2017 Garage Sale Thread

[drummingpariah]

How do you folks find these estate sales and yard sales? I don't even know where to start looking for them.

 

[racinfarmer]

Go to your local/nearest Criagslist page and click on the Garage Sale page as a start.

I'm not one to go driving around town looking for garage sales, so I know I miss out on tons of stuff.

 

[EOC_Jason]

How do you folks find these estate sales and yard sales? I don't even know where to start looking for them.

craigslist.org
gsalr.com
estatesales.org
auctionzip.com
facebook too...

Once you go to enough you start to know all the different estate sale companies, they usually have a mailing list or a FB page. You learn which have good deals, which are high priced, which will deal, which are firm, etc...

 

[Bill Ramsey]

For some reason, your picture isn't showing up.

Hopefully I fixed pictures in original post.

 

[pstemari]

.... this beautiful thing for $600.... I think if both werent already sold I would be broke right now or have a loan in my name [emoji38]

Snort. Count yourself blessed some other sucker got **** with that Atlas. Best thing I ever did was give mine the heave-ho and get a Taiwan-made ERL-1340 from Precision Matthews.

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[jakemac]

Hopefully I fixed pictures in original post.

OK, now that I can see the picture, I got to know how you ended up with a stray SO drawer from the right period that just happens to fit. And while you're at it, how did you end up collecting boxes with missing drawers in the first place ?

Tell us the long story, it's almost bedtime and I need a story to fall asleep by.

 

[drivesitfar]

The $5 lesson I learned today.
Just because it looks like hell on the outside...


Doesn't mean it's the same inside!


Any ideas how to get the spray paint off??

SP: if you are trying to clean off spray paint and leave original paint i've had pretty decent luck with Simple Green. put on a paper towel soaked with SG and let it sit for a while (few hours to a day or two and keep it wet with more SG if you have warm weather).

then it should just wipe off.

ALL: great hauls and thanks for sharing!!

 

[theoldwizard1]

i was in 3bay's back yard today. This is interesting. Craftsman -v- 1/4 driver - short.

I WANT IT !!!

I have the standard length one with the female 1/4" drive in top so you can add a breaker bar when you need that extra torque. After almost 50 years of tool collecting, that is probably the most used tool in my box. It also came in my first set.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Thanks for the feedback folks! Fascinating info jakemac on my Columbian 804. I couldn't make out the numbers. Yes, it doesn't look like a lot for ~$350 but those items added up quickly.

I'd been lurking on the forum and watching my local Craigslist tool section for a bargain on a used vise, but all the vises posted are $100-200+. Clearly not bargains.

After picking up my first Craiglist's transaction last week (free pegboard and plywood), I finally discovered the garage sale section. I had a day off and thought I'd hit an estate sale early at a nearby town, but had worked the night shift and need more sleep, so I arrived in late afternoon. I was skeptical that there might not be many tools. Turns out the guy was an avid woodworker. Woodwork is not my thing (I'm more into amateur auto mechanics and just bought my first house with a garage), but there were still great findings. Tons of stuff. That 29 piece Triumph Industrial drill index I got for $10 retails for $70+. Most of the hand tools I got were US, Japanese, Swedish or German brands. When I checked out, I was told there had been tons more in the morning. The estate sellers were firm on their prices as this was the first day of the sale. They said they'd drop prices and bargain only on the 3rd day.

It was interesting...I could totally get a feel for they guy's personality who had lived there.

Bottom line is, if you are looking for a good deal on a vise or similar tool and coming up dry in your local tool forum, hit some garage/estate sales. One man's trash is another man's treasure!

On a more philosophical level, ultimately think about what you want to happen to your stuff. Have a will (or handwritten plan) and give it to the right people, or have a list of friends come over and take what they want. On one level, it was kind of sad to see this guy's cherished items being picked over and sold for a song. But at the same time, his possessions clearly excited the new owners so it was as if his spirit was being honored by paying it forward.

 

[stewed baker]

EOC Jason:
Were you able to get the serial number off the base of the Radial arm saw ?
Every one I have turned in for the recall required the serial number be given for them to check. Once they received the motor I suppose they cross referenced the motor to the serial number to make sure they matched, before sending the check.

