2018 Garage Sale Thread

[Hexen]

Went to an estate sale today and ending up leaving with some nice stuff stuff.
...
Schucc German wind up beetle, that matches my Beetle very well $15

...

I love seeing when people at car shows have found a small toy/model car that matches their big car. The size difference is too big to get a good comparison photo of them both at the same time with the small one sitting on the dashboard or engine or whatever, when I try to take photos at car shows, but you holding it up at a distance worked great!

 

[Hexen]

Garage sale thread followers might want to subscribe to this thread too, started a couple weeks ago but I didn't see it until today: Look at what I got from the ReStore!

 

[BlueHeart]

Garage sale thread followers might want to subscribe to this thread too, started a couple weeks ago but I didn't see it until today: Look at what I got from the ReStore!

Glad you like it. It's been my best source of inexpensive finds. Love this thread too, but around here it seems that people are selling their junk or asking retail. I did find a couple things today at an estate sale. First one I've been to....ever.

 

[Hexen]

Glad you like it. It's been my best source of inexpensive finds. Love this thread too, but around here it seems that people are selling their junk or asking retail. I did find a couple things today at an estate sale. First one I've been to....ever.

Estate sales are usually better than garage sales, because it means they're getting rid of the good stuff too instead of just the junk, and it's less likely (but not impossible) to be unrealistically priced, since most are run by pros with no emotional attachment, hired to clear out the house quickly so that can sell (which is where the big bucks are). I've found good deals at both types, of course, just generalizing.

 

[Sunset_Z28]

It was freezing and windy as hell this morning so I only lasted about 15 minutes at the local swap meet before I said F it. I managed to get these three before I left. A Mac brake bleeder wrench, sk extension and sk wayne 3/4” wrench.


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[metal1313]

Went to Danvers,MA to pay for and have my latest Craigslist find towed home! 2006 Ford F550 6.0L Powerstroke. Has 144k miles. The flatbed is a 16 foot Knapheide. The truck and flatbed are in amazing shape with very little rust. The engine runs but it's time for head gaskets and head studs plus other 6.0L improvements. I ended up paying $2400 for the truck and then $250 for the tow.

How the hell did you find that deal?

 

[Cf mtn]

I think they're pretty darn cool, too, brother from another mother!

Sorry for the delayed reaction, but I wanted to share photos of mine when I replied. Is there anything on the back of yours? Mine appears to be a complimentary marketing gift from a welding supply company, named after the county (Essex). Based on the phonetic pre-Area Code Newark phone number and the pre-Zip Code Newark address, it dates to sometime before 1946.

i found 1 of those in a box i got a little while back. thought i'd share

 

[BlueBomber]

Complete S-K made Fulton set, and a bunch of wrenches, including some Bonney and a dual marked Plomb long combo.



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Twertsy, what is that DBE between the Proto and the Bonney?


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[duddly]

got out today and found a few things. First sale was $5 to fill a bag - uh... OK - found 2 Wilton 108 clamps and they fit in the bag. Cool boxed Irwin bit also - the box is the find here. At another sale I found the roll of bits, and the GE clamp on ampmeter/voltmeter - the case is shot and it has no leads but it will just be a display piece.

 

[duddly]

more stuff from today - bought a union tool box and it had a few miscellaneous items in it (plus a lot of vintage slotted wood screws). The odd part was the partial hex socket set. First I had never seen the smaller size hex sockets (gotta look for an original hex handle) Second, on of the small sockets has me stumped - it is cone shaped inside with grooves cut to hold - not sure exactly what this was for - hope the picture shows it well.

 

[duddly]

Glasses! I stuffed a pair of vintage Bausch and Lomb safety goggles in my $5 bag - these have enough resale (along with the clamps) to support my shopping for a weekend or two and they are in beautiful shape and have the original steel case. it reminded me that I also picked up a pair of vintage Windsor glasses in excellent shape about a month ago - these are "John Lennon" style, gold plated, and also sell for quite a bit. I don't think the case is original on these.

 

[duddly]

And lastly - ( I think this was actually a 2017 find) I have finally started cleaning up an old gear driven compressor setup that I got at an estate sale for $7. Seems to have compression when turned by hand, but the cord was crumbling and I haven't replaced it yet. I will try to get some better pics once I finish it... but just cleaning off 80+ years of grease has really gone a long way.

Edi - a "neat" feature of this little setup is that it is one a custom STEEL plate, that was drilled and tapped to fit. Between the motor and the steel base, this thing is HEAVY!

 

[3baygarage]

I might have the Pexto version of that funky socket from their radio socket set. Not sure if they were meant to be a grip all sizes type of deal or what.

