I’m clearing my lock-up right now, thanks to the lessor thinking I want to pay a mortgage rather than continue to rent. (Hence the “Family Mini” thread.)
I’ve now pulled out half a dozen tool boxes, just stashed after relations and in-laws have popped their clogs, (I always inherit these things because “I’m good with my hands”. I’m not, but no matter) and opened them up for the first time in a few (ten?) years. What a depressing exercise. These things are a snapshot of a persons working life
I can understand why retired tradesmen don’y want to get rid of the tools of their trade, by why keep them when they are broken/knackered?
And why give me the job of throwing most of their working lives in the bin?
Box of old tools - vintage c19xx - assorted condition
including :-particallistingoftoolshereA little bit of history here. Inherited from etc. Now need to be cleared as we’re moving house and just don’t have the room.
Through the years, I’ve inherited quite a few tools like you, and as a carpenter and metal worker I’ve had a vested interest in repairing and refurbishing them.
years later, most of the new tools I have bought through the years have fallen to pieces but the ones I have rescued are all still going strong, and are by far the nicest to use. Don’t bin them pleeeeeaaaaaaase!!!
it’s amazing what a bit of WD40 and elbow grease can do.
any carpenters or metal workers tools in there I would be particularly interested in if you are getting rid. Boxes of imperial spanners, not so much…
never forget the scrap value either, stainless is at a very good price normally and bags of spanners can get pretty heavy!
One other option is to consider donating the tools - link below to one worthy cause, but also as a starting toolkit to a youngster starting out in carpentry or whatever trade. Often people are held back because they can’t afford to invest in basic tools…
Absolutely agree with you, but how many Stanley/Record hand drills does a man need? Certainly not five. But I will be keeping, and using, the boxwood and brass jack plane.
Passing thought. What will my son think when he inherits quite a few tool chests one of which contains some bizarre sized spanners about 3 ft. long? And a cast iron (Victorian) book binding press? And lord knows what else.
That book binding press would definitely be worth some effort, and a specialist sale perhaps? get it into an auction with some rare books, you might find the right kind of buyer.
agreed, perhaps 5 Stanley hand drills is a bit excessive.
