Vintage tool people, right this way please......

[Fyrme]

I went to look at some vintage tools for sale today. Most supposedly belonging to the grandfather of the 70yo man that was selling the tools. Some of the tools on the bench were obviously junk tools that were probably from the 80's
but most were very old. After rummaging through the mess of tools I came up with a hand full I wanted.....well until he shot me the price of $75. Ouch. I had to pass. I could have walked away with one or two things but I passed on all of them, his price seemed high to me but what do you think? Does anyone see a high value here? The first pick is the whole bench, and the second pic is just the tools I wanted, which he wanted $75 for. The third pic is an interesting tool which he wanted a hefty amout for as well. I thought it was pretty cool though. Reminded me of a "as seen on TV" tool from the 50's

 

[Fordman7795]

Yep way overpriced. Id be hesitant at $10

 

[John316]

Brass knuckles?

 

[Mohawk Dave]

75 for that...crack prices. That's 10 bucks at MOST for my yard sale type prices

Those pliers are cool for having, not using, and I would've splurged maybe 4/5 bucks just for the cool factor. Sit in a glass case type of thing.

 

[RivennHewn]

Always interested in old tools. but I wouldn't pay $75 for the whole lot.

 

[Bull]

I'm with these guys.

 

[Fyrme]

Exactly what I was thinking. I went over there sight unseen with a $20 bill in my pocket thinking I would either walk away with most of them or just buy a couple. I was a little pissed because when I spoke on the phone to him I mentioned I was looking for inexpensive tools like in the $1-$5 range. His reply was "I have no idea what these tools are worth, so why don't cha come by and have a look and we can work a deal" WTF? He thinks this is a deal? BTW, I think he said he has that little cool tool on ebay for $150.

 

[Fyrme]

Brass knuckles?

Yup cast iron ones

 

[Pumpman1968]

A guy from Milwaukee is selling an "Eifel-geared plierench" on ebay or $40 plus shipping....and has a bidder. And there was at least one other with a bid on it. Never saw one of those before.

 

[woody 73]

Sometimes you must play the game, I never walk away to fast before I start to dicker on price. Now if he was FIRM on $75.00 dollars then yes then you must walk away.

When I go look at old antique tools I have a very firm price in my mind that is very fair for both the buyer and seller.

OP if you do go back and I would go back if I was in your shoes, he has an Irwin screwdriver from WWII, along with some very nice collectible wrenches see if you can pow-wow again...

 

[bluebolt]

Yup cast iron ones

Brass knuckles?

Those look like the ones us farm kids used to make out of cow watering bowls. The bowl wold have one of those in the bottom of the bowl, cow press nose on it and it would actuate the valve to give it some water.

Edit: Here is a picture of a cow watering bowl, the ones we used to have the actuater pad was in the pattern of the "knuckle duster" posted above. As I recall they were on the small size and quickly were outgrown by our hands LOL.

 

[Gort the giant robot]

Eifel pliers are showing alot of intrest on other sites. The misc. jaws for the pliers are much in demand because offen they are missing from the pliers,


Gort.

 

[Outlawmws]

Yep, I'd have walked also. Nice that the Eifel's had all the jaws., but not $75 nice...

75 for that...crack prices. That's 10 bucks at MOST for my yard sale type prices

Those pliers are cool for having, not using, and I would've splurged maybe 4/5 bucks just for the cool factor. Sit in a glass case type of thing.

Why not using? Unless you also don't like the current Plierwrench? Where do you think they got the design?

 

[WWIIjeep]

OP if you do go back and I would go back if I was in your shoes, he has an Irwin screwdriver from WWII...

If you mean the wood-handled thing in front of the WD-40 can, I think that's a socket firmer chisel, not an Irwin screwdriver, nor H.C. Smith Perfect Handle screwdriver. Just my guess, squinting at the photo.

