2018 Garage Sale Thread

[EOC_Jason]

Multiple reasons...

I go to find tools that I need / would like to have. If I'm patient enough I can usually find a tool that looks near mint and pay ~1/3 the cost of new (give or take)...

I do go through the whole house, I also like kitchen stuff, firearms, electronics, etc, etc... you never know what you will find.

I do buy some stuff to flip, to pay for the things I want to keep. That brings the price down even more to near free... can't beat that!

I also go to look for things for friends... Everyone has their wish list and they know that I can find the best deals on stuff!

I'm not an a-hole though and wipe out the garage like some of the local re-sellers... I pick & choose and try to leave plenty for the next guy... Any oddball or old items that I have no clue I will try and do a quick search but if I can't figure it out and it's cheap enough I will usually buy it so I can research it later. Found plenty of neat things that way...

Another lesson is if you aren't sure about something, GRAB IT... You can always put it back before going to pay... I've kicked myself in the rear a few times on items I hesitated about and someone else snatched them.

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!

 

[Hexen]

...
Drill doctor 750, same sale, still sealed in the box, never used. $15

...

In the unimportant trivia department, I wonder if that Drill Doctor was purchased from Sears. That random strip across it where the artwork is torn off looks like the size of those colored strips of "Sears" tape they use to stick on large/heavy items when you pay for them instead of putting them in shopping bags. I haven't seen any Drill Doctors at Sears any time recently, but I know they've been doing that tape thing for the last 15 years at least.

 

[junktastic]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!


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For me it's mostly a hobby, but I've made some scores that netted me a nice pile of cash here and there. I repair and restore things for a living, so junking just fits right in there. When work is heavy, I don't do it at all, but when it slows down and I have free weekends, I'm out at 5AM. You do it enough, you get to know all the regulars, and some do it for a living. That would be real tough to make a living, because it's the luck of the draw, and there is a ton of competition where I live.

I've been going to yard and estate sales off and on for a good 30 years. I only really got back into it heavy in the last 10 or so. I was an auto mechanic for 20 of those, so I was always on the lookout for tools. It used to be much better, as the competition for the garage was almost non existent. It was mostly antique dealers who b-lined for the house. There was maybe 20 or so people who ran estate sales in the Los Angeles area. Now there are hundreds, with new ones popping up all the time.

I would divide the sales I go to as....

90%, absolute ****, waste of time. Some of these places are absolutely disgusting. You guys who have been doing this a while know what I'm talking about. The place where you walk through the door and it smells like there is a skunk ******* an onion in the somewhere. I've seen a pile of dirty adult diapers that the deceased was throwing in the corner of the room, hoards of cockroaches, raccoons, rats, cat piss, the piss stained mattress someone's incontinent grandmother died on, a refrigerator full of discount meat that the power had been off for god knows how long, and all sorts of WTF?

9%, pretty decent, with one or two good scores

1%, absolute home run where I'm yelling "hell yea" in the car as I'm driving away.

The "hell yea" it's what keeps you doing it. If I added up all the time and gas I've spent going to sales, it might not seem so great, but it's more the thrill of the hunt for me than anything. Even if I've only broke even, I've met a bunch of people I never would have, and have had some funny stories to tell friends and family.

 

[junktastic]

In the unimportant trivia department, I wonder if that Drill Doctor was purchased from Sears. That random strip across it where the artwork is torn off looks like the size of those colored strips of "Sears" tape they use to stick on large/heavy items when you pay for them instead of putting them in shopping bags. I haven't seen any Drill Doctors at Sears any time recently, but I know they've been doing that tape thing for the last 15 years at least.

There was still a piece of it hanging on when I got it, and yes, it was Sears.
I think this model is discontinued, as when I looked it up it has changed significantly.

 

[Hexen]

There was still a piece of it hanging on when I got it, and yes, it was Sears.
I think this model is discontinued, as when I looked it up it has changed significantly.

Aha

 

[JABgj]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!


