Future of wrench collecting

[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. 

[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.

[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).   

[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

[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!

[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