How to Score Great Tools on the Cheap: Leah's Secrets

[@jeffparker360]

I can't be the only one that thinks Leah has the most comforting voice in media. I could sit and listen to a 5 minute instructional video on how to open a jar of peanut butter if she is narrating it...lol. Thank you for sharing your time with us Leah!

[@oldmanpaintball]

I was just thinking the same thing! She sounds like someone I would like to run into at a sale some time : ) Keep it it up Leah!

[@HefferSean]

I was also thinking the same thing. So much confidence in her voice.

[@jeffparker360]

HefferSean so true

[@1811bruce]

I must agree. She knows her stuff too!

[@MiddleofKnowhere]

Totally agree. I'm smiling here like a cheshire cat after watching.

[@kaycox5555]

Leah, you are truly a fabulous teacher....thanks!

[@vernitajames2677]

With these tired eyes, instead of magnifying glass, I take picture with cell phone and then expand to see tiny print at sales. As always, your information is golden.

[@chrisnorton2837]

I do this too. And I use my phone to document disassembly of stuff I'm fixing, as well as to take photos of the under-sides of things I can't see, like the wiring under the dash of your car. Cellphones are invaluable tools.

[@asinheaven]

I do both of these too. Great advice!

[@theresapark4917]

I live in a tiny town in Eastern Wa. I watched your video yesterday, went into the local second hand store today and found a Diston saw for $15.00. Thanks for the tip.

[@dennisgrecco5831]

Leah doesn't make you feel that you don't know anything. I hate being talked down to. Between Bob Ross and Leah, I could listen all day.

[@seejanedrill]

thanks, Dennis!

[@gmanchurch]

Dennis Grecco Amen to that brother!

[@bobfallis]

Agree with many others about Leah's voice. Very pleasant and friendly. Always good advice given in a genuinely entertaining fashion. Keep it up, Leah.

[@seejanedrill]

thanks, Gazzlo!

[@garrisjr]

Two weeks ago I went to a yard sale advertised as tools, tools, and more tools. I didn't see any tools I needed or wanted but I see buy a total of 53.3 board feet of black walnut rough lumber for $10. WOW ! ! !

[@seejanedrill]

How lucky were you. FANTASTIC find!

[@bradlemmond]

WOW! I don't like to buy things just because it's cheap or I might use it one day, but that was a have-to-buy!

[@porsche9441987]

I agree with Jeff Parker, I don't have a workshop nor do I have the skill set that she does. I really just love her videos. She is a great spoken women with great how to videos. Keep up the great content!

[@Kp-jp2ww]

Miss Leah, your an amazing lady. Because of you I have a desire to learn. Thank you my friend.

[@cgt6497]

I really respect your integrity, telling the owner that the belt sander is worth more. It does pay to be nice and do the right thing!

[@jorrba3934]

This is one of the reasons I like watching her videos. Her voice also makes me relax.

[@vanessawebb8156]

As always you brought some great tips forward for me. Also some great memories. As a child once a year I would spend a week with my GrandParents, on my Dads side. My Grandpa was a major influence in my life. I would go downstairs in his basement workshop. He almost alway had a saw in a vice turned teeth side out at a good angle. He has these tiny files. He patiently files each tooth a small section at a time. Then he would tell me to hold my hand at the bottom of the saw. He would take a needle place it at the top it would slide down to a point & stop. Grandpa would say well we have more work to do. Grandpa would keep repeating this, until the needle would slide all the way down, & fall into my hand. Then he’d say well our job is done, time for an ice cream float! I have my GrandPa’s saws. Because they were given to my Dad who passed away in 1999. The saws are a treasure to me. Thank you for bringing the memories of my Grandpa who loved me, as I love him.

[@georgeruiz1048]

Awesome information. Priceless ! I know why my dad took such care of his tools now. God rest his soul. He was an awesome man. I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate your videos. God bless you and thank you.

[@terrylynn7396]

I love Leah!! Her Voice n her ❤ n her Advice are Priceless!!! Keep m coming Sweetheart!!!😇

[@chrislogan8283]

hi Leah still got my disstons got them of my grandad along with an original stanly steel plane these tools where sent to us from people in america to help us out befor america enterd the war.thosands of tools were sent over and we thank you from a gratful Englishman

[@seejanedrill]

Nice!

