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Old tools are they worth keeping??

6PTsocket

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yes i think the vinegar is to harsh.
Currently i am trying a few in some lime juice as my wife suggested.
Lime juice, vinegar, oxalic acid are all mild acids and etch away rust and good metal, alike. You have to pull them at the right time before they take off too much good metal. Phosphoric acid is the base of many commercial rust removers, like Naval Jelley and is also found in Coke, converts rust (iron oxide) to iron phosphate, a black coating that is less porous than rust so it adds a little protection. My personal favorite is Evaporust, that only attacks rust and is mild, reusable and can be dumped down the drain. A similar result can be had with feed grade molasses, diluted 10:1 with water. It is cheap but very slow. Good for very big items.

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Davefr

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PFSard

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I didn't read all the posts, so I apologize if I duplicate suggestions.

Everything depends on the amount of time you have. And what you may want/need for tools at some point in your life.

Temporarily, keep the quality stuff, if you have the room. Little by little, sort these out, piecing together sets. And decent shape non-sets. Assume you will need some tools at some point in your life.

Garage sale the junk for cheap money. Or donate to charity. Or give to friends, etc. Don't waste time cleaning up rusted, beat upon ****.

Any tools (that you decide you don't want to keep) that are quality brands in decent shape, I would sell on eBay or another platform. Just do a search for pricing on eBay (under sold items) for whatever tools you want to unload.
 

ssdave

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Check to see if a local high school has an automotive program. Donate them to the school.

Really? What would they do with them? They need the same quality of modern, metric tools that the rest of us do to repair things.

Realistically, there's not much there worth much to anybody except a garage sale tool collector. And, that's $.10 to $1 per piece, with most of them falling towards the low end.

Pick out what you can use from the better stuff to keep for yourself or family, lump the rest of the better stuff together into lots by brand name and sell on ebay if it will sell, and garage sale the remainder or donate to a local thrift store.

I wouldn't invest anything into lime juice, vinegar, or evaporust for this lot. I might wire brush some of the rust off and wipe with an oily rag before I started using it.
 

gdpolk

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I would go through it and build a set of what will be useful for you and keep what might possibly be useful for you in the future. The rest, I would just sell or donate to a worthy cause and not worry about it. It's great to have tools handed down to you, but if an item isn't serving a purpose and isn't sentimental to you then you really have no reason to keep it.
 

driftpin

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I was recently given a top-handle toolbox filled with many wrenches and sockets, some punches, screwdrivers, pliers, a few taps, dies, and drills, and other stuff, I'd say, about 15-20 lbs of tools. I got a 5 gal bucket, some 'cleaning vinegar,' and I left the tools in there for about 3 days.

When they went into the bucket, they looked like yours. When I rinsed them off 3 days later, nearly any rust was gone. There was a dirty-brown foamy, slick layer of that which had migrated-off the tools, some heavier stuff lying on the bottom, and other in the foamy layer.

I used a respirator and wire-wheeled all the tools that were worth keeping. You don't want to breathe the cadmium plating, a serious carcinogen!

When done, the seriously-rusted tools were clean down to the pits. I don't think any tools in the wrenches were so-bad that the jaws were corroded, it was more the bodies were pitted. Things like screwdrivers and punches fared well, though the small number of taps and dies didn't fare as well, some of those were discarded. I used PB Blaster to thoroughly-coat the tools I kept, and a week later, I treated them to a second PB Blaster spray.

Bottom-line, the 'cleaning vinegar' did a good job of rust removal. I was able to salvage probably 85% of the tools, and yes, there was some decent stuff in there. Proto, S-K, Snap On, Craftsman, Herbrand, Armstrong, a real mix, worth it to go through it. And, worth the time to clean it. I ended up with a complete set of 1/2" drive impacts, and near-complete sets of 3/8" sockets in regular and deep sizes. It kept me occupied for a few hours, and I know where to go, to a local pawn shop, where they don't think every hand tool is worth more than new, to fill-in the missing sockets for cheap. Then it could be yard sale time, we're getting ready to move into another house.
 
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ken w.

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I would just take them to a bench grinder with a wire wheel and oil them up. I think most of us agree that there isn't anything in the pics that's that valuable. I would respond to the posters that are interested and you will make out best.

If these were collectable tools I most likely wouldn't say to use the wire wheel , but I don't think it matters much here.
 

jd_1138

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Sorry about the loss of your dad. I went through that 2 years ago.

