Tools...Should they be for Users or Collectors

[Kev442]

Are hummels like Beanie Babies?
They used to be collectible and then the market just evaporated?
OR, just your mom's particular Hummels are not worth much?
Are any Hummels still worth real money?
What year or decade did the hummel value market peak?

Not going to pretend to be a Hummel expert, but ebay lists 38,000 of them for sale. Some are no sales at $7.99, some are selling for over $100.
As my Mom's generation passes on, there will probably 100,000+ for sale on ebay. What does supply and demand do to prices?

SAE was phased out in the auto industry close to 30 years ago. What are used SAE wrenches worth now? Where will their value be in 30 years?
Just use your tools and enjoy them.

 

[85camaro]

I could never bring myself to use my Snap on, Bel Air screwdrivers.

 

[Gregg33]

There isn't any tool that I own, that I wouldn't use at least for light use. But having said that I have my "go to" tools that I use fairly often, others don't see much use. I enjoy buying and selling tools....talking to fellow tool guys, making the tools I own better, finding something rare especially to complete a set and of course using them.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I hate it when various types of tools become "Collector's Items".

Examples abound.

It isn't so bad for tools in present day production and plentiful supply, like Snap-on.

But "Old American Iron", from stationary machines to hand tools, become more and more scarce and "Collectable".

The price gets driven up until the average user can't afford them. They then end up in collectors hordes.

It's classic supply and demand, but I hate it.

But I participate in it too. I have way more then the 1 or 2 or even 3 vises I could use. All the extras in my "collection" are unavailable for others to use. And that drives up demand and price.

What's the solution? Should all of us with excess tools sell them to users?

Bill

"Should"? They should be for use (unless they're made for that reason) but at some point the higher end stuff becomes collectible. Is it wrong? Nah. I wouldn't have bought most of the stuff even at retail price anyway.

They don't make gold plated wrenches for use.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

i'm ok with people who collect tools. but what i don't like are the "artificial" collector's items.... meaning, a manufacturer specifically made a small quantity of some tool and gold plated it or etched something special on it and it's meant for the collector's market and generally overpriced with artificially low supply. this **** is stupid.

I agree, this kind of stuff is stupid. I often wonder who buys these "collector" items? They always end up on Ebay selling for 1/3 of their original retail price. I can remeber every year Craftsman had collector items in their catalogs and I alway wondered at what point is there so many collector items out there that they have diminished the value of all of them? A cool collector item is something like a bottle opener that you can actually use..........a gold coated wrench isn't something I'm going to use.

 

[nicksnothereman]

I agree, this kind of stuff is stupid. I often wonder who buys these "collector" items? They always end up on Ebay selling for 1/3 of their original retail price. I can remeber every year Craftsman had collector items in their catalogs and I alway wondered at what point is there so many collector items out there that they have diminished the value of all of them? A cool collector item is something like a bottle opener that you can actually use..........a gold coated wrench isn't something I'm going to use.

But they got a box and are shiny.

Jewelry for bros.

 

[richfinn]

I agree, this kind of stuff is stupid. I often wonder who buys these "collector" items? They always end up on Ebay selling for 1/3 of their original retail price. I can remeber every year Craftsman had collector items in their catalogs and I alway wondered at what point is there so many collector items out there that they have diminished the value of all of them? A cool collector item is something like a bottle opener that you can actually use..........a gold coated wrench isn't something I'm going to use.

I have a Snap On ratchet screwdriver with a gold shank and 70th anniversary on the handle, I've been using it for years. It was the only one the driver had left at the time.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have a Snap On ratchet screwdriver with a gold shank and 70th anniversary on the handle, I've been using it for years. It was the only one the driver had left at the time.

I'm not saying I wouldn't use them, but I'm sure as hell not paying extra for them!

 

[richfinn]

I buy and use tools, I like certain brands but not really a commited hoarder.

I do collect Adidas sneakers, I have dozens of pairs of worthless retro 80s tennis/soccer shoes. It's ridiculous but I couldn't afford them as a kid, Adidas of course knows this and keeps reissuing classic designs in new colours and collaborations with other iconic brands.

If Snap On started to reissue old toolboxes like the Taco cart or the KRA65, KRA63 I'm sure they would sell, I liked the 50s logo stuff from a couple of years ago.

Everybody likes Retro to some extent.

 

[ibedayank]

USE... but having a place clean enough to be able to use them much less nice enough to display them comes first

 

[richfinn]

I'm not saying I wouldn't use them, but I'm sure as hell not paying extra for them!