[@mc4kvb]

Another great and informative video. I also agree with the comment about your voice. It is calming and most of all you can understand her! I look forward to your videos every week. Keep up the great work!

[@seejanedrill]

thank you

[@susank6122]

Leah, I love it! I do the same thing. Most of my tools have come from garage sales. Storage cabinets and shelves too. I picked up two steel cabinets for $75 last summer, new price $150 each. And I have a bucket full of nails from garage sales. Thanks again for what you do. Susan

[@barrybittinger8799]

Thanks, Leah, love your videos. I love hunting for tools in pawn shops. I scored a snap on 4x multiplier for 29 bucks, looked it up its a 900.00 tool. Its used for multiplying the torque you can apply to a bolt. You apply 100 lbs, it applies 400lbs.

[@seejanedrill]

nice!

[@bradlemmond]

My husband and I bought a worm-drive saw with a diamond blade (I think) at a pawn shop to cut our granite counters. I don't remember what we paid for it, but it was worth it for that one job.

[@cathybozeman4657]

My first garage was awesome; I purchased an Kirby vacuum (with steel head ) for $10. It only needed a belt. As I went along the way, a few people gave my brand new items because they wanted to be done with the sale early! Now that was the best garage sale I had gone too! Thank you for the advice!

[@marstondavis]

How would you like to work with Leah? I don't think you'd have a bad day at work...ever!

[@seejanedrill]

that's nice of you to say! :)

[@nancybeckwith1543]

And you'd learn learn learn all day, every day

[@normpeplow3813]

I was just thinking the same thing!

[@melvinnanquil6137]

Big thanks Leah. Everytime you have your video I make sure that I watch it to get some valuable information like this one. Keep sharing your ideas. You are indeed an awesome person.😊

[@Fishin723]

Love your simple message that "You Can Do This." Sometimes that encouragement is all we need to hear from a professional like you. THANK YOU for your works.

[@leeb.7188]

My best score was a 1960s era Milwaukee circular saw for $5. I found it on Craigslist and the seller seemed totally indifferent to this top quality, all-metal, U.S. made saw. He said it had been his father's and he didn't know anything about it and just wanted to get rid of it. While it's a bit heavy for me, it's a total BEAST and will rip through anything!

[@seejanedrill]

Laura, I'm sometimes surprised when owners of tools have no interest whatsoever in the tools they're selling. We're looking at it as treasure and they're viewing it as junk. Nice score on the Milwaukee!

[@magicrobharv]

Leah, great video! I bought a scroll saw at a garage sale for $25. It was in perfect condition. You just never know what you're going to find in a garage sale.

[@jennyverves]

Great tips! I absolutely love buying old tools, especially when you clean up something valuable on the cheap! I would have to say that flea markets are great for finding gems, and look for the old rusty stuff with no price tag and Don't Be afraid to negotiate!!

[@seejanedrill]

:)

[@giftboutiq]

I absolutely LOVE old tools....they stood the test of time are still around! A little fixing and they're good to go. I've had tools bought within a year fizzle out. They don't make em like they used to!

[@seejanedrill]

I agree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@trekzilladmc]

Something else I'd like to add is to always ask the person at the yard sale if they have any tools, even if you don't have any out. I'm surprised what people are willing to go back inside their house to get for me just because I asked. At times, they've even been willing to give it to me for free.

[@mysnellvilleblog]

trekzilladmc I've never had a yard sale and not had someone (usually a guy) ask if I had any tools & they leave when I say I don't.

[@plumkey197]

@@mysnellvilleblog Well, when you have tools for your next sale, keep them to the side. I've been to my share of garage sales and never - not once- did I think to ask that question. Will definitely do this next time!

[@plumkey197]

Never tried asking, but certainly will from now on. The worst they can say is "no".

[@indiependants]

Leah I enjoy your videos so much thank you for taking the time to have a patient approach to sharing your craft and expertise! You should be on tv.

[@shannonHWryan]

Thank You, Leah. Your tutorials are awesome.

[@cloverclover7638]

You are on my Favorite youtubers list! Thank you so much for making these super helpful videos!

[@frigginpos]

I sure enjoy your videos and enthusiasm! Many thanks.