I'd keep the tools. The value in the use of the tools plus the sentimental value outweighs what little amount of $$$ you will get for them. People are friggin' cheapskates and won't pay much.

I went through that trying to sell my dad's (mechanic for 50 years) tools. The 2 people who looked through the tools were only looking for Snap-On. My dad had a lot of SK, Proto, USA CM, etc.. They didn't even want the SK. Just ignorant flippers looking for SO.

So I just kept 95% of the tools.
 

exmaxima1

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The cost of the Evaporust is more then the value of the tools based on the images.

Keep them and use them as is, or donate them.

I don't see anything worth spending time or money trying to sell. Those are $.10-.25 items at a g-sale.

If those are genuine Vise-Grips in that box, they could fetch $100 alone due to the current frenzy for them. And keep in mind that the Evaporust is reusable, and not a total loss.
 

ssdave

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If those are genuine Vise-Grips in that box, they could fetch $100 alone due to the current frenzy for them. And keep in mind that the Evaporust is reusable, and not a total loss.

I'll pull every old dewitt NE vise grip out of my toolbox and sell them to you for $50 apiece. And, they're not rusty or beat up or full of weld slag. Great way for you to double your money selling them for $100! I'll even pay the postage.
 

four.cycle

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^ believe it or not, Dave, people are paying north of $15 - $20 bucks a pair for old ViseGrips on Ebay now. go figure.

the rest of that stuff I'd pick through it and see if you have any complete (or near complete) sets and clean those up and use them.
from what I can make out in the photos it doesn't look like you've got a lot of high-end stuff there, so you'd never recoup your investment putting a lot of time and money in it if your intention is to sell it.

better off picking out what you'll actually use and sending the rest of it down the road, however that happens.
 

ssdave

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I know they'll bring $15 or $20; I picked through my box and sold my worst ones for that. The real early ones with a hex head bolt instead of knurled head bolt and no release lever will bring $35 to $70. I had a few of them, too. What I don't believe in is $100. I'd gladly sell mine for $50 and rebuy for $15 or $20!
 

four.cycle

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no... no way $100... that's nutty....

I think $15 or $20 is nutty, but that's because I remember what we paid for them buying directly from Petersen in the 70s... :lol:

still looking for a decent price on a little pair of the 5LN or 6LN model.
 
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jrjorin

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Sorry about the loss of your dad. I went through that 2 years ago.

I'd keep the tools. The value in the use of the tools plus the sentimental value outweighs what little amount of $$$ you will get for them. People are friggin' cheapskates and won't pay much.

I went through that trying to sell my dad's (mechanic for 50 years) tools. The 2 people who looked through the tools were only looking for Snap-On. My dad had a lot of SK, Proto, USA CM, etc.. They didn't even want the SK. Just ignorant flippers looking for SO.

So I just kept 95% of the tools.

Ya i think thats about how i feel right now also.

He passed away the first of December.
 
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jrjorin

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If those are genuine Vise-Grips in that box, they could fetch $100 alone due to the current frenzy for them. And keep in mind that the Evaporust is reusable, and not a total loss.



Yes they are genuine Vise-Grips and the pliers that are missing the nut are Lyectrolux just goes to show you that some people never throw away anything.
 
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jrjorin

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How about a photo lineup of the ratchets. I see some good ones worth cleaning up and using. Some good sockets too.

I have never tried evaporust but maybe for a quantity like this, if vinegar is too harsh. Hopefully someone can weigh in on that. They look to have been water logged at some point.

Since you asked so nicely and I have never been 1 to be shy, here are a few photos of the ratchets.

Enjoy LOL
 

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Davefr

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Since you asked so nicely and I have never been 1 to be shy, here are a few photos of the ratchets.

Enjoy LOL

Those ratchets might clean up pretty easily. Start with WD40 and a scotch brite pad and you might be surprised with the results. (or use a brass brush) I would not bother with vinegar/evaporust or electrolysis.

That exposed gear Thorsen is a "keeper" and should be easy to cleanup. They have a nice compact head that can get into tight spots.

The rest or them will probably need to be taken apart to clean properly.

IMHO, the only ratchet that will bring anything would be the 1/4" SO on the right side. However I'd keep it.

There's no demand for those speeders IMHO. However a Bonney collector might like that one.

Good luck. I'd say the sentimental value is worth far more then monetary value.
 
