Southern California Clearance/Second Hand Stores

SouperGrover · Sep 11, 2015

I wanted to start a thread to list a few stores I have found around me that sell discount/clearance/second hand tools. I will list the ones i have come across and have personal experience with. I encourage anyone else to do the same. This list should not contain stores like Lowes, Home Depot, Harbor freight, etc. This is more for small, hole in the wall places you would never know existed unless you drove by or someone told you about them. I'll start with a few around me.

Sweet Auctions Surplus
http://sweetauctions.com/nextauction.html
21742 Marilla St.
Chatsworth, CA

This guy does estate auctions and then gets everything that doesn't sell and sells it at clearance. He has just about anything you can think of. Prices are good for used stuff ,and he will negotiate with you too. Cash only. Hours kinda stick, though. Tuesday-Saturday 9AM - 2PM.

Mr. Stuff
http://www.misterstuff.com/
19625 Parthenia St Northridge, CA

They deal with close-out, discontinued, overstock type stuff. Don't rely on their website for their inventory. Prices are good. Most of the stuff is new, but I've seen a few used power tools there as well.

More as I find them.

Cato · Sep 11, 2015

SoCal ***** for used tools - even the pawn shops. I guess because it's all suburbs.

catalytic · Sep 11, 2015

Cato said:
SoCal ***** for used tools - even the pawn shops. I guess because it's all suburbs.

You must not be looking at machine tools & woodworking equip -- Los Angeles has the best used machine market in the country that I know of. Way more stuff changing hands than the rust belt, and it tends to be in a lot better shape and more fairly priced than the New England market (where everyone that excavates an ancient broken rust bucket from their moldy basement assumes it to have 'appreciated' over time...). It's definitely worse than it was 5 years ago when the mini recession resulted in a lot of shop closures, but it still beats anywhere else.

To the O.P. -- thanks for starting this thread. I don't have any good ones to add, but I'll definitely be following along.

macgee · Sep 12, 2015

Cato said:
SoCal ***** for used tools - even the pawn shops. I guess because it's all suburbs.

I have to totally disagree, I find buying quality and rare tools for super cheap a bonanza here in So. Cal compared to most other places in the country. The only problem is that if it's a really good deal then it will sell very quickly here in LA (24 million eyeballs), you have to be the first one to go get it and fast; nothing sits for too long.

I would never go to pawn shops to find killer deals unless they're totally clueless and find the wrong price online. There usually totally clueless and try to sell things near the retail price.

You should subscribe to the "Found a deal on craigslist?" thread (Sticky) in the Hot Deal section.

I just bought a newish mill with lots of tooling for $400.

A 6 drawer Lista rolling tool chest for $100

A 20" 1200 Powermatic (working) drill press for $100

A 8" x 18" Lathe w/tooling for $150

A 1950's Walker Turner variable speed wood lathe with cast iron base for $100 w/tooling

A Walker-Turner Variable speed drill press in perfect condition.

A Delta retirement lamp for $25, in beautiful condition.

A 14" Rikon Deluxe Bandsaw for $165 that came with about 60 board ft of Port Orford Cedar.

A car load of Starrett, Proto and Browne & Sharpe in boxes, all for $350.

A Wilton 5" bullet vise for $50.

And that was only a couple of things to mention and was only in the past 5 months. I find that late Sept-early Oct is the best time to buy on craigslist for cheap.

////////////////////

I too have to thank the OP for posting those two in his post (I live close by) and will be subscribing to this thread. Cheers!

`

SouperGrover · Sep 12, 2015

macgee said:
I have to totally disagree, I find buying quality and rare tools for super cheap a bonanza here in So. Cal compared to most other places in the country. The only problem is that if it's a really good deal then it will sell very quickly here in LA (24 million eyeballs), you have to be the first one to go get it and fast; nothing sits for too long.

This is the truth. Things come up on CL all the time. BUt they go fast so you have to pay attention.