Regarding the pricing for what the OP had selected out in the second photo, prices vary depending on location. Around here (southwest), that's $8-15 worth at yard sale pricing and maybe $25-30 worth at estate sale first-day pricing. No way there's $75 there unless the syringe is sterling silver.

 

[Douglas733]

You guys can thank ebay for stuff like this...I was a antiquarian book dealer at one time and you used to be able to pick up "things" (books, tools) at fair prices and sell them for still fair prices...but alas now everyone thinks they are sitting on a "treasure"- They go on ebay and find the highest priced something that someone has that is "close" to what they have and want the "premium" prices for them...

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Yep, I'd have walked also. Nice that the Eifel's had all the jaws., but not $75 nice...



Why not using? Unless you also don't like the current Plierwrench? Where do you think they got the design?

haha...I do like my Knipex...that's why I wouldn't use these. I sure would look at them though

 

[ganymede]

You guys can thank ebay for stuff like this...I was a antiquarian book dealer at one time and you used to be able to pick up "things" (books, tools) at fair prices and sell them for still fair prices...but alas now everyone thinks they are sitting on a "treasure"- They go on ebay and find the highest priced something that someone has that is "close" to what they have and want the "premium" prices for them...

I started noticing it after Antiques Roadshow came out.

 

[Fyrme]

Yep, I'd have walked also. Nice that the Eifel's had all the jaws., but not $75 nice...



Why not using? Unless you also don't like the current Plierwrench? Where do you think they got the design?

Outlaw, The Eifel's, he has currently listed on eGay for $125 with no bids. There is a couple more complete sets down around the $40 range that have bids. I have no idea where he came up with that price. None of his competion is even in that ball park on price.

OP if you do go back and I would go back if I was in your shoes, he has an Irwin screwdriver from WWII, along with some very nice collectible wrenches see if you can pow-wow again...

Woody, I'm not sure where you spot this screw driver, He didn't have many screwdrivers, Maybe 5-6? If it is something behind the WD-40 can, those are all files,and some have home made wood handles on them. All of the screw drivers are grouped together in the center of the pic. Only 3 had wood handles.

You guys can thank ebay for stuff like this...I was a antiquarian book dealer at one time and you used to be able to pick up "things" (books, tools) at fair prices and sell them for still fair prices...but alas now everyone thinks they are sitting on a "treasure"- They go on ebay and find the highest priced something that someone has that is "close" to what they have and want the "premium" prices for them...

Ebay may have had some influence in it. I quit using ebay when they became a market place for China. 99% of the stuff on there anymore is "new" over priced ****. It's not an auction site anymore. People sell new items for the same price I can go down the road from my house and by them. Very few bargains to be had on there anymore. Kinda reminds me of when MTV actually used to play music videos. LOL I blame the "American Pickers", "Storage wars", and "Pawn Stars" for the most recent ridiculous valuing of old junk. Collectibles are only "collectible" to people that desire them. These people don't realize tools are collectible, not because item "x" is one of only 50 ever produced, and is uber rare, or bears the name of a WAY over marketed logo. But because tool collectors, appreciate a old piece of Americana and want to save it from getting melted down to build a new KIA. Old tools don't really have the value of true "collectibles" (There are exceptions, I'm using general examples)

 

[Boiler]

After looking at the first picture I thought "I could buy (or sell!) that lot all day long for ten bucks. Then seeing the plier wrench I could see it being higher, maybe $20-$25. A yard sale ain't ebay.

 

[NHBandit]

Sometimes you must play the game, I never walk away to fast before I start to dicker on price. Now if he was FIRM on $75.00 dollars then yes then you must walk away.

When I go look at old antique tools I have a very firm price in my mind that is very fair for both the buyer and seller.

OP if you do go back and I would go back if I was in your shoes, he has an Irwin screwdriver from WWII, along with some very nice collectible wrenches see if you can pow-wow again...