Me neither, but if they are the same price I don't really mind.

 

[justanengineer]

But "Old American Iron", from stationary machines to hand tools, become more and more scarce and "Collectable".

The price gets driven up until the average user can't afford them. They then end up in collectors hordes.

It's classic supply and demand, but I hate it.

The part that I think youre overlooking Bill is that supply and demand has nothing to do with tools, it has everything to do with people. People are what drive prices, when lots of folks want something the price goes up, when theyre not into it anymore the price goes down. Some tools, like Stanley hand planes, Keen Kutter anything, primitive tools, and even anvils peaked price-wise 20 years ago and really arent worth much comparatively anymore. Not only have there been many more examples of these items been discovered/restored, but theres also fewer folks collecting them, so the value has dropped dramatically. Other "collectibles," like SO screwdrivers w/colored handles are a more recent fad that will peak and eventually die out as well, meaning the prices of those will drop again, its just a matter of time.

Being a bit of a history buff, I liken it to WW2 era Navy ships. Many of them had serious value placed on their existence by an older generation. As that generation dies out, those ships will slowly begin to disappear. The younger generations just dont have the interest in them.

Something important to remember about "collectibles" or any other "investment" is that long term, you CANNOT predict the future value's relation to current value. Just because something is rare or in demand today, doesnt mean it will be tomorrow.

Personally, I own very few things that I cannot or choose not to use.

 

[ZRX61]

If I had unlimited funds, I might consider collecting tools. But do I really need 4 vises?

FOUR?? try 40

 

[3baygarage]

Time for me to throw my opinion out there. As both a tool user and tool collector, there isn't any tool I own that I wouldn't use EXCEPT for a very few brand new pieces that I specifically like to keep as nice unused examples.
Most every tool I own was bought used. This helps in part to not let me say " Oh, I can't use that, it's too pretty to get dirty." After all, somebody used it for 30 years before me. It has developed character in the form of rust, scratches, chrome plating being gone, maybe some nicks and gunked up dirt, whatever.
To each his own. For the guy who collects brand new Snap On ratchets, good for him. He has the money to do it and the passion for it. He's supporting the economy too. To the guy who buys strictly for necessity at work, who would ever look down on him? He may not want 50 ratchets at home too. He's also supporting the economy. The dealer loves both customers I'm sure.
To those who think collecting is no good for you, sure, it can get crazy. That's when you stop and re-evaluate things. Wives are good reminders for that, right?
I say thank you to they guys who hoarded lots of good old stuff and made it a little harder to find. It sparks an interest in younger collectors and helps guys like me keep searching for treasures. If nothing was considered valuable then two guys would walk through a yard sale and say: "Great, another Stanley #2 wood plane. I don't want that, do you?""No, I don't want it either."

 

[k1rodeoboater]

I'll be honest...I had no idea there were "collectors" tools out there until I came here. What little stuff I have is all functional and gets used regularly, and I'm willing to bet that 99% of my stuff is made in China or Taiwan.

If people want to collect something let them collect it.

 

[Kev442]

From another post on GJ. What tools are eventually worth.

 

[1/2 Cup]

I swing both ways, a collector for display only and end user of old tools.
At the end of the day i am only a custodian of them, to be passed on in the same if not better condition than i brought them.

Great topic, thanks for posting.

 

[64Trvlr]

That sounds like one vote for the user column. Should we have a poll?

Tools are meant to be used.

Yup, tools are meant to be used.

 

[Nick Danger]

Collecting is okay, but I don't like some of the effects.

I have a CD by bluegrass musicians David Grisman and Tony Rice. In the liner notes, they explain that the prices of the best old guitars and mandolins have gone up out of reach of musicians, and so the instruments are put in glass boxes and hung on the walls of mansions. I think it's a pity that most musicians are playing second-rate instruments while most of the best instruments aren't getting played at all.

A couple of hours from here is the largest anvil collection in the country. Supposedly he has over 1400 anvils. I wonder if he is the reason that anvils so rarely come up for sale around here. I wonder if he bought the anvils in New Mexico all years ago, and stacked them up in his barn.

I think it's cool that Snapmom has hundreds of antique tools. I like her collection. It doesn't affect me, because I can go buy an excellent ratchet wrench for a reasonable price any time I want one. But I don't like it if collectors accumulate everything, and put them behind glass, and leave the users with the crumbs.