Bulldog Liquidators
http://bulldogliquidators.com/
9200 Desoto Ave Chatsworth
3233 Mission Oaks Blvd. Unit A Camarillo
They also list a store in Indiana

They are another closeout, overstock, returned merchandise liquidator. Not as big a selection of tools as Mr. Stuff, but they show up every once in a while. Lots of office furniture, patio furniture, electronics and other miscellany.

Cato · Sep 12, 2015

Well, I mean I never see any Used Tool Stores. Do you fellas know of any?

I haven't had any luck at garage sales, either.

The best I've seen are the Old Tool Swap meets.

macgee · Sep 12, 2015

Cato said:
Well, I mean I never see any Used Tool Stores. Do you fellas know of any?

I haven't had any luck at garage sales, either.

The best I've seen are the Old Tool Swap meets.

Keep checking this link, especially Fri & early Sat morning:

"Craigslist Garage Sales for Tools"

Get ready to hop in car, stay positive and you'll find some gems. Be sure to ask if there's anything more stashed away.

SouperGrover · Sep 13, 2015

Cato said:
Well, I mean I never see any Used Tool Stores. Do you fellas know of any?

I haven't had any luck at garage sales, either.

The best I've seen are the Old Tool Swap meets.

It also depends on what you're after. Most of the stuff is going to be home repair/construction/woodworking/auto repair type stuff. If you are looking for machinist tools it will be really difficult I imagine.

Warrenator · Sep 13, 2015

The Alpine Village swap meet, in Torrance area just off the 110, has a lot of tools. I've seen three Craftsman block grinders there, 25 to $35, I have bought many clamps, lathe tool bits, a fuel pressure tester, a brace (manual wood drill), etc. Mostly construction type tools, some outrageous prices, some stuff is quite reasonable. I go mostly for fun. Many of our south of the border friends there. Good times, cheap eats, open every day except monday I think, 50 cents weekdays, wednesdays are free. Weekends are a dollar to get in. I usually show up around 1 when everyone is packing up and if they have anything heavy left it can be yours for a song.

Can't think of any other tool stores that are good, I've gotten a few good scores at garage/estate sales.

SouperGrover · Sep 13, 2015

Warrenator said:
The Alpine Village swap meet, in Torrance area just off the 110, has a lot of tools. I've seen three Craftsman block grinders there, 25 to $35, I have bought many clamps, lathe tool bits, a fuel pressure tester, a brace (manual wood drill), etc. Mostly construction type tools, some outrageous prices, some stuff is quite reasonable. I go mostly for fun. Many of our south of the border friends there. Good times, cheap eats, open every day except monday I think, 50 cents weekdays, wednesdays are free. Weekends are a dollar to get in. I usually show up around 1 when everyone is packing up and if they have anything heavy left it can be yours for a song.

Can't think of any other tool stores that are good, I've gotten a few good scores at garage/estate sales.

Thanks for the add! We go to Alpine Village all the time to shop at the grocer there.

macgee · Sep 13, 2015

I have to agree about used tool stores here, it's just too expensive to run a business here in LA to afford selling tools for cheap compared to someone who wants it gone out of there storage unit or garage.

Positive side, back in the day LA had the largest concentration of aerospace engineers & manufactures in the world for many decades and a lot of their tooling is still here. Sadly, no more aerospace really exist here anymore and many of those engineers located locally are passing away.

A lot of those tools can still be found. The really cool thing is the people who designed and built spaceships and airplanes have really cool garage shops. So even if you are not looking for a lathe or mill, there's really cool shop furniture, lighting, tools and storage. They usually have everything you need to build a house as well.

I'm constantly amazed what's available locally. I'm actually heading right now to a guys house to buy something and he wants to show me the steam engine he milled from scratch.

Craigslist is usually the best way to go here, also looking on eBay and sort search by closest distance. A lot of things don't sell because the shipping is too expensive but local pick-up is almost always free.

