2025 Garage Sale Thread (14th Annual)

[Private Lugnutz]

Even at $8, that’s robbery!

Of course. That's a $1 table tool all day every day. I was just having fun with the seller's mathematical principles.

Now, if someone took the time to repair it…

Now it's $32 with time and materials.

 

[LesserSon]

Aesthetic value-added, yes. Ah, that reminds me…
To celebrate Valentine’s Day, MrsLS&I made a day trip to Lambertville, ending up at the People’s Store. (Despite the grin, I was not feeling entirely well, so we didn’t overnight to check out the nearby Saturday flea, as we thought we might.)
After spotting this Bonney (left behind) and shrugging off an impulse to pay $350 for a 5” Parker fixed-base vise, I was drawn to this beauty
mostly because of a shorter trip a couple years ago to see @Rickster and pick up this.
Now, I’ve added a wheeled base and a couple dozen pop rivets (many of the spot welds had failed), but now I see that if I should ever wish to resell, I should first subtract the paint.

 

[bmwrd0]

Far too often I have shown up at an estate sale late in the day, seen the, to me, high prices, and noticed the long lines of buyers still there and found the things I wanted have been sold. Was I undervaluing in relation to others? Not recognizing the scarcity of objects to most people? I don't know, but I do know things at the price range that seller has sold, and sold quickly. And, when it doesn't sell at the "eBay price" it will sell on the discount day. So, why not increase the profit on the whole estate sale if possible?

There are companies that I do not attend their sales, as I don't like either the way they handle things, the stuff they handle, or the prices they charge. But, in the end they were hired by the people who needed to dispose of the estate, and often that is what sets the base price.

 

[alinc100]

Far too often I have shown up at an estate sale late in the day, seen the, to me, high prices, and noticed the long lines of buyers still there and found the things I wanted have been sold. Was I undervaluing in relation to others? Not recognizing the scarcity of objects to most people? I don't know, but I do know things at the price range that seller has sold, and sold quickly. And, when it doesn't sell at the "eBay price" it will sell on the discount day. So, why not increase the profit on the whole estate sale if possible?

There are companies that I do not attend their sales, as I don't like either the way they handle things, the stuff they handle, or the prices they charge. But, in the end they were hired by the people who needed to dispose of the estate, and often that is what sets the base price.

And herein lies the issue, just like my latest 'haul' I have to border between what I think the cashier and what I have in my bag is worth. On paper as posted my last 'haul' would have been about $45 .Guy manning the garage told me ''cashier inside will total you up" Now realistically I wouldn't have paid $45 for what I bought ,but history with that company tells me I'll pay less. What could have happened is the cashier held fast and strong to the price list and I would have had to choose which is the lesser of two evils pay more(the actual marked price) or put things back. We've got about 30 different estate companies here ,with 4-5 employees each so it's always a crapshoot. There is also the balance of being there first day for best selection, and being there last day for best discount. Generally most pro sellers here don't negotiate much first day, especially not in the first few hours.

 

[Catfishdan]

I got out to a few sales this morning. Only scored at one. 20 bucks got me a 21oz hart hammer, pack of cut off wheels, craftsman wrenches and cotterpin puller, oil filter wrench, steering wheel spinner, ignition wrench set, and my two favorites, an a. plomb wrench and a set of unmarked sk ish 1/4” sockets.

 

[Cruzan80]

And herein lies the issue, just like my latest 'haul' I have to border between what I think the cashier and what I have in my bag is worth. On paper as posted my last 'haul' would have been about $45 .Guy manning the garage told me ''cashier inside will total you up" Now realistically I wouldn't have paid $45 for what I bought ,but history with that company tells me I'll pay less. What could have happened is the cashier held fast and strong to the price list and I would have had to choose which is the lesser of two evils pay more(the actual marked price) or put things back. We've got about 30 different estate companies here ,with 4-5 employees each so it's always a crapshoot. There is also the balance of being there first day for best selection, and being there last day for best discount. Generally most pro sellers here don't negotiate much first day, especially not in the first few hours.

