Used tool stores.

[fatfillup]

Id like to know this too. My father in law opened his own machine shop with a few partners a long time ago and they do very well. He has great business sense and acumen and I want to run the idea by him. He has been looking for a small 'fun' business to start in his old age as he prepares to retire from machining and I think this idea might be doable in our area.


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I know an older machinist who dabbles in used tools and tooling. Has 2 sales at his house/shop a year and then sells to his regulars throughout the year.

If he develops a loyal customer base, you don't need regular hours as much as you need to be accessible by phone and let folks know if you have what they need.

 

[1cargarage]

I came across this video a few months back about a used tool store in Maine called Liberty Tool. I'd love to stop in sometime and rap with Skip and see what gems I could find. I think he stays in business because of his community ties and extensive knowledge of tools' purposes and fair prices.

Liberty Tool -> http://vimeo.com/31575162

Sounds like what you're (OP) talking about in your future. Give it a watch if you're interested.

 

[3baygarage]

There's a great used tool store here called Totally Tools. They deal in just about anything and are fair. I see it as more of a hobby turned business. There is a lot of work in getting inventory, a lot of money invested, and selling some things for their worth is not as easy as other things.

Always good to have the option to buy used though. I prefer used and affordable.

 

[jeffmoss26]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=246319&highlight=liberty+tool

 

[pendragon1998]

There was one in our town for a few years. Finally, a harbor freight opened across the street and the used tools joint shut down within 6 months.

 

[sberry]

For fillup,,, what is your primary brand of washer?

 

[ryclo]

Why no just open up a pawn shop or 2nd hand store and specialize in tools.

 

[diggerrick]

The other big problem is eBay - it's today's go-to place for used anything...

If I had a used tool business, ebay wouldn't be a problem, it would be another sales avenue.

 

[Garage Junky]

Buddy has one in Howell mi he's pretty busy

The Tool Box in Howell? I've been meaning to stop in there sometime. Is it worth the trip?

 

[warmpancakes]

yep, depends its hit or miss alot of stuff goes through there, theres one on 59 too not as good

 

[teal95]

I believe ReTool was a chain. There used to be 2 of them that I knew of in the Detroit area, both now gone.

 

[fatfillup]

For fillup,,, what is your primary brand of washer?

My hot water line is Alkota but I sold Aaladins for 18 years prior to that. I have worked on most every brand out there to some degree or the other but I now avoid all European machines because I can't buy parts wholesale and they do things differently.

 

[dede2897234]

There's a great used tool store here called Totally Tools. They deal in just about anything and are fair. I see it as more of a hobby turned business. There is a lot of work in getting inventory, a lot of money invested, and selling some things for their worth is not as easy as other things.

Always good to have the option to buy used though. I prefer used and affordable.

When I lived in Buffalo in 2007-08, I used to frequent "Totally Tools". The owner's name is Mark. He's a great guy. His used tool prices are fair and willing to haggle.

When I started to hit the swap meets in Ohio around 2011, I saw the large "Totally Tools" booth at the Canton and Canfield Fairgrounds. Each time I am at their tool booth, I enjoy catching up for a few minutes with Mark. Mark told me that besides Canton and Canfield in OH, he takes "Totally Tools" each season to Hershey's and Carlisle in PA as well.

I would call "Totally Tools" at 716-681-5743 and ask which other swap meets south of PA he sells at each season, if interested.


Dave

 

[dede2897234]

There's one in Hartville OH, about 15 minutes from me. I don't know how the man manages to stay in business, he beats garage sale prices most of the time, but I do feel like its more of hobby since you can buy, sell and trade there.

fiv216,

Can you please provide the name and address of this used tool store?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[3baygarage]

When I lived in Buffalo in 2007-08, I used to frequent "Totally Tools". The owner's name is Mark. He's a great guy. His used tool prices are fair and willing to haggle.

When I started to hit the swap meets in Ohio around 2011, I saw the large "Totally Tools" booth at the Canton and Canfield Fairgrounds. Each time I am at their tool booth, I enjoy catching up for a few minutes with Mark. Mark told me that besides Canton and Canfield in OH, he takes "Totally Tools" each season to Hershey's and Carlisle in PA as well.

I would call "Totally Tools" at 716-681-5743 and ask which other swap meets south of PA he sells at each season, if interested.


Dave

Yep, Mark's a good guy. He does go on the road to shows and swap meets.