SouperGrover · Sep 13, 2015

macgee said:
I have to agree about used tool stores here, it's just too expensive to run a business here in LA to afford selling tools for cheap compared to someone who wants it gone out of there storage unit or garage.

Yeah, I agree. The point of this thread wasn't really tools only stores. More like "hey, this place happens to have tools and you'd pay less for them than at the big box store".

macgee · Sep 13, 2015

This place has some deals but it's very unique and super cool to check out; it could help you find all kinds of things for your projects. A lot of film studios would go here to get parts to make props for movies like Mad Max. It's located in Sun Valley (in SF Valley):

http://www.apexelectronic.com

To get an idea of what they have, check out what they're selling on eBay:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/apexsurplus/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_ipg=&_from=

macgee · Oct 24, 2015

ESTATE SALE HALF OFF SUNDAY (Diamond Bar)

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/tls/5283365073.html

"ESTATE SALE - LAST DAY 1/2 OFF (Diamond Bar)

SUNDAY OCT 25
9 A.M. TO 3 P.M.

ADDRESS: 567 GOLDEN PRADOS - DIAMOND BAR

DIRECTIONS; FROM 60 FWY - SOUTH ON GRAND - LEFT ON GOLDEN SPRINGS - LEFT ON GOLDEN PRADOS - ON LEFT 1/4 MI.

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS, UPSCALE FURNITURE, DESKS, BEDS, MIRRORS, LAMPS, PICTURES, LOTS OF KITCHEN WARE, GLASSWARE, TABLES & CHAIRS, SECTIONAL COUCHES, LINENS, JEWELRY. COLLECTIBLES AND MUCH MORE. EVERYTHING MUST BE OUT BY FIRST OF MONTH.

SEE PICTURES HERE:
http://s1186.photobucket.com/user/flyerjb/library/estatesale"

Plombob · Oct 31, 2015

Cato said:
Well, I mean I never see any Used Tool Stores. Do you fellas know of any?

I haven't had any luck at garage sales, either.

The best I've seen are the Old Tool Swap meets.

This is a great thread!

All of the old tool stores I knew of years ago are gone. Most were owned by older guys who have passed on. If I had been prescient, I'd have filled my garage with surplus tools from those shops. I haven't found any tool stores like those.

Here's a store that has all kinds of odds and ends, but no tools:
http://lukyshardware.com/

Here's a place that has all kinds of junk. Someone on GJ found a Plomb rollaway there last year: http://www.thrift-store.com/thriftstorefriends/relicitems.html

Been there a few times, but haven't found anything to take home.

macgee · Nov 1, 2015

Plombob said:
This is a great thread!

All of the old tool stores I knew of years ago are gone. Most were owned by older guys who have passed on. If I had been prescient, I'd have filled my garage with surplus tools from those shops. I haven't found any tool stores like those.

Here's a store that has all kinds of odds and ends, but no tools:
http://lukyshardware.com/

Here's a place that has all kinds of junk. Someone on GJ found a Plomb rollaway there last year: http://www.thrift-store.com/thriftstorefriends/relicitems.html

Been there a few times, but haven't found anything to take home.

I can't believe i didn't list Luky's in Burbank along with Apex. It use to be called Joe Factor till the owner passed away and his girlfriend took it over although it's never been the same.
It's definitely worth checking out along with Apex but the most important thing you need to do is give yourself time to search around both places and if there's an earthquake: RUN! Be sure to have a list of the impossible parts you've been needing and looking for.

Like Plombob said, they don't sell tools but they have every cool imaginable thing for your projects or improving your shop.

These places are for building projects in your shop. Special effect guys at movie studios use these places to help make props and cool gizmo's. When you go there don't act like your one of the FX guys as they will charge you movie studio prices.

Sun Valley area has lots of defunct thrift stores, I haven't really gone in them myself but I bet there could be some jewels hiding in them.

The thrift store that Plombob listed is very close to Apex.