Agreed. If I knew I was going to be grabbing a lot, I would generally ask for a ball-park on a few things to start, just to "test the waters". If it was coming up where they counted each item, and then multiplied by listed price, I knew before going to checkout what it would be like. If they kind of glanced and ball-parked, that was a different experience. I sometimes would preface it with an expression like "Does the more I buy mean the less I pay, per piece?" (jokingly, with a smile). Their reaction usually let me know how it would go down.

Best sales were the ones where there was so much stuff, they didn't even try to price it. More of a "Make a pile, and glance in bags" meant it was pennies on the dollar. I have mostly stopped going to those (they are getting harder to find as well), just because I have so many spares I need to list/sell already that it is stopping me from being able to use/enjoy what I have.

 

[RickP330]

Hi all, born again car mechanic here. I'm 56 Y.O. and I've managed to keep most of my tools along the way, but some things just didn't make it. As I am currently re tooling my garage for a future automotive project I am realizing that I need a good vise. I've been trolling the different threads here and learning the basics. so for the past several months I've been scouring Facebook marketplace for vises. yesterday this one popped up and I think I learned enough to realize it was time to pounce. This appears to be a pre 1900 Parker vise in working condition for $50. Is that worthy enough for mention here?

 

[bmwrd0]

Hi all, born again car mechanic here. I'm 56 Y.O. and I've managed to keep most of my tools along the way, but some things just didn't make it. As I am currently re tooling my garage for a future automotive project I am realizing that I need a good vise. I've been trolling the different threads here and learning the basics. so for the past several months I've been scouring Facebook marketplace for vises. yesterday this one popped up and I think I learned enough to realize it was time to pounce. This appears to be a pre 1900 Parker vise in working condition for $50. Is that worthy enough for mention here?

Welcome home.

 

[RTM]

This appears to be a pre 1900 Parker vise in working condition for $50. Is that worthy enough for mention here?

Both here, and in the show your vise thread too.

Edit: I see you knew that.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Far too often I have shown up at an estate sale late in the day, seen the, to me, high prices, and noticed the long lines of buyers still there and found the things I wanted have been sold. Was I undervaluing in relation to others? Not recognizing the scarcity of objects to most people? I don't know, but I do know things at the price range that seller has sold, and sold quickly. And, when it doesn't sell at the "eBay price" it will sell on the discount day. So, why not increase the profit on the whole estate sale if possible?

There are companies that I do not attend their sales, as I don't like either the way they handle things, the stuff they handle, or the prices they charge. But, in the end they were hired by the people who needed to dispose of the estate, and often that is what sets the base price.

Everyone has their own threshold of what they will and will not pay. Many times I have left a sale shaking my head empty handed while others seem to willing fork out money for over priced items. Oh well, to each their own I guess..

And herein lies the issue, just like my latest 'haul' I have to border between what I think the cashier and what I have in my bag is worth. On paper as posted my last 'haul' would have been about $45 .Guy manning the garage told me ''cashier inside will total you up" Now realistically I wouldn't have paid $45 for what I bought ,but history with that company tells me I'll pay less. What could have happened is the cashier held fast and strong to the price list and I would have had to choose which is the lesser of two evils pay more(the actual marked price) or put things back. We've got about 30 different estate companies here ,with 4-5 employees each so it's always a crapshoot. There is also the balance of being there first day for best selection, and being there last day for best discount. Generally most pro sellers here don't negotiate much first day, especially not in the first few hours.

**well said. It's a tough balance of wanting to get there and hopefully get the "good stuff" while not paying a ton, or perhaps really "paying up" on a good item you've been chasing a while. But many times I've been surprised to arrive at a sale on the first day that I swore was going to be priced high, only to be pleasantly surprised. I guess it's the thrill and surprise of the hunt**

Hi all, born again car mechanic here. I'm 56 Y.O. and I've managed to keep most of my tools along the way, but some things just didn't make it. As I am currently re tooling my garage for a future automotive project I am realizing that I need a good vise. I've been trolling the different threads here and learning the basics. so for the past several months I've been scouring Facebook marketplace for vises. yesterday this one popped up and I think I learned enough to realize it was time to pounce. This appears to be a pre 1900 Parker vise in working condition for $50. Is that worthy enough for mention here?

