Why the hate for used "engraved" tools?

[Lx460]

Why is there so much hate for quality tools (snap-on, matco, mac, etc.) that just so happen to have the previous owners name or initials engraved on them? To me, it wouldn't make much of a difference if they are in good shape otherwise.

I suppose the same guys who wouldn't own a tool that was pre-owned also married virgins, right?

 

[Harrison2]

I personally wouldnt buy a set that was engraved with initals or a name, purely because unless I have proof of purchase then anyone could try and claim them. if it was a single wrench I needed for a set then id bite.

I also stayed away from "damaged and used goods", in refrence to that part.

 

[wild cowboy]

the only issue with engraved tools I would have is, I wouldn't really want a tool bought as a collectible to be engraved - but for a tool you use, I look for the best deal, don't care if it is engraved if it is high quality and a great deal!

 

[dr_clyde]

Yeah, but you don't see your wife's old boyfriends names engraved on her (I hope) every time you bang.

My name isn't joe, so I don't like seeing joes name on my wrenches. That's just me.

 

[mossyboy6]

Any marking will devalue a tool.

 

[Scimmia]

I suppose the same guys who wouldn't own a tool that was pre-owned also married virgins, right?

Not really an apt analogy. It would be more like if she had another guy's name tattooed across her forehead.

 

[skylinegtr20]

Personally I dont care, long as the tool does the same job.

 

[zkling]

Possible theft
Resale value
Warranty issues

 

[dr_clyde]

My dad engraved his initials on some of his tools he has since gave me. It worked out nice because we have the same initials.

 

[3baygarage]

Doesn't matter one bit if using a tool, only when collecting pristine pieces I guess. Alot of guys want newer tools with no i.d. marks to make warrnty easier.

 

[bobbycos]

Not really an apt analogy. It would be more like if she had another guy's name tattooed across her forehead.

Or another spot

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Possible theft
Resale value
Warranty issues

My exact thoughts. I have no problem buying used tools (most everything I buy is used) in various conditions, but won't buy engraved.

 

[3baygarage]

Any marking will devalue a tool.

An engraving on an old tool is sometimes a good bargaining point when at a flea market.

 

[gregthor]

I have some of my grandfathers and my Dads old tools with their initials. I think it adds sentimental value with their markings.

When I buy used I prefer unmarked, just a personal preference .

 

[rockinacummins]

I buy them in pawn shops for a dollar or two. They all go in the same drawer. Honestly it makes no difference to me.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Possible theft
Resale value
Warranty issues

My exact thoughts. I have no problem buying used tools (most everything I buy is used) in various conditions, but won't buy engraved.

I agree with these thoughts, I will buy engraved tools if the price is too good to pass up but only if it's light. Another issue is if you're a tech you probably don't want someone's engravings on your tool due to a possible confusion with others.

 

[Ruger_556]

I engrave all my tools, I won't buy a used tool with someone else's engraving though... ID issues in the shop if they don't all have the same mark on them.

 

[gatewaysysop]

Why is there so much hate for quality tools (snap-on, matco, mac, etc.) that just so happen to have the previous owners name or initials engraved on them? To me, it wouldn't make much of a difference if they are in good shape otherwise.

I suppose the same guys who wouldn't own a tool that was pre-owned also married virgins, right?

Well, for starters, pre-owned vs. engraved are two very different things, right?

Yeah, but you don't see your wife's old boyfriends names engraved on her (I hope) every time you bang.

My name isn't joe, so I don't like seeing joes name on my wrenches. That's just me.

Any marking will devalue a tool.

Possible theft
Resale value
Warranty issues

My $.02? Ask yourself what kind of items, in general and not just hand tools, that a person would be willing to own with someone else's name / initials on them in plain sight?

I can't speak for anyone else, but I wouldn't want to own coffee mug with someone else's name on it, or a hat, or a fancy pen, or a watch, or a set of steak knives, or anything else, for that matter. It's kind of hard to have any pride in ownership when someone else's name has been scrawled/burned/painted/punched into it. YMMV, and it's fine if they do, but that's just me.

 

[wild cowboy]

please reveal which brands of tool that engraving affects the warranty, so I can make sure not to give that firm any tool business!

 

[928'er]

I've, unintentionally, ended up with a few engraved pieces through ebay purchases.

I generally avoid engraved tools because, unless you're buying them from the person who engraved them, there is a pretty good chance that they were stolen.

 

[Lx460]

Well, since the consensus is that engraved tools have no value whatsoever I will provide my address for free disposal of said items. I will pay shipping costs and current scrap prices too. Only USA brands please.

 

[logical]

Why is there so much hate for quality tools (snap-on, matco, mac, etc.) that just so happen to have the previous owners name or initials engraved on them? To me, it wouldn't make much of a difference if they are in good shape otherwise.

I suppose the same guys who wouldn't own a tool that was pre-owned also married virgins, right?

I just don't want somebody else's name on my tools. Its not about hate, it's just a preference. There are too many good used tools out there without markings so I haven't ever been faced with buying an engraved tool or doing without entirely. More for you I guess.

Like most tool-wife analogies, yeah that was pretty lame.

 

[logical]

Well, since the consensus is that engraved tools have no value whatsoever I will provide my address for free disposal of said items. I will pay shipping costs and current scrap prices too. Only USA brands please.

Show us where someone said that.

 

[Cato]

Not really an apt analogy. It would be more like if she had another guy's name tattooed across her forehead.