Also in Sun Valley and if your handy with light electrical work. This company parts out CNC machines and they sell really nice adjustable shop task lamps that are usually attached to cnc machines. They're perfect for your mill, large band saw or lathe....etc; just add a low voltage transformer to them:

http://www.arpimachinesales.com

Arpi machines doesn't really allow you to look around there building but they have an eBay site listing everything they sell, scroll down the page and if you find something interesting give them a call and shoot them an offer and go pick it up. These normally sell for hundreds.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/m.html?_odkw=&_ssn=arpimachinesales&hash=item25a1094026&item=161615527974&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2046732.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.Xlamp.TRS0&_nkw=lamp&_sacat=0

Ed ke6bnl · Nov 1, 2015

I purchased a lot of stuff at Luckys was even better at the old store when the old man owned it.

macgee · Nov 1, 2015

Cato said:
Well, I mean I never see any Used Tool Stores. Do you fellas know of any?

I haven't had any luck at garage sales, either.

The best I've seen are the Old Tool Swap meets.

There is a place in SF Valley called M&M Tools, they sold lots of used tools and were located next to Van Nuys airport but I think they moved to Northridge.

There prices can be high but I have bought a couple of things from them that i use regularly but they also had lots of junk tools. The owner was nice to me.

Another place to look out for is in Fontana, they're an auction house and they just finished a really nice auction of wood working machinery. I wish I was there for it but have no idea what the final prices were. http://www.tlcauctions.com

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/fud/5278505092.html

In Buena Park right next Knots Berry farm there is an antique store that also sells tools and vises, The mom is the boss and it's not a huge selection of tools but the son and dad like tools so there's usually a choice to choose from.

I bought a C0 Wilton vise last spring from them for $80. Might be worth checking out if your in the area. It's called:

RJ's Treasure Barn.
7485 La Palma Ave, Buena Park, CA 90620

Plombob · Nov 2, 2015

I forgot about M&M. Here's the address: 18275 Parthenia St. Northridge, CA 91325 and their site: http://mandmtoolsales.com/ They're not cheap, but they have a lot of tools and loose sockets.

There's another place on Laurel Canyon just north of Sherman Way. Very much like Apex, but no electronics. Wear hard shoes and a bump cap.

Plombob · Nov 2, 2015

Herb Epple is a place for machinery http://www.herbeppleent.com/

I went there once a long time ago. Prices were good IIRC.

There was a place called Nick's New and Used towards the OC that had amazing stuff. Nick told me he'd let people dump old equipment at his place for free and he'd sell it. I bought a Superrench cheap from him. Not sure if he's still around, but would like to take a trip out there if he is. He had some really old machinery.

macgee · Nov 2, 2015

Plombob said:
There's another place on Laurel Canyon just north of Sherman Way. Very much like Apex, but no electronics. Wear hard shoes and a bump cap.

Thanks Plombob,

Do you remember the name of the place above on Laurel Canyon?

8comm13 · Nov 2, 2015

Ed ke6bnl said:
I purchased a lot of stuff at Luckys was even better at the old store when the old man owned it.

Was their old store still on Burbank Bl but east of Hollywood Way?

Jawn · Nov 3, 2015

Not a store, but I was out in San Diego recently and went to Kobey's swap meet on Sports Arena... found a few good deals on small items to stick in my checked bag on the way back. :beer:

Plombob · Nov 4, 2015

macgee said:
Thanks Plombob,

Do you remember the name of the place above on Laurel Canyon?

Norton Sales 7429 Laurel Canyon

That Lista was a real find! Too bad I didn't get it. :sad:

Brians VWss · Nov 4, 2015

In the inland empire there is Just stuff in Yuciapa. Mainly a thrift store but the guy buys estate sales and storage auctions. I have found some great finds here
Next is hwy 74 discount store in Hemet. This guy has a lot of random stuff. I think he also buys storage auctions. Just down the street in Homeland is another store. I forgot the name. This guy has a lot of hardware store buy out items. I found 8 9/16 grade 8 bolts nuts and 16 washers for the hitch on the motorhome for 8.00
In National city or Chula vista in San diego county there is K surplus. I have not been there but my dad goes all the time for hardware. They also have random stuff

macgee · Nov 4, 2015

Plombob said:
Norton Sales 7429 Laurel Canyon

That Lista was a real find! Too bad I didn't get it.