**hello and welcome! You did great at $50 and now it appears you've caught the fever!**

 

[Outlawmws]

That's was a good USUCK deal for that Parker 204.

This appears to be a pre 1900 Parker vise

But it's a post 1900 Parker as the patent date is 1910 - Am I reading that right?

Give that a Deep clean and lube, and you should have a great user vise.

 

[RickP330]

That's was a good USUCK deal for that Parker 204.



But it's a post 1900 Parker as the patent date is 1910 - Am I reading that right?

Give that a Deep clean and lube, and you should have a great user vise.

Hey Thanks a lot! You might be right. I read it as 1870 but the font for the third digit looks identical to the first. 1810 makes no sense, the second digit can really pass for a 9 or 8 from any angle though. No matter though, you are right it ought to be a great vise!

 

[mikeinri]

Hi all, born again car mechanic here. I'm 56 Y.O. and I've managed to keep most of my tools along the way, but some things just didn't make it. As I am currently re tooling my garage for a future automotive project I am realizing that I need a good vise. I've been trolling the different threads here and learning the basics. so for the past several months I've been scouring Facebook marketplace for vises. yesterday this one popped up and I think I learned enough to realize it was time to pounce. This appears to be a pre 1900 Parker vise in working condition for $50. Is that worthy enough for mention here?

I think you'll fit in just fine here! And, You ****...

Mike

 

[NYBODYMAN]

I'm still rifling through my $200 haul from two weeks ago. Here's the pliers lot.

Older Ridgid 8" adjustable, Walco 18" adjustable, and Bonney 8" adjustable.

Electrolyte slip joint, old Snap-On adjustable (has " Snap-On USA" and " 91" on the button?), Klein linesman pliers (3-one is insulated but needs an evapo bath), MAC P-25 slip joint, Equalizer snap ring pliers, Channel lock small adjustable, Channel lock blue handle slip joint, and Blue ird battery post pliers.

 

[Beerhippie]

I got out to a few sales this morning. Only scored at one. 20 bucks got me a 21oz hart hammer, pack of cut off wheels, craftsman wrenches and cotterpin puller, oil filter wrench, steering wheel spinner, ignition wrench set, and my two favorites, an a. plomb wrench and a set of unmarked sk ish 1/4” sockets.

Catfish: You're gonna need to do some polishing on the Hart:



I purchased these new back in the early '90s. They were highly polished from the factory. They sat in a bucket under a roof leak in my garage for a couple of years so had to be refinished and I just took them to a pleasing satin level of finish.

I think these are the first tools I bought new that are now considered "vintage collectables".

Here's a great big YOU **** to all of you who are still finding ANYTHING!

I drove 60-odd miles RT today to check out the local honey holes. This being mid-winter, I did check their websites to be sure they were open and the sites said they were. Both were closed. Nice day for a drive, anyhow.

Next time, I'll call first.

 

[Beerhippie]

Hi all, born again car mechanic here. I'm 56 Y.O. and I've managed to keep most of my tools along the way, but some things just didn't make it. As I am currently re tooling my garage for a future automotive project I am realizing that I need a good vise. I've been trolling the different threads here and learning the basics. so for the past several months I've been scouring Facebook marketplace for vises. yesterday this one popped up and I think I learned enough to realize it was time to pounce. This appears to be a pre 1900 Parker vise in working condition for $50. Is that worthy enough for mention here?

Well it certainly earns you a hearty YOU ***** for your first post!

*Our way of expressing envy here.