[@ethansewell285]

Thank you. 127 sale in Jamestown Tennessee is coming up you helped me a lot. Thank you

[@yellowdog762jb]

Leah, great advice on being pleasant . It doesn't cost extra to be nice, and you catch more flies wth honey than vinegar! Ditto on carrying a smart phone and magnifying glass. A couple of weeks ago, I picked up 8 really nice American made Nicholson files for $1 for 8 inch ones and $1.5 for the larger ones. They were in great shape, but covered in grime. After an over night soak in vinegar and then a good spray down with the power washer, they looked almost new. I also picked up some nice auger bits and braces, it seems like few people realize how useful those things are. I carry a Yankee screwdriver in the back of my vehicle. I paid $3 for it, and it came wth several bits. I like it because I live in the south and the summer heat inside the car kills batteries pretty fast. We spend time in the country, and its off the grid. If I know I'm going to do a major project; I take the cordless power tools, who wouldn't, right? But it's nice to have some nice hand tools stashed nearby if I have an unexpected project come up. I also think they are less likely to get stolen because they look "old" and worthless. In our area, estate sales last three days. On the third day the prices are 75% off. Usually the great deals are long gone by then, but you can often pick up some vintage wetstones, nice screw drivers, wrenches, quality hammers, and chiseles for twenty five to seventy cents each. You can get some nice Stanley or Craftsman tools for less than you would pay for the stuff that Harbor Freight sells. An over night soak in vinegar, followed by a good scrubbing in warm soapy water, and perhaps a little work with a brass or steel brush will work wonders on removing rust and grime. It's a great way to outfit a first time homeowner, a second home or hunting cabin. Hurricane lamps are usually another attractive AND useful item you can get a great deal one. I also keep an eye out for the dual fuel Coleman lanterns. You can usually get almost any part you need if the Coleman needs a minor repair.

[@lujanjd]

I blew 75 dollars at a yard sale up the street and paid a few dollars for some very rusty hand planes, I restored them and the smallest one is now my favorite. I also doubled my saw collection with a couple old drop pattern saws, a router, a full range of bits, a set of small jack stands, a few boxes, a bunch of jars and a lot of little things I really need like an angle tool and bevel gauge. Plus a bunch of little things like glass bottles, knife sharpeners and a cheese cutter

[@lujanjd]

Also because of your video, I checked the saws that I bought, and found out two of them are Dissons at least 100 years old. Super radical!

[@seejanedrill]

that is awesome!

[@barbergirl105]

I love you Lea! You are a rockstar! I'm adding you to my prayer list. God bless you.

[@tonyb4481]

I love you Miss Leah.

[@beatorres6871]

Thank you for sharing many blessings to you and your family always Gbu ❤️ greetings from El Paso Tx. Since my spouse passed in 2001 RIP, I have been trying to do everything on my own, but it's truly hard I don't have the kinda strength I had many years ago but your videos have helped me a great deal thank you so much

[@Soulcommander]

Leah you're one of the best teachers around.

[@ooooa9046]

Leah you are just wonderful! Such a pleasure watching your content, so informative and wholesome, and delivered so well.

[@imunique7469]

Hi Leah, that is a good tip. I usually buy my tools from garage and yard sales and estate sales. I purchased 2 vintage bench planes for 4.00 dollars and they work great, I am unsure of trademark, but after watching ur vid I am going to further research them. Also I purchased about 5 hand saws and I do believe they are vintage as well, but will do more research on them. Thanks for the tips. Dolores from Wichita Kansas

[@seejanedrill]

Thanks for sharing Dolores

[@jraglob5924]

I cruse antique stores looking for hand planes. I picked up a Stanley Bailey No. 3 in excellent condition for $36.00 yesterday with a great blade in great shape. Very happy. I also get to know the Flee Market sellers that carry tools. One will let me look in his new find box in his truck and I have found some "rusty gold" there. Love your videos, keep them coming.

[@seejanedrill]

Nice score on the Bailey plane

[@Maxxis1941]

Leah, you're angel. Your videos are the best, by far. I'm semi-experienced with tools but now retired and starting my new hobby. Your vids are extremely useful, helpful and relatable. Please, for the love of all things good, don't stop making these vids.