 

[Hexen]

got out today and found a few things. First sale was $5 to fill a bag - uh... OK - found 2 Wilton 108 clamps and they fit in the bag. Cool boxed Irwin bit also - the box is the find here. ...

Very nice!

 

[Provincial]

I found a few items on a recent road trip.

Starting in the lower right corner, three Plomb DBE's and a War Finish combo.

Lower left: P&C. The funny shaped 1/2 is a field modified combo.

Upper left: several Craftsman sockets, a wartime Wright 3/4, and an oddball from that era.

Upper center: Vanadium 15/16 angle, Herbrand 3/4x7/8 Tappet, an import 11/32 ignition wrench.

Top right: Two combination wrenches that came with Atlas (or Craftsman) lathes. The open end fits the clamping nuts for the tailstock and steady rest. The square box end fits the original tool post, the steady rest adjustment screws, and also the carriage lock. Also a Williams 3/8 8-point wrench that fits the Atlas square head screws.

Dead center: Cee Tee pliers for $1.00 at the ReStore.

 

[Matt XYZ]

Spring finally arrived here and this was far and away the best flea market day for tools in the last few years. Only made it through about half the stands before my 4 year old had enough. She loves picking through tools but lost interest after about half an hour. She usually gets a few small freebees if she flashes a smile. As always prices weren’t that great, just the reality of Germany I guess.

Rare Snap-On finds:#1 screwdriver, ¼ driver, and 9/16” socket. Also got an 8” Cresent and a 7/8 x 13/16 DBE Barcalo-Buffalo wrench made in USA. Does anyone know anything about these?

Edit- found several GJ threads about Baralo-Buffalo. I assume it is from a WWII tool kit.

Picked up an older made in W Germany screwdriver, files, chisels and clamps, and another haul of Mercedes Benz wrenches from Matador , Heyco and Walter. PB Swiss center punches and a Stabile folding ruler, and some squares from a guy who had a ton of metal working tools. I should have picked up a few of the Gedore wrenches and Stahwille spark plug sockets but already have duplicates. Total was $45. My son also snagged the small Foosball table for $5.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Second, on of the small sockets has me stumped - it is cone shaped inside with grooves cut to hold - not sure exactly what this was for - hope the picture shows it well.

Not sure if they were meant to be a grip all sizes type of deal or what.

Those sockets were for turning thumbscrews with round knurled heads commonly found on old radios. Some of them are beveled so that they could fit on different size screws. I posted some catalog images in a prior discussion, linked here.

 

[twertsy]

Twertsy, what is that DBE between the Proto and the Bonney?


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That's an Indestro Super 733A

 

[duddly]

Those sockets were for turning thumbscrews with round knurled heads commonly found on old radios. Some of them are beveled so that they could fit on different size screws. I posted some catalog images in a prior discussion, linked here.

Thanks Lugz! Always great info to be found here. I think you also answered my question about the missing handle that would have been used with them. A spinner like shown in the husky ad is quite likely.

Edit - scratch my comment on the handle - I read the rest of the thread you linked and see there are a variety of options. One more thing to look for ...

 

[Private Lugnutz]

scratch my comment on the handle - I read the rest of the thread you linked and see there are a variety of options.

Yeah, anything with a male drive stud (spinner, ellhandle, ratchet, hinged handle) would turn them, but your instincts are spot on I think. Thumbscrews on the outside of radio and other mechanical cabinets (to open the cases) would have unfettered access; thumbscrews on internal components would almost certainly be hard to get to and obstructed. I think these things started, like typical sockets, on the ends of solitary forged spinner shanks. When they were detachable, I bet the go-to handle was still a spinner.

 

[Bobcat753]

How the hell did you find that deal?

A stainless steel tank manufacturing company had it on Craigslist. It had broken down one last time for them and they decided to dump it. The owner of the company put it on CL for $2900. I haggled a lot and finally paid the $2400 for it. I still cannot believe I bought it for that cheap and that it is sitting in my driveway

I plan to do the head gaskets, studs and put some performance stuff on it. Should make an awesome picking truck

 

[Private Lugnutz]

a 7/8 x 13/16 DBE Barcalo-Buffalo wrench made in USA. Does anyone know anything about these?

Edit- found several GJ threads about Baralo-Buffalo. I assume it is from a WWII tool kit.

It is. Late war General Mechanics Tool-Set. They are prized for their dark finish, for being one of the few brands available in an extremely rare 11/16 x 3/4 size, specified by the Ordnance Dept for WWII and not made by any major mfrgs prior to the war, and because their DOE's are also very desirable. And examples have been found in NOS packaging. Federal stock number 41-W-619-653.

