2026 Garage Sale Thread (15th Annual)

[d42jeep]

The NOS Diamond 4” adjustable wrenches were found at the Berkeley estate sale of a former Diamond distributor. I bought most of the NOS tools available at the sale although I left several for another friend we ran into at the sale. I kept one of each style in the Diamond collection and moved the duplicates along. Almost all of the other 4” adjustables have been picked up at garage or estate sales.
-Don

 

[MFJL]

The NOS Diamond 4” adjustable wrenches were found at the Berkeley estate sale of a former Diamond distributor. I bought most of the NOS tools available at the sale although I left several for another friend we ran into at the sale. I kept one of each style in the Diamond collection and moved the duplicates along. Almost all of the other 4” adjustables have been picked up at garage or estate sales.
-Don

I don’t blame you, that’s got to be a rare type of find.
Only wanted to ask as I’m hunting for a 6 and 8 inch wide opening wrench. Preferably black dimond steel old or nos

 

[misterbill]

Hadn't been to the Rogers (Ohio) Flea Market in ages. Went there last Friday with my daughter. Got only these two items for $10 but it was a nice day and the company was grand!


Bill

 

[LesserSon]

Hadn't been to the Rogers (Ohio) Flea Market in ages. Went there last Friday with my daughter. Got only these two items for $10 but it was a nice day and the company was grand!


Bill

OMG, MrsLS is “surprising” me with a trip there this week! Hope the weather cooperates.

 

[Patrickm82]

Nice mid week market place score. I got a Kennedy 520 that someone lost the key too, and used Bubba’s method to get into it. Some pretty good stuff for $50, no complaints here! I will keep what I want and send the rest down the road. A quick 5 mins and I got the box closing, it latches now. Here’s what I’m keeping.

-Starrett-
1-2” mic with standard. I’ve never seen a green one not sure if original
829 A-D small hole gauges set
S828-h Center finder set
161D parallel clamps
567 fish tail V-block
Depth mic box, mic MIA bummer
Pair of adjustable dividers no part #
Center finder and square heads missing the blade

Mitutoyo 0-1” mic
General and Helios telescoping
Yuasa surface finish gauge
Little Lufkin surface gauge
Reese dog bone wrench
Snap on straight blade and Proto Phillips drivers
Couple of new files and a slug of brass
Various cheat sheets
Palmgren no. 32 vise
2 GTD tap handles
Tweezers
Cool Stanley fold up knife/box cutter

 

[Outlawmws]

someone lost the key too, and used Bubba’s method to get into it.

Why are people so stupid to do that when you can open those locks with a screwdriver if you can't wait to make a key?


Great USUCK deal there Patrick!

 

[four.cycle]

^ nice score. too bad about the box!

 

[Patrickm82]

Why are people so stupid to do that when you can open those locks with a screwdriver if you can't wait to make a key?


Great USUCK deal there Patrick!

I have no idea it is very aggravating though. I said that to the guy and he looked at me like I had 10 heads. It was his uncles box and the guy I dealt with was not a tool guy. He said his phone had not stopped going off with people wanting it. He actually held it for me since yesterday evening which I appreciated.

 

[four.cycle]

I drove over to Earthwise earlier to pick up an item they transferred from their Aberdeen store:

A pair of Wiss A-16 16-inch metal shears
These two lovely old oak chairs were out in the yard - they'd just gotten them in.
I asked "How much?" and he threw a price at me I couldn't refuse.
I didn't realize until I was loading them into the truck that they're oak. All the spindles are intact and look to be in good shape. Legs are stable - no wibble-wobble. A challenging task. They'll be lovely.

 

[Shergar]

Some accidental purchases here…. a few weeks back whilst at a boot sale (flea in the UK) the wife was browsing a through reams of books at a stall that prides itself on being the “10p man” thats 13 cents any item Now normally its basically landfill, but as ever 5% of the stall is gold - my wife was happy with the paperbacks she got. The guy never has tools, but buried in some bricaback was about a dozen rusty as hell hand tools. “All yours for a £1!”

