2022 Garage Sale Thread

[RTM]

I once wanted a cabinet without its contents. Price jumped from $60 to $80. For $20 I trashed most of it myself.

 

[bmwrd0]

I bought a Gerstner on the last day of a three day swap, and it was priced at $45, or $25 if I took everything in it. Didn't have to think twice about that!

 

[mikeinri]

Why would you need to mark the wires? Get the caps side by side, get the coil wire out of the way, and swap them one by one; pop the old cap and replace...

OCD? I've also managed to screw it up enough times without marking them...

Mike

 

[wtn1271]

Picked up this Rheem jerry can yesterday at an estate sale out in a more rural part if the county. There were 2 cans up in the loft area of a rapidly deteriorating barn and I grabbed the better of the two. I don't know much about them nor do I have a real need for one. I guess I have been subliminally influenced by the many discussions and references posted over the last few years. Anyways, it looks to be in good condition with a small amount of diesel or similar fuel inside. The pouring spout looks fabricated/shop made rather than manufactured. Needs some clean up. Any thoughts on the blue paint stripe around the lower portion?

 

[Jacobs976]

Finished some more off, down to a crate, some overspill, and the plomb stuff now.

Pipe wrenches; Ampco 24",18", and a second 18" anti-explosion(brass) wrenches
Ridgid 18"
Proto 8"

KNY-Scheerer medical scissors
Wiss No.30 scissors
C-clamps; Craftsman, Armstrong, two unmarked aluminum (top one looks homemade but bottom looks pretty clean)
H.K. Porter #14 bolt cutters(also marked 1490M on handles)
China marked 14"cheap bolt cutters

Pliers and similar lot, was delaying these because pliers seem to always be the roughest thing to clean up but they didn't do too bad probably because of the grease.
Unmarked needle nose, Boker needle nose, Camron side cutters, Diamond slip joints, Pexto side cutters, Williams side cutters, Klein crimping pliers(like the pos/neg grips), Snap On DHP-8 door clip pliers, Craftsman slip joint, Proto adjustable, (bottom row)Eifel-Geared Plierench(made by...stamping is worn, also apparently $6.00 because it's stamped on them too), Waldes Truarc Pliers No.1, Greenlee wire stripping pliers, (top row) E.S.S.Co punch(not a circle on the punch surface, need to find a piece of scrap to see what it looks like), AMP (think they're another type of electrical pliers or something), Stewart Malleable

And the rest of the pliers, the ones I liked out the the lot. Plus first of their kind to be added to my boxes, have a set of duck bill and terminal pliers from an unposted lot waiting for evaporust treatment).
Lectrolite No.218 three position slip joints
Robinson Jet Twister
Diamond HB-28 terminal pliers
Proto 227 duck bill(might not be the right term but I remember duck at least) pliers

The holes from the punch, kinda a circle but with a little line over and under cut.

 

[humber2]

The punch is a conductors ticket punch.

In mass production the goal is to make repetitive items identical. The company that makes ticket punches has to make every one different. Hence they are pricey.

 

[four.cycle]

@Jacobs976 -
would it be possible for you to post a close-up photo of both sides of the Diamond HB28 terminal pliers? I am particularly interested to see if there are any forging marks of any sort on the handles. thank you. bk.

 

[Provincial]

Those do look Vlchek!

 

[Jacobs976]

The punch is a conductors ticket punch.

In mass production the goal is to make repetitive items identical. The company that makes ticket punches has to make every one different. Hence they are pricey.

Another curiosity in the mix then. Appreciate the info!

@Jacobs976 -
would it be possible for you to post a close-up photo of both sides of the Diamond HB28 terminal pliers? I am particularly interested to see if there are any forging marks of any sort on the handles. thank you. bk.

No problem but unfortunately there isn't anything other than the main stamping. Here's the best I could do as far as close ups, phone kept changing anything closer to portrait view and they won't upload. Checked the inside/outside of handles along with the sides and the flats.

 

[four.cycle]

^ the cross-hatch type knurling on the handles answers my question. the ones that popped up in the "Chromium Vanadium" thread lack that feature, so I think we can exclude Diamond as the OEM on those.

thanks!

 

[RTM]

The punch is a conductors ticket punch.

In mass production the goal is to make repetitive items identical. The company that makes ticket punches has to make every one different. Hence they are pricey.

Well, I don't know about every one different. When I rode transit (in Chicago?) recently, and they punched the ticket, they all used the same shape punch on that day, on the three different routes I used. I suspect they sold a few shapes (dozens, 100s?), and dispersed them across the US to the different transit agencies.

