On tools and hoarding - sorted my Craftsman Out

ssdave · Jul 10, 2016

1000's of Craftsman Sockets: On tools and hoarding - sorted my Craftsman Out

Changed the focus of this thread somewhat, at about page 3: Experimenting with the salability of Craftsman USA sockets with an ad in the classifieds.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=341873

I've said before that I'm on the way back from the brink of being a hoarder. Today was a rainy day, so went through the Craftsman sockets that I've replaced with other tools.

When I was done, I had about 100 to 150 loose sockets left over, and 52 sets. A set being a series of 3/8, or 1/4 or 1/2 inch drive, regular or deep, metric or SAE, 6 point or 12 point. Probably more than a person really needs to get meaningful work done, particularly if they're extras that aren't used! On top of the loose sets, I also have a complete mechanics set, with full tools in all 3 drives, regular and deep, 6 and 12 point, sae and metric, with all ratchets, extensions, and combination wrenches and misc stuff too. Again, superfluous to my needs as I have replaced them with other stuff.

Now, to get rid of them all and use the funds to buy the one missing thing I can use for my truck box: a 1/4" drive deep well socket set in Snap-on. I have the full set of 1/4 for my main tools, but using a Craftsman one in my portable box. That has been my strategy so far; sort out and sell the duplicates, and buy the expensive pieces that I've been too cheap to buy that I can really use.

Anybody that's a craftsman lover and Snap-on hater have a 1/4" deep well socket set in good shape and no engravings for sale? I'd trade 10:1 for craftsman pieces, have quite a wide assortment!

tarbellb · Jul 10, 2016

Sounds extensive to say the least!

Pictures please!!

davethorik · Jul 10, 2016

I've flat out had to start telling myself no to buying single sockets. I only buy them if they are weird or unusual, even then under scrutiny. I try to buy sets, and only nice sets. Same goes for wrenches.

mikebaker1129 · Jul 10, 2016

You are not alone !
I too have had to start telling myself no and that I need to sell some stuff.

TK-421 · Jul 10, 2016

That's why I'm trying to scrimp and save, so I can buy the good stuff from the start. Fortunately I'll get an easy way out, as I'll be able to buy tools through student programs come spring, which should make them like 50% of list price.

MattVette89 · Jul 10, 2016

I agree with having one nice set vs a bunch of decent sets.

Ebay would be your best bet to sell a lot that large all at once. You could try CL first, but not sure how much luck you'd have.

gdocktor3 · Jul 10, 2016

You had 52 sets lol?! Holy Cow! I did that a few months ago with half of what you have and my back and shoulders were killing me by the time I was finished. Sorting that many sockets is literally painstaking.

Jim C. · Jul 10, 2016

Have any Craftsman Whitworth sockets in that collection? If you do, and you're thinking about selling them, send me a PM. Maybe we can work out a deal.

Jim C.

Al Borland · Jul 10, 2016

It would be a REALLY cool picture with all 52 sets laid out next to all the loose sockets...
PEER PRESSURE!!! PEER PRESSURE!!!

B_Bimmer · Jul 10, 2016

Al Borland said:
It would be a REALLY cool picture with all 52 sets laid out next to all the loose sockets...
PEER PRESSURE!!! PEER PRESSURE!!!

Yeah, that would be cool... I could show it to my wife when she says something that shows up in the mail looks like something I already have.

Cruzan80 · Jul 11, 2016

If you have any =V= sockets, I may be interested in filling out some holes in my set. Also looking for a BE 5/8 swivel to complete that set.

List them up in the classifieds, and I am sure you will have some bites.

BDT/NWMN · Jul 11, 2016

ssdave said:
You'd think I'd be done with buying sockets, but saw a Proto I didn't have, and just bought it on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-5796-large-1-2-drive-3-inch-12-point-socket-tool-/322183108237?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=K8723VgruvvhO4KsP6tUSJrD1X8%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

It will take about 30 or 40 craftsman sockets in sets to pay for it, but what the heck, I've got plenty to sell!

Dave: before posting that picture; I was beginning to think that You were sort of normal... Now I am thinking that You may be more in My corner of the field :lol:

2oolhound · Jul 11, 2016

ssdave said:
When I was done, I had about 100 to 150 loose sockets left over, and 52 sets. On top of the loose sets, I also have a complete mechanics set, with full tools in all 3 drives, regular and deep, 6 and 12 point, sae and metric, with all ratchets, extensions, and combination wrenches and misc stuff too.

