I recently picked up a Charles Parker No. 974 1/2 from a local swap meet for $50. It had a good deal of surface rust and the swivel base was partially stuck but it had no cracks, the jaws were in good shape and showed no signs of excessive abuse. I took it apart. Cleaned it up with a wire wheel...
One thing I have found that makes a big improvement with rust oleum spray cans is using this cap adaptor and spray can caps.
https://shop.bombingscience.com/wingcap-5-ny-fats.html
more caps can be bought very inexpensively here.
https://shop.bombingscience.com/ny-fats.html
Buy yourself a...
I own a Toyota MR2 Spyder and when it came time to drain and fill the coolant I could not for the life of me get the air to burp out of the cooling system using a lisle spill free funnel. Tried jacking both front and rear of the car up as well as using the cars two bleeder valves and it would...
Keep using them. If you break something it will be easy enough to replace. Between ebay, flea markets, garage sales and car parts swap meets I have filled out my socket and wrench sets, even the oddball sizes with older usa made craftsman tools. Most times you can find a bucket full of wrenches...
I’ll third that. I also bought one to diagnose an evap leak on one of my vehicles. Cant go wrong for the price in comparison to higher end units and it has served me well the 2-3 times I have needed it.