To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

That old tool store down the road...

stratman977

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 26, 2012
Messages
633
Location
Belle Vernon, PA
I want to see if they have any of the non-epa gas cans left in the store when I get a chance to go back. Price doesn't matter if they have any i'm going to buy a few.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
T

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
I want to see if they have any of the non-epa gas cans left in the store when I get a chance to go back. Price doesn't matter if they have any i'm going to buy a few.

Want me to check? It's a 2 minute car ride for me :bounce:

Was thinking of stopping by anyways.

I have a few Blitz 5 gallon units that still have the vent hole in the back if that's what you mean.
 

stratman977

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 26, 2012
Messages
633
Location
Belle Vernon, PA
Haha, your'e just itching for an excuse to go to that store.

Yes I mean the ones with the vent hole or even the metal ones. Just not the kind that have the adultproof nozzle, i mean childproof.
 
OP
T

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
Haha, your'e just itching for an excuse to go to that store.

Yes I mean the ones with the vent hole or even the metal ones. Just not the kind that have the adultproof nozzle, i mean childproof.

I didn't see any on my initial pass through the isles, but I'll check again tomorrow morning. I have to buy another pair of VG's (this time a bar clamp) for a member on here.

Jeff, my camera died as soon as I snapped a few pics, but I'll get them up later. I some business with my shaft to attend to... (going to the range and shop to get a club re-done :lol: )

edit: also, bought a ton of Vaco "key drivers". They look pretty recently made but they're cool nonetheless.

Front: "Vaco: Silver Key Screwdrivers"
Back: "Vaco Tools: Your Key to Greater Profits"

Heh.
 
Last edited:
OP
T

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
Just because Jeff is impatient. :bounce:

Oh yeah, found a Vaco reversible with a flathead... and a bunch of Vaco replacement ... nutdriver ends?! Never knew anyone made such a thing.. wish they had the handles though.

Don't mind the few random pics :headscrat

0620121552.jpg

0620121552a.jpg

0620121552b.jpg

0620121552c.jpg

0620121552d.jpg

0620121552e.jpg

0620121824a.jpg

0620121824b.jpg

0620121825.jpg


Hammer on the right was brand new 2 days ago.. I need to work on my aim! :lol:
 
OP
T

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
For a member on here. Same deal for the wrench set. Same for the nicholson files and General countersink right behind that SD (out of view).

But yes, I did "buy" it.. looks very sturdy too.

Anyone who buys something from the store through me gets one of the key drivers for free, is what I'm plannin' ta do.
 

Treeman

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 4, 2008
Messages
545
Location
Michigan
Thank you, Trucky, for making this thread.

It's wonderful to remember what used to be, but rather sad at the same time.

Anyone older than about 45 remembers these stores well.

I envy you. Have fun.
 
OP
T

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
vise..............grip............. tool............. box................
uh oh............ i think i need one.

It's their name for the Irwin/VG brand multi-tool they used to make, don't start drooling just yet! :eek:

Thank you, Trucky, for making this thread.

It's wonderful to remember what used to be, but rather sad at the same time.

Anyone older than about 45 remembers these stores well.

I envy you. Have fun.

You're welcome. I am having a lot of fun getting things not only for myself but for my fellow members here. I even picked up some US-made garden hose nozzles... never thought I'd see those again.
 
Last edited:

BigGMC

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 6, 2012
Messages
278
Location
Land of Confusion - NY
So what is it that makes those vise grips better? I know they are made in USA, and thats awesome, and I'm all for quality tools but some of them prices ,IMO, are nuts. And the guy is constantly upping the prices like they are fast moving items..... some of that stuff has been there 35+yrs.
Vaco is still around, they are a subsidiary of Klien now, so what's the draw to these Vaco drivers?
I'm guessing he might buy closeout inventory from defunct shops.
Not meaning to be cynical, just trying to understand.
 
OP
T

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
So what is it that makes those vise grips better? I know they are made in USA, and thats awesome, and I'm all for quality tools but some of them prices ,IMO, are nuts. And the guy is constantly upping the prices like they are fast moving items..... some of that stuff has been there 35+yrs.
Vaco is still around, they are a subsidiary of Klien now, so what's the draw to these Vaco drivers?
I'm guessing he might buy closeout inventory from defunct shops.
Not meaning to be cynical, just trying to understand.

Some of the prices are nuts, I will agree.

As for the Vise Grips, they're only a few bucks over the norm in your local Lowes. As for why they're better: I have a good feeling the US made ones have better materials. They DO have a better finish. Find one that says "MADE IN USA" on the side and you'll feel the better plating and attention to detail in the tool. They feel better as a result.

The Vaco I just like. I know it's a subsidiary now, but why would I want something new from them? Klein drivers are supposedly soft and crappy now, so I suppose the Vaco line is as well. Call it presumption, but I'm just being safe. Plus, I love the handles, the local store appeal, and the feel of them as well.

He doesn't buy inventory from other shops. That stuff has been in there for a long time, I have asked him about it. I went in that store a few times before I "found" it again.. I was rather young, and my father took me there. Still looks the same according to him.

A "pipe" bender?
medium_ridgid1975.jpg

I do believe there is a US made one there, of the same style. Want me to check it out?
 

Treeman

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 4, 2008
Messages
545
Location
Michigan
Yes, please check it out and report back. Proper fit (no looseness) is important. The model shown is a rigid bender.

Thank you.
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
T

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
Treeman, there were only a few GB conduit benders there, sorry to say.

Diesel, PM me what you want.

