Question for guys who collect "old" tools

[BillK]

Hi,
I have a question for anyone who collets older tools like old pipe wrenches, vises, pliers etc etc. Do you prefer to buy these types of tools in thier "original" condition, or do you prefer the seller to have then cleaned up and looking "pretty" ?? Reason I ask is that I have a bunch of old tools I have accumulated over the years, some from yard sales, family members etc. I was going to glass bead them one at a time to clean them up and then try to sell them but started thinking that maybe a true collector would prefer them in thier original, dirty condition ?

What is your preferences ?

 

[RICH H]

I love them in there original condition.

 

[snapmom]

Most I keep as they are, but some have to be cleaned, some have to go thru a complete restoration

 

[Outlawmws]

DON"T glass bead them. You will destroy ANY resale/collector value. NEVER use abrasive methods on forged, finished or cast metal tools. I don't even like to do that to cast iron I'm painting, unless it is engine parts.

If you want to clean off the rust. I use several methods:

Fine/soft wire wheel. (It won't get it all off, but also does not remove good metal noticeably. heavy wire wheels (Especially braided/twisted) are too aggressive/abrasive. I also don't "attack" the part/tool hard, it's almost a polishing process. Works well on most tool surfaces. Out of reach areas can often be "detailed" with a toothbrush sized wire brush.

Electrolysis, Time consuming, somewhat messy, and should be done well away from any ignition source.

Phosphoric acid (Jasco metal etch) Works well, takes time, DON'T use it on anything other than steel/iron.

Molasses and water. Works best warn; sitting out in the sun is about warm enough. Very slow but does work surprisingly well, even on heavy crusty rust, if you take off the loose stuff and occasionally give it a stiff brushing (Plastic/nylon works fine).

A lot of people swear by Evaporust; I've no experience with it.

Don't forget to give them a light oiling with say gun oil or you risk them re-rusting very quickly.

 

[six-T-seven]

I clean 'em up well enough to use them. They're tools, not stamps.

 

[TMcCay]

Depends on the tool. With my old hand planes and hand saws definately not cleaned as most times I want the old finish intact as much as possible. I have bought a couple that were cleaned by a professional tool restoration person and a good part of the price was for the service but I really enjoy owning and occasionally using the tool. It would have to be a really rare tool for me not to use it. But I have turned down most of the collector tools because the owner thought they knew what they were doing and inevitably ruined any value that the tool had by cleaning it. JMHO

 

[byoungblood]

I've cleaned up most of my old tools enough to be able to read the size marks and/or make them operable again. I don't polish any of them. I'm mainly just cleaning off any caked on grease/dirt or scaly rust. If it has a patina finish from age, I just leave it alone.

 

[BillK]

I guess I didnt word my question quite right. I really dont care what guys do with the tools after they buy them, I just wanted to know what condition they prefer them to be in when they buy them.

 

[ajchien]

Most tools - clean the grime, dirt and grease off. Mild rust removal (WD40 etc)

A collector will do the rest themselves.

 

[leg17]

Most tools - clean the grime, dirt and grease off. Mild rust removal (WD40 etc)

A collector will do the rest themselves.

This is the best answer for selling.
Clean them, (as in dirt), but DON"T try to '"improve" them.

The best answer for collecting is ....... It all depends.

 

[woody 73]

Tough question 50 of one and 50 of another... Most collectors like them to be in the first scenario(barn find). I like the old patina and love all the old paint.; but at the same time I avoid heavy rusted tools and would prefer the second choice of a cleaned up tool. I am sure my reply is not going to answer your question, but most true collectors would like the barn find best.

 

[beardog]

For a collector tool that I was going to sell I would leave it original. If it is a tool I intend to use then I restore it as much as possible. Kinda like taking in a mangy stray animal. Clean it up,brush it out,get the shots and then fatten it up til ya can't see ribs.

 

[lauver]

billk,

Your best bet if you want to sell the tools is leave them as you find them. Let the buyers decide how to handle them. Most tool collectors like to do their own cleaning and preservation/restoration work. And, most tool collectors hate to find otherwise good vintage tools that have been wire wheeled by the seller.

I hope this answers your question.

 

[treasureseeker]

It would depend on what the tools are. Vintage woodworking tools should be left in found condition. Rusted natural finished tools without a collectable value could be bead blasted.