Frustrated @ Used Puller Prices

[Bolster]

I am having a run of bad luck at the swap meats and pawn slops. I can't find a reasonable deal on (USA-made) gear pullers, seems everybody wants near new prices for them. Old, beat pullers from the 1960s, with the central screw all peen'd up, the sellers are asking $150 for them, and up! Small ones all beat to heck, $75!

What am I doing wrong, am I looking in the wrong place? Or am I wrong in thinking a couple pieces of crudely cast iron with a SCREW through it, should not cost so much? It's hardly rocket parts, after all!

Tell me how much you paid for your used gear puller(s) so I can get a sense of what is a reasonable amount to pay...

EDIT: Ditto for slide hammers/pullers! Great Zot, you'd think they were precision machinery!!

 

[Danglerb]

Harbor Freight, $10 to $15 depending on size, and they work fine, for me anyway.

 

[oldtools]

I bought a Proto 2 jaws puller for $10 , an OTC 2 jaws puller for $15, and an Alltrade 3 jaws puller for $1 at the swap meet. The three are shown in links below.

http://www.stanleyproto.com/default...251&strSiteName=PROTO&strDefaultCatalog=PROTO

http://www.midwayautosupply.com/showproduct.aspx?productid=13484&affiliateid=10050

http://www.outdoorpros.com/Prod/All...rce=googlebase&cvsfa=1184&cvsfe=2&cvsfp=52477

 

[goodfellow]

I've found that if you go to swap meets that are usually frequented by car guys and tool collectors, the prices will be high. General flea markets (not automobile specific) don't have the selection, but their prices will be lower when you do find a "gem". Depending on where you live, it may be better to search CL or the local paper.

 

[Bolster]

I bought a Proto 2 jaws puller for $10 , an OTC 2 jaws puller for $15, and an Alltrade 3 jaws puller for $1 at the swap meet. The three are shown in links below.

Aha, so other people DO get reasonable prices! Clearly I'm hitting the wrong market. Thanks, I'll look elsewhere.

 

[Rickster]

What kind of pullers are you looking for? Anything specific?

 

[ricleh]

These were all purchased in the last 18 months off ebay and craigslist. Total investment was less than $800. $250 was for the brand new cabinet and the control board. Total cost of all puller equipment was less than $550. You have to be patient and constantly watch for stuff.

 

[TheToolMan]

i got a set of snap on pullers 2 jaw "cg" something 10 ton pullers from the flea market for $10

You would be sick if i told you how much i paid for my other pullers, They fill up the bottom of my KRL1022 all OTC. I will post a pic soon. You are right those prices are crazy. The only time i paid alot of money for a puller is when i needed a real tiny bearing spreader

 

[Danglerb]

Friend of mine just broke one of his Snapon pullers, had it replaced, then bought a set of the HF for beater use.

 

[Kevins89notch]

These were all purchased in the last 18 months off ebay and craigslist. Total investment was less than $800. $250 was for the brand new cabinet and the control board. Total cost of all puller equipment was less than $550. You have to be patient and constantly watch for stuff.

I probably wouldn't use half those in my life time, but man does that look beautiful!

 

[Art From De Leon]

Did you buy the control board new? I think you got a hell of a good price if you did. I may have to look into getting one, and free up a drawer in my box.

 

[ricleh]

Did you buy the control board new? I think you got a hell of a good price if you did. I may have to look into getting one, and free up a drawer in my box.

I got the cabinet brand new off Craigslist for $150 - including the 2 keys, leather key fob and the protective coating still stuck on the plexiglass doors. The control board was bought brand new still in the plastic cover off Craigslist for $100.

 

[Bolster]

What kind of pullers are you looking for? Anything specific?

The pullers that will do the most, with the least. Not trying to be snarky, but I'm running out of room. Much as I'd love a SO red box on the wall...no room!

 

[ricleh]

I had the pullers for a long time before I got the cabinet. They were spread out all over the garage. Having the cabinet makes it much easier to find what I need quickly, but I only bought it because it was an excellent deal. The Snapon set is very versatile and will handle most jobs I have encountered. There are some things it will not do, but I have other OTC pullers that cover those things. If you need a lot of pullers then there is no way around it - you are going to need room to store them. My other puller stuff still takes up 4 drawers in other toolboxes.

 

[rhandwor]

It seems to run in streaks keep watching. With spring the flea markets will draw more tool sales.

 

[e-tek]

Holy crappers! I want to buy the same stuff and start pulling something - anything!!
Of course all I ever get to pull is.....