Hi,

my Dad is a DIY enthusiast and since I remember he has been tinkering with a little bit of everything. I know that he has all the tools ever needed but his birthday is coming up in a few weeks and I had a crazy idea. I would like to find and buy older tools that he would have to renovate himself. I don't know if I make myself clear. I was browsing your forum and found many, many pictures of tools that you find, wonder where they come from and finally restore to their previous glory. That is what I want to do. Where can I look for for a basic set of tools? Saw, pliers, hammer, wrenches? It will be a fantastic gift for DIY fan! At least I think it will.

Craig's List, estate sales, garage sales, thrift shops, and of course eBay. Once you start looking you'll see tools everywhere, maybe not what you want, but you'll see tools.

If you're anywhere near a Habitat Restore, i would say check there, too.   I know our local store gets it's share of hand tools (pliers, saws, hammers - not so much planes  ) and it's not uncommon for them to need some TLC.