What's the deal with used ratchet prices on Fleebay? I have been looking for a Wright 3425 or similar ratchet. I tried for old Matco ratchets and had to laugh at the price, when you figure in shipping cost of a 30 something year old Matco ratchet it comes to within a few dollars of the new Wright. Same with SK. Does the word "VINTAGE" really increase the value of a product that much? I just can't justify spending $55 or more on another ratchet but it looks like there are no deals to be had for me.
Used ratchet prices?
- Thread starter Aqua-Andy
- Start date
Many sellers on the 'bay are - as others have stated - on crack. Just something you gotta get used to.
Most items I have acquired there were low to reasonably priced. A few items I really wanted (i.e. couldn't find them anywhere else after years of searching) I paid more for. The vast majority of those, though, were for collections or my Bonney sets. Virtually all work tools and daily use items off of ebay I got at what I would say was reasonable prices.
After getting my ergo MATCO 1/4" rat at a pawn shop, I liked the feel enough to search for the other sizes. ebay was terrible. I discovered I don't like it "that" much!
Most items I have acquired there were low to reasonably priced. A few items I really wanted (i.e. couldn't find them anywhere else after years of searching) I paid more for. The vast majority of those, though, were for collections or my Bonney sets. Virtually all work tools and daily use items off of ebay I got at what I would say was reasonable prices.
After getting my ergo MATCO 1/4" rat at a pawn shop, I liked the feel enough to search for the other sizes. ebay was terrible. I discovered I don't like it "that" much!
Great question. A few people are going to come in here and defend ancient USA made course tooth ratchets like they are the cat's meow.
On eBay even old Craftsman raised panels sell for hilarious money. To each his own. To me using an old coarse tooth ratchet is like using a typewriter.
On eBay even old Craftsman raised panels sell for hilarious money. To each his own. To me using an old coarse tooth ratchet is like using a typewriter.
I almost never buy any tools on ebay because the prices are usually close enough to new that I just buy new. I find all of my older ratchets at yard sales or flea markets. I am going to list my usa craftsman panel ratchets on there when I get a chance, they are some of the worst out there but they get good money.
plinker
Well-known member
Some sellers are on something other then air too it would seem. But, just about everything is "collectable" these days for the most part and that has an effect on pricing, regardless of the reality of the item. Some will actually pay more just because they want the item, rare or not. Then again, some will also pay more then Snap-on retail for the same brand new item.
Deals can be found on ebay, it can take time though. Some stuff you cant really find anywhere else IME.
Deals can be found on ebay, it can take time though. Some stuff you cant really find anywhere else IME.
ihateminimumwage
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2012
- Messages
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Ebay seems to cycle through times where the cost creeps up, then some folks come along and undersell for a while bringing the prices down. Definitely been in a long run of prices staying up this year. I've been keeping an eye out for a short flex 3/8" dual 80 for my coworker, and lately those have just been hanging in the $90+ range (with a couple sneaking by for under $60).
My favorite are the holdouts, like the old (pre Snap-on?) 1/2" Caterpillar 8H8557 ratchet that's been hanging out for 2 or 3 years now since I first saw it. In the meantime, the more current Snap-on made ones come and go for half what that guy is asking.
It's definitely a bizarre little micro economy on there, but some good stuff pops up if you want to burn a lot of extra time deal hunting.
My favorite are the holdouts, like the old (pre Snap-on?) 1/2" Caterpillar 8H8557 ratchet that's been hanging out for 2 or 3 years now since I first saw it. In the meantime, the more current Snap-on made ones come and go for half what that guy is asking.
It's definitely a bizarre little micro economy on there, but some good stuff pops up if you want to burn a lot of extra time deal hunting.
The older truck brands bring higher prices because of the warranty.
I believe that's mostly overseas buyers who can't get Snap-on at US retail.
davethorik
Well-known member
measuredtwice
Well-known member
Never looked at old Matco ratchets on Ebay. In general, there are certainly dreamers on Ebay. But don't underestimate the fickle nature of collectors. As an example, I listed something for $60 and only got offers of $30 so I put it away for a few months and easily sold it for $150 a few months later when they were hot again.
Most people have no idea of quality or value. They want what everyone is talking about. That's why "social influencers" are the thing these days.
I've gotten some great deals on Ebay. You just have to search for them.
Most people have no idea of quality or value. They want what everyone is talking about. That's why "social influencers" are the thing these days.
