Question for all the tool hounds ?

[mikebaker1129]

I was wondering what the tool hounds do with the tools that they do not keep in their stash/collection?
Do you clean them up and sell them on CL or Ebay Or just add to the pile ?
I find myself constantly on the hunt for cool and quality (Mostly USA made tools)at Pawn stores and Flea Markets mostly as a hobby.

What does everyone do with their culls ?

 

[wild cowboy]

sell them here on GJ for no fee, or else sell them on ebay and pay their 10% in fees

either way - you still pay another 3% in paypal fees

however, if you are buying good stuff at pawn shops, garage sales, etc. and buying the tools at a serious bargain, then you can certainly make money selling the excess on here or on ebay.

typically tools that are new or beautiful condition that are respected USA brands should bring half of retail or more at either place!

craigslist is another option, but since you are only dealing with locals, hard to get as much money out of CL

also, many older tools are collectible, as are some discontinued favorites, and both of those bring big bucks on ebay - example: the old USA made vice-grips in new or nearly new condition

 

[1967lemans]

The good stuff gets set aside or added to my basement shop or tool box upstairs (house tools), or in the car.

the junk gets thrown in my "in case I need to bend/cut/make a tool pile.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Mostly use for trades or give them to people who need tools.

 

[2oolhound]

Like 1967lemans says, demote them to a road box or secondary box somewhere or toss them in the reject bin to be used to grind down, bend or weld into some special application. I also give them out to people I run into who may need them.

This really doesn't fulfil the problem though but it helps till I figure out what else to do.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I was wondering what the tool hounds do with the tools that they do not keep in their stash/collection?
Do you clean them up and sell them on CL or Ebay Or just add to the pile ?
I find myself constantly on the hunt for cool and quality (Mostly USA made tools)at Pawn stores and Flea Markets mostly as a hobby.

What does everyone do with their culls ?

When I pick stuff up it's usually cheap and for use. I do alright (by my own estimation) because I don't go crazy and keep a budget. Not bad to have backups/other options.

 

[G_P]

I put them aside and try to make complete sets.
Any Chinese junk ends up tossed into a small toolbox and is used when I need to cut/bend something to make a custom tool. Chinese stuff is also given away when someone asks to borrow a too.

 

[msgtsmithret]

I've put together a couple of nice sets of general purpose tools for friends and family. They are appreciated and I find a way to cull when I have too many screwdrivers, sockets, etc.

 

[Conductor562]

All of the above. I have a few drawers in my shop file cabinets that house extras, backups, non-user/collector tools, etc., but every now and then I just get entirely too many of a particular item and either

A: Trade it (Typically my approach with collectable type stuff)
B: Give it away (Typically with nice user tools with no collector value)
C: Sell it on here (Typically done with sets or like new items)

 

[Spinaker01]

I give my old "extras" to a friend of mine out East who doesn't have the spare cash to buy them himself. At least I know they are going to good home and will be well used and appreciated.

 

[Boredmechanic]

I have a ebay store that averages 1500$ in sales a week

 

[drivesitfar]

Here's what one guy does with his extra tools. looks like a good idea for those beyond rusty or broken old US or nice chrome imported ones.

 

[NUTTSGT]

I think most guys on here keep them and do the normal GJ thing, buy a bigger box.

 

[cbacres]

I think most guys on here keep them and do the normal GJ thing, buy a bigger box.

And then buy multiple boxes when the big one is too small!

 

[woody 73]

My son has a friend that is taking shop class in car repair so I fill up small tool boxes with tool overflow and when he comes I give it to him.

 

[msgtsmithret]

And then get a bigger garage . . .

 

[Tripn88]

I plan to clean everything I find. I will be putting together a few nice sets to keep for myself. Other than that I'll sell the rest to fund my habit. Its all about the hunt.

 

[Exceller8]

I buy tons of tools at the swap meet. I'm always upgrading and finding tool that I need. I usually upgrade then take the extra tools and put them in a backup box. I also have a couple of travel trailers that I put tools in, both cars, and if I have any tools left over they get put in a box a traded back to the swap meet guys.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I have a ebay store that averages 1500$ in sales a week

Says the newbie with no location in his profile and nary a link to his "profitable" tool selling ebay venture. Hmmmm...

I;m gonna need more than a "'cause I said so" response.
Sorry.

If you move a lot of used tools, ebay can be profitable, but they are weeding out the small sellers one by one due to fees and selling practices.

I always buy what I need or know I can find a home for with someone else who I know can use them.

Craigslist is not on my selling radar due to the local types that buy,
Setting up at the local flea if you have bulk is also an option.

 

[PFSard]

I have a ebay store that averages 1500$ in sales a week

I'm always interested at looking at fellow GJer's eBay presence. I didn't see anything in your public profile. What's your moniker on eBay?

 

[Boredmechanic]

I'm always interested at looking at fellow GJer's eBay presence. I didn't see anything in your public profile. What's your moniker on eBay?

Georgesstore and moransebaystore

 

[Boredmechanic]

I just sold a bunch of tools. Any of you the culprit? Lol

 

[Jarhead0408]

My garage is like Alcatraz. They only go in for a life sentence.


But seriously, I do keep most of the stuff. I generally pick it up for pennies on the dollar. I've got enough tools to outfit my entire family if need be.

All the chinese stuff is in a box and it is understood that you take it whenever you want. No fee. It's also understood however, that NOTHING comes out of my main box period, and no one goes in the garage unless I'm there.

Am I worried about my family stealing stuff? Not a bit. They are honest as the day is long, but a few times they've left the door unlocked after filling their tires up. So no more unrestricted access.

I also give away good stuff too. Especially if someone helps me on a project or if I need an extra set of hands fixing a vehicle.

 

[unslow1]

I wasn't aware that you are allowed to sell tools. I thought once you acquired them they are like family heirlooms. I have separated the cheap stuff off that I give away or use for loaners. I also buy those $1 multiblade screwdrivers for that. Once I loan a screwdriver a couple of times it's easier to just give them one.

 

[zoomieport]

I usually just leave them in the livingroom for a while, so I can admire them.

 

[unslow1]

I usually just leave them in the livingroom for a while, so I can admire them.

I wish I could say I didn't. It does seem to happen a lot.