Finding Value: A Guide to Buying Tools at an Estate Sale

Estate sales are great places to find a variety of different types of tools, from gardening to power tools to vintage hand tools. It’s not uncommon to find tools that have barely been put to use and are in perfect condition and still in the box; or used tools that are generally not in such bad shape and can be repaired like new at a low price.

At an estate sale, you’ll usually find that the tools will be placed in the garage or basement and will be easy to pick up if you can get to them first. If you’re not very familiar with tools (especially those that require electricity or gas), then it can be hard for you to tell the good from the bad and spot whether the tools are worth the price on their labels. By all means, bring a friend who is well versed in tools and can help you make a proper selection.

Antique hunters are often on the lookout for older tools with an interesting history. Very old woodworking tools, for example, make an attractive collectible and have a high resale value. Even if the blades appear rusty or the wood has a bit of dust, many of these coveted instruments still hold a lot of value to tool hobbyists who are more than happy to give it a little effort to repurpose it and add it to their collections. .

Here are some quick tips for buying tools at an estate sale:

1. Whenever possible, get out your iPhone and research the tools before you buy. If you use eBay for your research, you may find hundreds or thousands of results. If you know exactly what you’re going to be using the tool for, then the power amp draw should also be a concern. Will the 18 volt electric drill do the job or do you need something a little sturdier like a 20 volt one? The more you know about what you need, the less research you will have to do.
2. This may sound silly, but when you buy a power tool, plug it in to make sure it really works! You don’t want to come home only to find that you press the “power” button and everything is silent. With fuel-powered tools, like gasoline-powered items, this could be a trickier task. If you have to put the tool down and run for a gas can, do so. Also check the oil, because a tool that has had oil or fuel on it for years could be problematic.
3. If you want to save money, it’s best to do a quick price comparison. The same used tool you find at an estate sale could be priced at your local home improvement store for exactly the same amount, but brand new. Even if the tool is priced cheaper by $10 or less, you’d better buy the tool new. Websites like Craigslist, Amazon, and eBay are great places to find refurbished tools, and many of the sellers offer free shipping.
4. Before using the tools you have purchased at the estate sale, make sure you know how to operate them correctly. This is both a safety concern and a concern to prevent any potential malfunction. If you bought the tool and it’s still in its original box and has the instruction manual, you’re in luck. Don’t be silly and go ahead and read the damn thing so you know how to use it correctly. If the instruction manual is not available, feel free to search for it online or call the manufacturer itself to request it.
5. Be sure to check the condition to make sure the instrument you’re buying isn’t falling apart. Make sure handles are securely attached and do not wobble, check for missing or broken parts, or for cracks. If an electrical cord is frayed, you can easily take it to a repair shop to have it replaced for just a few dollars. You want to check that the pieces of wood are not split or dry to the point that they cannot be salvaged. Heavy dirt or grease won’t be easy to clean, so make sure the tool in question deserves a deep clean.