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I go for the deals with no real list in mind. I don't "collect" tools like baseball cards, but if I can use it somehow I will grab it. If the seller is willing, I will group some things up and make an offer. I have an eye out for things I can flip or part out to support my habits. There is plenty of stuff out there to get, just have to be patient/right place, right time.

 

[EOC_Jason]

There was still a piece of it hanging on when I got it, and yes, it was Sears.
I think this model is discontinued, as when I looked it up it has changed significantly.

Yes that is a discontinued model, but you can still find videos online and I think they still have replacement parts for it.

 

[Outlawmws]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!


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a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? -Yes

Are you building out sets for personal use? -Yes

Or do you guys buy and flip? -Yes

 

[rmalkow2]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!


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Yes! All the above listed reasons. Depends on each actual item I purchase.

 

[paulm12]

2 stops for me so far this year, all for $13

- CMan 1/2" breaker bar, has alot of pitting.
- old Husky H4725 ratchet; needs more cleaning, have not disassembled yet, but seems to work well.
- Diamalloy lock pliers, looked bad but cleaned up pretty good, bolt is soaking.
- Freud 3/4" wood chisel, etch is gone, and needs a good sharpening.
- 2 Jorgy clamps in good shape

 

[rmalkow2]

Vidmar 7-drawer 42" mobile cabinet (52" with casters), old USAF circa '95-96. Drawer dims 27-1/2" wide, 26" deep, 5" height and 400lb per drawer limit. Few dents and dings but hard to pass at $200. Those casters are like train wheels! Just wish it still had all the Snappy for those cutouts

Then again, I don't have vises I don't use. Doing otherwise would be like dating Jessica Alba and sleeping on the couch.

Trijeff, I say you got a good deal on that Vidmar. For used cabinets like that I usually figure they will go for $100 per drawer. Anything less than that is a deal unless it's just beat to hell. Great deal!

 

[Swingpress]

Only 1 thing from a shop today. Keen Kutter can opener. Maybe tomorrow will be better.... I hope!

 

[jpickar]

Only 1 thing from a shop today. Keen Kutter can opener. Maybe tomorrow will be better.... I hope!

waa, waa, waa, all you got is a keen kutter can opener. They are asking from $15 to $35 on ebay.

 

[BlueBomber]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!


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Yes to all of the above, although I'm not doing much sale-ing anymore (too busy).

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[cbacres]

Multiple reasons...

I go to find tools that I need / would like to have. If I'm patient enough I can usually find a tool that looks near mint and pay ~1/3 the cost of new (give or take)...

I do go through the whole house, I also like kitchen stuff, firearms, electronics, etc, etc... you never know what you will find.

I do buy some stuff to flip, to pay for the things I want to keep. That brings the price down even more to near free... can't beat that!

I also go to look for things for friends... Everyone has their wish list and they know that I can find the best deals on stuff!

I'm not an a-hole though and wipe out the garage like some of the local re-sellers... I pick & choose and try to leave plenty for the next guy... Any oddball or old items that I have no clue I will try and do a quick search but if I can't figure it out and it's cheap enough I will usually buy it so I can research it later. Found plenty of neat things that way...

Another lesson is if you aren't sure about something, GRAB IT... You can always put it back before going to pay... I've kicked myself in the rear a few times on items I hesitated about and someone else snatched them.

You just described me

 

[bmwrd0]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Yes.

My dad was a swap meeter, garage sailer, storage auction goer and overall bargain hunter. And I always went with him. So, 40 of my 46 years.

 

[cbacres]

Vidmar 7-drawer 42" mobile cabinet (52" with casters), old USAF circa '95-96. Drawer dims 27-1/2" wide, 26" deep, 5" height and 400lb per drawer limit. Few dents and dings but hard to pass at $200. Those casters are like train wheels! Just wish it still had all the Snappy for those cutouts

Then again, I don't have vises I don't use. Doing otherwise would be like dating Jessica Alba and sleeping on the couch.

Good find! Clean and lube bearings, that'll last you a lifetime plus

 

[trijeff]

rmalcow2 and cbacres ... thanks! Have lots of other posts to make about what will fill up this bad boy yes, definitely plan to hand down to the boy

Then again, I don't have vises I don't use. Doing otherwise would be like dating Jessica Alba and sleeping on the couch.

