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What do you do with the not so great tools?

2K views 15 replies 12 participants last post by  Jeff2016 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
The more old hand tools I pick up in antique stores, flea markets, yard sales, etc. The more I seem to accumulate lesser quality tools that I don't want or need. I'll buy a box of small tools for $10 and it'll have some good stuff in it but a lot of junk too.

I feel like I'm getting too much of this stuff and would like to do something useful with it. I suspect some of the cheapo block planes could have irons that would fit other, better block planes. But I'm at a loss for what to do with some of the other stuff. I have so many punches, screw drivers, folding rulers, etc. I have no idea what to do with them. Will likely just take to goodwill or somesomething. But if schools or something need them that seems a good use as well.

Does anyone have creative uses for old lesser quality tools you've accumulated?
 
#2 ·
I'm having doubts about starting kids out in schools using "lesser quality" tools. Wouldn't they find them frustrating to use, even dangerous, compared to a good quality tool? I'd check first with the shop instructor to see if he (or she) would want the kids to use them.

I remember when I was a kid (many decades ago) that my dad could never afford good quality tools-few people could-and becoming really frustrated with them. For home DIY types, the tools marketed to us were usually junk. I'm thinking saber/jig/bayonet saws, sanders, circular saws, drills etc. Whenever somebody says "they don't make modern tools like the old ones anymore," I think Thank Zeus or Odin, or whoever.
 
#4 ·
I like to find the lesser quality tools a home. I'll clean it up and get it ready to work if it won't take long so it easier to get rid of. Especially with the lesser planes I've had. Preferably in the condition it's in to a person that really wants something free they can put to work. I don't like freeloading tools around the shop.
 
#7 ·
I do one of either two things:
About every two years, my wife and I have a one day garage sale. Any that I have lying around I put in the sale and they seem to be one of the first things that go.

Second thing is if I get a few, (and I have a bunch of fairly decent but not great screwdrivers in a box right now), I donate them to my Goodwill. I get a decent tax write-off that makes my refund bigger at the end of the year. Plus, Goodwill uses the money for food and jobs they provide, and someone gets a serviceable tool at a discount price. Win-win-win.
Habitat for Humanity is also good, but avoid the thrift shops as most of them are actually for profit. In my town, we do have a Veterans thrift shop that is non-profit, I will donate there.
 
#8 ·
I sell mine then donate then take the money to buy wood to use for projects that I local charities auctions but I look into the charities before hand to see how much the staff makes and how much goes to whatever they specialize in. I don't donate to goodwill since the ceo makes 3/4s of a million a year and the average pay for workers is under minimum wage.
 
#9 ·
Wow. diverlloyd, I did not know that about Goodwill. Will think twice about putting boxes of stuff in there hands again. The Veteran's Thrift shop in my town is looking better and better.
I remember when I worked for five years as a volunteer for United Way, they were proud of the fact that 93% of all monies went to the actual charities. Don't know if that is still true, but I met a lot of people who worked for them full time who made low salaries but loved their work.
Thanks…
 
#10 ·
I'm in the same situation and I've been trying to figure out what to do with them. I'm such a hoarder with old tools though I keep justifying reasons why I should keep them because I'll use them for something.
Donating is a good idea. Or if they're half decent, offer them up on the trade and swap forum here. Maybe a flat rate box.
 
#13 ·
Yeah I try to look into the charities financials to see the percentages it's sad but most of the time they spend 50% or more on themselves and not on the actual goals. The best are when you look at the money gained by fund raising is less then the money spent on fund raising events. I don't need to be paid 1/2 a million to figure out that is a waste of funds. But anyways guys don't let me dissuade you from your local charities just check them out before hand.
 
#16 ·
I have a huge collection of old, lesser quality tooling that finds its way to my place. I sort into 2 piles- Scrap because some just aren't worth the effort, and kids. With 5 kids ranging in age from 18 to 25, I always have something around to help them start their own tool collection.
Even tools considered not worthy of joinery and finer woodworking can be very useful for repairs around the house. Especially to youngsters just starting out in their adult life whose funds are tight.
 
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