Thank You plombob, that place is near a friend of mine I visit often and will check it out the next time I'm in the neighborhood. Thank You!

That Lista was very rare and most likely was a custom order, I've never seen one with 27 drawers. That would make the ultimate fastener cabinet (Don't stand near it during a earthquake). The red bins alone cost several hundred, just for the bins.

I hope someone on GJ scored it.

Twisted Sid · Nov 4, 2015

http://gandjaircraft.com/
Lots of cool stuff floating around this place in Ontario.

Vinko · Nov 5, 2015

I'm always on the look out for material handling stuff -- pallet racking, shelving, ladders, that kind of thing. There's a couple of sellers on eBay who have warehouses of used stuff in the Greater LA area. I'll dig up their names.

I'm also looking for a good pallet scale and a really good drill press.

Plombob · Nov 5, 2015

macgee said:
Thank You plombob, that place is near a friend of mine I visit often and will check it out the next time I'm in the neighborhood. Thank You!

That's close to where we keep the race cars. I'm often there on weekends. PM me if you are in the area.

Plombob · Nov 5, 2015

I just remembered another place - Cal Aero 13840 Paramount Bl, Paramount. It's a big store, like a combination of Luky's and surplus and some tools. I bought a Proto torque wrench from them years ago.

macgee · Nov 5, 2015

Plombob said:
I just remembered another place - Cal Aero 13840 Paramount Bl, Paramount. It's a big store, like a combination of Luky's and surplus and some tools. I bought a Proto torque wrench from them years ago.

Your killing me, now you have me driving all over LA which is one of my goals in life is to avoid but I will also contribute adding miles to you car.

Two spots:

One is C & H Surplus in Duarte. It's similar to Apex and Luky's but a little more polished but the problem is that they have an ebay site so they don't really need you so prices are not so great but lots of interesting stuff. They did recently have a lot of scientific machinist tooling that was selling really cheap for how good the quality was. They also have a selection of high quality fasteners. They use to be in Pasadena.

http://www.candhsurplus.com

The second is "All Electronics" in Van Nuys.

14928 Oxnard St
Van Nuys, CA 91411

http://www.allelectronics.com

macgee · Nov 5, 2015

Another quirky and not so known places to score stuff is the W6TRW Amateur Radio Club Swap Meet. It's located at Northrop Grumman on Aviation blvd & Space Park Dr.

The swap meet is on the LAST SATURDAY of the month, 7:00 AM to 11:30 AM

It's more than just ham radios, all kinds of things are being sold there and prices are good.

http://w6trw.com/index.php/w6trw-amateur-radio-club-swap-meet/

Plombob · Nov 5, 2015

macgee said:
Your killing me, now you have me driving all over LA which is one of my goals in life is to avoid but I will also contribute adding miles to you car.

Two spots:

One is C & H Surplus in Duarte. It's similar to Apex and Luky's but a little more polished but the problem is that they have an ebay site so they don't really need you so prices are not so great but lots of interesting stuff. They did recently have a lot of scientific machinist tooling that was selling really cheap for how good the quality was. They also have a selection of high quality fasteners. They use to be in Pasadena.

The second is "All Electronics" in Van Nuys.

Heh, heh... I may have to think of a couple more so you :3gears:

C & H Surplus really downsized in their new location. If you want to build a "Back to the Future" set, this is the place to go.

All Electronics is a great place if you need electronics.

A few blocks east of All Electronics on Oxnard is PL Tools. Peter buys up odd lots and show specials. He sells them at good prices. You will find a lot of chicom tools, but also US. Peter is an old Brit and a cool guy.