 

[Old Radar]

It's a tough balance of wanting to get there and hopefully get the "good stuff" while not paying a ton, or perhaps really "paying up" on a good item you've been chasing a while. But many times I've been surprised to arrive at a sale on the first day that I swore was going to be priced high, only to be pleasantly surprised. I guess it's the thrill and surprise of the hunt

Very true. With rare exception--the sale I went to yesterday being a glaring example--even at overpriced sales you can generally find some nugget that is either priced surprisingly low or completely unpriced and negotiate a good deal.

 

[Outlawmws]

Had another really good Saturday, and the first two stops made the day. Either would have made a good day! Both "living estate sales", and the "kids" were clearing the parents homes while the parents went to assisted living.

The first was not that great looking from the ad, but opened at 8 while the second opened at 9.. - Heck, I had time to hit the bank and get a doughnut between!

First things in my hand were these 2 Snap-on KRA-111 boxes. $3 ea!



I couldn't get my hands on the gallon baggie with BB and pellet pistols, plus ammo, fast enough! A buck for the pocket knife, and they tossed in the carving knife for free, it was in a 10c box!



Griddle was $10. I need to see what stoves it will fit.






Strop for $2. I have a similar one - same brand - but this one is in nicer shape.






And from the free pile - the GFCI is new -sealed box, and the powder horn needs a plug and a carry strap. All in $29!




Second sale had these vises as a draw, plus other tools, camp gear, and some photo stuff I passed on. the clamp on was my main draw, the homeowners was also super cheap, 4 picture frame clamps, and some trammel points.




A Quick release drill press vise rode hard and put away wet but moves freely, NOS SW pressure gauge, and a tiny pivot ball mount.



Maker of the DP vise:




WWII Ammo pouch I believe - I'm thinking Mi Carbine clips?






Socket set of Craftsman Long C, Brass Squeegee, Unbranded but Plvmb made 1/4" ratchet, Crescent Crestally dykes, Ratchet Versatool, Adel nibbler in original box, and a block of steel I think was once part of a lathe. Beat on so much,I'll clean it up for more beatings...




A BlackHawk speeder, and a Swansen speed square.




A couple of dead Yardsales later I found one that had some stuff and bumped into RTM! He will be posting shortly I'm sure...

I got another griddle, some gun stuff, an air coupler, and an old "perfume key-chain" that I'll clean up, maybe re-plate, and use for oil.









Came home and had lunch - found one more YS and got some fishing gear for $5:

 

[bmwrd0]

Nice pickups on the Daisy and Benjamin, Outlaw. I have a slightly older 137, good shooter.

And I also got some air pistol action this weekend, albeit from eBay


A fifties remake of a pre-war eM-Ge air pistol, made by Millbros under the Diana name, as Diana itself had been sold off as war reparations. Nice box, and I cannot resist an in-box vintage air pistol.

Also, stopped at an estate sale of Friday, and picked these up:

Stanley sweetheart bevel and Craftsman (Klein) 5-in-1

Edit: forgot to add, Outlaw, did the Plomb ratchet come in that Craftsman set? Because there was a set sold by Sears like that right after the war.

 

[mikeinri]

Had another really good Saturday, and the first two stops made the day. Either would have made a good day! Both "living estate sales", and the "kids" were clearing the parents homes while the parents went to assisted living.

The first was not that great looking from the ad, but opened at 8 while the second opened at 9.. - Heck, I had time to hit the bank and get a doughnut between!

First things in my hand were these 2 Snap-on KRA-111 boxes. $3 ea!



I couldn't get my hands on the gallon baggie with BB and pellet pistols, plus ammo, fast enough! A buck for the pocket knife, and they tossed in the carving knife for free, it was in a 10c box!



Griddle was $10. I need to see what stoves it will fit.






Strop for $2. I have a similar one - same brand - but this one is in nicer shape.






And from the free pile - the GFCI is new -sealed box, and the powder horn needs a plug and a carry strap. All in $29!




Second sale had these vises as a draw, plus other tools, camp gear, and some photo stuff I passed on. the clamp on was my main draw, the homeowners was also super cheap, 4 picture frame clamps, and some trammel points.