This elaboration probably belongs on BB's DBE thread, but these late war Barcalo models and all Vlchek DBE's are somewhat unique among other mfgrs in that long handle category. The overwhelming majority of double offset pattern DBE's have a true offset - that is, the box ends are in the same plane as the shank, the shank is bent into offsets. Angle pattern DBE's have straight shanks with heads that are forged onto the ends of the shanks at an angle, typically 15*, sometimes 10*.

These late war Barcalo and Vlchek long angle pattern DBE's are a hybrid of the two patterns. The heads are on an angle, but the shanks are also slightly offset. Barcalos have an actual bend, like most offsets. It's very shallow, but it's a discernible bend. Vlchek shanks are curvier, gradually swooping to the box end, which effectively acts like a shallow offset.

 

[Motorman55]

Wow, I'm getting blisters on my hands just thinking about using those rusty hedge shears.

The blades are sharp. Just need to clean them up and remove the rust and make them look pretty.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Estate sales are usually better than garage sales, because it means they're getting rid of the good stuff too instead of just the junk, and it's less likely (but not impossible) to be unrealistically priced, since most are run by pros with no emotional attachment, hired to clear out the house quickly so that can sell (which is where the big bucks are). I've found good deals at both types, of course, just generalizing.

It can go both ways... Sometimes families will pick through a house before letting the estate sale company sell the rest, sometimes the family doesn't even want to bother (if they live far away)... But yeah, if you take note of how each company prices things you learn which ones to hit up first, and which not to waste your time with (or at least wait till 1/2-price day).

Garage sales are also hit or miss. Sure 90% are clothes & junk, but it's all about numbers... Go to enough, and also ask if they have any tools or whatever you are interested in, you never know. Also I've found that garage sales in the expensive neighborhoods can yield some serious scores on high dollar items for next to nothing.

 

[Matt XYZ]

It is. Late war General Mechanics Tool-Set. They are prized for their dark finish, for being one of the few brands available in an extremely rare 11/16 x 3/4 size, specified by the Ordnance Dept for WWII and not made by any major mfrgs prior to the war, and because their DOE's are also very desirable. And examples have been found in NOS packaging. Federal stock number 41-W-619-653.

These late war Barcalo and Vlchek long angle pattern DBE's are a hybrid of the two patterns. The heads are on an angle, but the shanks are also slightly offset. Barcalos have an actual bend, like most offsets. It's very shallow, but it's a discernible bend. Vlchek shanks are curvier, gradually swooping to the box end, which effectively acts like a shallow offset.

Thanks Lugnutz for the history and background. I was wondering about the offset. I really like the "industrial" finish. This one seems to be in good shape and probably hasn't seen much use since most things are obviously metric here.

 

[d42jeep]

Here are the three Barcalo Buffalo slight offsets from my GMTK.
-Don

 

[Richard Cranium]

Wow Bobcat, you got a steal on the truck.

 

[racinfarmer]

Facebook Marketplace has been pretty good to me, so when I saw this helmet pop up for cheap, I took the chance that all the decals that were on it wouldn't rip off the paint.

I have the exact same one in better shape on one side. The other side, while, I'm still here, so it did it's job...

 

[dittle fart around]

got out today and found a few things. First sale was $5 to fill a bag - uh... OK - found 2 Wilton 108 clamps and they fit in the bag. Cool boxed Irwin bit also - the box is the find here. At another sale I found the roll of bits, and the GE clamp on ampmeter/voltmeter - the case is shot and it has no leads but it will just be a display piece.

There are no leads with a clamp on ampmeter. Close the jaws around the conductor and read directly from the gauge.

 

[ryan20021982]

Picked this up this morning on Facebook, can't believe I was the first to message him

View media item 82364

 

[Richard Cranium]

Ten Bucks now that is a "YOU ****"

 

[Outlawmws]

There are no leads with a clamp on ampmeter. Close the jaws around the conductor and read directly from the gauge.

It also has to be one lead not a pair of the signal cancels. out

Picked this up this morning on Facebook, can't believe I was the first to message him

View media item 82364

Ten Bucks now that is a "YOU ****"

 

[jdbilodeau]

Not able to get out much lately but I did manage to find a few items over the course of three sales. A little Craftsman- a square, a well used hatchet, some hex wrenches a torx driver and a tape measure. A Lufikin 100 tape and a Lancer tape. Proto wrench and adjustable plus a Blue Point hammer. Plus a Mac Tools bag to carry all the goods. Last pic is another USA ball pein, a Klein screwdriver plus some Fairmount wrenches, a Husky plus a couple unmarked.