 

[EOC_Jason]

EOC Jason:
Were you able to get the serial number off the base of the Radial arm saw ?
Every one I have turned in for the recall required the serial number be given for them to check. Once they received the motor I suppose they cross referenced the motor to the serial number to make sure they matched, before sending the check.

lol there was no base. I was lucky enough the model number was on a sticker on the blade guard. The motor has the month/year stamp, which on my last two saws was the same as the stamping on the base so that's what I'm going to use. It's an 85 model IIRC, we'll see if it goes through or not. I'm still waiting for my first check to arrive, it's been 6 weeks so I'm just going to wait before submitting this one so things don't get screwed up.

 

[BlueBomber]

craigslist.org
gsalr.com
estatesales.org
auctionzip.com
facebook too...

Once you go to enough you start to know all the different estate sale companies, they usually have a mailing list or a FB page. You learn which have good deals, which are high priced, which will deal, which are firm, etc...

Some of these sites have apps for your phone. GSALR app has an especially nice map interface so you can see how far away the sales are. Down side is it misses a good number of sales

Bottom line is, if you are looking for a good deal on a vise or similar tool and coming up dry in your local tool forum, hit some garage/estate sales. One man's trash is another man's treasure!

On a more philosophical level, ultimately think about what you want to happen to your stuff. Have a will (or handwritten plan) and give it to the right people, or have a list of friends come over and take what they want. On one level, it was kind of sad to see this guy's cherished items being picked over and sold for a song. But at the same time, his possessions clearly excited the new owners so it was as if his spirit was being honored by paying it forward.

I figure a good percentage of the junk...errr...jewels in my garage were acquired the same way. Your advice on preparation is good (I already told my kids the lathe is worth at least a grand), however, I've resigned myself to the thought that none of my relatives will be as into my stuff as I am, and what I don't sell off will likely go cheap via an estate sale. One of those....circle of life...things.

 

[BlueBomber]

THE STREAK CONTINUES.....
Now for the cream of the crop.....

AS CLOSE TO MINT AS I HAVE EVER SEEN..... Gray and red Craftsman top chest, this thing is in the best shape ive ever seen and was NEVER restored, found as is with the top tray as well. As soon as I saw this my eyes almost popped out of my sockets, It also came with all the keys to both a mid and bottom chest I believe, ill be selling the keys that don't go with the top chest but I DO have the key to the top chest! The slides move like butter - $40

I call suckage on the Craftsman tool chest--that puppy is minty! What's the manufacturing date? You should be able to find it stamped into the metal of the top compartment. Look on the floor of the left-most space.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[EOC_Jason]

CL find, I'm assuming NOS Craftsman tool pouches that have "Made in USA" under the CMan logo... But also the manufacturing tag is "Made in USA"...

I'm going to keep some for personal use and sell the rest. I'll probably put them in the FS section on this forum first before going on ePay...

 

[ducksface]

I'm driving down the road in the dedicated offroader, to help recharge the battery due to a slow discharge from the underhood rat chaser(rat chaser is now dead. I think the little capacitive jumper knocked it out.), thinking of where to start on the solar for a new shed complex I'm deeming too far away to run electric (or not. Just don't want to ditch 500ft across Virgin land), I see the only yard sale sign in about a 50 mile circle. I pull in and it's pure ****, except for three hf 15 watt panels, all the wires and a controller(their $149 kit) and a brand new huge deep cycle ($250ish)less than four months old and a new inverter at 800 watts. All of it setting there on a table working as prescribed running a stereo receiver. All of it as clean as if just unpackaged, no dust, no battery smear on the cell caps, laid out like a display unit.

Fifty bucks(their asking price) and they threw in a as new jack lalanne pro juicer. Juicer is already given to someone who cares about such things.
I have one less thing to have to research and accumulate.

 

[Bill Ramsey]

OK, now that I can see the picture, I got to know how you ended up with a stray SO drawer from the right period that just happens to fit. And while you're at it, how did you end up collecting boxes with missing drawers in the first place ?

Tell us the long story, it's almost bedtime and I need a story to fall asleep by.

Sorry I couldn't put you to sleep earlier jakemac, but the entire tale of the boxes is posted here in the Vintage Toolboxes thread. I put it there in hopes that someone researching these boxes might be helped by my sad tale. The purchases were all through CL: the KRA-377D and yesterday's one-drawer-missing KRA-380 came from the Tulsa area. The extra drawers for the 380 were a chance CL find from hundreds of miles away in Texas, while on a business trip.

