Tool Talk

Wrench Forum => Wrench Forum => Topic started by: skylab on January 12, 2021, 04:55:37 PM

Title: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: skylab on January 12, 2021, 04:55:37 PM
So what's everyone's opinion on antique wrench collecting?  Is it a dying hobby? Are values declining?  Dont seem like the younger generation is interested. 
Title: Re: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: Papaw on January 12, 2021, 05:29:08 PM
Certainly is declining and selling prices are way off.
Remember though , that we were once younger and likely didn't realize that old wrenches were worth thinking about.
I know I was 25 or so before I saw the light.
Title: Re: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: p_toad on January 12, 2021, 06:10:12 PM
Honestly, i can see that being a problem with ANY and ALL old tools.   Too many people don't have the time, interest, or money to be bothered (I certainly didn't when i was much younger).   :cry:
Title: Re: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: Lewill2 on January 12, 2021, 06:22:20 PM
Wrench collecting is a huge topic. In general I tend to agree with the previous statements but from what I see the rare early patented wrenches 1840's - 1920's still bring good money as well as the rare farm implement wrenches. I focus on rare and early patented adjustable/quick adjust wrenches and those prices seem to be holding. I know the Hilary Klein miniatures are still holding there value also.
Title: Re: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: skipskip on January 12, 2021, 10:12:00 PM
The Model T guys are now about gone and Model T prices reflect this

BUT  Model A guys are still up and kicking and those prices reflect that

not to mention 50's 60's cars

Early Snap on is still quite valuable

and a lot of interest in prewar Craftsman

and I don't seem to get  the "Box of old wrenches" deals at auction as much

but I wouldn't invest in drop forged DOE wrenches quite yet

Skip

Title: Re: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: AutoMechanic on January 13, 2021, 12:26:27 PM
Probably is a lost thing. I don’t know many young people who can even identify what tools are what. I’m probably one of the younger people on this forum and I enjoy collecting stuff I just got more for the collection the other day at the pawn shop a giant Billings Vitalloy 1 1/4 wrench the thing is huge but fits the collection nicely.
Title: Re: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: coolford on January 13, 2021, 02:48:28 PM
The rare wrenches will always bring good money, but I doubt that they will increase in value faster than inflation.  As for all the rest, it is a hobby, your not going to make money on it.  Lastly, I agree with the others, there just isn't that much interest by the young guys anymore except for a few.
Title: Re: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: bonneyman on January 14, 2021, 08:55:36 PM
Most young people can't drive a manual transmission car, so, knowledge of manual tools is fading into history as well. lol

I collect wrenches because I like it. I used to grab tools to use them. Now, I do it because it's therapy. Because I'm judicious with my buying I'm sure if I (or my survivors) eventually sell my tools I'll more than break even. Plus every so often I get to help out someone with a set they're working on. Good feelings!
Title: Re: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: Lewill2 on January 21, 2021, 09:16:12 AM
I just saw a rare Craftsman 24 inch crescent with original barcode label still attached for $395.00 so I guess wrench collecting is going better than we thought.
Title: Re: Future of wrench collecting
Post by: gibsontool on January 21, 2021, 10:57:11 AM
Not even all old seeing as it has a bar code