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Auction found tools
Here's a thread that may get some responses....
What were some of the best buys of tools that you've found at auctions?
Just this week I got the Craftsman circular saw that I mentioned in my other thread. Last week, I got 3 good pick axes for $8, for all of them. A few months ago, I got a nice Craftsman 14 drawer tool box ( the middle grade, not the homeowner grade) for $120.
I've found lots more good stuff, but I can't think of any right now. What have you guys found? [img]/forums/images/icons/laugh.gif[/img]
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Re: Auction found tools
Seeing as I do not attend auctions nothing has came my way. [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
Those pickaxes are intriguing? Will your back outlast them?
Egon [img]/forums/images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
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Re: Auction found tools
Six crowbars of various sizes: $2. Trash pump: $50. 4000w generator: $60. Most of the time, auction prices get too high for goods that are used and of questionable functionality. I've seen used stuff go for 80-90% of what you could buy new (with a WARRANTY). EBay and Craigslist are kind of getting that way. Gotta be careful, know your merchandise and don't get caught up in the bidding frenzy.
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The problem with auctions is they just take up too much of my time plus I gotta drive to them. I would rather just go buy what I need.
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We have lot of very local auctions, one every Friday and Saturday night. My wife and I often go when we're done with farm chores. It's a cheap night's entertainment, and sometimes we get good buys. And sometimes we laugh at people who spend more for old junk then they would have spent for something brand new.
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Re: Auction found tools
I am also entertained by folks in the feeding frenzy. I have seen cheap Chinese imported "aluminum" handled pipe wrenches sell for significantly more than US made new ones.
I have seen hand trucks go for more than a new one at HD, HF, or Lowes.
There are bargains though. I paid $75 for a 300 gal overhead fuel tank on a stand. It is as good as new still after 6-7 years.
I bought T-posts in good shape for about 2/3 of new.
On the subject of T-posts... TSC is asking $4.09 each for 6 foot (1.25 lbs per foot) posts. Orcheln's sold me the same thing for $3.59, yesterday. They were less than $3 about 5 years ago and a couple years before that they were about $2.
Pat
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Re: Auction found tools
[img]/forums/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] My all-time best buy was a "pair" of Milwaukee pistol grip drills, 20 dollars each. They both had half-inch capacity chucks. One was perfect, one had the detachable power cord missing and the chuck was blamo. I had to cut that chuck off, but the shaft thread was OK and the detachable cord was easy to get from a dealer. [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img] You definitely have to know what stuff is worth. [img]/forums/images/icons/crazy.gif[/img] I saw a welder sell for forty dollars and the long copper leads were worth twice that, Air compressors usually bring at or near new price as do torches. [img]/forums/images/icons/tongue.gif[/img] I bought a floor model sixteen speed drill press for 95 dollars and spent another 90 on it making a drill out of it. (you have to make some changes or they're no good) I enjoy the heck out of using it now that it is in it's modified form. [img]/forums/images/icons/smile.gif[/img]
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Re: Auction found tools
My all-time favorite story is when I went to a high-tech robotics company liquidation auction years ago with some guys from another high-tech company that did specialized testing (vibration analysis, etc). We opened a cabinet door and found it loaded with VERY high-priced specialized electronic test equipment (by HP, Fluke, others). Well over $50,000 worth of stuff almost brand new. We quietly closed the door and said nothing, not even a smile. We waited, watching ladders go for $150, etc. My buddy bid $75 on the cabinet and got it, contents included. Most people there had no idea what the stuff was for or had a use for it. But the ladders and workbenches....... everyone can use one of them. [img]/forums/images/icons/wink.gif[/img]
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I bought a Stihl chainsaw once for $20.00. It was one of the middle sizes in great condition. Another time, I bought a small tractor that needed some minor repairs for $125.00. I think I got lucky on both of those!
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Two weeks ago, I got a whole toolbox-full of tools for $10. I got a brand new in the box circular saw for $13. And I got an assortment of rakes, shovels, hoes, picks and sledge hammers (about 20 in all) for $20.
Should I say that I love going to the auction?