I know very little about hand tools of quality. I do know that Stanley did make quality tools at one time. Now I see them in Walmart, made in China. I won't buy one. Black and Decker is the same with electric tools. I do on occasion see old hand tools in garage sales. What do I look for to find an old jewel? I don't want to collect, but I may keep an exceptional tool to raffle off for Patriot woodworker support of our troops.

Edited November 21, 20178 yr by Ron Dudelston
tags added

I wish I knew more about what to look for, too, Ron. Like you, I've noticed the "old" names don't have the quality they once did.

Ron, this is a wonderful idea and I'd like to thank you for your support of The Patriot Woodworkers.

When you are going to garage sales to look for old tools, you are not going to know what a great brand is, and what a diamond in the rough is at this point in your old tool collecting career. There is just so much out there, it's hard to condense what to look for in this post.

But, I can say this, look for any hand tool that looks old, and you want it to be in one piece, and functional. Also, look for a cheap price! If you can buy an old hand plane for 2 bucks, do it. If you see a set of chisels for 4 bucks, buy them. Just look at the buying process as the value you see in them without knowing if it's has a great makers mark or not. Look at the value like this, could I use those tools with a little clean up for that price, is that price good for me?

Use your eyes and sixth sense as your best friend. Look for great patina on the irons, looks for nice deep aged golden browns honey colors on old handles and any wood that is attached to the tool.

 

Here are some obvious things to look for, any old tool that has Made in the USA, or any symbolism thereof, it's a good tool. Any old tool that is Made in England, Britain, etc, it's a good tool. These are just generalities. These are steps for the newbie tool finder. It takes a few times going out, to hone your eye and skills, and of course, a few mistakes as well.

 

Below are some links to get your whistle wet. Since The Patriot Woodworker is a huge supporter of the MWTCA, I am linking to their resources.

Old Tools and Trades Resources

Patents

and of course

MWTCA

 

Ron, when you find your tools, come back here, and post images of what you've found, this could be the beginning of a rabbit trail for you, have fun!