How do you see if tools are 'quality'?

[Jeanke]

Hey all,

I was wondering, besides brands, let's say a tool is old and rusty: how can you check if it is actually a good quality tool? Say you find old rusty chisels, hammerheads, saws, wood files etc... (which is my case), how do you know? I ask because there is a lot of rust to be removed and time needed, so I wonder if you anyone can enlighten me on that?

I'm guessing there is.. no way to know until you use them? Or... ? I see a lot of people restoring old stuff, so surely you are all not blindly buying old rusty stuff but know what you're doing ?

This is not sarcastic, but an actual question!

 

[3baygarage]

If you find old rusty tools that say USA, there is probably some desirability no matter the brand. Just check for breaks or damage. I'd say anything USA is fair game depending on how much you're willing to put into it cost-wise plus your time restoring.

 

[jd_1138]

Be careful of cadmium coated tools. It is highly toxic if disturbed in any way. Read up about it if you are going to be looking and hunting for older tools.

 

[Bigplum]

The devil is in the detail, quality old stuff just has that bit extra, it's the same on new tools
Compare say a Estwing hammer and a DIY store hammer , the casting is slender , the machining tight and the finish looks like someone tried

 

[zkling]

A quick lick can usually help to determine the carbon content. Proceed from there.

I try to look for a name or a marking that I recognize even if it is a partial. More than once I have been presently surprised after cleaning lots of rust to find a quality tool underneath. Unfortunately the reverse has also happened.