A Quick release drill press vise rode hard and put away wet but moves freely, NOS SW pressure gauge, and a tiny pivot ball mount.



Maker of the DP vise:




WWII Ammo pouch I believe - I'm thinking Mi Carbine clips?






Socket set of Craftsman Long C, Brass Squeegee, Unbranded but Plvmb made 1/4" ratchet, Crescent Crestally dykes, Ratchet Versatool, Adel nibbler in original box, and a block of steel I think was once part of a lathe. Beat on so much,I'll clean it up for more beatings...




A BlackHawk speeder, and a Swansen speed square.




A couple of dead Yardsales later I found one that had some stuff and bumped into RTM! He will be posting shortly I'm sure...

I got another griddle, some gun stuff, an air coupler, and an old "perfume key-chain" that I'll clean up, maybe re-plate, and use for oil.









Came home and had lunch - found one more YS and got some fishing gear for $5:

Well, someone had himself quite the Sucky day!!!

Mike

 

[Outlawmws]

Thx BMW! I'm really liking both pistols, even though the Daisy is just BB's - I'l have to see how well is actually shoots. It does need part of the rear sight. I think these two are my top find of the day, certainly the price was right!

A fifties remake of a pre-war eM-Ge air pistol, made by Millbros under the Diana name, as Diana itself had been sold off as war reparations.

Cool find! - Yeah Diana has had a really strange history, but made really nice stuff!

Edit: forgot to add, Outlaw, did the Plomb ratchet come in that Craftsman set? Because there was a set sold by Sears like that right after the war.

It was not in the Long C box, but may have originated there - I'l have to check that out. I also need to see if its missing any sockets.

 

[Outlawmws]

Thx Mike!

 

[MadeByMiller]

I'm a pennies on the dollar type of guy, and today was a good day. These were bought at a local auction in Lead, SD at this incredible old power plant which I believe played a role in the Homestake mine. The present owner has done a good job of filling up the vast square footage of this killer old building with lots of treasures. Apparently he is making room for more and thinning the collection some over the course of a few auctions.



The following two items I placed a single bid on and won: a Rock Island 142 and a Stanley 763.



My bid for each vise happened to be only the second bid, so I managed to score each for $5! The third auction score wasn't even in the auction...



This fantastic (albeit crusty) mid century Homecrest lounge chair was in the building when I went to collect my vises, so I asked the auctioneer if I had somehow missed it in the auction. He told me that I hadn't and it would be listed in a future auction. He then added "You could go ask the ladies in the office about it, they would probably sell it to you for $5". So off I went to ask the office ladies. They happily agreed to charge another $5 to my card for the old green chair, and I loaded it up!

It was a good day.

 

[alinc100]

It was not in the Long C box, but may have originated there - I'll have to check that out. I also need to see if its missing any sockets.

The BE breaker,and I'll assume the sockets are BE , would have preceded the Plomb ratchet. Not to say they didn't come off the shelves at the same Sears store in 194X together, just wouldn't have been packaged together IMHO. My best guess is the socket set would have contained 9 sockets.

 

[Outlawmws]

My best guess is the socket set would have contained 9 sockets

Thanks Andy, this one only has 8, I'll see if I have a loose one...

 

[alinc100]

Thanks Andy, this one only has 8, I'll see if I have a loose one...

I probably have the missing one ,in my spares....

 

[d42jeep]

I found a few sales of interest, two were very close to home. My copilot was finally back in action which made my day. The first sale was just up a block and around the corner. I didn’t expect to find anything fut there was a plastic toolbox looking thing. I opened the drawers and they were loaded with US made Craftsman sockets so I grabbed the thing. One of the drawers fell out on the way to the car but I managed to find all of the bits and pieces.
There was a decent 1/2” drive Plomb extension in a drawer, for some reason.
The second sale was a small estate sale in El Cerrito and produced a few items.
A Stanley Yankee push drill loaded with bits, a nice Eagle oiler and a pair of Crescent linemans pliers
We drove to Martinez for the next sale, two ladies having a garage sale. I have no Coleman white gas devices left but I can’t leave the funnels behind. They are nice for filling the chain saw. One screwdriver was a crusty Yankee Stanley and the other one Made in Japan. The Bernard pliers were a little unusual due to an unexpected marking

The combo wrench was Blue Point.
We drove to Concord for the last sale. Another small estate sale. A Kennedy cantilever that was too inexpensive to leave behind with a couple of sockets.
-Don

 

[zanyad]

@MadeByMiller ***** x3!