People, I'm going to have a difficult time shipping your stuff out for about the next few days or so. Between 60 hrs a week on night shift and my 3 classes this summer, it's going to be a royal PITA to get stuff sent, so please give me a few days. I will still pick up tools and whatnot for the folks on here if you'd like, and please let me know sooner than later so I can keep funds on my card :lol:
 

Super Scout

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2012
Messages
142
Location
Latrobe PA
Hey Trucky where in Latrobe do you live ? I live in Latrobe too, I know ALLLLLLLL about Petrosky's hardware.... My dad owns it. Glad you like it. Nice post.
 
Last edited:
OP
T

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
Hey Trucky where in Latrobe do you live ? I live in Latrobe too, I know ALLLLLLLL about Petrosky's hardware.... My dad owns it. Glad you like, and quit buying all my tools LOL. I saw him today and, he was asking me if I ever heard of Garage Journal. Nice post.

Spring St., next to the tracks.

And I will not quit buying all your tools! They're mine now. :D
 

thesilverone

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 25, 2008
Messages
3,805
Location
Taxachusetts
Hey Trucky where in Latrobe do you live ? I live in Latrobe too, I know ALLLLLLLL about Petrosky's hardware.... My dad owns it. Glad you like, and quit buying all my tools LOL. I saw him today and, he was asking me if I ever heard of Garage Journal. Nice post.

Sell them on here ASAP!!!!!!
 

Super Scout

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2012
Messages
142
Location
Latrobe PA
He sells SK, Thorsen, One real old Indestro it even has the tag on it from the old location. They moved the store in 1973. He also has complete sets of Old Stanley Professional. As well as some newer Armstrong. Armstrong is replacing SK from his supplier. He sells Great Neck as a bargain tool really he has no choice to compete. Tools sales is not what keeps that place alive. His view is a hardware store should have certain things, no matter what. Even if it means something will sit there for 30 years.
 

beerdog

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 27, 2011
Messages
374
Location
Buffalo Grove, IL
Someone should organize a Garage Journal meetup in this town. You can then invade the store like vikings and buy up all the inventory. Then drink, eat, and revel in the booty afterwards.
 

Super Scout

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 23, 2012
Messages
142
Location
Latrobe PA
Latrobe has really good pizza and wing joints. There is another Hardware Store that is like an antique shop called, Lyciupus Hardware. Its about 10 miles out of town. I don't think he has restocked the shelves since the 60s. If you ever drove past it you would think its closed.
 

NUTTSGT

Super Moderator
Staff member
Joined
Sep 14, 2009
Messages
50,898
Location
Northern Central Ohio
great pics! thanks for sharing. Lots of cool stuff there, and as said, a lot has been there for 40+ years. Pinto key rings? Thorsen wrenches? ( I laughed when I saw that!) Very cool.

I noticed the Pinto and Torino key rings were still there but Mavericks were gone.
 

bobemmerich

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 23, 2009
Messages
1,611
Location
Middletown, Ct.
Latrobe has really good pizza and wing joints. There is another Hardware Store that is like an antique shop called, Lyciupus Hardware. Its about 10 miles out of town. I don't think he has restocked the shelves since the 60s. If you ever drove past it you would think its closed.

Isn't that where the Rolling Rock Beer brewery is, too?
 

matthew

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 4, 2009
Messages
1,346
His view is a hardware store should have certain things, no matter what. Even if it means something will sit there for 30 years.

Don't overlook that statement, anyone - that is telling! It's getting harder and harder to find anything but the most common commodity-type hardware or tools, and I absolutely agree that we should judge the calibre of our hardware or tools suppliers not based on everyday drywall screws or phillips screwdrivers, but rather on the less-than-common items. Strictly basing inventory off turnover rates is killing hardware stores, in my opinion...

The vintage tools are cool, fantastic stuff and all, but one day the retail stock of it will be exhausted. It is my hope that stuff worth buying returns to new production one day...
 
OP
T

Trucky

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 26, 2011
Messages
1,747
Latrobe has really good pizza and wing joints. There is another Hardware Store that is like an antique shop called, Lyciupus Hardware. Its about 10 miles out of town. I don't think he has restocked the shelves since the 60s. If you ever drove past it you would think its closed.

Had no idea. I'll have to make the trip on my day off sometime. I think I've driven past it, the name sounds familiar.

I'd have to agree on the wings and pizza.. Dino's and Hotel Loyal for me, personally.
 

RedFordTruck

Well-known member
Joined
May 10, 2012
Messages
921
Haha, your'e just itching for an excuse to go to that store.

Yes I mean the ones with the vent hole or even the metal ones. Just not the kind that have the adultproof nozzle, i mean childproof.


The new plastic ones with the confusing-*** spout? Yeah they dont vent so whenever I buy one my first order of business is to take my smallest drill bit and put a tiny hole in the top on the opposite side of the spout.

Occasionally if you fill it all the way to the top it will slosh a drop or two out of the 1/64'' hole, but its a LOT better than finding a swollen up gas can ready to blow in the back of your truck...
 

RedFordTruck

Well-known member
Joined
May 10, 2012
Messages
921
I was thinking of this thread as I drove past an old hardware store a few towns from my home. I made a quick U-turn and stopped in....but all they had was a bunch of cheesy "Do It Best" branded hand tools from China. Oh well. :(

Congratulations on discovering your treasure trove. :thumbup:



Same here. My local hardware place has a few good old tools but most of it is just typical Bargain bin junk sorted by color of the packaging.
 

KPSquared

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 18, 2010
Messages
2,750
Location
Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada
This is a really great thread!

I know of a couple places around here that are guaranteed to have a TON on NOS. I'm going on a little shopping trip this weekend. . . I think my excitement about them faded mostly because they are filled with a TON of **** as well. . . takes some hunting.

Love this thread, keep it up!
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom