2026 Garage Sale Thread (15th Annual)

[jeffmoss26]

You **** for the orange Craftsman!

 

[bmwrd0]

On Thursday I travelled down half the state to pick up an auction win, and stopped at a TOO sale on the way home, along with hitting up one of my favorite thrift stores

The auction win was this, someone's custom German single shot varmint rifle. I think (95% certain) it is chambered in .218 Bee, but I have my work cut out for restoring it. A rare AYDT action, it was made just before WWII I believe.

The TOO yielded a Hinsdale stamped socket and a bit brace chuck, while the Freya Stark was in the stacks at the thrift store. Dame Stark was an English explorer of the Arabian peninsula and Persia during the thirties, and later worked for British Intelligence during the war. How this English first edition from 1940 ended up here in Oregon I will never know, but this is a truly rare find, especially with the dust jacket in this good of shape.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I was third or fourth in line today, second day of a three day estate sale. Got the tool stuff for 15 and the radio book for another 2 bucks. I spotted the Samsel Supply catalog (they went out of business last year) on EstateSales.net and was pleased nobody got to it before me ignore the tray, just using it for photo purposes

 

[LesserSon]

MrsLS surprised me today with an adventure into NJ. We checked out a used goods hardware store. After a couple hours looking through mountains of tools and such, I came away with five items for $20 - the cap I’d set for what I picked up, about twice what I’d expect to pay at my favorite flea markets. The big item was a Bonney 506C S-DOE, which was a little worse for wear at one end, and I just had to smooth it up when I got home.
A left-behind the age of which I did not recognize was interesting to me for a different reason: AA states the the B-circle logo is Bonney contract production. Maybe.
But I think the simple explanation for this example is “Bridgeport Switch Co,” since that is their name on it. 1937 US patent 2196701.

 

[Patrickm82]

Looks like one hell of a “toy” store @LesserSon

 

[mikeinri]

MrsLS surprised me today with an adventure into NJ. We checked out a used goods hardware store. After a couple hours looking through mountains of tools and such, I came away with five items for $20 - the cap I’d set for what I picked up, about twice what I’d expect to pay at my favorite flea markets. The big item was a Bonney 506C S-DOE, which was a little worse for wear at one end, and I just had to smooth it up when I got home.
A left-behind the age of which I did not recognize was interesting to me for a different reason: AA states the the B-circle logo is Bonney contract production. Maybe.
But I think the simple epxlanation for this example is “Bridgeport Switch Co,” since that is their name on it. 1937 US patent 2196701.

VERY impressive impulse control, @LesserSon!

Thank goodness I don't spend as much time in NJ or PA as I used to... That place looks positively TOXIC to a guy's wallet...

Mike

 

[Outlawmws]

Col Flea, 3 YS's (one TOO) and an Estate sale:
Flea: 1/7 Deep Plvmb socket, Cub Scout book from 1943, and a camp Toaster: $6.25 all



First YS: $4:
3 cal Ammo can, Small metal compartment box, an older SK box for a 1/4" drive set, Whia Mini Driver, and a small LED light.



YS 2 $5:
6 Lectrolite (SK) DBE's a Long C Craftsman and a Thorsen Offset:



YS 3 $3
Dewalt and Step bits, and a 5/16 mag tip long bit driver:



Estate Sale, 3rd visit over 3 weeks:
Diamond matches, the strike on box were tossed in with the Sailing ship Strike anywhere. the Graphics Novel is from 1970:



I think I can get a lot of the creases out:

 

[ctuai]

Estate sale ($85 ). Kites of the Four Winds - Flurry II cellular/faceted kite (80's); Swedish hearth kettle; Griswold 9 skillet; Smithsonian Enola Gay poster (signed: Tibbets/Pilot, Van Kirk/Navigator, Ferebee/Bombardier); Kirkland - Tour Pack bicycle handlebar bag; GE FM10V21 2 speed fan; Milo Baughman Scoop tufted lounge chair; LE Smith Miniature oil lamp.

Took the kite to a local kite festival, but wind was light to gusty so didn't quite get it flying. Yah the Enola Gay, was surprised how many people were interested. I guess it caught my attention. The chair is fantastically comfortable for my 5' 6" frame. Has a light cigarette smoke smell. I'm going to get a ozone maker and give it a couple blasts of O3. We'll see if it ends up in the TV room.​

 

[bmwrd0]

On Friday, I went to the estate sale of a tractor restorer, and only found **** tools. I was very disappointed. So, when heading home I found a listing for two sales across the street from each other.

at the first of the two, I found three Toyota wrenches, and a machinists clamp, while across the street

I found this nice little cabinet

I plan on hanging it above my lathe.

After that, I headed to the local Restore

where it was apparently handle day. Proto 7/16", Xcelite Screwlock, Xcelite Orchard Park 3/16" and 1/4", P&C 3/16", Bondhus 1/8" hex, Cornwell socket spinner.

 

[Big Jimmy]

Usually I have more time to look for tools at my local Restore, but I went briefly there on Thursday so my Uncle could see if they had some cabinets. They did not have any he wanted, but I did find these tools in the short amount of time I had:

Craftsman 45378 6 3/4" slip joint pliers, orange handle
Craftsman 43326 5/8" spark plug socket, 3/8 drive - series -V-

Wrenches -
Great Neck 11/16" x 19/32" DOE wrench (Japan)
ETC Industrial 3/8" combination wrench (Japan)
Barcalo Buffalo 3/8" x 7/16" DOE wrench (USA)
Upland Forge 3/8" x 7/16" DOE wrench (USA)
Buffalo 1/2" socket end wrench (Taiwan)

Screwdrivers-
Stanley Handyman 68-386
M. Klein & Sons 602 - 4 inch

The pliers have some cosmetic issues, but they definitely made it worth the trip by themselves. I have been wanting to acquire some of the WF made Craftsman pliers (especially orange ones) but have not wanted to pay online prices for them. With these and the ones another user found in post #1471 of this thread, this must be the week to find orange handle Craftsman pliers. The total was about $10 for everything.

 

[66HertzClone]

MrsLS surprised me today with an adventure into NJ. We checked out a used goods hardware store. After a couple hours looking through mountains of tools and such, I came away with five items for $20 - the cap I’d set for what I picked up, about twice what I’d expect to pay at my favorite flea markets. The big item was a Bonney 506C S-DOE, which was a little worse for wear at one end, and I just had to smooth it up when I got home.
A left-behind the age of which I did not recognize was interesting to me for a different reason: AA states the the B-circle logo is Bonney contract production. Maybe.
But I think the simple epxlanation for this example is “Bridgeport Switch Co,” since that is their name on it. 1937 US patent 2196701.

Could you share the location of this place, I'm feeling a deep desire for a trip there?

 

[Shergar]

Looks like one hell of a “toy” store @LesserSon

That would be my house if my wife left me

 

[GaryM909]

Garage sale season pretty much just started around here. I went to one nearby and picked up a bunch of Swanstrom jewelry pliers. They are all in perfect condition. I figured they were just small needle nose and flush cutters until I got home and googled them. I couldn’t believe the retail price on them. My wife already claimed a couple pair for her craft tool box. My daughter will get a couple of them too.
There are also a couple other brands included. I paid $3 for the box of 10.

 

[Smokeshow69]

You **** for the orange Craftsman!

Ha ha, I was actually thinking during the purchase- I’m getting my Jeff moss on by buying orange high vis!

 

[LesserSon]

Could you share the location of this place, I'm feeling a deep desire for a trip there?

Get a Grip and More, Washington NJ
I would encourage anyone making a physical visit to drive around outside of town, as well - Warren Co NJ has some beautiful stone houses and barns.

 

[Shiftless]

Estate sale ($85 ). Kites of the Four Winds - Flurry II cellular/faceted kite (80's); Swedish hearth kettle; Griswold 9 skillet; Smithsonian Enola Gay poster (signed: Tibbets/Pilot, Van Kirk/Navigator, Ferebee/Bombardier); Kirkland - Tour Pack bicycle handlebar bag; GE FM10V21 2 speed fan; Milo Baughman Scoop tufted lounge chair; LE Smith Miniature oil lamp.

Took the kite to a local kite festival, but wind was light to gusty so didn't quite get it flying. Yah the Enola Gay, was surprised how many people were interested. I guess it caught my attention. The chair is fantastically comfortable for my 5' 6" frame. Has a light cigarette smoke smell. I'm going to get a ozone maker and give it a couple blasts of O3. We'll see if it ends up in the TV room.​

You may not know that your Griswold frying pan will bring close to $100 on eBay.

Selling just that one item will cover your cost of the entire haul. You ****!

BTW, nice chair! Is it marked or tagged on the underside? Might be more valuable or less valuable than you think.

 

[LesserSon]

$25 spent at Jake’s Flea Market, Bally PA. Continental Utility vixen file, unknown chain(?) pliers w pat pending, Lufkin 6’ tape rule, sandwich bag of free Japan 1/4dr sockets, Oak Leaf (ECSimmons) linemens, two Bonney wood handled Stillsons, a hole punch, Bonney DOE, Bonney thickness guage, Utica linemens, Bonney 3/4dr 8” ext, Bonney HD 1-3/8 socket, Pioneer rule, Disston specialty file(?), Ford script DOE, Mossberg extruded sparkplug socket.