Plombob · Nov 5, 2015

Brians VWss said:
In the inland empire there is Just stuff in Yuciapa. Mainly a thrift store but the guy buys estate sales and storage auctions. I have found some great finds here
Next is hwy 74 discount store in Hemet. This guy has a lot of random stuff. I think he also buys storage auctions. Just down the street in Homeland is another store. I forgot the name. This guy has a lot of hardware store buy out items. I found 8 9/16 grade 8 bolts nuts and 16 washers for the hitch on the motorhome for 8.00
In National city or Chula vista in San diego county there is K surplus. I have not been there but my dad goes all the time for hardware. They also have random stuff

There's a store in Homeland that is on a corner. They sell a lot of appliances, used goods new stuff ("swap meet" new) and have some used tools and misc electrical etc. Don't know the name, but the place is pretty junky looking. I found a Plomb stubby and some electrical parts.

Plombob · Nov 5, 2015

Twisted Sid said:
http://gandjaircraft.com/
Lots of cool stuff floating around this place in Ontario.

Hey Sid - What do they have aside from fittings and hoses? The website doesn't show anything,

Twisted Sid · Nov 6, 2015

No tools really but, they have all sorts of hardware and misc. odds and ends mainly from aircraft. They also make hydraulic hoses and brake lines on the spot. Its not a big place but its pretty easy to go in and kill an hour just walking the isles looking around.

macgee · Nov 6, 2015

Not sure if I should keep posting these here but it's a cheap, desirable items/tools in So. Cal.

I will also post it in the craigslist section.

Powermatic model 90 12" Variable speed lathe - $200 (Alta Loma)

These are really nice wood lathes and if the varaible speed is working well, the bearings are good and the tail stock works correctly then this is a great deal for someone in LA for $200. It won't last long like the Lista above. The guys phone number is listed in ad.

"You'll need to clean, assemble, add a few bolts, handwheel and handles, but for the most part, the lathe is complete, but cruddy. Comes with a 1 hp motor, starter, face plate and tool rest. "

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/tls/5303285702.html

SouperGrover · Nov 6, 2015

macgee said:
Not sure if I should keep posting these here but it's a cheap, desirable items/tools in So. Cal.

macgee
First off, thank you so much for continuing to participate in the thread. Thanks to everyone else, too.

I started the thread to be a list of Brick and Mortar stores we could go check out if we needed something. I'd like to refrain from listing the great things you find on CL because those things will be gone fairly quickly. I'd like the thread to be more of a Rolodex of places as opposed to a weekly flyer, know what i mean?

Seriously though. Thanks for all the stores you've listed. I've written down quite a few to go check out

macgee · Nov 6, 2015

SouperGrover said:
macgee
First off, thank you so much for continuing to participate in the thread. Thanks to everyone else, too.

I started the thread to be a list of Brick and Mortar stores we could go check out if we needed something. I'd like to refrain from listing the great things you find on CL because those things will be gone fairly quickly. I'd like the thread to be more of a Rolodex of places as opposed to a weekly flyer, know what i mean?

Seriously though. Thanks for all the stores you've listed. I've written down quite a few to go check out

Good point and agree. We almost need a dedicated So. Cal Craigslist thread. After doing a lot of treasure hunting in the US, I'm finding that So.Cal is a real goldmine for really nice tools selling at lower prices than most places in the US. It would be nice if these items were going to local GJ members, these items go so quickly because of the sheer amount of people who live in this condensed area, we need all the help we can get.

While the main Craigslist deal section in the Hot section is excellent, it also seems that the So Cal market is big enough (22.68 million, same amount as Australia) for it's own thread and that info would be going to someone who is local and not bothering or getting someone all excited who lives in Wichita or Portland.

I agree it's good to just have a thread about locations where tools and other related shop items can be found for good prices. It's very useful

Brians VWss · Nov 9, 2015

There's another place located in Hemet called discount Emporium stop by there today and at this

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