I'd have to agree Dave, you seem like you must have been on the verge of becoming a hoarder and at least I know I'm not a hoarder now either. There's definitely no need for me to feel guilty about buying more tools that's for sure.

Good luck in finding that 1/4" set.

Al Borland · Jul 11, 2016

Game Plan:
1. I get you to post a picture of all those sockets together.
2, Get everyone to comment about how this is a normal tool set.
3. Let the wife see this.
4. Hope she falls for it.
5. BUY MORE TOOLS!!!!

woody 73 · Jul 11, 2016

Sigh...I am a hoarder darn.

I have a super cool vintage set of sockets that I should put on the classified section on the GJ, ssdave you are not alone!

LXCam · Jul 11, 2016

Who's that crazy guy here that is a complete nut about all things craftsman. I bet he'd trade you a kidney for all those sets Dave and then you could turn around and black market the kidney for a entire collection of SO stuff.

Shiftless · Jul 11, 2016

"You'd think I'd be done with buying sockets, but saw a Proto I didn't have, and just bought it on ebay"

Dave:
Pretty funny that the seller thought he had a half inch drive 3 inch socket!
Do you have a Proto 1 and 9/16 3/4 inch drive socket in your collection?
I certainly don't need it and would be happy to send it to you.

(does that put me into the category of enabler?)

Empty Pockets · Jul 12, 2016

Al Borland said:
Game Plan:
1. I get you to post a picture of all those sockets together.
2, Get everyone to comment about how this is a normal tool set.
3. Let the wife see this.
4. Hope she falls for it.
5. BUY MORE TOOLS!!!!

Sounds like a good plan.... My wife wont buy it, but she'll see that my tool collection is NORMAL.

I have sockets in small boxes, drawers, blow molded cases, and likely a few other places I have forgotten about

theoldwizard1 · Jul 12, 2016

Doing the same, but I have only a couple of dozen "spares" !

I am grouping them together in small (<10) lots and selling them on eBay. You won't make much if it is a "mixed" or incomplete set.

1950mercury · Jul 12, 2016

Sell them on eBay. 99 cents no reserve. You will be surprised how much you get. Sell them in sets of 1/4,3/8 and half and put USA in the title

egnorant · Jul 12, 2016

I am truly and officially afraid to count my socket sets but I doubt I am even near 52 sets.
Might get close if I include Taiwan and China stuff in the mix.

Are you so far gone that you have sets of V and -V= and GG and laser etched as different sets? Resist at all costs! It is hard having a GG 1/2 6 point deep 3/8th drive socket in your second set of V blow molded boxes.

Bruce

B_Bimmer · Jul 12, 2016

Someday I might have to do that... or I could just not, honestly local auction would be easiest and after considering the time it would take probably have a remarkably similar bottom line. I certainly respect your commitment, it sounds kinda fun but completely exhausting.

When you talk about stepped down 3/8" drive sockets do you mean the ones that are half full polish/half satin chrome or something else?

gdpolk · Jul 12, 2016

Sell the spares to fund tools you actually need. Maybe consider posting some to the free socket trade thread in the "hot deals" section.

garthg · Jul 12, 2016

ssdave said:
You'd think I'd be done with buying sockets, but saw a Proto I didn't have, and just bought it on ebay:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Proto-5796-large-1-2-drive-3-inch-12-point-socket-tool-/322183108237?_trksid=p2047675.l2557&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&nma=true&si=K8723VgruvvhO4KsP6tUSJrD1X8%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

It will take about 30 or 40 craftsman sockets in sets to pay for it, but what the heck, I've got plenty to sell!

I can't remember when I last needed a 3" socket. That's one big nut. :lol_hitti

stage20 · Jul 12, 2016

my hoarding has gotten so bad i have seperate big craftsman carry boxes full of each.
impact sockets
snap on/mac/matco/cornwell
craftsman
and a box for all other usa brands. mostly sk proto indestro thorsen husky, several others

i bet ive got 1000+ sockets. recently went through my craftsman and really didnt even try and made 2 full sets of each, all 6pt. i had a pile left on the workbench to probably make a couple complete sets of 12pt and said f it and tossed them back in the box. lol

wmm2 · Jul 14, 2016

Al Borland said:
Game Plan:
1. I get you to post a picture of all those sockets together.
2, Get everyone to comment about how this is a normal tool set.
3. Let the wife see this.
4. Hope she falls for it.
5. BUY MORE TOOLS!!!!