 

[thinman]

Collecting old things is interesting, especially if you enjoy the history of how they were designed and made. Some, like me, enjoy using an old tool that my dad had and taught me how to use when I was a kid. Yes, I have newer, finer tooth ratchets but I like his old Blackhawk. To each his own.

 

[byoungblood]

I think some stuff is becoming more VALUABLE because of the darth of marginal import tools and the lack of a good domestic made "middle of the road" brand. People who actually USE tools realize this and are buying up stuff that was once inexpensive instead of supporting the tool conglomerate's decision to move production of most DIY brands to overseas.

I do laugh at people who ask ridiculous sums of money for old, rusty tools, because they deem them to be "collectable". I've been told by these delusional individuals that they aren't selling them to be used for their designed purpose, but rather as an antique item to be used to decorate a room or place of business.

But outside of some old wrenches I paid a quarter for here and there because they looked cool, I use most all of the tools I own.

 

[HaroRider]

I think we all "collect" tools on this forum..I know most of us have more then a certain amount of a tool (screwdrivers, and ratchets come to mind) then needed..

Vintage or not, I consider collecting tools as my hobby..lol

 

[WildwoodChuck]

Tool collecting or set building? I am trying to piece together 4 sets currently (1.) 299 piece Craftsman set 35299. I will then take the 6 point sockets to fill in the (2.) GearWrench 83091 Career Builder Starter Set for Technical Education as my road box. (3.) I will be replacing the 6 point sockets I put in the road box with impact sockets for my garage. (4.) I have some 1/2” drive S-K sockets from 1967. I am collecting the 299 because I always wanted it and my family does not do without because I’m buying it second hand a few sockets at a time. The GearWrench set is a good way to start a packing list for my road box and I like to have tools with me all the time. The impacts speed up my output and just make some jobs faster/easier. The SK stuff belonged to my uncle that passed in 1969 they are my dads and I put them up until I can get a few that are missing and return them to him. I use all of my tools including the SK’s, I will loan out any of my tools and if some one lost one because things like that happen I wouldn’t be mad or upset and I doubt I wild accept even if they offered to replace the lost item. I may be less likely to lend again if they had no remorse for loosing them or neglect was a contributing factor.

I found a pair of Matco wire crimpers I liked on the truck $25 (garage box), a Stanley pair at Menards for $12 (road box) and Auto value had the same ones for $7 (low voltage box). If I took the handles off all 3 pair and laid them out in a row no one could tell them apart. So I guess I do collect after all.

 

[spacedoutbob]

I buy tools to use, not to collect. To each his own, If you like to collect tools, I don't have any problem with that.

Bob

 

[GoodEnough]

I'll be honest...I had no idea there were "collectors" tools out there until I came here.

Same here. I also had no clue people collected tools until posting on GJ looking for an air compressor. Collecting vices? Who knew? There's all sorts out there. I am still having a hard time getting my mind around this idea of people collecting tools, esp. if they think this is their retirement fund. Scary.

A couple of hours from here is the largest anvil collection in the country. Supposedly he has over 1400 anvils..

Sounds like a mental illness.
Hoarding is a form of OCD.

 

[GreenNV]

Some people turn collecting tools into a real art form...

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

I'm loving that bench, the misses would refuse to ever sit on it, but I love it.

 

[mustangSR70]

I admit to collecting tools, but generally not multiples of multiples of the same tool. I put all my vintage tools to worm, they gotta earn their keep, right? If I find a ratchet and like it, I use it, I still use an early SK 45170 that belonged to my G'pa over 45 years ago, that's what tools are for, work. I like collecting old Plomb tools, and I still put them to use now and then. Hell I put a 1932 dated Plomb 1/2" socket to work a couple days ago.

 

[Farma11]

I'm a buy sell and trade guy by nature. I seem to rotate the better of the tools I find for the lesser in my tool chest. but I do have some of dads, grandpas and great grandpa's tool that will stay as long as I need them anyway.

 

[3baygarage]

I'm a buy sell and trade guy by nature. I seem to rotate the better of the tools I find for the lesser in my tool chest. but I do have some of dads, grandpas and great grandpa's tool that will stay as long as I need them anyway.

You know, you sound like most of the flea market dealer guys I know. They will sell the Snap On, the Mac, whatever good stuff they get, and they are perfectly content just keeping the basics for themselves.
This one guy loves to sell them Snap On and everything else, but then he'll put an old Craftsman screwdriver out and bait everybody with it. When people try to buy it he says it's out of his tool box.