[@lcook0825]

I can’t began to tell you how much I enjoy and have learned from your videos. Thank you so much.

[@KarlBunker]

I confess I made a little whimpering sound when she said she got those two saws for $2.00 each :-) I should go to more yard sales!

[@hedegaard8]

KarlBunker Thats a shame. I abhore old tools and only buy brand new quality tools, no matter what they are. Hate used stuff. You could have had boxes snd boxes of my old used stuff for free. Didn’t hold a yard sale, I just drove it all to the dump. Good ridance!

[@charlenegriffis5900]

Thank you Leah for another great video! You are so knowledgeable! I don't know if you've made a video on how to organize your tools, but I would love to see it. I can't seem to find the right combo on making my tools handy when I want them.

[@shawnvanderdoes9823]

There is an antique / consignment shop near me, I found a Craftsmans speed wrench for 5 dollars. I couldn't pass it up. Also check trash day now and then. I the pass year I have found two small tool boxes in the trash full of Craftsman tools, they need a good cleaning.

[@seejanedrill]

Nice score

[@masterbeaner]

Trash digging is the best! People always talk about the deals they find, that's good and great, but Nothing beats free.

[@riley165]

Once again great video! Absolutely love this woman :)

[@cynthiatucker5449]

I absolutely love your videos you have shown me so much since I'm a woman doing woodwork it's awesome learning things I wouldn't have otherwise had a chance to thank you so much!

[@matthewfraser7481]

I'm very much an apprentice...I'm building up my knowledge base and skills currently. This has channel has been a blessing to me. I feel like this advice is trade advice, but quite honestly life advice too. That's how you know you've landed a great teacher. Love you Leah!!!

[@gecko4310]

Leah, you are very knowledgeable and a great teacher. Also, very humble !

[@easternwashingtonresident3814]

I too have a few of these saws from my Dad! Love them! Great channel! Just no nonsense and I appreciate that! Thanks Leah!

[@jclarkk1]

I love a good bargain on tools! From South Carolina and living in London for over 12 years now. Here, they have "boot sales"... the boot being the trunk of a car. Basically people drive to a field or parking lot and set up tables to sell whatever they could fit in their cars. Bargains for miles! Came back with a great hammer and tile nippers for £1 for both! Great minds... Thanks for the great videos and keep them coming!

[@seejanedrill]

"boot sales" interesting name for it!

[@stevenwest3555]

I could listen to you for ever . Thank you for another great video

[@christianarreola9659]

There is this street by my house where a lady who just got divorced got rid of a bunch of tools for close to nothing. She really seemed happy to get rid of her ex husbands tools lol. I got a bunch of vintage snap on screw drivers and sockets. You never know when you find a crazy deal. Awesome video!!

[@kathyreasonover2513]

You are a woman after my own heart. I love tools saws everything about building and painting. I am a nurse but I would have loved to do what you do

[@lisademayo8589]

still addicted to your videos. you by far so many professional teachers. you have master craftsman on here that i've talked to that recommend you all the time. thank you for helping this excited but mess up all the time DIY'er. then i watch your videos and go, "ohhhhhh. wow i started a project without checking your tips first!!!! thanks for being an amazing and patient teacher.

[@pauliepipes2593]

Leah, thanks again for another informative video. Keep them coming.

[@mrtrailesafety]

Leah never fails to educate clearly and kindly. Massive respects!

[@ExpectMiracles55]

My third consecutive video and by now Leah has earned 3 stars! So glad I found this site!!!

[@alanross3435]

It seems like I'm the only one to have a complaint about Leah. What is the complaint you ask? Well it's that she only has one video a week? 😂😂😂😂😂

[@seejanedrill]

Alan, we now make two a week.

[@encouragingword93]

Jane you are great!

[@johnathanbusse4679]

I absolutely love your videos. I've been building for a long time and still learn alot with your tips and tricks. The ticking stick was unbelievable. I've used it a few times already lll

[@kenwest15]

You are awesome. I've been a carpenter for years.... I love your tips. Looks like we are close too... Woodinville

[@seejanedrill]

Hey, neighbor! Yup, Renton here. :)

[@glenndespres5317]

Can’t wait to be hitting those yard sales! You are the best. So informative and enjoyable.