It's been a good learning experience with these two boxes, and in the end I'm getting what I want (as my understanding of the situation evolved) rather than getting screwed by my own blundering. With any luck, by the time I sell the unwanted parts of this deal I'll be into my (complete) KRA-380 no more than about a hundred. And it will be a home to my matching-style KRA-429B middle and KRA-59C top.

 

[bluebolt]

I WANT IT !!!

I have the standard length one with the female 1/4" drive in top so you can add a breaker bar when you need that extra torque. After almost 50 years of tool collecting, that is probably the most used tool in my box. It also came in my first set.

I have one, part number is 43351. Sears still sells these in a black plastic handle, I think it is Chinese made now.

 

[3baygarage]

Corndoggeh -that Craftsman box sure does look to be fine condition.

Bill Ramsey - way to reunite that Snap On box and drawer. I bet that doesn't happen often.

 

[Davefr]

Crappage of the week. I'm not sure what that little Bonney ratchet is for??:

A couple 30lb scuba diving belts - $18:

Ax - $5:

It looks like you insert a nickel and if you get certain poker hands it'll award you with balls of gum.

 

[jakemac]

The Bonney might be a refrigeration wrench.

 

[jakemac]

It was kind of an SK day for me today.
Went back to one of the garage sales that I missed from yesterday. Got there 30min after it opened. The ad said "Machinists tools", so I figured that the prices would be high (for me). I was right. I passed on Mitutoyo, Starrett, Greenlee, and others. It wasn't easy. Most of what was left was more than I wanted to pay, but I did splurge a little.
The guy kept bringing pieces out of the garage like a Granny doling out gingersnaps.

For $20 I got :
S•K #19733 9-Piece 3/8 and 1/2 Dr. Fractional Hex Bit Socket Set (complete. w/blow-mold case)
Craftsman (Crowntop) #9-52114 Rethreading Tap Set (NF)



Then it was off to opening day of the local flea market. I got there at 9a. which was late (they open somewhere around 6a). It took me a while to find a parking spot (literally parked my truck IN a tree, bending the branches) because I won't pay $5 to park across the street at a neighbor's when I can park for free at the FM. LOTS of goodies that I resisted buying. There was a guy with 3 tables (24') of SnapOn, SK, and Craftsman, but his pricing was from eBay. It was fun to look, but I walked away without buying.

After digging through piles at a few tables, I ended up spending $7.
SK Tools 1/4dr socket set in drab green metal box. (1940's - 1950's ?????)
_____(missing a few sockets, the breaker bar and extensions are unmarked)
S-K #45190 3/8dr universal joint
Williams MD-616 1/4dr 1/2" deep socket





It was a good day. Now I need to start selling a few things on CL to make up for it.

 

[bmwrd0]

The Bonney might be a refrigeration wrench.

This. The square holes are for various valves and stop *****, gas cylinders and such. The same with the female ratcheting part and gland nut sockets usually are set with male parts to match.

 

[Davefr]

This. The square holes are for various valves and stop *****, gas cylinders and such. The same with the female ratcheting part and gland nut sockets usually are set with male parts to match.

^^^Thanks guys!!

 

[rmalkow2]

Crappage of the week.

It looks like you insert a nickel and if you get certain poker hands it'll award you with balls of gum.

I'm loving that double head ax and that bubble gum trade stimulator is a "you ****" buy at $4.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Went back to "tool sale" today that was 1/2 price on most things (they marked down some big-ticket items some, like 20%)... Anyhow, ended up buying a LOT more stuff, couldn't believe some of the things that didn't sell yesterday, I guess business was slow because of the crummy weather.

I showed up about 45min early, and the guy was sitting out in the front lawn, it was locked up so he couldn't set up. Lady eventually showed up and opened the place for them. I was there first but people were starting to show up and they were asking everyone to wait outside while they marked things and moved stuff out... I was kind of sweating it because I didn't want someone to poach the stuff I was hoping was still there.

Luckily the things I wanted (and more) were still available and so I started making a pile.