Dude prolly never had a virgin. Doesn't know what he's missing!

 

[woodstockva]

I occasionally will run the SSN#s on old tools through google, and they come up with the death certificates for the previous owners.....sometimes the people have died 40+ years ago!

As far as functionally, they work the same....

Cosmetically, the look bad in my opinion.....and I would not pay the same price for used engraved tools VS clean used tools.

 

[carcajou]

I've, unintentionally, ended up with a few engraved pieces through ebay purchases.

I generally avoid engraved tools because, unless you're buying them from the person who engraved them, there is a pretty good chance that they were stolen.

Not at all. There are lots of Govt surplus and bankruptcy liquidation sales that either have the markings buffed off or sell as is.

 

[brian.parkhurst.39]

I bought a whole set of SAE combination wrenchs off eBay and there was nothing about any engraving listed on the auction and on every wrench is Firestone on all of them. Have to admit I was a little pissed.i bought a set of sockets that where engraved but the price reflected that. I guess on tools that you buy off eBay have engravings on them and it's listed that way . if you print or screen shot the add you would have proof that there your tools.

 

[T45]

There's also a huge difference between an inventory control engraving and som bloke who chickensratched graffiti all over the piece. The former is often laser-engraved and looks like a serial number, and has no real bearing on the use of the tool. The latter definitely de-values the tool more, for all the obvious reasons.

 

[unslow1]

I don't mind engraved. I just wouldn't pay the same as unengraved. The same as I wouldn't pay the same for a rusted vs new looking tool.

 

[justme-]

Personally I don't buy tools for a collector hobby or for resale value. They're not comic books or baseball cards to me, rather a tool is to get a job done. Engraving isn't common on any of mine outside of some my ol man engraved back in the day.
I'm not buying tools from shady places nor am I buying in quantities that there is a question of the tool being stolen. If that's a concern it may be appropriate to question where you're being offered the tools in question from. You have a combo wrench set engraved... sure but a whole toolbox stack full of engraved tools I'm going to question.
I actually like that many feel it lowers the value - makes some lower cost options for me to purchase.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I don't want to buy them because they look like ****. Period. No reason this can't be fun.

That being said, I have bought engraved stuff because it was a deal...and you know what the Good Book says, "A fool and his money....


EDIT: what's with all this "Engraved=stolen" .... just as easy as "Not Engraved=Stolen"

People engrave tools, then sell them. Then those people sell them, then you buy them one day. People who engrave don't take the tools to the grave or divorce court.

 

[Leaky88]

Hi,
I love tools and have bought used ones with and without engravings. I do not colllect tools but I appreciate the old often more than the younger products. Often to the chigrin of my wife and cashiers, I keep receipts for everything I own and do...just in case. My preferrence is no markings mainly because in MHO it disfigures the tool. Removing these markings has always been a NO GO for me. Exceptions for ignoring these markings would be a pry bar or some other instrument used for persuasion. Leaky

 

[Leaky88]

Hi,
I love tools and have bought used ones with and without engravings. I do not colllect tools but I appreciate the old often more than the younger products. Often to the shigrin of my wife and cashiers, I keep receipts for everything I own and due...just in case. My preferrence is no markings mainly because in MHO it disfigures the tool. Exceptions would be a pry bar or some other instrument used for persuasion. Leaky

 

[ibedayank]

don't care in main shop Boss supplies most tools... here in the other shop I suplly all hand tools so engraved or not I don't care as my box is the only one out here.

 

[rocco]

I've got a few wrenches, sockets, a ratchet and some extensions that are engraved, all stuff that I've bought in lots on eBay or here. They are for home use so I could care less about engraving as long as they are in good useable shape. None of my tools are "collectables" they are all for my own personal abuse.

 

[PelicanPines]

Got a dewalt trim router with all kinds of bases for super cheap due to owner spraying them with blue paint. A hour with goof off and a rag...

 

[bob15]

It all depends on the amount and size of the engraving. If it's a person initials or name, no big deal, take the dremel and lightly grind the name out. If someone wrote their name so it could be read 10 feet away or has a name using most of the alphabet, I might pass on it.

Most tools at work are engraved with my last name on them, as are most other co-workers as well.

 

[Charlief]

Engraved tools are still warranteed.

I got some old timers on my route that back in their day they engraved their SS#. When I warranty out such an item I have them grind off the number for their protection.

 

[Outlander]

Like a previous poster, I have some tools from my Dad & Uncle that have initials on them. I suspect they were used in some common areas as all the old family tools are not marked. I have no plans to sell them, they are family heirlooms.

If I stumbled across engraved tools for sale, I suspect I might be suspicious but mostly thanks to comments here on GJ. Hmmmm, evidently I am easily influenced by varied opinions here!

 

[SignalZero]

EDIT: what's with all this "Engraved=stolen" .... just as easy as "Not Engraved=Stolen"

People engrave tools, then sell them. Then those people sell them, then you buy them one day. People who engrave don't take the tools to the grave or divorce court.

This is exactly what I was thinking about the "stolen" comments. Might as well never buy used if you're that worried about it.

I find it interesting that some people won't clean "patina" off their used tools, but they'll refuse to buy engraved/marked tools.
To me, it's all part of the history of the piece. I take the rust off any used tool I pick up that has any. I only have a few pieces that are marked. And those pieces are old enough that it's interesting to think about who the person was and when/where they acquired and marked the tool. And as others said, it's a bargaining point for quality/interesting pieces.