[@bugone2724]

we like estate sales new tools very cheap everything you need can be found at them and most drop prices up to 50 percent on 2nd day 3rd day you can talk them down to 75 percent cheaper than first day prices

[@nilus2k]

One other thing to remember, pay it forward. If you upgrade some tools and decide to sell your old ones at your garage sale. Don't price it like you are selling in on Ebay. If the goal is to just clean up your work space and make a few bucks then price it to move and be willing to negotiate.

[@magneticf]

for those of you who dont have time to browse through garage sales, you can try Craigs list or even ebay. not all the stuff are great but there are great ones

[@seejanedrill]

You're so right! I've gotten incredible deals on craigslist.

[@rkerby6375]

Leah, amazing and helpful tips! I am an up and coming Woodworker, and I use my garage as a shop. I have spent the last five years building my tool collectio, which I use with great enthusiasm. I am completely inspired your tips, and tricks which you share and I am a subscriber. Thank you for sharing.

[@charliemcgrath8147]

Thanks Leah! Great advice!

[@DeadAbeVigoda]

Q: What the difference between tools you find at a garage sale vs. an antique store? A: About $100.

[@Pootie_Tan]

I farted

[@SkinE-Vadee-Veechee]

I know right?! I smell ya

[@SawdustandSparkles]

Like so many others, I love your videos! I love how you explain how things work, safety concerns, tips and tricks to do a job right. I'm just learning carpentry/woodworking/home improvements for fun, but I have several projects I'm looking forward to tackling - thanks to you. So thank you for all you do! After watching this video, I'm going to take a closer look at three hand tools my father gave me several years ago that belonged to his carpenter father several decades ago. I have two brothers, and he let us each select three. It's been so long now, I don't even remember what I chose. I'm guessing they're all about a hundred years old.

[@seejanedrill]

🙂

[@JustAnotherHodie]

Did it again, Leah. Taught this old dog several new tricks. Thanks.

[@Dezinefun]

Great tips! 👍🏾

[@magni1308]

I do everything you say in this video already. Absolutely right. Ask a price on anything to gauge how expensive their items may be.

[@JaneThomas58]

I am striving to get handier and you are always a big help and encouragement

[@TrikeRoadPoet]

I find it fun to hit a garage sale at least once a weekend, and often you find something fun if you look. I would say half my tools are garage sale and flea market finds, and with a little work and care, they are still giving quality service I cherish. Outstanding advice and many a shop will be the benefiter of your teachings! Way to go, Leah.

[@sageoftheeternalpaths9755]

Who on earth dislikes Leah's videos?

[@1969EType]

New tool manufacturers…

[@paulpalmer5]

Leah, I just ran into your vidios 2 days ago . Cant stop watching. THANKS.

[@CrankyPantss]

Very good advice. Yard sales and garage sales get a bad rap, but I can see how they'd be a great way to find items like these for a fraction of the money you'd spend at a store. Thanks for the ideas and tips.

[@seejanedrill]

:)

[@sonomazin3422]

Wow! You scored some great deals there, Leah! Thanks for sharing your tips...I won't ignore that pile of rusty tools at garage sales ever again! I always learn so much from you!!

[@Spills51]

Y'know....On and off I will listen to those Asmr channels.....This lady by far gives me those butterflies more then those purposely trying to BY FAR, I could listen to here all day and just feel good and calm because of it. I was watching another tool channel....I think it was project farm.....In the comments someone mentioned "Seejanedrill"....I thought "WTH IS SEEJANEDRILL"? And now my life is complete :)

[@musterseeds1778]

My favor person for problem solvers..love your channel.

[@TAO495]

You always have the most useful info and technics!! Love your videos.

[@jetlaggedchef6806]

Terrific tips! I've been wanting to get more into woodworking and hadn't even thought about looking for tools and supplies and garage sales.

[@mikecozzi1040]

😳Leah! I furnished more than half of my workshop with tools from flea markets many years ago! and I did the same thing you're talking about! 😳 Thank You Leah! For Sharing Your Video! You are a Great Teacher! and friends to the people!

