.

 

[HaiKarate]

What is a "distributor"?

How many people with a "distributor" don't already have one?

GLWS

 

[KnurledNut]

A quick search shows 33 "distributor wrench" listings sold on eBay in the last week. I would consider that pretty decent movement. The prices they moved for averaged pretty high, especially Snap-on. Among them were 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 3/4, 1-1/4, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm. They may not move real quickly but would probably sell.

And just because , here is one of mine, a 10mm Craftsman.
Just because its a “distributor wrench” doesn’t mean it can’t turn other 10mm bolts!

View attachment 2234579

And here is my Matco 13mm, because two pictures are better than one.
View attachment 2234583

 

[2ndGearRubber]

@2ndGearRubber -
To a degree, you are absolutely correct: in the context of "distributor wrenches" it is indeed an ever-shrinking market.
I am surprised to hear that ANY contemporary tool manufacturer is still cranking them out, to be honest.

I think - to an extent - that the same holds true for "pipe wrenches". Who uses pipe wrenches? Every house built in the last couple decades is plumbed with that "PEX" stuff! What's the application for "pipe wrenches"?
And yet people still BUY them. Go figure.

I'd guess the attrition rate for a house is lower than a car, of the same year. A friend removed functioning knob and tube wiring from an attic ~5 years ago. So long as the house remains livable there will be some need for pipe wrenches, but they will be updated of course. They're a bit more universal than a distributor wrench, they fit a lot of general gripping needs. Although most times it seems easier to sawzall through the cast iron and splice in. Eventually the last functioning run of knob and tube will be gone in residential housing. And eventually 150yo pipe is easier to destroy and replace than get apart. Sort of like how auto mechanics have flathead screwdrivers, more uses than just turning screws.

 

[y'sguy]

yes, I have a set of SnapOn distributor wrenches!. I have one car left that uses them and if I had to I could probably use a socket and an extension. But, I'd rather use the real deal. It's a traditional feeling to me, as is my old car. Not to mention that I don't need to use them more than once, twice a year, maybe. Someone will get them at a good deal or toss them aside some day before long. Like a lot of my stuff, they are mostly just taking up space. I won't sell them.

 

[olsenmotorsports]

A quick search shows 33 "distributor wrench" listings sold on eBay in the last week. I would consider that pretty decent movement. The prices they moved for averaged pretty high, especially Snap-on. Among them were 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 3/4, 1-1/4, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm. They may not move real quickly but would probably sell.

And just because , here is one of mine, a 10mm Craftsman.
Just because its a “distributor wrench” doesn’t mean it can’t turn other 10mm bolts!



And here is my Matco 13mm, because two pictures are better than one.

This!

I bought the heck out of distributor wrenches. Multiples of them in all different shapes. The door wrenches too (the crazy shaped ones).

I kept one of each shape stock, then the other ones I cut the heads off and welded on crows feet, ratcheting wrench ends, 1/4 socket driver heads etc.

They sit in a drawer hardly used till you get that one bolt that you just cannot get to without taking half the car apart and then they are GOLD.

P.S. I am 45 lol.

 

[Jgaz]

This!

I bought the heck out of distributor wrenches. Multiples of them in all different shapes. The door wrenches too (the crazy shaped ones).

I kept one of each shape stock, then the other ones I cut the heads off and welded on crows feet, ratcheting wrench ends, 1/4 socket driver heads etc.

They sit in a drawer hardly used till you get that one bolt that you just cannot get to without taking half the car apart and then they are GOLD.

P.S. I am 45 lol.

I’m with you there.
Most Chevrolet mechanics I worked with 40 to 45 years ago owned a Chrysler? distributor wrench in 1/2” size (IIRC).
That wrench was solid gold when you had to change a small lock Chevy EGR valve, esp. under the 50k mile emissions warranty.

 

[KnurledNut]

I think - to an extent - that the same holds true for "pipe wrenches". Who uses pipe wrenches? Every house built in the last couple decades is plumbed with that "PEX" stuff! What's the application for "pipe wrenches"?
And yet people still BUY them. Go figure.

Construction: residential, commercial, industrial, etc
Utilities: power, water, sewer, gas, etc
Industry: energy, oil, gas, mining, liquid, chemical, etc
Shipbuilding, Manufacturing, Agricultural, Food Processing...etc

 

[Fixr]

A quick search shows 33 "distributor wrench" listings sold on eBay in the last week. I would consider that pretty decent movement. The prices they moved for averaged pretty high, especially Snap-on. Among them were 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 3/4, 1-1/4, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm. They may not move real quickly but would probably sell.

And just because , here is one of mine, a 10mm Craftsman.
Just because its a “distributor wrench” doesn’t mean it can’t turn other 10mm bolts!

View attachment 2234579

And here is my Matco 13mm, because two pictures are better than one.
View attachment 2234583

Just out of curiosity, because I'm lazy and you have already looked, do you have a guess about a rough average EBay sold price for Snap-On distributor wrenches?

 

[KnurledNut]

Just out of curiosity, because I'm lazy and you have already looked, do you have a guess about a rough average EBay sold price for Snap-On distributor wrenches?

 

[Fixr]

Thank you. That was kind of above and beyond.

Got a few rainy days coming. I'll try to dig out the stuff I've been talking about.

 

[tarmy]

I give old cars and tools to the local high school shop teacher for his class. They love stuff like that and I get a tax write off.

One of the cars, a 75 Ford Maverick, that I donated I saw the next day while jogging. They cut the car in half and put the engine driver seat area on a jig they wheeled around…to save space.

 

[Retired dozer fixer]

A quick search shows 33 "distributor wrench" listings sold on eBay in the last week. I would consider that pretty decent movement. The prices they moved for averaged pretty high, especially Snap-on. Among them were 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 3/4, 1-1/4, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 15mm. They may not move real quickly but would probably sell.

And just because , here is one of mine, a 10mm Craftsman.
Just because its a “distributor wrench” doesn’t mean it can’t turn other 10mm bolts!

View attachment 2234579

And here is my Matco 13mm, because two pictures are better than one.
View attachment 2234583

What the hell uses a 3/4” or 1 1/4” distributor wrench?? I’ve worked on some large old industrial gas engines of long ago and never came across a distributor clamp bolt anywhere near that big