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ihateminimumwage

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If those are genuine Vise-Grips in that box, they could fetch $100 alone due to the current frenzy for them. And keep in mind that the Evaporust is reusable, and not a total loss.
I just looked at eBay sold listings for USA Vise Grips (or Vice Grips as many seem to spell on there) and it looks like I have some sets to sell off!:lol:
 
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jrjorin

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I just looked at eBay sold listings for USA Vise Grips (or Vice Grips as many seem to spell on there) and it looks like I have some sets to sell off!:lol:


Since you seem to like vise-grips thought you might enjoy a few pix
 

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ihateminimumwage

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Since you seem to like vise-grips thought you might enjoy a few pix
I'm more a fan of selling stuff, I just didn't think there was any money in the Vise Grips I have sitting in a drawer.

I do still have a set that are about as rusty and rough as your picture. They replaced a broken off shift lever on a '79 F250 I was given and drove that way for years!
 

3baygarage

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Since you asked so nicely and I have never been 1 to be shy, here are a few photos of the ratchets.

Enjoy LOL

:thumbup: those are all worth saving. Thought I saw a little Snap On in there. As Dave said, some light cleaning is probably all they need.

After cleaning rust, if any are gunked up to the point they wont budge, a soak in some clean transmission fluid would help that. I learned from the guys here, and it does break down the grease gunk. I’ve used it many times now, just soak things in ATF and forget about them for a couple weeks.
 

byoungblood

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Thanks to everyone for the input, guess after i make a little money selling the stuff from Taiwan and Japan i will buy some Evapo rust.

Generic import tools are scrap metal. If there is enough of them you may get someone to pay you a dollar or two for a box full of them at a garage sale.
 

four.cycle

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Davefr said:
That exposed gear Thorsen is a "keeper" and should be easy to cleanup. They have a nice compact head that can get into tight spots.

^ Yes. That 77J Thorsen should be pretty easy to get back into working order.

Be careful with that little Walden 3150 (and the other two Walden pear-heads.)
I would allow them to soak in some sort of penetrating oil prior to attempting to disassemble them - they use a *******-size screw that you will not be able to find anywhere so you do not want to lose them or strip the threads on the cover plates when disassembling them. If yours have the hole in the top of the head just shoot some kind of penetrating oil inside them and let them soak for a few days before messing with them.
 

notlob

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If it is 3/8 drive, I'd be interested in the Kraeuter ratchet with the funky handle.
 
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lbhsbz

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I've found it not worth it to sell tools unless they are very high end and in complete sets...the effort required is not worth the relatively small price.

If you think you'll use them, clean 'em up and keep 'em. If not, I'd dump them all in a 5 gallon bucket with some sort of light oil...diesel fuel, old gasoline, etc... and shake it around for a few minutes to knock as much rust off as you can, then dump them out and roll them around on an old towel to clean 'em up, take a picture of the whole lot...nicely spread out, and throw them on craigslist. You might get $40-50
 

mdog892001

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Keep them. Go through them keep the USA tools. yard sell the imports and cherish them memories that your dads hands touched those tools. Just my two cents. I have tools from my grandpa that are in a box tucked away for the day my 3month old son is old enough to use them.


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Cruzan80

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The Kraeuter is a great ratchet, bombproof. Have one I got from my dad. Wierd I-beam handle but decently comfortable in actual use.
 
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jrjorin

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Generic import tools are scrap metal. If there is enough of them you may get someone to pay you a dollar or two for a box full of them at a garage sale.


sold $80 worth this weekend at 4 for a dollar

lol

and still have half of them left

guess they all like scrap around here
 

Gmonkee

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Same in Mexico. I can sell 'scrap' wrenches 10 to one over bling brands. The bolts don't care either.
 
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jrjorin

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Soaking a few in Evapo-Rust and transmission fluid now. If anyone is interested I will post some pix after cleaning.
 

Gmonkee

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Sure! Maybe we can help identify a few for you once spiffied up a bit.
Maybe the bug will bite and you find them valuable more the market value.
 

Tallpilot

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It's sad that tools get treated like this. Even people who hate tool polishers should find this depressing.
 

byoungblood

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sold $80 worth this weekend at 4 for a dollar

lol

and still have half of them left

guess they all like scrap around here

Awesome. I usually can’t give the stuff away around here. Sometimes I’ve put it all in a box for cheap and people still try to talk me down.
 
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