 

[duddly]

There are no leads with a clamp on ampmeter. Close the jaws around the conductor and read directly from the gauge.

It also has to be one lead not a pair of the signal cancels. out

understood. But, it also has a voltage meter function that uses leads. the posts are the two round knobs at the top of the dial on either side. My picture didn't show that much detail.

 

[jeffmoss26]

great stuff this week - you **** awarded to ryan for the mini SO box!

 

[3baygarage]

Went to the flea yesterday and another today. My two day combined haul.


A vendor had new boxes of rusty old wrenches today, which is always fun. I picked through them real well and found some interesting ones cheap. I love the vendor because he’s a nice guy, doesn’t care about tools and brands much, and is always looking to make a deal.

Ford (Mossberg) L wrench
C&D ?
another Deane
Indian Motocycle!
Eccentric Adjusting Wrench ?

Fiskars wire cutter
Drew & Co. ? rolling head bar
Craftsman neon driver, little USAG red driver

Wrenches- Xcelite 6” adjustable, Vlchek, Armstrong whitworth Packard Rolls Royce (had Snapmom in mind but looks like she has it) ,Elyria Metal Products dated 1945

Proto flexible extension,

Some decent metric:
4 Bonney metric and an SAE in surprisingly nice shape, indestro super, Thorsen, Chrom-Vanadium Germany, Blue Point USA, Snap On,

Bonney B Shield, Indestro line wrench

P&C chisel in good shape, a Duro made female ratchet with plug, K-D scraper, Park bike wrench

Proto, Mac, Milbar snap ring pliers

Buck gouge and chisel

PowrKraft 1/2” metric set
Thorsen 3/8” metric set+ extras

Williams 1-7/16 single end wrench

3 Matco impact sockets, 6 Snap Ons, Mac stubbies and punch,

Ratchets- 3/8 Fairmount -haunted me since I passed one up for $4 years back. This cost maybe a buck or two more.

3/8 Fleet, 3/8 S-K, 1/4 S-K,
1/4 Blue Point breaker bar- had to wonder how that wound up in some dollar bin of tools
1/4 Cornwell missing parts, 3/8 short no name Chrome Vanadium roto head

 

[Matt XYZ]

Here are the three Barcalo Buffalo slight offsets from my GMTK.
-Don

I'll have to keep an eye out for these from now on, maybe I will come across a few more.

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks Lugnutz for the history and background. I was wondering about the offset. I really like the "industrial" finish. This one seems to be in good shape and probably hasn't seen much use since most things are obviously metric here.

I'll have to keep an eye out for these from now on, maybe I will come across a few more.

Barcalo tools are frequently found in the U.K. In the US the most difficult one to find is the 1” x 15/16”.

We walked to the second day of a garage sale half a block away and was surprised that there was a few items to bring home. Two Lectrolite tappet wrenches, a 4” Crescent and a Craftsman screwdriver. Best of all my wife paid the entire $3.00.
-Don

 

[Hexen]

...
We walked to the second day of a garage sale half a block away and was surprised that there was a few items to bring home. Two Lectrolite tappet wrenches, a 4” Crescent and a Craftsman screwdriver. Best of all my wife paid the entire $3.00.
-Don

I'd look at it as she got 3 vacuum bags for $1 each (already a bargain), and the rest of the stuff thrown in free.

 

[timbitca]

Well, there was a very promising sale posted for Friday, 10am-5pm to continue on Saturday also. I showed up at 4pm after skipping out a little early at work. "Nothing left but chicken feed, you should have been here earlier" ...great. Apparently I missed a bonanza and even the homeowner was surprised at how many people showed up on a Friday, guess I'm not the only one who's had a case of cabin fever.

Ended up picking up a Wilton Multi-Grip for 2$, so I didn't make a 30-minute drive for nothing.

Saturday SWMBO was coaching a volleyball tournament 1.5 hours away from home so I tagged along for the ride, there's a store in that town I've hit before who sells all sorts of old tools at sometimes decent prices. Pickings were so-so this time around, but I picked up a few things for 10$

The screwdrivers are all Will made in Canada of different flavours besides the Fuller (Canada also) stubby and Tecomaster stubby (no COO).

Vlchek pliers with no makers mark but "Made in USA" on the handle.

I forgot to post it, but a couple weeks ago I picked up a mint Stihl SH86C leaf blower/vacuum with all accessories for 100$, today I also picked up an Echo GT225 that's in mint condition for another 100$.

200$ out of pocket for a combined msrp of 600$+tax is good in my books. Especially since I would have bought a new GT225 from my local dealer either way this spring.