EBay Quiz

[BKillian]

Tell me why this auction is at $47 and will probably go well over $75? I think I know why, look close. Any guesses?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140200848582&rd=1

 

[caspian65]

Because they are more of a collector's item than an actual tool to be used.

 

[ooman]

Because Merkava4 is bidding?

 

[chad s]

Those arnt even rare. They have had owners marks removed. They are from the mid 50's-60's, not a high demand era for that style ratchet.

I looked as closely as I can, and still dont get it!

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

Elvis bought them for a friend?

I really don't know. These style wrenches were still in the Snap on Catalog as late as 1998. They are definetly not rare. I see them all the time at flea markets.

V code usually means government service.

Even if they were a WWII vet, I cannot understand why they would go for so much.

I have some, I found the ratcheting action to be smooth, but overall very heavy, with OAF-like handling. You could kill a moose with one of the 1/2 drive versions.

I have walked past these wrenches for $5.00 at flea markets. Perhaps I should buy them and sell them to rubes.



-BWP

 

[chrenan]

I use an old (50's or 60's?) FV71M 3/8 Drive Ratchet, I have to say I absolutely love it. Its just big enough to fit my hand, just small enough to not get in the way in small areas, the ratchet feels amazing. No idea why this set would go for so much, I didn't think they were that rare?

 

[BKillian]

This may sound crazy but, from my obsevations something as small as the ON OFF area of the 1/4" drive being indented or countersunk(matches the 3/8 & 1/2 version), for some reason only about 1/50 on ebay are this way and the last one I saw went for $80 by itself with no 3/8 ratchet to boot.

 

[chad s]

This may sound crazy but, from my obsevations something as small as the ON OFF area of the 1/4" drive being indented or countersunk(matches the 3/8 & 1/2 version), for some reason only about 1/50 on ebay are this way and the last one I saw went for $80 by itself with no 3/8 ratchet to boot.

Ahh, I see now! Your right, just checked all of the old auctions. I am looking for mainly older stuff, thats more historicaly significant, but this one is tempting! I just emailed a serious collector to get the full scoop on this one!

 

[dxdexter]

This may sound crazy but, from my obsevations something as small as the ON OFF area of the 1/4" drive being indented or countersunk(matches the 3/8 & 1/2 version), for some reason only about 1/50 on ebay are this way and the last one I saw went for $80 by itself with no 3/8 ratchet to boot.

It would appear from the website Alloy Artifacts (http://alloy-artifacts.com/snapon-bluepoint-tools-p2.html#sockets) that the older ratchets had flat surfaces under the switch and the indented version was later (1940's???). Both my 1963 and 1967 catalog show variations of these ratchets with the switch located within an indentation.
It interesting that there are no holes in the handles.

 

[Blacknwhitepit]

Perhaps you are on to something. Could be just a EBAY bidding war as well. I will have to start looking closer at those ones I see. I don't know why it would be collectable. After all, it is still just a 1/4 inch drive wrench, 24 tooth as I recall. But, hey I don't care. I will sell mine off and buy something much better. Not like its a Craftsman Ratchet spinner (or even better, a Herbrand Ratchet spinner).

-BWP

 

[chad s]

Ok, according to my contact, these are Military ratchets, not that ols (I'd think my above estimate is about right), and while the recessed lever on the 1/4" is not common, there is little historical significance. I'm definately going to pass.

 

[Fedwrench]

I know I appreciate my Snap on tools but, I can't get real excited over tools that I'm not going to use. I am not a collector but, this insanity over indentations on older ratchets reminds me of the insanity at some collector car auctions. It's worthy information though because instead of ignoring those old Snap on ratchets, I'll try to get them for nothing and sell them to some caring individual on Ebay and pour the profit into more modern tool purchases.

 

[wrenchr]

You scammer!! I do the same with pawnshops.
1/4 tech wrench I paid $50.00 and sold it for $200.00
1/2 Snappy impact paid $75.00 and sold it for $290.00
Both on ebay. And both were brand new!!!

 

[BKillian]

Tell me why this auction is at $47 and will probably go well over $75? I think I know why, look close. Any guesses?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=004&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=140200848582&rd=1

Like I said it will stick at $47

 

[Fedwrench]

You scammer!! I do the same with pawnshops.
1/4 tech wrench I paid $50.00 and sold it for $200.00
1/2 Snappy impact paid $75.00 and sold it for $290.00
Both on ebay. And both were brand new!!!

I don't where you're at but, if I had access to a pawn shop with deals like that, I wouldn't buy stuff from Ebay. The $50 techwrench is a sweet deal. Of course, it would probably burn my fingers from being soo hot!!!

 

[eschoendorff]

I know I appreciate my Snap on tools but, I can't get real excited over tools that I'm not going to use. I am not a collector but, this insanity over indentations on older ratchets reminds me of the insanity at some collector car auctions. It's worthy information though because instead of ignoring those old Snap on ratchets, I'll try to get them for nothing and sell them to some caring individual on Ebay and pour the profit into more modern tool purchases.

No ****. I never thought I'd say this, but you guys spend entirely too much time staring at your tools.

 

[dxdexter]

No ****. I never thought I'd say this, but you guys spend entirely too much time staring at your tools.

Agreed. I will not stare at my tool for the rest of the night.

 

[wrenchr]

I don't where you're at but, if I had access to a pawn shop with deals like that, I wouldn't buy stuff from Ebay. The $50 techwrench is a sweet deal. Of course, it would probably burn my fingers from being soo hot!!!

I would not say they are hot, They wanted $100.00 for the techwrench and I'm a repeat customer, At least a couple times a week I'll stop in. And I get deals, I don't haggle the guy and I paid full price on items for awhile until they
got to know me better. They do the proper back ground checks and all as well. I think the deals I'm getting are a reflection of the economy, not many people are spending. Stuff the used to fly off the counter's is just sitting now.

 

[Danglerb]

Pawn shops are usually closely watched by local police, have to keep items some minimum time (like 30 days so police can check them), and keep records of who sold or pawned what via photo ID.

As for ebay, crazy people dwell there.