[@thersten]

Leah is so knowledgeable and very personable. What a great combination of traits to have! 👍

[@scredlysmith2153]

I have other KZbinrs that I subscribe to sometimes when I get a notice that the have posted a New video I don't even bother looking at their videos but with you Leah I always looking forward to see you videos even my wife said she always giving her viewers great informative and educated videos . I wanna thank you Leah but if you ever be in Florida, Miami or the fort Lauderdale area let me know I wanna to thank you in person and let you know how much I appreciate you take times to make these videos. You're the champ🥇🥇🎇✨🎉🎉

[@quercophilia]

Excited for you Leah! Change is stressful so take it easy on yourself.

[@BobbyJackShow]

Love it! I grew up in Northeast Philadelphia not far from the legendary Disston Saw Works. It's the only handsaw my father ever used.

[@SureIamLucky]

Great Advice.. Awesome as always. Thanks for the tips

[@daviddaddy]

Also Check Local Second hand Stores/Thrift stores/The GoodWill! And Craigslist is AWESOME too Just always meet up in a public location and bring a friend or two! Last month i Bought a Old 16 speed Heavy duty floor standing Drill press originally sold at harbor freight and made in Taiwan,and a 14" Bandsaw made in Taiwan its older as well. Its a older better made one made in Taiwan. Weird brand name (Delco) but who cares it Works Great! I Paid 50 a Piece! 100 bucks Total! Even now harbor freights some whats equivalents cost about 300 for the size and 16 speed drill presses and most 14 inch bandsaws even cheap ones are 400 bucks! So i got a great Deal! Plus mine are better made! Not saying Old Taiwan machines were better than Old U.S. made tools but Compared to all Chinese Crap tools Made today These old Taiwanese Tools Are Far Better and Superior to the junk made today!

[@davidlang1125]

Delco was a major American toolmaker that was bought and sold during the gigantic fiasco called mergers and acquisitions that Reagenomics fostered in the eighties. And yes just like other victims of M&A like Westinghouse, Bell Labs etc it was broken up and sold off for the quick profit the hard assets bought but jettisoned the intangible and irreplaceable institutional and cultural assets down the toilet. Gone, all gone for the quick bucks Wall Street looted from American industrial heritage. Thank you Ronald Reagan.

[@norvillerodgersspeaks]

T_T he was the worst

[@wadeguidry6675]

I scored a Makita 4.5 grinder for $10, all it needed was $5 worth of gears. I bought a rotozip for $5 and I got a 7500 pound weight distribution kit for my trailer for $30. All at my local flea market. Total savings about $400. I also find alot of good stuff at the curb on trash night. I find that usually only one little thing is broken and easily fixed. For example I found a rigid shop vac that had a piece of insulation caught in the motor. A $90 vacuum for free!

[@m.jenkins8503]

Extremely good advice. I never thought about estate sales and garage sales as a good source for quality tools. Once again thank you

[@davidlang1125]

All great tips Leah. Especially love to talk to the sellers to get a little background and history. I feel responsible in carrying on the legacy old tools represent. Some of my best tools are from yard sales. Took them home and rejuvenated them. Also found lots of older tools that aren’t even made or used anymore. Many new tools are so poorly made. But the downside is that older tools tend to be heftier and heavier. It’s Saturday morning, time to see what yard sales are happening in my neighborhood.

[@joephillips8244]

Glad I happened to find your channel. Informative and entertaining . Thank You

[@shaineriches4369]

Love watching your videos leah. I scored big the other day. I purchased a hitach plunge router off someone and online they are £260 and i paid £50. So happy days ! its only been used twice and came with trend routing bits and guide🙂

[@vawilda]

Thanks, Leah...as always I appreciate and enjoy watching your videos.

[@seejanedrill]

:)

[@graceandwilliam2299]

I love these videos it is sometimes the simplest of tips that are forgotten. Example I watched a previous video and realised i had forgot all about 16" centres on stud walls ..watched your video and the following week I had a bathroom to tile lo and behold found the timbers no problem for the tile battons. Also love the friendly and honest style of presenting much love from the UK

[@seejanedrill]

hello there...glad you found us, and thanks for watching!

[@markharrisllb]

I can’t help but think that any apprentice who worked under Leah was a lucky person. She’s nobody's mug, but she’s such an encouraging teacher.

[@mikebland4935]

Great information. Looking forward to Spring !!

[@SALESGIRL84]

You are a great educator!!!!