How do you know if your tools are valuable

[donsims30]

Hi, I'm kinda new here, first time posting (maybe second not sure) and I know this may be a silly question, but how do you know which tools are more valuable than others. I'm a disabled veteran who mainly just works on my own cars. I have alot of snap-on tools ( which I got most of new in packages at a consignment store). I also have alot of other tools that I am not as familiar with the brand such as s-k ( which I do know are an upper brand) kd, fluke,gearwrench, benchtop, stanley ( ok I know this one). and few williams wrenches as well as numerous other tools that I would just deem offbrand simply because I didn't pay much for them. But then again I didn't pay near as much as regular retail for the snap-on stuff. I've thought about getting rid of some of the tools I am not as familiar with, but just don't know what a fair price would be and if they would actually sell or not. Also I've been kinda curious as to how you date snap-on tools, as many of mine were new in sealed packages but I know some were from the 90's. Also does anyone buy the snap-on collectible tools? I have a new set of 85 anniversary screwdrivers, a set of Dale SR wrenches, still new and a 3 wrench set of Dale, Larry Mac, and Richard Childress. I also have alot of the promotional toy cars, and such that came with tools and about 12 snap-on clocks. Are they really of any value? I kinda got caught up in the buying frenzy when I bought the rest of the tools and these have just sat in the top of my closet collecting dust. Thanks for any help you guys can give.

 

[billymade]

Snap-On is the main brand that brings the most money; eBay is the place to sell them, to get the most money for your tools. You can use the "search" feature and go to "advanced", check the box, "completed auctions"... this should give you an idea what the market is for the particular snap-on tools you have. Other brands don't command the same prices but do sell well, especially the truck brands... again, check the search feature to see the market prices.

http://pages.ebay.com/help/search/questions/search-completed-listings.html

Others can chime in on what the % of retail they think snap-on tools are worth in the used market place; however, ebay should bring you the most return on your tools. eBay items are purchased by people all over the world (make sure you offer this option, if you want o sell them this way); so, collectors and people out of the usa, tend to cause the prices of snap-on items to rise to higher levels and sometimes beyond the original retail price! This is particularly the case with items that are no longer made or had low production numbers.

Dating Snap-on tools; is pretty easy, just look for the "date code" on the tool and then look at the guide below to figure it out. Most tools have a code but not all.... older ratchets, typically have the code in the recessed area in the middle of the "on/off" switch on the head of the ratchet; newer ones usually have the code next to the model number on the handle.

date code chart:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14884

Another good resource; they posted old catalogs on the site, that you can look at.

http://www.collectingsnapon.com/index.php

Another good site; vintage info about snapon and many other tool brands.

http://home.comcast.net/~alloy-artifacts/index.html


Good luck!

 

[donsims30]

Thanks I appreciate all the links. Not sure as to 100% that I will sell anything, I've gone through several losses and had to reaquire tools over the years, but I'm trying to set myself up with the majority of one brand and figured if I could sell three or four tools that I have duplicates of in different brands to purchase maybe even one tool that I don't have it would pay off in the long run as long as I don't get rid of anything that I might need 2 of at the same time . What about easco and husky? I know they are both American made but haven't really seen mention of them on this site?

 

[Sick Puppy]

Like Billymade said, check eBay for a rough estimate of market prices, not just current listings, but go to Advanced search and check completed listings, giving the part/set number, and then do the search again for a description of your tool. Vendors list either of these, hence doing the search twice (at least).

I'm assuming you're not hurting for cash, so just make sure you're selling at a price you are happy with. 'Selling at market prices' assumes that everyone is willing to pay $x at any one time, but next week someone may enter the market wanting the same thing for $x + 10... just my 2c.

PS I don't suppose you have any Snap on ratcheting stubby screwdrivers for sale do ya? thought I'd ask.

 

[donsims30]

No actually bidding on a coupla ratcheting stubbies on ebay now. I've got one of the long shanks, and one of the regular shanks, but don't yet have a stubby or one of the adjustable handled ones. Keyword in there YET.

 

[Sick Puppy]

lol good luck with the bidding - the black one looks good, the yellow one... well, I don't like owner's marks, and I like ground off owners marks even less!

I've just purchased short and medium tee handles, and standard and long hard handles, but the stubby one is proving somewhat elusive... I think that one may end up costing me! lol

 

[donsims30]

Oh yeah, of course I'm hurting for money lol aren't we all? Well not really hurting for it but definitely craving it. The more I have the more tools I can get and we're all hurting for new tools even if we don't "need them" as my wife seems to always point out. I bought a snap-on visual inspection camera the other day, not that I'll ever probably use it but trust me I needed it just like the snap-on thermal temperature scanner I bought and has set in the back of my tool box for 3 years and the new hybrid multimeter I just got ( even though I have 2 fluke multimeters). I was hurting for these tools pretty bad ( in my mind) though I probably won't get the use out of them that they deserve. Any one else have issues like this where they just can't seem to pass up a good deal though it's for something redundant or unneeded? C'mon I can't be the only one

 

[billymade]

Maybe your should read this thread:

"You KNOW your a tool ADDICT when...."

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18014