One very stern “NO” glance from the wife was ignored and I shoved them all in a bag. I got home and there was actaully 13 crusty items, 5 were obviously broken, of the 8 left only 3 came out the solution rust free and useable - an English Gordon DOE, an Oberg file (handle the giveaway with these) and really unusual for the UK a huge Snap On DOE! I’m rather chuffed with this one! Its the simple pleasures that amuse me these days!

 

[LesserSon]

OMG, MrsLS is “surprising” me with a trip there this week! Hope the weather cooperates.

A view from the PA Turnpike. I wonder if the trailer ahead of us is going to the same place!

 

[Outlawmws]

A rare Thursday Estate sale but the type I like - lots of things to dig through. I was selective however and started with an Army canvas water bucket - that carried most of the things I got. Not sure the guy ringing up realized the bucket was part of it, but he was pretty casual; looked at a couple things opened a blow mold box and said $20 for all.





Markings indistinct:






Tools: Hammer is Artisan, Hatchet head is marked Olympic, Utica lineman's pliers unbranded alligator pliers, SO #2 Phillips and DOE, Hes ratchet is Keystone, unbranded square.





I like them stamped like this:




the hex ratchet. it operates, but needs soaked an lubed.



Johnsons paste wax, (I opened it and ts still good - and that's good as its hard to find.), old mini driver, awl, clip, small fancy scissors, Fisher USA Watchmaker's Anvil.






Microflame Oxy/Butane torch.






Eagle Towel ring and Glass box:





21 Glass vials, about 3-1/2 X 1"

 

[LesserSon]

Wow, we’re staying just 7mi outside of Columbiana, birthplace of Harvey Firestone and HJ Harrold Tool Co! I should have brought my pliers and screwdrivers for a minihomecoming.

 

[ctuai]

I drove over to Earthwise earlier today to pick up an item they transferred down from another one of their locations:


Huot 5-drawer number-size twist drill merchandiser. 14½" L x 7½" W x 8" H

Perfect condition other than the obligatory stickers. I'll have to get the "Goo-Off" out.
There were still a mess of tiny drill bits inside the thing. 71 of them in all. Tiny little things. Go figure.

Whoa that's a nice Hout drill box. Smaller ones show up at industrial auctions and I'm always surprised how much they go for. That's definitely a U **** for picking that up free.

 

[ctuai]

Nice mid week market place score. I got a Kennedy 520 that someone lost the key too, and used Bubba’s method to get into it. Some pretty good stuff for $50, no complaints here! I will keep what I want and send the rest down the road. A quick 5 mins and I got the box closing, it latches now. Here’s what I’m keeping.

-Starrett-
1-2” mic with standard. I’ve never seen a green one not sure if original
829 A-D small hole gauges set
S828-h Center finder set
161D parallel clamps
567 fish tail V-block
Depth mic box, mic MIA bummer
Pair of adjustable dividers no part #
Center finder and square heads missing the blade

Mitutoyo 0-1” mic
General and Helios telescoping
Yuasa surface finish gauge
Little Lufkin surface gauge
Reese dog bone wrench
Snap on straight blade and Proto Phillips drivers
Couple of new files and a slug of brass
Various cheat sheets
Palmgren no. 32 vise
2 GTD tap handles
Tweezers
Cool Stanley fold up knife/box cutter

Nice score. Dig the Palmgren machinist vise plus all the precision gear... for $50. That's definitely a U-****

 

[INSP380]

Another dumpster dive into the scrap hopper at work today. Justrite 2 gallon parts washing tank….I did hit it with two “Tub-o-Towel” wipes… but it’s good to go!

Steve

 

[ctuai]

Estate sales ($216): Pfaff oil can, Dunlop 5244 vise; Stanley Four Square no. 5-1/4; Disston D-8 Dual Grip rip saw (Philada 1896-1917); Horner 150th anniversary and Chromonica 260 harmonicas; Zim Gar bongos; M126A1 Signal illumination ground red star parachute; Rockwell and Duncan Model 60 duplex parking meter; Display case; Copper.