 

[theknurl]

SAE was phased out in the auto industry close to 30 years ago. What are used SAE wrenches worth now? Where will their value be in 30 years?
Just use your tools and enjoy them.

well Kev;
99.5% of my tools/machines are American made and a lot are old so I will always need SAE wrenches

got any metric spark plugs?

it just came up today the sniffer ports on an Italian bike are British.....lolol

what size are pipe fittings around the World?......inch! lolol

aircraft use what? ........AN fittings, you think they are metric?

even wheel sizes are in inches

psst; millimeters didn't go to the moon.......inches did

 

[nicksnothereman]

well Kev;
99.5% of my tools/machines are American made and a lot are old so I will always need SAE wrenches

got any metric spark plugs?

it just came up today the sniffer ports on an Italian bike are British.....lolol

what size are pipe fittings around the World?......inch! lolol

aircraft use what? ........AN fittings, you think they are metric?

even wheel sizes are in inches

psst; millimeters didn't go to the moon.......inches did

I use a metric deep socket to tigheten the plugs in my car because my plug socket doesn't detach at all with an extension. True story bro; don't own deep sae.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

...got any metric spark plugs?...

Uh yes actually I do. 18mm Craftsman –G- 43330 made in USA Caution: for spark plug use only.

But then again some posts do imply if it does not have a truck brand stamp it is not a real tool.

 

[Tarheelgarage]

I have a rag and tin can of chrome polish in each drawer of my toolbox. Also rubber gloves and hand sanitizer. Don't want any germs to infest that beautiful chrome! My snapon toolbox gets shrink wrapped every night when I am done in the garage. Dust hurts the value. Don't you dare lean against my box either.

You forgot the feather duster. Chrome needs to be dusted everyday or it will tarnish...

 

[ez-duzit]

accumulating tools to use

Duplicates--Each of my vehicles has its own emergency tool kit: pickup, motorcycle, bicycle, fishing boat and sailboat. Additionally there is an extremely comprehensive set of tools and machines in my shop which is setup to fabricate in many different materials. Some individual machines even have their own few, frequently used wrenches that are kept right at the machine, for instant access. There are even multiples of the same types of machines (table saws, band saws, drill presses...) of various sizes and capabilities which are kept set up to perform certain complementary functions.

Accumulating--As our interests and skill sets grow, so do our tool requirements. Each new field (engineering, cabinet making, boat building, engine building, TIG welding, machining...) requires its own specialty tools. Mine have mostly been purchased, used. Only a token 2 or 3 are truly collectible, as shown in the sample photo.

 

[beatcad]

I don't intentionally "collect" old tools, but I do have(to) many old ones i'll never use.
I find old "stuff" and if its old or cool or made in USA i'll grab it if its cheap. like at a local pawn shop they got a "junk" box and wrenches are a buck each.
at least 4 times I've had a relative, or friends parent or neighbor die and someone will give me boxes of tools.
some stuff I keep aside in an old tool box.
some really old stuff I've donated to my favorite local M&P hardware store. they've been in business since the 30s. they got a little display of antique tool on the wall.

 

[RRmech]

Most of my tools were purchased at yard sales, flea markets, and the occasional pawn shop.
99% were older USA-made brands.
They were just perfect for work at an older RR repair barn.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Very cool, beatcad!

 

[Cap'n]

I've got tools my Great Grandfather used in the 1920s and before.

Sure as heck not going to beat them up with everyday use, and sure as heck not gonna sell them, either.

However, every once in a blue moon, it makes me feel really good to dig out that old wooden handled screwdriver to do a simple repair.

 

[Kev442]

well Kev;
99.5% of my tools/machines are American made and a lot are old so I will always need SAE wrenches

got any metric spark plugs?

it just came up today the sniffer ports on an Italian bike are British.....lolol

what size are pipe fittings around the World?......inch! lolol

aircraft use what? ........AN fittings, you think they are metric?

even wheel sizes are in inches

psst; millimeters didn't go to the moon.......inches did

Well, since you quoted me, I've never used a SAE wrench to remove a sparkplug in my life. I have sockets to do that.

Anyway, my point was that there have been millions upon millions of SAE wrenches produced, and the amount needed/used has dropped 75%. They could probably stop making new SAE wrenches tomorrow and the used market would keep us in good shape for 10-15 years.

I call that "used Corvette syndrome". There are/were used Corvette dealers that had more Corvettes for sale on their lot than are actually owned by people in my city of 300,000. If there are 200 of these dealers tying up 150 Corvettes each, they are causing an artificial demand that doesn't really exist.