Here and following pages (looks like about 14 dozen, I didn't look for how unique each set was)

The Burnet Co. : Manufacturers, Manufacturers Agents, Dealers in and Jobbers of Supplies : Railroad, Electric, Telegraph, Telephone, Mine, Mill, Marine : Catalogue No. 1 : Burnet Co. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

658 p., illus., 22.7 cm, trade catalog

archive.org

I have an 8 or infinity symbol punch, don't recall if it has a maker's mark, as I didn't record it with the photo on acquisition day.

 

[Jacobs976]

Well, I don't know about every one different. When I rode transit (in Chicago?) recently, and they punched the ticket, they all used the same shape punch on that day, on the three different routes I used. I suspect they sold a few shapes (dozens, 100s?), and dispersed them across the US to the different transit agencies.

Probably like keys. Only so many variations are possible but they're marketed as every one/every group is unique.

Also probably prohibited from selling to individuals/companies without a contract to avoid any foul play(buying your own punch to ride free). Found out about that when I got my keys for an old watchman's clock, originally blacklisted from sell so security officers couldn't modify their papers by rewinding/fast forwarding the clock.

 

[humber2]

Burnet Co Catalog is a fantastic read, thanks for the link.

 

[Jacobs976]

Finished the Plomb lot. Might be a little while for the rest of the stuff.

Number only codes
3/8 speed handle and extensions
1/4 t handle
Body hammer
Sockets

WF- codes
7/16 angle wrench
3/8 and 1/2 Breaker bars
Sockets

Sockets up close(numbers then WF- codes) duplicates behind.

 

[gpw_42]

Picked up this Rheem jerry can yesterday at an estate sale out in a more rural part if the county.

WTN, your jerry can was probably used by the Army Air Force, based on the blue stripe around the bottom, and the AAF SPEC markings on the end of it. Cool pickup!

Jacobs976 your TAFX2A hammer (post 4566) has the early war marking, which Lugz has explained at length in other places. The hammer was issued in some armorers tool kits. Probably my favorite of your pickups from the weekend.

Outlaw, you **** for that 1944 jug!

 

[Marlin]

Picked this up at a yard sale last weekend for $4.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Jacobs976 your TAFX2A hammer (post 4566) has the early war marking, which Lugz has explained at length in other places. The hammer was issued in some armorers tool kits. Probably my favorite of your pickups from the weekend.

I missed that! Short version: Esoteric US Ordnance Dept so-called "TAXI" system stock number that was used Interwar and prewar into early WWII when govt was still scrambling to standardize on Federal Stock Numbers. Nice find @Jacobs976

 

[Jacobs976]

I missed that! Short version: Esoteric US Ordnance Dept so-called "TAXI" system stock number that was used Interwar and prewar into early WWII when govt was still scrambling to standardize on Federal Stock Numbers. Nice find @Jacobs976

Thanks, having some fun figuring out what all the random stuff is. Could only find one result for the hammer after GPW mentioned it wasn't just an off the shelf common one but it brought me to the link for a military booklet with it in there for a rifle kit.

Downside though is some of the good stuff is probably more collectable so I don't want to use it. Like the hammer and the Plomb body hammer, both are useful tools but I know both can be beat to hell in no time.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Could only find one result for the hammer after GPW mentioned it wasn't just an off the shelf common one but it brought me to the link for a military booklet with it in there for a rifle kit.

Yup. Armorer's kits. I have wrenches and screwdrivers with TAXI numbers, but have yet to run into the hammer.

 

[Jacobs976]

Yup. Armorer's kits. I have wrenches and screwdrivers with TAXI numbers, but have yet to run into the hammer.

If you're wanting to run into the hammer the easy way mine might be on the market once I get everything organized.

Trying to get everything cleaned up and in groups for now then everything I'm keeping will go in the boxes, anything of value I'm not will go into lots to hopefully sell to someone who appreciates it more or donate to the museums, and the common stuff is in buckets already to take to some mechs that burn through stuff like it's cardboard.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

If you're wanting to run into the hammer the easy way mine might be on the market once I get everything organized.

That is easy, on everything but the pocketbook usually. @gpw_42 may want it. He should get dibs, anyway.

 

[gleman]

Not the usual stuff I look for but I've been putting together a coffee station for the garage.



A KitchenAid bean grinder from the ReStore.



I did finally manage to get a steam valve for the coffee maker and I should have it up and running soon.

 

[mikeinri]

Very nice. Are you going to convert those to run off tool batteries, LOL?

Mike

 

[gleman]

Very nice. Are you going to convert those to run off tool batteries, LOL?

Mike

I'll put the coffee maker on the KillAWatt and see if it's possible.