The chain pliers are No1 St Pierre chain pliers mfd 1925-1928 (pat 1675978 pending).

The “file” is a No6 Disston pattern riffler, seen on p74 of the 1949 catalog. Seems to have lost the pointy ends.

 

[66HertzClone]

Get a Grip and More, Washington NJ
I would encourage anyone to drive around outside of town, as well - Warren Co NJ has some beautiful stone houses and barns.

Thank you, a short 28 minute cruise from my house to there, I will be visiting very soon.

 

[Shergar]

@GaryM909 $3 You **** for the Swanstrom’s!

 

[GaryM909]

@GaryM909 $3 You **** for the Swanstrom’s!

There were two Xcelites in the box too. I just figured they were tools that wire splicers used.

 

[3jakes]

Got this set in a yard sale "fulla junk" tool box for 20 bucks.
Thought it worth sharing.
Long C Vanadium with BC Stamp (New Britain?)
Tin sleeve slides over to hold the set in place.

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice!

BC = Vlchek, AFAIK.

Needs cross posted in the Long C thread.

 

[ctuai]

You may not know that your Griswold frying pan will bring close to $100 on eBay.

Selling just that one item will cover your cost of the entire haul. You ****!

BTW, nice chair! Is it marked or tagged on the underside? Might be more valuable or less valuable than you think.

The Griswold was super crusty when I got it, but two rounds of oven cleaner and then a couple of rounds of seasoning on the grill and it's releasing eggs.

The lounge chair is a designed by Milo Baughman in the 70's so solid MCM. Found it buried in the basement. Picked it up for $20 at the end of the sale. Good eye as it does have some value, but as my buddy used to say, "What price comfort" and it is definitely comfortable.

 

[lowbucktruck]

I have not contributed to this, my favorite GJ thread, in quite a while. Enjoy reading everyone's finds.

Well as luck would have it... today my wife was enjoying her mother's day breakfast (prepared by my daughter and I) and she decided we should go and check out a local estate sale that was clearing out a house and barn... remaining items free to first takers. I have to say, I was surprised! Okay lady, let's load up into my truck and go and see.

The gals ventured into the house, and I decided to scout out the garage and barn. Well, it's a good thing I decided we bring my pickup. I started loading up some heavy stuff (skipped right over the usual nuts and bolts, etc). I am still doing an inventory. But what the heck, you see some useful stuff, you start chucking it into your truck bed as quick as you can! Think I got my cardio today. The Atlas - Clausing lathe was the real find. What surprised me... you take a change on anything power tool that has been sitting around in someone's property that uses electricity. Maybe it works, maybe not. Checking for frayed power cords, the usual ****-shoot. That borderline antique PowerKraft portable air compressor came right to life as soon as I plugged it in! Not bad. It will definitely be useful around our place for bumping up tires on trailers and yard equipment.

Total cost: a gallon or two of gas to get there.

 

[gearhead1960]

@lowbucktruck YOU ****!

 

[Outlawmws]

@lowbucktruck YOU ****!

Yes he does!~

 

[d42jeep]

We headed up to the mountains on Monday after getting packed up over last weekend. I blew off the city wide sale other than a few drive by look sees. The only sale in the Tahoe basin was a seller that is just selling down inventory and there was nothing new that we hadn’t seen last year. My wife spent 50 cents on a toy for the granddaughter. We saw a sign for a garage sale on Saturday so stopped by. The seller brought out a few tools but they were mostly Home Depot Husky. I found a Husky USA 1/4” drive spinner, a Craftsman socket and a Mercedes DOE. The seller’s buddy suggested stopping back by on Sunday and he would bring some of his extra tools. We were shopping in town anyway so we stopped by and found these things. Quite a bit of it ended up in the Evaporust but I buffed the rust off of the paddle bits along with the size marking on the 3/4”.
-Don

 

[mikeinri]

I have not contributed to this, my favorite GJ thread, in quite a while. Enjoy reading everyone's finds.

Well as luck would have it... today my wife was enjoying her mother's day breakfast (prepared by my daughter and I) and she decided we should go and check out a local estate sale that was clearing out a house and barn... remaining items free to first takers. I have to say, I was surprised! Okay lady, let's load up into my truck and go and see.

The gals ventured into the house, and I decided to scout out the garage and barn. Well, it's a good thing I decided we bring my pickup. I started loading up some heavy stuff (skipped right over the usual nuts and bolts, etc). I am still doing an inventory. But what the heck, you see some useful stuff, you start chucking it into your truck bed as quick as you can! Think I got my cardio today. The Atlas - Clausing lathe was the real find. What surprised me... you take a change on anything power tool that has been sitting around in someone's property that uses electricity. Maybe it works, maybe not. Checking for frayed power cords, the usual ****-shoot. That borderline antique PowerKraft portable air compressor came right to life as soon as I plugged it in! Not bad. It will definitely be useful around our place for bumping up tires on trailers and yard equipment.