 

[MercLSU]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!


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I go because I have a problem, refuse to admit it, and come here to rationalize it.

 

[Corndoggeh]

I need to start posting again, I finally finished cleaning the garage and now with prizes involved I have this sudden need to boast about the finds I've gotten!

 

[RagTopTA]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!


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I am a recent empty nester. Kido moved out on her own. So, now I spend my free time at flea markets, estate sales, and Garage sales looking for the awesome things I have learned about here. I don't flip stuff myself. I buy the things I like and want for myself. It actually changes from time to time as to what I am interested in. And there's nothing like buying a $6 toolbox full of stuff to find a bunch of old snap On tools in the bottom of it! Or a Nice Wilton bullet vise for $40.... 1 HP Block grinder for $45.. I have to admit my garage is getting FULL. But the hunt is where it's at for me. I started just going to the small flea on sat or sun mornings about an hour.

 

[Craptain]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!


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Yes, to all the questions.
I have an outline of what I want, and look for it. I am also an opportunist and buy things that I didn't know I wanted previously. And then there's the few things that I buy to flip. Though honestly most of what I sell are things that have been replaced by better quality or capability tools. e.g. my, Atlas lathe will soon be for sale when I get the South Bend. My Craftsman bandsaw wad sold when I found a bigger and better Delta.

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[NJ Marty]

Went to a digger sale over the weekend. While in the grime on my knees looking under the slop sink I saw the York 80 and grabbed it. Next to it was a box of the J&B mini bottles. The vise and bottles look to have been sitting there for a long time and with a little effort the York opened. I think the J&B bottles are from the 60's or 70's. The Vise was $20 and the whiskey was $10.

 

[trijeff]

Marty, you ****! I dont know more for which one ... great nabs! Still haven't seen a York in person

 

[Swingpress]

waa, waa, waa, all you got is a keen kutter can opener. They are asking from $15 to $35 on ebay.

lol Thanks for the info. I just grabbed it because I liked the look. Around my house, that's called a VERY slow Monday.....

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Super suckage marty! How does a $0.20 bottle of scotch go down?

 

[jdbilodeau]

So my question to all of you is are the garage sales and flea markets that you all go to more of a hobby to see what you can score and collect old tools? Are you building out sets for personal use? Or do you guys buy and flip? I think when the kids are grown 20 years from now I might get into this. But for now I do not have the time. Just wondered because some of you toolaholics would seem to have an abundance of tools.

Not saying that it is a bad hobby but I can only imagine some of your tool collections! And I thoroughly enjoy looking!


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As lots of other have said, the answer is yes to all of the above. It all depends on what I find in my travels. I've got way too many hobbies (as my wife will tell you) so I'm always on the lookout for bicycles and tools and other neat vintage stuff. Some of it I'll keep- usually more than I should. Some of it I'll use- either personally or for work. Some of it I flip to fund my hobbies- and at points in my life I've picked as a part time or full time job.

As I get older though I'm realizing that the stories behind all of this stuff is probably my favorite part. I love the tools, but the companies who made them and the people who used them are just as fascinating. Some of it is personal- I can still remember local companies like Millers Falls and Greenfield Tap and Die, so finding and using things those factories made just feels good to me. I also love poking through peoples shops (in real life and here on GJ) to see how they do things. How they set up their space, what kinds of tools they made or bodged together to accomplish a task. There's just so much cool stuff out there, so much knowledge, so many stories.

 

[cweidert03]

Thanks for all the replies to my question fellow GJ’ers. I pretty much had the answer but thought it would be interesting to see some of the different reasons. I have been accumulating tools mostly new. In my mind I’m replacing some with better quality and hanging on to the old to give decent sets to both my boys when they start “working/playing” in the garage


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[Private Lugnutz]

cweidert03, junktastic, JABgj, trijeff, and jdbilodeau:
I could be wrong, but you're all new to (or at least not long time regulars on) this thread. It's great to see an infusion of new pickers! I'm looking forward to learning more about you through your finds. Truth be told, that's always been the draw for me. My M.O. and my preferences are proclaimed in my signature block, but even if they weren't, it wouldn't take anyone very long to figure me out by the stuff I come home from flea markets with, or the stuff I tend to comment on, or the side-stories I tell. And it's the same for all the others. So, welcome to the Garage Sale thread! And happy picking!