Item 1 has been taken care of. See posts 12 & 14

This is normal

TK-421 · Jul 14, 2016

To anybody who says they have too many sockets, send me whatever you don't want, I will be more than happy to take your spares with which I will plan to start my own normal sized collection. :rocker:

BDT/NWMN · Jul 14, 2016

TK-421 said:
To anybody who says they have too many sockets, send me whatever you don't want, I will be more than happy to take your spares with which I will plan to start my own normal sized collection.

Would that be a Texas sized normal collection?

TK-421 · Jul 14, 2016

BDT/NWMN said:
Would that be a Texas sized normal collection?

Depends on whether or not I can get my hands on Texas sized sockets.

Spdfreak91 · Jul 14, 2016

What about a socket trade section ?, I know i have a bunch to trade all brand new leftoever from sets.

lilcraigford · Oct 13, 2016

Are any of those sockets on the older side? *points to signature*

Squddle · Oct 13, 2016

Looking for U.S.A. made, 1/4" drive deep 6-point, also could use a complete set of 3/8" drive to use in my vehicle with ratchet? How much you looking to get?

stage20 · Oct 13, 2016

i forgot about this thread, but ill try to be brief.
i filled up a complete blow molded kit for a buddy of mine that had a 3 drawer plastic box. 1/4 3/8 and 1/2

full set 1/4-1/2 standard and deep sae and metric on craigslist
then i sold a deep standard and metric set to a friend. then he had a friend that wanted another set. deep....standard and metric.

made another metric set to sell on craigslist.

still have a full box of craftsman sockets. i dont know if i can do deep wells, but ive got a ton of 1/4 inch stuff and 3/8 shallow.

my hoarding was getting out of control. i still have boxes full and ive sold a ton. i dont know why they arent half empty by now

maxcarp709 · Oct 14, 2016

Maybe we should start a chapter of Socket- holics Anonymous!

metaldad · Oct 14, 2016

they're like bunnies and keep reproducing in the night

Gmonkee · Oct 14, 2016

CM sockets= welding stock.

I wanted to fill out my L socket wrenches in range and the were dropped from the catalog last year.

So some good bar stock and loose sockets became the filler bits until real ones can be found again.
CM sockets make up about 1/3 of my victims.

And for place holders they are as good as any other. I wasn't too brand specific to just be zapping on them.

Corndoggeh · Oct 16, 2016

ssdave, I am looking to fill voids in my sets if your willing to let some go

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336205

On that note thats a lot of craftsman! I remember being tempted to buy the clearance USA socket sets that were at a local Sears outlet that were under $10 a set just so I could ebay them and make a little cash off of it for school. Ultimately didn't because I didn't have the cash to spare and didn't know at that time that Craftsman was switching to chinese manufacturing.

bczygan · Oct 16, 2016

I'd give you a quarter a piece...

Al Bundy · Oct 17, 2016

I'm not surprised your experiment failed. It used to be a lot easier to buy and sell stuff in the classifieds. Almost everything I've listed has ended up going to ebay for more money.

Al Bundy · Oct 17, 2016

ssdave said:
One factor in the classifieds doing poorly here is the garage sale thread and "you ****" system has fostered an idea that everything has to be nearly free. And, there's a lot of stuff out there for cheap if you have the patience to wait and find it at garage sales. But, ebay allows you to reach a larger market that can't all be satisfied by garage sale deals, so they're willing to pay a reasonable amount, and in some cases an outrageous amount to get something they want. Not a problem, the GJ is not really a venue to sell, and ebay is.

My experiment failed in selling the large lot, because I don't think there's a market for a large lot of mundane, common merchandise. There's not a lot of buyers out there that want to take on the results of my hoarding since it's not a rare, hard to find lot that they can make a profit on. Break it into small sets that people can use, and post it on ebay where they're willing to pay for it, and the stuff will sell. It wouldn't sell on ebay in a large lot well, either.

Good points for sure. But I've had pretty good success selling large lots on ebay. There's people out there salivating over lots like yours with the idea that they will piece it out and make a lot of money. Most of them don't really have any idea of the time or cost involved in doing that. And if you throw in the auction fever aspect a seller can make out pretty well.

I think the lack of participation hurts the classifieds from my perspective. I never used to have trouble getting good deals on things I wanted. Now it seems all I see is "this sells on Zoro for $250, I'll sell you my slightly used one for $225 plus shipping and Paypal." I realize this isn't a selling site, but doesn't more activity for members make the site better?

On tools and hoarding - sorted my Craftsman Out

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