Geeez I feel I'm paying retail in comparison to youz guys. Still no complaints. Nice to see some tools show up in this neck of the woods. The harps are fun, but they're moving on. Now the bongos on the other hand are keepers only as the wife is diggin my groovy rhythms. Tempted to fire off the flare for the 4th. It's a heck of pyrotechnic, but I guess it's a big no no so it's a no go. Yah got to wonder where the parking meters come from.​

 

[WildBill]

A rare Thursday Estate sale but the type I like - lots of things to dig through. I was selective however and started with an Army canvas water bucket - that carried most of the things I got. Not sure the guy ringing up realized the bucket was part of it, but he was pretty casual; looked at a couple things opened a blow mold box and said $20 for all.

I had one of those Microflame torch sets from Radio Shack when I was a kid, it was one of my most prized possessions. I was into everything from electronics to chemistry and used it constantly. Bent a lot of glass and brazed a lot of metal with it. Cost a fortune to run and the valves kinda sucked, but man I loved it. I liked it so much I had a friends dad make a slick leather pouch/holster for it and all the extra tanks and stuff. Cool find.

 

[LesserSon]

A rare Thursday Estate sale but the type I like - lots of things to dig through. I was selective however and started with an Army canvas water bucket - that carried most of the things I got. Not sure the guy ringing up realized the bucket was part of it, but he was pretty casual; looked at a couple things opened a blow mold box and said $20 for all.





Markings indistinct:






Tools: Hammer is Artisan, Hatchet head is marked Olympic, Utica lineman's pliers unbranded alligator pliers, SO #2 Phillips and DOE, Hes ratchet is Keystone, unbranded square.





I like them stamped like this:




the hex ratchet. it operates, but needs soaked an lubed.



Johnsons paste wax, (I opened it and ts still good - and that's good as its hard to find.), old mini driver, awl, clip, small fancy scissors, Fisher USA Watchmaker's Anvil.






Microflame Oxy/Butane torch.






Eagle Towel ring and Glass box:





21 Glass vials, about 3-1/2 X 1"

You **** for $20/all! I bet if I saw that Fisher anvil, it would be marked $20 by itself.

 

[four.cycle]

Whoa that's a nice Hout drill box. Smaller ones show up at industrial auctions and I'm always surprised how much they go for. That's definitely a U **** for picking that up free.

^ The drill merchandiser wasn't free. It was $25, plus $5 for the inter-store transfer, so... about $33 total with the tax.

 

[bmwrd0]

A rare Thursday Estate sale but the type I like - lots of things to dig through. I was selective however and started with an Army canvas water bucket - that carried most of the things I got. Not sure the guy ringing up realized the bucket was part of it, but he was pretty casual; looked at a couple things opened a blow mold box and said $20 for all.





Markings indistinct:






Tools: Hammer is Artisan, Hatchet head is marked Olympic, Utica lineman's pliers unbranded alligator pliers, SO #2 Phillips and DOE, Hes ratchet is Keystone, unbranded square.





I like them stamped like this:




the hex ratchet. it operates, but needs soaked an lubed.



Johnsons paste wax, (I opened it and ts still good - and that's good as its hard to find.), old mini driver, awl, clip, small fancy scissors, Fisher USA Watchmaker's Anvil.






Microflame Oxy/Butane torch.






Eagle Towel ring and Glass box:





21 Glass vials, about 3-1/2 X 1"

The clip is for attaching to multimeter test leads.

 

[Outlawmws]

The clip is for attaching to multimeter test leads.

Yep, knew that.

 

[LesserSon]

$4 spent on Amish-prepared coffee and doughnuts, another $4 on tools this morning at Rogers flea market, Rogers OH. I found the little Tom Corbett-ish figure in the mud, the pull chain was also free. So $1ea for solid brass 3gang switchplate, Vacuum-Grip No26 slipjoints FSP Newark NJ, Utica No1050 w forged-in diamond logo inside handles, CamRon US chainnose w soft grips.
Leftbehinds included a Danielson/Barcalo grip-pattern slipjoints stamped Utica (would have bought but the vendor was too busy trying to sell Beanie Babies to give me a price), a Red Devil line splicing tool with some other logo stamped over the “Red D” part, Herbrand slipjoints, Harrold slipjoints (kind of expected to see more this close to their origin) and a snub-nose mystery slipjoints.
Rogers is big and sprawling, fairly linear, with well-defined paths and a few scattered shade trees. We did not walk through the many big enclosed buildings, but did pass through several long pavillions. The infrastructure (so many lampposts and power hookups) gave me the impression it may have been a campground in an earlier incarnation. The food vending was travelling carnival / county fair impressive. Merchwise, pretty similar to most fleas.

