restoring old tools.... question

[BuddyC01]

Hi all,
I've got a question about buying & selling old tools. What is the general rule on fixing up and cleaning up old tools? My feeling is that most old tools should be cleaned up and be (look) ready to use, if they are able. I know that with other old items that can impact the value. Just last week I bought two hands full of asjustable wrenchs that were covered in rust but cleaned up nicely and revealed some interesting finds. Other old tools just have an even layer of back but, to me look better when cleaned up.
The adjustable wrenches were probably just good for scraping before cleaning. Other tools just look old but are otherwise useable. So what do tool guys want? Nice cleaned up tools or old tools with a "vintage patina"?

Thanks
Buddy

BTW... I just picked up a small Herbrand tool box (small hip top with wood grain metal) with a bunch of greasy S-K sockets. Kind of a mixed bag of tools really but I'll know more later.

 

[Hammer1963]

I personally like my tools clean. I've never understood the leave tools dirty when you're done with them thing. As long as it does not drastically disturb the name and marking ID of the tools, I say clean them up so they can be used.

 

[Packard V8]

So what do tool guys want? Nice cleaned up tools or old tools with a "vintage patina"?

Sort of like, "How high is up?" In eastern and costal areas where rust comes quickly and stays long, vintage tools can get so rusty when cleaned enough to use, much of the manufacturers markings are also removed. A wire wheel can really do irreparable damage.

If the tool is really a collectable, the safest way is just to wipe it down enough for a good photo and let the buyer decide if and how he wants to proceed with restoration.

jack vines

 

[OSAO]

A wire wheel can really do irreparable damage.

Unless the tool is really rusted and / or you plan on keeping the tool for actual use, avoid the wire wheel. A good wipe down with WD-40, or even a blast from the pressure washer is about all I use to clean up old tools.

 

[leg17]

If the tool is really a collectable, the safest way is just to wipe it down enough for a good photo and let the buyer decide if and how he wants to proceed with restoration.

jack vines

What he said.

 

[justanengineer]

If you can find it on more than one or two internet sites, its not likely to be really rare. Clean it up by any means necessary and get it working, as its a working tool. If you cant find anything on it other than maybe a patent search, oil and scotchbrite only, then resell. If you plan to keep it, its your preference, so who cares?

 

[JSBriggs]

The patina (haze) that builds up on chrome leads to pitting, so I clean it. I use 00 (double ought) steel wool to shine things up. It polishes the chrome without scratching. If it has scaley rust, Ill knock it down with a wire brush.

-Jeff

 

[BuddyC01]

Thanks for the replies. One follow up.... I switched to a soft brass wire wheel a while back. It doesn't seem to mark up or wear like my other wire wheel did and does a nice job. Any comments?

Thanks
Buddy

 

[flyingblind]

Thanks for the replies. One follow up.... I switched to a soft brass wire wheel a while back. It doesn't seem to mark up or wear like my other wire wheel did and does a nice job. Any comments?

Thanks
Buddy

I regularly use a brass wire brush to clean chrome and some unpolished plastic. Works Great.

 

[Borrego]

It has been discussed here before - be careful of what you wire wheel when cleaning. Some vintage tools were plated with cadmium and you definitely do not want that stuff airborne and breatheable.

 

[ajchien]

Ive got a followup question: Would a collector/used buyer prefer an owners mark or a grind mark getting rid of an owners mark?

 

[Outlawmws]

Grind marks are never good.

 

[snapmom]

Owner marks on very old tools are common, and have only a small impact on value. They are part of the history and patina of the tool.

 

[AlD]

Hi--I've been buying and selling this stuff for many years, and the best thing I found is very simple--WD-40 and a fine steel wool. Do not use a wire wheel or a sandblaster, as you will ruin the tool! It doesn't have to be restored to its original pristine glory--it's old, after all. Hope this helps!
Al