Tools to Be on the Lookout For

[Theloniousmonk]

IMO, considering the vintage of the tools and when your GP did work, I'd say the majority of them will be decent quality and somewhat collectible to the right people, baring the craptastic stamped steel junk that was floating around too... Might be easier to post some names you find, than to compile a list of manufacturers, there will always be a company or two that gets missed in the discussions. Considering what type of work he did, I'd be very interested to see the list.

 

[lowbucktruck]

A possible outlet for unwanted tools, especially specialty tools, might be a small local museum. There are lots of small museums dedicated to a specific local industry. Donated tools could be tax deductible if it is a non-profit organization.

AIRDALE has a good suggestion there. Particularly since your granddad was working on British cars; you might find a local auto museum that has an inventory of British vehicles which need to be restored or maintained. That would be a useful purpose for your granddad's specialty tools. And you could ask the auto museum to mention his name on a donation plaque.

 

[lambo13]

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions! Particularly the British tool makers.

My mom reported back yesterday after her visit and said she couldn't even get inside the barns to take pics because they were so full of "junk". I'm hoping her idea of junk is different than mine.

Grandad said I could have anything I'd like. I'll be sure to get as many stories out of him as I can.

Not sure when I'll get there but hopefully in the next few weeks. I'll bring some milk crates and a camera and report back here.

If there are duplicates or any tools I don't need I'll definitely post them to see if there is any interest.

Fingers crossed there is stuff worth keeping in decent condition!

 

[mdbeck1]

You might take a tape recorder with you so you can remeber the stories well.

 

[Elroy]

As I understand it from Elroy you only have to look for three simple letters

USA

 

[scott37300]

Grandad said I could have anything I'd like. I'll be sure to get as many stories out of him as I can.

Fingers crossed there is stuff worth keeping in decent condition!

Those stories will be the true treasures you will take with you!

And just remember that a lot of tools can be cleaned up pretty easy. I used to look at older rusty tools and think they were all just scrap metal because they weren't new and shiney. Evaporust and many other things can clean up most tools pretty good to look like new. so just because a tool is in rough shape doesn't mean it's garbage, a little work and most can be brought back to life.

 

[Darrin88]

Herbrand or None Better! Let me know if you want to unload it Have fun.... I'm jealous!

 

[lambo13]

Alright, so it looks as though this Saturday I'll be making my first of hopefully several tool-hunting trips out to my Grandpa's place.

Wanted to make sure I'm bringing everything I might need for a tool hunt in 3 barns that have basically sat as is for 15-20 years, and not used regularly since the late 70's. I'm prepared to find nothing but junk, but hope to find a few things worth keeping.

I'll wear warm work clothes (supposed to be mid 40s) and boots, bringing coveralls, gloves, a hat, and dust mask. Will have several flashlights, my camera to take pics of anything interesting, and a few tools like a socket set, screwdriver set and prybar and small sledge in case there are some things that need some "encouragement."

I'll be driving my 2005 Saab 9-2X (think '05 Subaru WRX w/ Saab badges) which is a small wagon/hatch. Seats will be folded down, tarps laid out, and will bring a few milk crates and bungies. But basically I'm looking at small hand tools, nothing huge.

Anything else I should bring that you all would recommend? I don't want to drive 2+ hours there only to regret not having brought something. And this town doesn't have anything nearby.

Will post pics either in this thread or a new one this Saturday evening if there is anything worth mentioning.

 

[BigRed390]

Man, I'm excited for you here!

I got to clean out my grandfather's tool shed, but it was years after he passed away. Enjoy the opportunity you've got to spend some time with the man. Take lots of pictures, but not just of the tools. I'd take a few shots of the barns before opening them or removing anything, etc. just so you'll have reminders of how he left everything.

Milk crates and/or buckets are good things to carry. Also, if he has these tools in boxes, you might want to take the box along with the tools. Vintage toolboxes are an addiction unto themselves. Be careful and have fun!

 

[mkdive]

Bigred390 spoke volumes right there!

Waiting for pictures. Have fun!

 

[Amitygravel]

Can't wait to see photos ! Take way more of them than you think is 'enough'. Remember , there are lots of people on the forum that are very knowledgeable so if you've got the photos they can identify what's what. Be careful and good luck!

 

[Bull]

I agree about taking pics before you even crack the barn door open. I, for one, am obsessed with old barns, sheds, and outbuildings and would love to see pics of the buildings as well as what is inside.

If you can do this without compromising gramps' privacy, then please do so!

 

[Garage_Mahal]

Take a video camera with a good mic and lots of media so you can sync his comments with what is on camera. A precious record for you and yours.

 

[Even 11]

Another couple things to look for in there would be old Vises or Anvils...especially marked USA

-Dane

 

[dirtrider]

You seem to be truly lucky, hope it works out for you. Like someone else said look for the letters USA almost all of the older tools are more sturdy than tools made today.Plomb-Proto,Williams,Bonney,Armstrong,New Britain,Craftsman,Mac,Snapon,Matco,Blackhawk,Challenger,S&k,Billings,Diamond,Klein,Channellock,knipex,Cornwell,P&C,Thorsen,Walden,Wright,Crescent,Owatonna,Mossberg, Just check out Alloy Artifacts for the complete list. I would also look for old Wilton Vises or shop equipment like presses,floor jacks, tool box's, take everything you can and remember the value that those tools have knowing who owned them before you. Those were probably your grandpas pride and joy at one time and you will be taking a piece of your grandpa with you, cherish that because many years later that may be all you physically have to remember him by.

 

[4x4gearhead]

gogo bonney!

 

[Acacia]

"There's so much junk you can't even get in there" are the most beautiful words in the English language...

Families lose some of their greatest treasures because things get mislabeled as junk.

When my grandfather passed away about 25 years ago, a lot of stuff got put in a storage unit. Eventually, some "members" of my family decided to stop paying the rent and let the storage unit company just take it and auction it, not caring about what was in there.

I called the storage company in a panic and asked how much the back rent was, and they told me they were cleaning the unit out for auction the next day. Had to drive hundreds of miles and pay $436 in back rent, but I saved boxes of tools dating back to the mid-1800s from being sold off...still freaks me out to think they were HOURS away from being lost forever...

You're VERY lucky to be in a position to rescue them now rather than later.

 

[BUGTHUG]

Take a video camera with a good mic and lots of media so you can sync his comments with what is on camera. A precious record for you and yours.

This is what I was going to say, I'm jealouse (sp), not because of the tools, but because you still have a grandpa. All of my grandpa's were gone time I was 6 years old. My mom had a picture of me on his lap just before he died, but he owned a APCO garage and junk yard in Fordland Mo, back in the early 60's.The state came thru and built a 4 lane road and took most of the land. I'm just saying with todays technology it would be a shame not to record everything about the experince. Sorry for my little history lesson, but I sometimes wonder if the kids now days appreciate that kind of stuff.

 

[lambo13]

Made a new post documenting my trip! Located here.

Didn't really find what I was looking for, but had a great time nonetheless, and as many pointed out, thankful to have my grandpa around still.