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Future of wrench collecting

Started by skylab, January 12, 2021, 04:55:37 PM

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skylab

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. 
CONTRIBUTOR
Looking to buy farm implement wrenches.  They can be orphans

Papaw

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.
Member of PHARTS - Perfect Handle Admiration, Restoration and Torturing Society
 
Flickr page- https://www.flickr.com/photos/nhankamer/

p_toad

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:

Lewill2

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.

skipskip

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

A place for everything and everything on the floor

AutoMechanic

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.

coolford

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.

bonneyman

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!
Ratchet Guru

Lewill2

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.

gibsontool

Not even all old seeing as it has a bar code