Normally I totally agree with dickering but when the guy is starting out at almost 10 times what they are actually worth it's time to just walk away. There is nothing to be gained from discussing any further with a guy like that. Politely tell him it's well out of your price range and to have a good day. If he really wants to move them he will come back with another number but wasting any more time is just.. well, a waste of time. Or you can be a **** and ask "WTF dude did those rusty POS tools belong to Elvis or what".. Either way you lose.

 

[woody 73]

From the pictures I thought it looked like an old Irwin screwdriver but again it is hard to tell.

Sometimes a person must give up and walk away when someone gives and obscene price.
Again I work different from others I pick up a tool and I shoot them a fair price (if the tool does not have a price tag) then we go from there.

If we can not come to any agreement I leave my phone number in case they change their mind.

 

[Fyrme]

Normally I totally agree with dickering but when the guy is starting out at almost 10 times what they are actually worth it's time to just walk away. There is nothing to be gained from discussing any further with a guy like that. Politely tell him it's well out of your price range and to have a good day. If he really wants to move them he will come back with another number but wasting any more time is just.. well, a waste of time. Or you can be a **** and ask "WTF dude did those rusty POS tools belong to Elvis or what".. Either way you lose.

I agree. When I frowned on the price, He didn't even counter. These tools didn't belong to Elvis but to his grandfather. Which brings me to this conclusion. He knows nothing about tools, nor does he appreciate their history. I suspect this is why the high price. First, I would never "sell" tools belonging to my grandfather with the historical value. And if I just flat out didn't have the room for them, I'd probably find a home for them where I knew they would be cared for and give them away. Of coarse, I'm the type that bought a 1920's Walker floor jack the other day and if I can get it restored to a worthy specimen, I'll likely donate it to a local car museum, simply because of the room factor.

I had thought of sending him this link and offering him $50 for everything INCLUDING the Plierench, but I haven't been exactly proper in some of my posts. I'd probably get a F-OFF!

 

[Fyrme]

I sent him this email......
And yes it was sincere, not just blowing smoke.


Barry, thanks for the pictures of the Plierench. I posted my inquires on a tool board that I get a lot of information from. Based on the replies I got and what I see these tools selling for, I can not get anywhere near your asking price. Here are some quotes from replies I got.......

"Yep way overpriced. Id be hesitant at $10"

"75 for that...crack prices. That's 10 bucks at MOST for my yard sale type prices. Those pliers are cool for having, not using, and I would've splurged maybe 4/5 bucks just for the cool factor." (referring to the Plierench)

"Always interested in old tools. but I wouldn't pay $75 for the whole lot."

"I'm with these guys."

"A guy from Milwaukee is selling an "Eifel-geared plierench" on ebay or $40 plus shipping....and has a bidder. And there was at least one other with a bid on it. Never saw one of those before."

"Sometimes you must play the game, I never walk away to fast before I start to dicker on price. Now if he was FIRM on $75.00 dollars then yes then you must walk away.
When I go look at old antique tools I have a very firm price in my mind that is very fair for both the buyer and seller."

"Yep, I'd have walked also. Nice that the Eifel's had all the jaws., but not $75 nice..."

"Regarding the pricing for what the OP had selected out in the second photo, prices vary depending on location. Around here (southwest), that's $8-15 worth at yard sale pricing and maybe $25-30 worth at estate sale first-day pricing. No way there's $75 there unless the syringe is sterling silver."

"After looking at the first picture I thought "I could buy (or sell!) that lot all day long for ten bucks. Then seeing the plier wrench I could see it being higher, maybe $20-$25. A yard sale ain't ebay"

By no means do I intend to insult or disrespect you, in fact I want to do just the opposite. When we met yesterday my mind set was right where these guys are. To be honest, I had a $20 bill with intentions of walking away with a box FULL of tools after our conversation on the phone where I explained I was looking for cheap tools. From what you explained to me and the tools belonging to your Grandfather and the picture on the wall of the two of you working at the bench, I have no doubt the tools have sentimental value to you. I would like to make you an offer of $50 for everything I had picked out PLUS the Plierench set. And with that offer, I guarantee while I am alive, that they will be displayed and appreciated as a piece of American history. They will NOT find their way to China as recycled steel for a new cheap Wal-Mart tool. I completely understand if that offer is out of the question though.
HOWEVER, with that said, I would MUCH rather see you put them back in a old tool box marked "granpa's tools" and pass them on to one of your grand children.