 

[d42jeep]

I started cleaning and organizing the partial Craftsman toolset. These are US made large marking sockets.
-Don

 

[seber]

Congratulations Outlaw on that Cardinal vise. They don't get any better than that.

 

[Old Radar]

***** to @RickP330, @Outlawmws, and @MadeByMiller!

 

[Raineman]

Couple weeks ago I picked up this cart for $20. Had been looking for one for a while to put my compressor on that I use for airing up tires.


Yesterday the elderly neighbor was moving stuff out to her daughter’s place where she will be living now. Her granddaughter bought the house from her so now my awesome neighbor set is complete. While she was clearing out I got some goodies.

Got these socket tins for $15.


Got this battery charger/booster for $40


Got new cabinets for the shed free

Got 2 of the big boxed cabinets but other photo won’t load. Also a new shop sink and 2 packs of insulation all for free.

This Cadillac SRX that has issues was offered to me for $500 but I’m already looking like Sanford & Son here so I called my other neighbor up and he jumped on it.

 

[mikeinri]

Couple weeks ago I picked up this cart for $20. Had been looking for one for a while to put my compressor on that I use for airing up tires.


Yesterday the elderly neighbor was moving stuff out to her daughter’s place where she will be living now. Her granddaughter bought the house from her so now my awesome neighbor set is complete. While she was clearing out I got some goodies.

Got these socket tins for $15.


Got this battery charger/booster for $40


Got new cabinets for the shed free

Got 2 of the big boxed cabinets but other photo won’t load. Also a new shop sink and 2 packs of insulation all for free.

This Cadillac SRX that has issues was offered to me for $500 but I’m already looking like Sanford & Son here so I called my other neighbor up and he jumped on it.

You ****!

What kind of "issues" does the Cadillac have?

 

[NYBODYMAN]

What issues does it have for $500? That's a great deal.

 

[bmwrd0]

What is the issue with looking like Fred Sanford?

That is an aspirational hero!

 

[Raineman]

I have too many projects on the list. There are no start/ecm/electrical issues and the engine has to come out and be resealed. Also tires and brakes which aren’t a big deal but I just don’t have room for it in my life right now.

My one neighbor wanted the Buick I just picked up but I’m keeping that so like I said, offered it to him and he’s going to get it roadworthy for his oldest grandson. Everyone wins.

 

[gleman]

Couple weeks ago I picked up this cart for $20. Had been looking for one for a while to put my compressor on that I use for airing up tires.


Yesterday the elderly neighbor was moving stuff out to her daughter’s place where she will be living now. Her granddaughter bought the house from her so now my awesome neighbor set is complete. While she was clearing out I got some goodies.

Got these socket tins for $15.


Got this battery charger/booster for $40


Got new cabinets for the shed free

Got 2 of the big boxed cabinets but other photo won’t load. Also a new shop sink and 2 packs of insulation all for free.

This Cadillac SRX that has issues was offered to me for $500 but I’m already looking like Sanford & Son here so I called my other neighbor up and he jumped on it.

Your spirit animal is shaking his head and calling for Elizabeth!

 

[bmwrd0]

Hey, when I get the "big one", I will post my finds here first!

Sales like that are once a year at best.

(also, I am wearing a sweater like that right now as a sign of the faithful.)

 

[gleman]

Hey, when I get the "big one", I will post my finds here first!

Sales like that are once a year at best.

(also, I am wearing a sweater like that right now as a sign of the faithful.)

I'm a cardigan man too!

 

[zanyad]

@Raineman *****!