 

[JMP]

Went to a local company run estate sale this morning. Within 2 minutes of the sale open I spot a Kennedy machinist chest (Model 526). I open the lid and I see a price tag of $30 and contents to boot. Wasted no time taking it to the hold table. Also picked up an early 50's Craftsman flat top box filled with small engine parts for $20. Also spent another $50 after that on misc. tools I haven't all gone through or unloaded yet.





This box had a lot of nice random bits, mostly random hand tools. I even found the key to this box. A ton of Starrett scribers for some reason not counting a bunch of broken parts of scribers. I think this guy was hard on them. Also a neat Starrett 165 double ended pin vise and feeler gauge.











8" Witherby draw knife


There were several other tools boxes filled with good tools but it was tool much bulk for me. Also some bonus left behinds.

Neat primitive die stock


Cute mini drum of tools (chinesium screwdriver set)


I knew it was too good to be true. Dang Snap On imposter

 

[RTM]

A ton of Starrett scribers for some reason not counting a bunch of broken parts of scribers. I think this guy was hard on them. Also a neat Starrett 165 double ended pin vise and feeler gauge.

You know these pictured aren't broken, right? Just the tip in storage mode. Loosen the collar, pull tip out and reverse.

 

[JMP]

You know these pictured aren't broken, right? Just the tip in storage mode. Loosen the collar, pull tip out and reverse.

These are the good/mostly good ones. The broke ones are in the box, mostly offbrand but one Starrett has the jaws bits sheared off.

 

[JMP]

A few more things from today's estate sale



Klein chain strap wrench


Channellock 815, Kobalt Magnum Grip


Mostly Indestro, couple bits of Snap On, Husky, SK, New Britain in the mix


Shears (Wiss Bell System B, Case **), X-Acto blades, misc.


Mostly old Klein and Utica


Not sure about this style of file. I like the box.

 

[Beerhippie]

I haven't seen a pair of the net-weaver scissors--as we called them--like those lower right in many a year! I had several friends who worked weaving cargo nets back in the '70s and they would bring those home. Amazing to think back of that still being manual labor that late.

The loop goes over your middle finger and the scissors can be quickly flipped around to the back of the hand and out of the way until needed.

 

[bmwrd0]

Not sure about this style of files. I like the box.

I believe those are for a die filer machine.

 

[RTM]

haven't seen a pair of the net-weaver scissors--as we called them--like those lower right in many a year! I had several friends who worked weaving cargo nets back in the '70s and they would bring those home.

Thread clips in the Wiss catalog.

Found a pair a while back, had to look up the usage, makes sense, tho I’m not that dexterous.

Wiss Catalog No. SS 73/74 : J. Wiss & Sons Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

16 p., illus., 27.8 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

 

[Outlawmws]

Not sure about this style of file. I like the box.

Close up of the teeth? Those may be metal checkering files?

Thread clips in the Wiss catalog.

Found a pair a while back, had to look up the usage, makes sense, tho I’m not that dexterous.

Wiss Catalog No. SS 73/74 : J. Wiss & Sons Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

16 p., illus., 27.8 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

That's been my use and experience with those too; but I'm sure other uses like Timm described.

 

[bmwrd0]

I spent the day driving downstate to pick up an auction win, and in the process stopped at a few Restores and better thrift shops. Here is what I found:

Partial Fleet socket set, two Bog fixed socket speeders (love the wood handle), HPL book (for trade credit, as I have all of his stories in hardcover), Crosman .177 pellets, Vlcheck and SK spinners (we all know who that is for), Xcelite long driver, Orchard Park reamer, two Stanley drivers, Hinsdale hex brace.