Total cost: a gallon or two of gas to get there.

Free is ALWAYS the best price (unless you're also getting paid to clear out the stuff)! YOU ****!!!

Mike

 

[firstyearchevelle]

MrsLS surprised me today with an adventure into NJ. We checked out a used goods hardware store. After a couple hours looking through mountains of tools and such, I came away with five items for $20 - the cap I’d set for what I picked up, about twice what I’d expect to pay at my favorite flea markets. The big item was a Bonney 506C S-DOE, which was a little worse for wear at one end, and I just had to smooth it up when I got home.
A left-behind the age of which I did not recognize was interesting to me for a different reason: AA states the the B-circle logo is Bonney contract production. Maybe.
But I think the simple epxlanation for this example is “Bridgeport Switch Co,” since that is their name on it. 1937 US patent 2196701.

Get a Grip and More, Washington NJ
I would encourage anyone making a physical visit to drive around outside of town, as well - Warren Co NJ has some beautiful stone houses and barns.

Yes, Get-a-Grip in Washington, NJ.

I go to this place often. Dan, the owner, has a real passion for all of this stuff. Every time I go in there I find something new to look at.

Hopefully you made it out of the front room, the back rooms are full of antiques as well as more tool related stuff. There is a pile of tool boxes back there somewhere.

I think he is closed on Monday and Tuesday.

 

[BuyMyGarage]

Hit a couple sales over the weekend, got this for $13. The ice chipper is needed

 

[bhamilton2401]

Vintage Vornado 3-speed fan I recently picked up at an estate sale. Marked at $70 but it was 50% off day. Cleaned it up and filed the blades down where they were hitting the case. Blows super hard and tilts too.

 

[Beerhippie]

Vintage Vornado 3-speed fan I recently picked up at an estate sale. Marked at $70 but it was 50% off day. Cleaned it up and filed the blades down where they were hitting the case. Blows super hard and tilts too.

That blows!

 

[alinc100]

One mail delivery from a friend in Indiana today. A friend of his was selling some items, so I got a small care package today:

 

[coachwash]

Haul from ES on Saturday. It was picked through pretty well by the time I got there. Still pleased with what I got. The red box was full of the drum brake tools, not a high demand. I like the vintage brake spoons. Here is the inventory of what I got.

Red Devil 1 1/2 #3040 scraper
6” diagonal cutters
Craftsman 6” 3/8 extension H
Craftsman 1/2 44809 ratchet
Proto 1383 non-marring hammer
S-K 1/2 ratchet 42470
Plvmb 3/8 speed handle WF-23
Hinsdale 1/2 speed handle H3R
Craftsman 1/2 speed handle
Craftsman 1/2 torque wrench 9-44642 WF
Lufkin 50’ tape measure HC2590
Red metal socket box
K-D 287 brake adjustment
Snap-on B34048 brake adjustment
New Britain M-105 brake adjustment
Unmarked brake adjustment
2 brake adjustment 2162 USA
K-D 285 brake tool
Cornwell BSC 161

 

[Pexto]

Not exactly a garage sale find, but I was visiting a friend and got to preview their upcoming barn sale. Not a lot of tools there, but an old handsaw and a Luxo desk lamp came home with me.


But my favorite find was this crowbar that someone made from a piece of rebar. It still has traces of concrete on it; definitely one-of-a-kind!

 

[bmwrd0]

I made the rounds of garage sales here locally on Saturday, and had no luck at most, but good luck at one

at that one, I found a nice, working, Simpson multimeter in case, and a bunch of Belzer metric combo wrenches. 6mm-17mm minus the 10mm but with an extra 7/16". And when I swung by the Restore at the end of the day, I found the six in sweep Stanley brace.

 

[Beerhippie]

I'm betting that concrete was from working with the prybar in the forms.

 

[Outlawmws]

But my favorite find was this crowbar that someone made from a piece of rebar. It still has traces of concrete on it; definitely one-of-a-kind!

Apparently that is, or was, a thing. but I could not find anything to support that it might have been factory. Not so one of a kind as you might think though!

 

[jeffmoss26]

A couple restore finds from last week. Two Snap-on items!

 

[JMP]

This weekend was super slow for sales but came across a deal late Sunday. I picked up this Craftsman 3/4 drive set including bonus air tools all for $40 plus a lot of driving.



I believe the set is complete plus a bonus very rusty Hinsdale socket