 

[gpw_42]

Lugz I appreciate the offer on the hammer, but I’m good…

 

[oak_park]

Not tools, but kinda cool.......an Oddball Sale on a Wednesday...I didn't get there until 1pm. The guy was a Illustrator/Graphic designer and did some work for Sears. A couple of draft print ads and one TV Commercial Story Board. I don't know if they ever printed or if the commercial was on TV.

The Rewards of a Craftsman --- From Barn Find to Beauty...starring the rare RHFT Flex Head ratchet. What's interesting is they put a Gobbly gook 'text placeholder' where Sears could write what they wanted, as this guy was just the illustrator.


The Rewards of a Craftsman....Miter Saw ad...




TV Commercial Story Board.....featuring Craftsman Adjustable Wrench.....gets run over by 18 wheeler....Son and Dad come by and pick it up and it still works or is guaranteed forever.

 

[BlueBomber]

I answered a Craigslist ad showing 2 canoes for free. By the time I got a response, only the 16' fiberglas one was left, but that's the one I wanted anyway. The center yoke is busted and the cane seats need work, but the previous owner said it is watertight. He also threw in a paddle, two cushions and a Minn Kota Turbo 40 electric trolling motor!

I'm going to try fabricating the yoke and repairing the seats with materials on hand, so hopefully free will stay free (until I buy a second paddle). I already have two life jackets.

 

[gleman]

Not tools, but kinda cool.......an Oddball Sale on a Wednesday...I didn't get there until 1pm. The guy was a Illustrator/Graphic designer and did some work for Sears. A couple of draft print ads and one TV Commercial Story Board. I don't know if they ever printed or if the commercial was on TV.

The Rewards of a Craftsman --- From Barn Find to Beauty...starring the rare RHFT Flex Head ratchet. What's interesting is they put a Gobbly gook 'text placeholder' where Sears could write what they wanted, as this guy was just the illustrator.


The Rewards of a Craftsman....Miter Saw ad...




TV Commercial Story Board.....featuring Craftsman Adjustable Wrench.....gets run over by 18 wheeler....Son and Dad come by and pick it up and it still works or is guaranteed forever.

What size are the print ads? The wrench one needs a frame!

 

[oak_park]

What size are the print ads? The wrench one needs a frame!

The print ads are 15 in wide by 12 in tall. The poster board is 24 in wide by 30 tall. The people running the sale didn't have photos or them listed in the description which was a definate oversight on their end and I told them that after I paid for them. There were other craftsman and Die Hard battery ads there, but I pick the items I thought were the coolest. They are not signed or anything, so I'm not sure they are that valuable. They'll be cool conversation pieces.

 

[3baygarage]

What an interesting and unique Craftsman find.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The Rewards of a Craftsman --- From Barn Find to Beauty...

TV Commercial Story Board.....featuring Craftsman Adjustable Wrench.....gets run over by 18 wheeler....Son and Dad come by and pick it up and it still works or is guaranteed forever.

These couldn't be any more perfect for GJ (and the wrench in the road is especially perfect for this thread, where we do have 'in the middle of the road' finds every year) and maybe the coolest things I have seen all year!

 

[mikeinri]

Whoa. Can't recall the last time I saw the needle pegged on the ****-O-Meter!!!

Mike

 

[Smokeshow69]

Not tools, but kinda cool.......an Oddball Sale on a Wednesday...I didn't get there until 1pm. The guy was a Illustrator/Graphic designer and did some work for Sears. A couple of draft print ads and one TV Commercial Story Board. I don't know if they ever printed or if the commercial was on TV.

The Rewards of a Craftsman --- From Barn Find to Beauty...starring the rare RHFT Flex Head ratchet. What's interesting is they put a Gobbly gook 'text placeholder' where Sears could write what they wanted, as this guy was just the illustrator.


The Rewards of a Craftsman....Miter Saw ad...




TV Commercial Story Board.....featuring Craftsman Adjustable Wrench.....gets run over by 18 wheeler....Son and Dad come by and pick it up and it still works or is guaranteed forever.

These ads are amazing! I think you should have bought all the craftsman ones. I bet you could have turned a nice profit on them. I would guess that rhft one would sell for at least $100 or more on the bay

 

[oak_park]

Thanks All! I did go back today, am glad I did. Dug through every musty closet (90 mins) and was able to put the below together. I guess the TV spot was made, it was called Falling Tools made by a large advertising firm, Ogilvy and Mather, whom the illustrator worked for. The illustrator, Peter Solomon, worked for them 1977 to 1995, and he died in 2020. His wife just passed, hence the reason for estate sale.