I've gotten some great deals on Ebay. You just have to search for them.
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
For every good deal on Craigslist or ebay, you have to look at 10 bad ones.
Jazz1
Well-known member
there's hoards of good 1/2" drive ratchets on ebay for $20.
Swing buy, i sell you 1/2'' PROTO pearhead ratchet $25 cdn
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Swing buy, i sell you 1/2'' PROTO pearhead ratchet $25 cdn
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Are you cheap? Do you want something for nothing?
You just have to be persistent, sort through the crazies and eventually something will show up though. However, that wright ratchet isn't that common so, it will be harder to find but, don't be a quitter you can do it
You just have to be persistent, sort through the crazies and eventually something will show up though. However, that wright ratchet isn't that common so, it will be harder to find but, don't be a quitter you can do it
Craftsman USA tools are definitely a huge part of what you’re describing. Just a few years ago, Craftsman Professional Pliers were selling for $40-80 a pop, depending on the style. Some of the larger tool dealers, including Harry J Epstein all of a sudden began selling them for $18-30 a piece and all of the sudden the Craftsman dealers lowered their prices.
I've been waiting for an excuse to post this Craigslist insanity. There must be gold under the chrome.
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/d/knightdale-craftsman-ratchet-set/6959182517.html
https://raleigh.craigslist.org/tls/d/knightdale-craftsman-ratchet-set/6959182517.html
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davethorik
Well-known member
However, that wright ratchet isn't that common so, it will be harder to find but, don't be a quitter you can do it
Fed is "Wright", it is an uncommon model. Also, I think it's a newer model as well, so there's 2 strikes against you for finding a deal on used.
I have one, and got it when Hartville Hardware (local place) has their 1 day only 25% off all tools sale. It is a nice piece of kit.
Not only that, he says they are unused but the handles are clearly beat due to years of use...
Max
sparky 1971
Well-known member
There are 1/2 SK's all over ebay for about $20.00 shipping included. I have two that I found on ebay for about $15.00 each. One is like new, the other one was a little rough, so I spent another $20 and put the DT upgrade kit in. I also have a Mac 1/2 that I got for $25. Just have to be patient
https://aboloxusa.com/Wright-Tool-3425-Ratchet-10-Contour-Grip
I don't know what shipping would be on it or whether tax would be collected.
I don't know what shipping would be on it or whether tax would be collected.
Parrothead
Well-known member
I just sold some Performance Tool 1/4 and 3/8 drive 36t round head ratchets for $10 locally, so the Wright you’re looking at seems like a pretty good deal.
ganymede
Well-known member
Yup, nothing beats a good flea market.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Many sellers on the 'bay are - as others have stated - on crack. Just something you gotta get used to.
Most items I have acquired there were low to reasonably priced. A few items I really wanted (i.e. couldn't find them anywhere else after years of searching) I paid more for. The vast majority of those, though, were for collections or my Bonney sets. Virtually all work tools and daily use items off of ebay I got at what I would say was reasonable prices.
After getting my ergo MATCO 1/4" rat at a pawn shop, I liked the feel enough to search for the other sizes. ebay was terrible. I discovered I don't like it "that" much!
The best post on Garage Journal I have come across this far.
Downwindtracker 2
Well-known member
Coarse tooth works fine if you have the swing. Even when you can get 360, I find I only use 1/3 of that.
At the fleamarket I like SKs, they look just like any of junk round heads and the sellers are happy with $5.
At the fleamarket I like SKs, they look just like any of junk round heads and the sellers are happy with $5.
Estate sales are good for used ratchets too. I've bought older SK, Proto, Williams and Snap on ratchets for under $5 each.
I find that many non-tool users aren't familiar with any name brand other than Craftsman. It's not uncommon for me to find ratchets and other tools from the brands above for a couple of bucks while the C-man is marked much higher.
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
I find that many non-tool users aren't familiar with any name brand other than Craftsman. It's not uncommon for me to find ratchets and other tools from the brands above for a couple of bucks while the C-man is marked much higher.
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
greg13
Well-known member
It's one thing to put a price on something, it's another to GET the price.
It's only worth what some one is willing to pay for it.
It's only worth what some one is willing to pay for it.
Parrothead
Well-known member
Yep, I was going to flip some Craftsman Professional vises that I bought on sale. Then Cripe bought the remaining units and priced them at what I paid. They’re all gone now, I guess this is a good time to sell them. Great reminder, thanks OP!