And my auction win:

a very nice German Kipplauf, or break barrel rifle, in .22lr. This has a full octagon barrel, with dimpling on the top rib to prevent glare, along with very tasteful engraving, and a nice hogs-back ****. I got this for somewhere around 1/5 to 1/2 of market value, and was massively surprised, and happy, that I won the auction. I would put at somewhere from before WWI, but I wont know until I pull the forestock off and check the proof marks.

 

[Outlawmws]

3 of 5 planned stops produced today. TOOs were underwhelming.

Been to this one before; some prices are great some are silly $$ I stuck with great or at least decent and spent $15 total:
6 wood handled drivers including what I thought a fairly rare in wood #2 Phillips. - It was actually a Vlchek converted to #2 with a bit welded on (didn't see the joint until cleanup) The next one over is a Harold, The full size handle stubby isn't common either, but only the 2 on the right are MFG marked, and are Stanley; and the end one of those is also marked Bell System. Both of those were ground special for something.

The Needle Nose are Japan, but with a knurled grip pattern. Usually those are smooth or plastic coated. they have a good feel so I got them. (usually Japan tools of this era are not good quality)





Also got some fishing stuff there - 2 aluminum boxes; one for flies, and one for lures, files and small stuff, plus the cool NOS snelled hook holder. I've only ever seen these in plastic.



A couple of 60's and 80's music CDs at a YS:



And the last one was the estate sale from Thursday on "Half off Day" where he wanted $5 more than I spent on Thursday so I asked about the half off and he came down to $15...

Brass and copper rivets, Brass chain(over 5') still sealed Daisy BB's, a Sore Throat tin from England, an Aluminum SOAP Box (so stamped), A box of upholstery pins, 2 match cases (need gaskets)



Two 20 min Flares, Bakalite Police whistle (not that impressed for sound volume), test clip for test leads, Pioneer camp saw (My 3rd - it was hanging high on a wall in a "tool room" - I hooked it down) Blue Point lady's foot pry bar, a Perfect Handle driver, a (marked) WSS casting pour cup.



WSS? SSW? SWS? - No clue... needs research -first pass didn't get it... (stupid AI).



The cans are cool the Bell Systems for obvious reasons, the Norton marked one is mineral (honing) oil. Both are near full. A Stanley square with brass furniture, and the True Craft...



Are a complete 3/8 swivel socket set.

 

[LesserSon]

Visited Hamilton Tool & Supply (www.toolsupermarket.com) this morning. Enjoyed an Oram’s doughnut while looking at C-clamps and pipe wrenches. If I had a day more, I may have found the Bonney 18” and 24” steel-handled Stillsons I casually looked for in a huge pile in the back corner on the floor. I already have two 3” steel screw PS&W clamp I spotted immediately.
There is a LOT here, organized categorically, but some areas are more orderly than others. Prices varied considerably on similar merchandise, but mostly reasonable for vintage tools under a roof.
I came away with a bundle of 14 shallow oak-faced basswood/linden drawers in need of a cabinet, an empty Craftsman heritage sander box, a Bonney crocodile wrench and a Boker USA slipjoints with nested diamonds grip pattern, all for $29.97.

Then we headed over to their warehouse, which has the BIG machines, many newish, like Delta, Grizzly, ShopFox. I don’t have that kind of space, nor a need for production equipment. Just fun to see it.

 

[ctuai]

Estate sale ($25): Benjamin 3100 BB gun.

Knew it was going to need a new seal kit, but found out it takes a special tool to install, plus it needed a new pump lever spring. Just didn't have the gumption to do the work. Listed it for $140 on fleabay for parts and sold in minutes. Neat gun.​

 

[RTM]

WSS? SSW? SWS? - No clue... needs research -first pass didn't get it... (stupid AI).

This is a dental supply company. I found it once before:

SS White Dental

Unknown plier markings

I found a few needles nose pliers today with a bunch of wire gauge high speed drills and a few other very small machinists items. Is anyone familiar with the markings inside the handle on these? To me it looks like a paw with claws and a monogram with a "W" and two "S's". They are US made...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[RTM]

Here is my haul for today, from place in the city, on my way home from walking the dogs. Sent MLW in first, she sent pix, I double parked and ran in, checked brand names, and checked out.

