Tools

[DebbiefromOH]

Hi everyone, I am new to the site, and I hope someone can help give me some suggestions.
My hubby passed away last September. I have tons of tools, tool boxes, etc. He was a auto body man. I have no clue on what any of his stuff (which is too much to explain) is worth. Is there a website I could go to and figure all this out. I am so lost, and I don't want anyone taking advantage of me. I appreciate any advise you can offer. thank you in advance. I don't even know how to do a forem so I apologize.

 

[Chevy-SS]

You need to find a local guy, hopefully a close friend or relative, to help you dispose of the tools. You will likely NEVER be able to price this stuff on your own, as you are not familiar with the tools or their purpose. Additionally, wear & tear is a big factor, plus brand name tools are worth more than no-name. And there are other issues as well.

Get some good local advice, and maybe offer the guy a commission if he sells the tools for you. I often see folks getting rid of everything at one shot, so that may be a viable option. Just get some good advice, and then come up with a fair "one price takes it all".

Do you know/trust anyone at the auto body shop where he worked? That might just be your best place to find a potential buyer. Someone new may be just getting into the business and need some tools.

Lastly, I would say to not get greedy. Set fair price(s) and the stuff will sell. If you ask pie-in-the-sky prices, you'll be sitting on them for a long time probably....

Good luck!

 

[JJThrasher]

Any large equipment or tool boxes you could probably post pictures here and get an idea. As far as all the odds and ends go, its going to be tedious work. I'd probably look to an auction place if you just want it gone. You won't get top dollar, but you could get rid of it.

 

[rice rocket]

You can also send it to an auction house, and they'll liquidate it all in a week, and you get your check. Then there will be no questions what they're worth...they're worth what the market bore (at the time), minus their commission.

 

[DebbiefromOH]

Thank you Chevy SS. I appreciate the advice. I know not to ask pie-in-the sky prices (I like that saying). I just don't know those employees well even though he worked there for 6 years. I also believe in the finder's fee. Got a friend trying to sell my Honda vtx and will definitely give a kick back. Do you have a chevy ss? I also have a 1987 monte carlo ss for sale. what is your opinion (if I may ask) on value. excellent condition. thanks again.

 

[DebbiefromOH]

thank you ev1. appreciate you helping me out.

 

[Chevy-SS]

Thank you Chevy SS. I appreciate the advice. I know not to ask pie-in-the sky prices (I like that saying). I just don't know those employees well even though he worked there for 6 years. I also believe in the finder's fee. Got a friend trying to sell my Honda vtx and will definitely give a kick back. Do you have a chevy ss? I also have a 1987 monte carlo ss for sale. what is your opinion (if I may ask) on value. excellent condition. thanks again.

I had a '68 Camaro SS with big-block, fuel injected, 4 speed, etc, etc., sold it cheap..... It was a very cool car. I have a '08 Corvette now, kinda boring but more pleasant to cruise than the old Camaro.

Car values can be all over the place, depending on a wide variety of factors. Is it a special edition of some sort? Low mileage? Original paint? Numbers matching? And on and on. I couldn't give any opinion on value without thoroughly examining the vehicle. I would give same recommendation as my above post.... seek out reputable/trusted local people for some help.

Be patient. Be reasonable. You'll get through it successfully!

 

[countryroad82]

First off, sorry for your loss. Second if you can post up detailed pics of his tools in the drawers and boxes we might be able to give an idea of value. The area you live in will also depend on the prices. Where I live, tool prices are crazy compared to a few states away. But your best bet has already been discussed, find someone who is TRUSTWORTHY to give you an idea of what you have. I'm in the paint and body field and run my own small shop, I've often told my wife whom I would trust to help her unload my tools and equipment if something were to happen to me. I have also told her to not get her hopes up getting the exact prices out of my tools as when they were bought new. But if I can help feel free to shoot me a pm. Or like I said post some pics and we might be able to give you an idea of what you have.

 

[jd_1138]

Sorry for your loss.

What part of Ohio are you in? I am in NE Ohio. If you are close, I can come by and give you a rough idea what the items are worth in terms of a fair price for you. I have a nice camera and can take pics and post on here if you want.

So many people get ripped off if they don't know general values.

 

[K-Dog]

My condolences to you Debbie.
If its not already too late make sure his box is locked up tight.