- Big American Scale Wood Vise - $15
- Stanley No. 6 Hand Plane Corrugated Bottom - $20
- Craftsman Rabbet and Fillister Plane (and manual) - $10
- Piece of RR Track - $4
- Diamond 12" Adjustable Wrench - $1.50
- Vulcan Adjustable Wrench - $1.50
- 12" Ridgid Pipe Wrench - $5
- Stanley Pry Bar - $2
- Estwing Rock Pick / Chipping Hammer - $1.50
- Plumb Hammer - $2
- Versamatic 4100 Speed Reducer / Reverse - $2
- Craftsman Tin Snips - $1.50
- Craftsman Drill Bits For Hand Drill - $2
- Pipe Clamp - $4
- 10lb Sledge - $5
- Box of plastic anchors - $1

Not garage sale steals, but decent deals that I just couldn't pass up. I really like that wood vise and am thinking of cleaning it up and putting on my workbench.

 

[Corndoggeh]

Went back to "tool sale" today that was 1/2 price on most things (they marked down some big-ticket items some, like 20%)... Anyhow, ended up buying a LOT more stuff, couldn't believe some of the things that didn't sell yesterday, I guess business was slow because of the crummy weather.

I showed up about 45min early, and the guy was sitting out in the front lawn, it was locked up so he couldn't set up. Lady eventually showed up and opened the place for them. I was there first but people were starting to show up and they were asking everyone to wait outside while they marked things and moved stuff out... I was kind of sweating it because I didn't want someone to poach the stuff I was hoping was still there.

Luckily the things I wanted (and more) were still available and so I started making a pile.

- Big American Scale Wood Vise - $15

Nice job on the vise!

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice finds all!!

That drill bit set has me scratching my head. The shanks are for a bit brace, but most would break under that use... So maybe they made an "eggbeater" drill with that type of chuck? I can't recall seeing one setup like that... (I'll have to look at the "collection")

I didn't even go out today. Nothing worth the time...

 

[bluebolt]

EOC Jason, what does that say, Bit Stock Drill Set?

 

[EOC_Jason]

I was fidigitng with that American Scale... It's 10" wide and heavy! The mainscrew is only threaded about 3/4 of the way around so if you hold the handle just right you can slide it open / closed.

Not sure on the drill bits... He had some old tools, both hand & power but I didn't really look too close at things that didn't interest me. Maybe an old 4-jaw drill chuck on a hand drill or tailstock on lathe? If you find out something I would appreciate it. I'm going to do some googling later and see what I come up with.

There was a socket set there with some old sockets, and a couple ratchets with the female square drives... Nothing matched up except maybe the box & ratchets were husky, sockets were other brands... I couldn't make much sense of it so I just passed, no brands / styles that I collected.

 

[EOC_Jason]

EOC Jason, what does that say, Bit Stock Drill Set?

Yes, Bit Stock Drill Set, No. 6710, Sears, Roebuck and Co., Made in U.S.A.

Bits are stamped CRAFTSMAN and their size.

 

[LesserSon]

That drill bit set has me scratching my head. The shanks are for a bit brace, but most would break under that use...

Most what? Bits, brace, sacks, wives?
I've seen those bits before - a steel drill set in pot metal. Not as strong as the older ones that are all steel. But aside from the cheap materials, I don't see how their design is inherently weak.
What do you mean?

 

[bmwrd0]

Hit a couple estate sales on Friday, both hell and gone far away, in another part of the state. At the one I originally intended to go to I got the following for a $5 spot. It was a ranch/barn sale, but not that great, unless you wanted tack, which I don't:

Some misc. 1/4 sockets, a Vulcan 10mm wrench, Proto DBE, Williams 7/16, Armstrong C-clamp, loggers tape, SK spinner (I probably have 5 of these sitting around...) and a Cleveland Twist Drill index.
On the way there, I got distracted by an estate sale sign, that I thought was for the sale i was going to. It ended up being in the middle of nowhere, and the man stuff had been picked over pretty seriously. But the lady in charge (it was her parents estate) did every thing to help me (this is when I realized that I was in the wrong place) so I bought this non working chainsaw for $20

I will see if I can get it going, or it will be a parts saw. I really don't need another project, but people love Homelite so...
Today, there was an auto swap and car show here in town, so I went, and found some gold

Nothing was very cheap, but good stuff that doesn't show up often. Proto LA ignition roll $10, Proto LA slide hammer $12. Craftsman =V= sockets $2, and $10 for the mini torch and multi tool. But the deal was the Plomb box. When I saw it, I asked the price. "$5"
I said sweet, handed him a five and lifted it, finding it full

A mix of sockets (Snap on, D-I, Cornwell) but Plomb tooling.