L - R: Sentora Drop Forged chromed diagonal nippers (handle has KEIBA cast in), Felco Trimmers, Klein needle nose, Unmarked end nipper, Crescent 90° needle nose

Sentora is an imported tool brand, probably the importer, not mentioned on GJ, "utility quality", per AI. But the handles have KEIBA cast in, which seem to get some respect here on GJ. I think I will value the GJ opinion higher.

The end nippers seem like they will cut flush, no bevel on the outer face. Bit of dinging to the blade, but I think I can sharpen it out.

 

[bmwrd0]

Estate sale ($25): Benjamin 3100 BB gun.

Knew it was going to need a new seal kit, but found out it takes a special tool to install, plus it needed a new pump lever spring. Just didn't have the gumption to do the work. Listed it for $140 on fleabay for parts and sold in minutes. Neat gun.​

Dang, I actually have the tool, and would have loaned it to you (although they are cheap) but if it is pre-serial number (1957 I think) it is incredibly difficult as there is no stop and it is very hard to make sure you get the seal installed at the correct position.

 

[Tarantula]

Happy Saturday, folks.
Today's a day for hopes and dreams.
I had high hopes for an estate sale, I wanted tools but someone else wanted them more. The garage had been swarmed and the entire toolbox pulled before my arrival. Hopes dashed. That's when we start dreaming.
Searching every drawer, cabinet, box, crook, nook, corner and cranny I pulled some fun goods together somehow. My partner in crime had the same idea.
Today's theme: trains. Miscellaneous Amtrak knickknacks and memorabilia.
Crystalline critters. Colibri lighter. Can Gun. Hercules battery (with the charger certainly lost forever.) I guess I'm opting into the ecosystem.
Even got a mouse spindle. Everyone needs a receipt rat.

I spied a little metal table propping up some boxes. Actually, it's a cabinet. Actually, it's a cart. Actually, it's a Vertiflex top opening file cabinet cart. Inside we've got some reference material for coin valuation, old maps, few receipts. I plan to clean this up and give it a makeover into a shiny shop cart. $5!

Don't you just love the railroad?
We sure do. Let's appreciate this little window into the world of rails.


I'll be busy appreciating this much larger window from the world of rails.


Estate sales are like Lay's, you can't have just one.
Sale #2 was just not for me. My bargain hunting buddy made off with the only items from that haul, and I lack a photo.

Off to #3, the stakes are higher than ever. My hopes are back up. It's a huge place, with workshops buried under other workshops. Spend a day here and there's almost nothing you couldn't make from scratch. Just magical.

While I'm piling sockets into a tray, a lady from the staff pops in to let us know there's unfortunately been a mistake, that section of the garage was meant to be walled off with items labeled Not For Sale.
Hopes and dreams crushed. I'm ready to leave. I bump into that lady again, there's been a misunderstanding, that stuff was fair game after all. I waste no time getting back to my pile, because I just filled a tray with the goods and left it behind where anyone else was free to buy it.

Couldn't believe it. Majority of the haul was metric, never had that happen before.
Craftsman, Herbrand, Bonney, Mac, ranging from 4 up to 19mm. Not lucky enough to avoid skips

A couple odd standard pieces too, where Fleet enters the mix. Mostly Craftsman overall, all but one socket US made.
Industronic cutters and 9 D-batteries worth of huge Maglites. They work!

Not pictured: a very, very old Sears catalog and a case of Chapman bits that I lost somewhere in the car. Always handy.

Never lose hope. I can't believe I thought today was a bust after a couple little setbacks.

 

[Patrickm82]

Today I hit a town wide sale a few towns away. Not that good. I got a 15” shop fan for $5. Then hit day 2 of an estate sale. The house smelled of cat piss bad! I headed straight for the basement which luckily didn’t smell. Got a few things not much. $15

P&C combo wrenches
P&C sockets 12 point 1/2” drive
2 New Britain 8 points 1/2” drive
Cornwell 6 point combo
No. 10 Vise grips
Diamond adjustable
1/4” Hallowell flex spinner with matching sockets in the handle