I was able to get the framed award the ad won as well as a VHS copy of it (which I have yet to see and I need to find a friend with a VHS player, lol). A couple other prints too. The people running the sale couldn't have been nicer, the basically gave it to me as I told them I wanted all of it to be togather and let the Illustrator's work live on for others to see and enjoy. The VHS tape was stuck in a huge box with tons regular kid movies, but I kept digging cuz I felt it was there somewhere.

Its a cool story going from sketched concept of an Ad to a finished product.

Does anybody remember these Craftsman TV Ads with tools Falling?

 

[Old Radar]

I planned two stops today. “Antique tools” caught my eye so I went to that one first even though the other one appeared to have more inventory. Beelined it for the garage and pawed through the CM stack tucked away in the corner and blocked by a lawn mower. It was empty except for one drawer that the estate agents obviously overlooked. It was full of pliers and a few DOEs but none jumped into my bag. I was a bit miffed because nothing in the garage was anywhere near “antique”—except for one thing that did make it into my bag—more on that later.

I asked one of the agents where the advertised antique tools were and was directed to a back bedroom. Sure enough, the room was full of tools but still no antiques. There was a gentleman looking through the tools and I could tell he was looking for the same “classic USA” tools I like because he was keeping up a running commentary with himself about what he was looking at—“Oooh, a Proto, and made in LA. Nice Craftsman, but it’s later than MDF.” Out of nowhere, he turns to me and says he had come from a sale that morning out in Boerne (pronounced Burney) that was disappointing because even though they had a lot of tools, most were **** from Harbor Freight. Since that was the sale I had planned on going to next, I thanked him for saving me a 60 mile round trip!

Giving up on finding any antiques, I wandered through the house and suddenly found them in the living room. Several braces, a MF chest brace, a corner brace, a few eggbeater drills and monkey wrenches—all well over what I was prepared to pay. Oh, well, I was happy with the antique I found first off in the garage, a brass hose nozzle. With no price on it, the guy wanted $4. Four dollars!? Hey, it’s brass! Hey, it’s locked up—how about $1? He took it and couldn’t twist it open either, so he said Yeah, okay, a dollar.

Once I got it cleaned off a bit, I saw two patent dates: Oct 16, 1877 and June 2, 1885.

The Eaton, Cole & Burnham Co. New York with what appears to be GEM after the dates, although the “M” is nowhere near as clear and sharp as the GE. The first patent was granted to John Gilchrist and Alexander Anderson (196216) for an Improvement in Hose-Nozzles. DATAMP lists 15 patent awards for the second date—none of which sound plausible—but when I try to follow the links, I get a “The page isn’t redirecting properly” message. I’ve had this issue since about the time the new USPTO page rolled out. Anyone else having problems with DATAMP? Also, I can't figure how to, or if it's possible to search USPTO with just a date.

Anyway, I let Kroil penetrate while I scraped the remnants of several washer generations out of the hose end and it now twists smoothly and shoots a strong jet. The only problem is with what I would call the inlet cone on a jet engine—except the flow is reversed with a hose nozzle. When twisted to restrict the water flow to “spray” the cone leans to one side producing an unbalanced spray. Oh, well, when 135 years old I am, work as well, I will not…

 

[Snip's]

#20 -6" Master Precision Square

Picked up this $10 beauty.... Had a bit of rust that I cleaned up.... The rust etching I think adds character to the piece....
Beautiful wood box.... A few scratches but I'm leaving them alone....

Here's one without the rust... No. 20 I like mine better...

 

[Snip's]

I was able to pick up an 8" & 6" machinist level as well.... All made in USA....

 

[Snip's]

I also got the dial indicator and the magnetic base..... Doesn't look like it's ever been used...

 

[Snip's]

And the last Starrett item I picked up was a depth gauge... Haven't tried to clean up the wood box...

 

[Madjik Man]

Thanks All! I did go back today, am glad I did. Dug through every musty closet (90 mins) and was able to put the below together. I guess the TV spot was made, it was called Falling Tools made by a large advertising firm, Ogilvy and Mather, whom the illustrator worked for. The illustrator, Peter Solomon, worked for them 1977 to 1995, and he died in 2020. His wife just passed, hence the reason for estate sale.

I was able to get the framed award the ad won as well as a VHS copy of it (which I have yet to see and I need to find a friend with a VHS player, lol). A couple other prints too. The people running the sale couldn't have been nicer, the basically gave it to me as I told them I wanted all of it to be togather and let the Illustrator's work live on for others to see and enjoy. The VHS tape was stuck in a huge box with tons regular kid movies, but I kept digging cuz I felt it was there somewhere.

Its a cool story going from sketched concept of an Ad to a finished product.

Does anybody remember these Craftsman TV Ads with tools Falling?

So cool. Glad to see his legacy living on