I need to start posting again, I finally finished cleaning the garage and now with prizes involved I have this sudden need to boast about the finds I've gotten!

Thanks for checking in, Corndoggeh! That's one name I can scratch off my list.

EDIT: I may have missed them, but unless I'm mistaken, I'm still hoping and waiting for some of my favorite and so far absentee pickers to check in!

BFBOB
RichardCranium
mike_paxton
ttpete
duddly
Bill Ramsey
Gidge
alinc100
Cruzan80
Sam'sAutoParts
dittlefartaround

 

[trijeff]

Thanks lug! I actually got a lot of stuff in 2017, I think my problem is that I typically wait until I refinish the items before posting here. Best intentions but usually not very timely. Will do my best to be more real time in 2018, have freebie lathe, bandsaw and compressor to post, plus about a million hand tools. 2017 was a great year for the freebies (and was the catalyst for needing the Vidmar box a few posts back).

 

[bluebolt]

I go because I have a problem, refuse to admit it, and come here to rationalize it.

I refuse to admit that I have the same problem.

 

[3baygarage]

I go for the fresh air and to occasionally add to my Beanie Baby collection.





Yeah, I too have a problem. I think you guys have covered it all.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I actually got a lot of stuff in 2017...

Oops! I'll pay better attention this year! (And I wondering how the heck I could forget your avatar!)

I go for the fresh air and to occasionally add to my Beanie Baby collection.

Snerk.

 

[duddly]

ok - checking in....

As to why I search the markets... all of the above - I collect vintage tools because of some familly stuff - reminds me of my father, and my son enjoys the hobby with me. I also do estate sales and markets in general with my wife.

I have not been out this year and have been trying to to organize what I have. With a three day weekend coming up, I can't imagine any way that I will not get out. I will be sure to post something!

 

[tin medic]

Marty, you're bottles are from 1961.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

Good day Gentlemen (& Ladies):
This being my day off, I was a little out of my area when I stopped at a pawn shop I saw. Poking around in some bins of loose stuff (mostly trash), I picked out a few items and was able to secure them for the princely sum of $ 5.00. The items are as follows:
1) Craftsman pry bar #43276 marked "P" USA on handle, & stamped "WC" on the shank
2) Snap-On CSABC Scraper
3) Vaughan mini wrecking bar looks like a giveaway/promo item for Saflex
4) Snap-On 1/4" drive 2" extension TM-2

I direct your attention to the last item. At first I thought that it was a cheap "knock-off" as it is finished a bit roughly, but after a cleaning and closer examination I found the date code for 1947. Just goes to show you that you never know what you're going to trip over...

 

[littleponderosa]

Craftsman 113.21371 drill press for $45.00
Bill

 

[Hexen]

Craftsman 113.21371 drill press for $45.00
Bill

I'm curious what you've got on the wall to the left of the drill press.

 

[littleponderosa]

This is at the wife's who moved back to the ranch. 'Bout 16' x 8' walk-in cooler. Father-in-law had numerous hobbies, chopping neat up was one of them. Also has a 2 tap off the other side of the door. Expensive to ruhn for beer. It's a nice set-up, rail coming out the door, had 3ph grinder & slicer.
Her garage drives me crazy, I get some semblance of order and she destroys it.
Bill

 

[Hexen]

This is at the wife's who moved back to the ranch. 'Bout 16' x 8' walk-in cooler. Father-in-law had numerous hobbies, chopping neat [meat] up was one of them. Also has a 2 tap off the other side of the door. Expensive to ruhn for beer. It's a nice set-up, rail coming out the door, had 3ph grinder & slicer.
Her garage drives me crazy, I get some semblance of order and she destroys it.
Bill

Ah, I see. The posters on the side must be meat cutting diagrams.