 

[Outlawmws]

That drill bit set has me scratching my head. The shanks are for a bit brace, but most would break under that use... So maybe they made an "eggbeater" drill with that type of chuck?

Most what? Bits, brace, sacks, wives?
I've seen those bits before - a steel drill set in pot metal. Not as strong as the older ones that are all steel. But aside from the cheap materials, I don't see how their design is inherently weak.
What do you mean?

Most of the bits; The side loads would break the bits off for all but the largest size bits if used in a brace. Smaller bits lack the strength for any significant side loads. You can see where a at least one was already broken and replaced.

I've seen those in pot metal for the 1/4" hex. Not for a bit brace chuck.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I finally got the estate sale.net app and hit up a local sale near me. Wish I had a shop the size of this one but oh well. I do what I can with what I got ! Score this base which in think was for a table saw or something ? I can't find any markings. Also score 2 containers of nails, 2 large old files, and an old air chuck. Also got this really cool sun diagnostic machine component , military dirty clothes bag and also this rad hot rod diy magazine which I believe is from the late 50's but there is no date on the cover? All told I was at $32 out the door!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[elidas]

Connecticut swop meet stuff. P&C ,Plomb, Bonney ($.50!) and unknown ratchets, Early Craftsmen,Mossberg torque wrenches

 

[Corndoggeh]

I call suckage on the Craftsman tool chest--that puppy is minty! What's the manufacturing date? You should be able to find it stamped into the metal of the top compartment. Look on the floor of the left-most space.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Manufacturing date is 06/76

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Went back to the estate sale that I visited 2 days ago. The place had mostly been picked clean and it was closing time which meant the estate seller wanted to go home and thus there were great deals on the left overs. I felt I did well today esp. since I felt I paid close to retail on a couple of items a couple of days ago as a garage/estate sailing newbie!

I walked up to the cashier with the tub of stuff and said how much? He said, "How about $9 for everything"? I did not argue. He even included the new purple 115 quart rubbermaid tub (in background) so I could carry the stuff home. He apologized that he had to charge tax.

All of the following for a less than a Hamilton:

15 assorted files with a few handles and a homemade holder
2 forged chisels (Champion and Stanley)
2 large punches (one is a 84 3/4 x 12 Proto)
Drilling hammer
2 forged tin snips (one antique-ish large burly one and one by Champion)
Craftsman torque wrench (0-600 inch pounds)
2" C clamp and quick grip clamp
bolt lock
window scraper
sharpening stone
2 saws
2 forged pipe wrenches (18" Japanese Hi Test and a 10" Rigid)

I think I finally earned some suckage!

 

[Smokeshow69]

Went back to the estate sale that I visited 2 days. The place had mostly been picked clean and it was closing time which meant the estate seller wanted to go home and thus there were great deals on the left overs. I felt I did well today esp. since I felt I paid close to retail on a couple of items a couple of days ago as a garage/estate sailing newbie!

I walked up to the cashier with the tub of stuff and said how much? He said, "How about $9 for everything"? I did not argue. He even included the new purple 115 quart rubbermaid tub (in background) so I could carry the stuff home. He apologized that he had to charge me tax.

All of the following for a less than a Hamilton:

15 assorted files with a few handles and a homemade holder
2 forged chisels (Champion and Stanley)
2 large punches (one is a 84 3/4 x 12 Proto)
Drilling hammer
2 forged tin snips (one antique-ish large burly one and one by Champion)
Craftsman torque wrench (0-600 inch pounds)
2" C clamp and quick grip clamp
bolt lock
window scraper
sharpening stone
2 saws
2 forged pipe wrenches (18" Japanese Hi Test and a 10" Rigid)

I think I finally earned some suckage!

Nope no suckage for you. You can't solicit suckage per the order of the garage journal but you did get some good items for great prices !


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

[stewed baker]

bargainhuntingking:
Rule number 1
You can't **** yourself.
If I'm not mistaken, That's the only rule.

 

[Swingpress]

And for those that....well.....let's just say the old saying of, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should!" likely applies!

Seriously though, NICE HAULS Y'ALL!