I had a buddy pass away suddenly at another shop and he a-hole coworkers picked his box clean and then played dumb about it when his wife called them out on it.
It was terrible.

Some great advice so far, a Snap-On, Matco, MAC or Cornwell dealer in the area may be of some assistance as well.

Good luck.

 

[Brownsfan]

Sorry for your loss.

What part of Ohio are you in? I am in NE Ohio. If you are close, I can come by and give you a rough idea what the items are worth in terms of a fair price for you. I have a nice camera and can take pics and post on here if you want.

So many people get ripped off if they don't know general values.

Same here. I am in the Cleveland area and would be happy to help you out. Or post some pictures and we can give you an idea

 

[cgrutt]

Sorry for your loss. Lots of good peeps on this site if you want to post some pics or PM members that have long histories (like JD 1138 above), I'm sure they'd give you a rough idea of what everything is worth. Need to decide if you want to get a professional involved or doing it on you're own. Some tools are pretty sought after and have a good market while others not so much. The tool truck brands (Snap-on, MAC, MATCO) generally have a better resale value than tools bought at Sears or Harbor Freight. Same for USA or German made vs Chinese. Age and condition also play a part. Also, tools that don't have any inscription (e.g., his name or initials etched into them) generally hold better value than inscribed tools. Post some pics up and we'll try to let you know a rough idea of what you've got. Good luck.

 

[woody 73]

Deb sorry for your loss, like others have said we have tons of "AHIA" members if you could post your city or the nearest place maybe we can find a member willing to help you out.

 

[gdocktor3]

Most all tools have part numbers and brand names on them. Take the name & number and plug them in on eBay. This will help give you an idea of what something is worth. Then you can determine from there what similar/matching tools are also worth. Just remember you can't sell used tools for new prices. It is also easier and faster to sell things as sets. Selling individual pieces will take forever and people will nickel & dime you over $5-10. I would gather all the wrenches and sell for one price. Gather all the sockets and ratchets and sell for one price. Bigger air/power tools, specialty tools and what not sell separately. Either way, you are smart to do your research first. Might I also recommend giving some of the more basic stuff to a young relative or friend. I can only assume your husband led an honest, hard working lifestyle in the auto body industry. A lot of younger kids these days need to get off their phones & ipads and do some good old fashioned wrenching.

 

[motofool33]

If you can post pics to here or an online photo album we can help you a bit more.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Welcome Debbie, I am very sorry for your loss. A lot has to do with how much time you want to put into selling the tools. If you want to spend the time you will get a lot more out of them, then if you are looking to dump them for quick money. I always prefer to see tools listed in your classified section, Which requires you to either become an Alliance member or have 100 post and then they require you to put the price you want on items. so you would need to look at ebay or some thing like that to get an ideal of the worth of the tools. Good luck and if we can help you Please feel free to contact any one of us. I know most any one of use will be more than happy to help you out....Richie

 

[drink]

Hi everyone, I am new to the site, and I hope someone can help give me some suggestions.
My hubby passed away last September. I have tons of tools, tool boxes, etc. He was a auto body man. I have no clue on what any of his stuff (which is too much to explain) is worth. Is there a website I could go to and figure all this out. I am so lost, and I don't want anyone taking advantage of me. I appreciate any advise you can offer. thank you in advance. I don't even know how to do a forem so I apologize.

Sorry to hear about your husband passing away. If you have the time I would suggest sorting through the tools and tool boxes. Try separating them per brand and condition such as new, used, etc. Finding tool catalogs can help figure out what they might have cost new and what tools go in sets like sockets, wrenches, etc. After sorting and identifying them you might try eBay to compare the condition of the tools with what is on the market. Craigslist is another tool market to compare what people are asking. Keep in mind they are worth what somebody is willing to pay and what you are willing to sell them for. Replacing them with new tools can get pricey sometimes.

http://www.ebay.com/

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/

 

[rick carpenter]

I'm very sorry for your loss, Debbie. If you're looking to specifically sell these to get some cash, then you've gotten some good suggestions so far and I expect more will roll in. But if you only want to responsibly be rid of them (I'm not saying selling them is not responsible!) then you might consider donating some of the non-auto body specific hand tools to a local non-profit such as a food bank, a senior center, or a church/synagogue that does community missions, particularly youth-driven missions. Your local high school auto shop program might want some of the auto body tools. Those donations might help with your taxes.