Yesterday, I came across a 20+ year old pair of Vise Grip Welding Clamps still new in a beat up box at the local Farm Bureau store (local farm supply chain that's been around for over a 100 years), but they wanted $30 for them. I normally don't buy new tools all that often, most of what I buy is used.

Should I buy this as a collection item to keep boxed? 

No, unless you are a collector or starting a collection.  Or if you feel that the difference in quality between the original Petersons and the new Irwins is worth that price.  (Obviously I don't).
I am not a collector so I wouldn't pay that much.  But then I'm so cheap - I would be looking for a second hand welding clamp.

The price is the max list price for a new one.  You could probably buy a new one for about half.
If it justs sits in a box on a shelf, when you kick the bucket your widow will sell it for 50 cents at the big yard sale.  She'll think it is not much use since you never took it out of the box to use it.

Take what I say with a grain of salt.  I am a non-collector - I only buy tools that I hope to use or sell.  And I'm a cheap German.
Al

I'm with Al, except I'm a cheap Scotsman*.  Unless you're collecting, you can, with a touch of patience, find the same clamp at a yard sale for the 50 cents someone's widow(er) is selling the clamp his/her lifemate used for years.

Now, for 50 cents or a dollar, I'd say buy it, even if you never do any welding, because you never know when a clamp will be just what you need.

*Actually, only 1/8 Scots, and possibly not even that.  But no one thinks of the English or the Irish as cheap.

20 some years old is nothing in the wrench world. I wouldn't buy them at that price. Probably wouldn't at half that since they are not in my collecting area and I am not a welder, either.
No attraction for me.

Quote from: Papaw on May 03, 2016, 04:59:11 PM
20 some years old is nothing in the wrench world. I wouldn't buy them at that price. Probably wouldn't at half that since they are not in my collecting area and I am not a welder, either.
No attraction for me.

+1

Personally I would pass.

Only if you are in a speculative mood & don't mind losing $$.  On the other hand, a VISE-GRIP "TOOLBOX" (lot#399 in the "wrenchingnews" spring auction at York ) in original package (but it had been taken out, used & then put back in the package ) sold for $85.00.  These were available in big box hardware / home improvement stores a decade ago.  New Old Stock in original box makes some collectors' ears perk up.

Quote from: mvwcnews on May 03, 2016, 10:19:50 PM
Only if you are in a speculative mood & don't mind losing $$.  On the other hand, a VISE-GRIP "TOOLBOX" (lot#399 in the "wrenchingnews" spring auction at York ) in original package (but it had been taken out, used & then put back in the package ) sold for $85.00.  These were available in big box hardware / home improvement stores a decade ago.  New Old Stock in original box makes some collectors' ears perk up.

The VISE-GRIP/Schrade Toolbox series of tools is popular on the 'bay.  It's unusual to see one go for under $50. There are three or four different plier head versions and variations within those versions. They are highly collectable, but not all that useful.  I have one, I believe Bob, may have a few more <nudge>.

Hello, I would probably have tried to buy them, but I would have haggled for a lower price. You don't know unless you ask nicely , " Is there any way you could sell it for less?". I've been known to  haggle at Home Depot, too. Regards, Lou