Best Regards,
Chad

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

Hopefully he e-mails you back accepting your offer.... I'd would go a little higher and say 15, just on cool factor of the brass knuckles.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Cool. I like your style.

 

[woody 73]

As they say..."IT AIN'T OVER TILL THE FAT LADY SINGS".

 

[Coach James]

The thing to the left of the rotating hole punch looks similar to an Irwin screw driver at a quick glance, but the handle is wrong. It looks like a chisel to me.

I have many wrenches like the S wrenches and 3 or 4 pipe wrenches like the one in the pics. I paid 2 or 3 dollars per wrench and maybe $5 for the pipe wrench. No way I would consider $75 for those things.

Coach

 

[Fyrme]

His reply to my email.......

"Thanks for your interest Chad. Sorry we couldn't make a deal. I'll just sell 'em at my garage sales this year. I think I'll get more for them if the "buyers" don't know how low they should be priced."

Alrighty then. Game over. Next!.......

Looking for the next deal,
Chad

 

[Gregg33]

If you combine the 1st 2 pics, if I paid under $40 I'd be happy. Might go as high as 50 or 60 if I really wanted everything, no way $75 just for the 2nd pic. Not knowledgeable on the Eifel's. $15 or $20 tops I'd guess.

Used tools fall into 2 categories, usable and antique (for display or very specific old school usage). Many of the tools in the pics seem to me to be in the 2nd category which often makes their value less $, proof in point I picked up a 71 series SO ratchet for $5, the modern SO ratchet I got at the same time was $40.

 

[Kev442]

You guys are safe from me crashing the used tool party. The Bonney pipe wrench is nice, but for $75, he would have to include all the tools pictured, the work bench and the gas cans full of gas!
I want tools I can use, I've got a drawer full of the old stuff that I hate using, so I don't.

 

[zkling]

His reply to my email.......

"Thanks for your interest Chad. Sorry we couldn't make a deal. I'll just sell 'em at my garage sales this year. I think I'll get more for them if the "buyers" don't know how low they should be priced."

Alrighty then. Game over. Next!.......

Looking for the next deal,
Chad

To me that reads like a slight insult to you by "buyer", and his plan is to take advantage of people that don't know much about used tool value. Probably hoping he will find some sucker just as clueless as he is.

As others have mentioned used tool prices seem to be in one of two categories. First being working tools, the other collectibles.

He sounds like alot of folks you meet on craigslist though. They "know" their item is worth so much, and won't listen to any other reasoning. Let him hang onto them and find out. Another deal is usually just around the corner.

A garage sale usually brings people that are cheaper than the average craislist folk. Any garage sale I have been to, everything on that table would be $20.00 maybe $30 TOTAL, depending on the sale.

I wonder what he wants for the entire lot.

 

[Fyrme]

Yeah I agree. He has definitely shown that he is the type of guy that will take advantage of an unsuspecting person. Or at least try. However, this country/world is full of these people and for an individual to not be educated on their endeavors as buyers, have to take the responsibility upon themselves, and not blame the seller. I was somewhat ignorant going into this since I am new to buying vintage tools but I was smart enough to walk away and turn to my resources (here) to make sure my decision not to buy was the right one.

 

[nine4gmc]

I went to a garage sale like that today, guy wanted a bazillion dollars for a tub of rusty 90% china **** and wouldn't sell just the 5 halfway decent items I picked out...