I Visited America's BEST Used Tool Store and Bought Every Made in USA Tool I Could Find!

[@roadrageburleson]

I worked for Sears in the 80s. It was a 3 level store with a detached Automotive repair department. We carried everything from tools to furniture, appliances, clothes and even had a ticket office for concert tickets. The tool department in my store was massive and the quality back then was great.

[@1pcfred]

Yes Sears was a department store. Long ago Sears used to be a mail order catalog business. You could order a whole home from Sears that you put together yourself. But it was big back in the day for frontier people. They'd order whatever from Sears.

[@mjdiiii]

@@1pcfred Sears was the biggest and best. In the 50's they operated WLS (Worlds Largest Store)am radio station, out of Chicago. My wife's grandparents built a Sears home. My grandparents built a Montgomery Wards home.

[@1pcfred]

@@mjdiiii The Greatest Generation were the best. We need more folks today building their own homes.

[@chrisfirey4957]

My house came from sears. Built like a tank double today's spec old growth maple. You ordered it from the catalog a la carte. They delivered everything toilet, electrical, tiles, windows etc. to your local train station and you put it together yourself.

[@adrianlynch9435]

re the 90 degree drilling tool handle (Stanley), my opinion would be that the back bit is to keep the front part level and therefore keep the drill bit hole at 90 degrees to the wood being drilled. It is the same height as the front and also when you are putting downward pressure on the handle its means the front is still at 90 degrees. Cracking shop by the looks of it and keeps good quality tools being used and handled.

[@crisco1818]

Exactly. To keep the drill guide level the handle needs the silver part without it your drill guide will be useless

[@conorbrowne9654]

My father is a carpenter and went to New York on holidays in the early 80s and came home with two carry on bags of tools from Sear's. Still have the majority of them.

[@JonaShone]

Not surprised they have stood the test of time!

[@Nigel4Sanderson]

The adjustable wood blade drill end is for a brace. It is the bit from a brace and bit. I am old enough to remember my dad using a brace and bit. He had lots of drill bits with that square chambered end.

[@JonaShone]

Thanks for clearing that up Nigel!

[@parrot340]

Yes they still do the expansion bit. To be honest I think I might of got a new one a few years ago. Will have a look

[@dogfishtoo]

​@@JonaShonecutting a 3" diameter hole would probably exceed the torque capability of any electric drill. A brace allows a much greater torque advantage and control. Spade bits are usually used in electric drills and augers (spiral fluted bits which both cut and remove shavings) in a brace. These provide much more accurately round and clean holes than a spade, especially for deep holes. HTH

[@robertmawby3021]

I have still my brace and a roll of bits (including an expansion bit!) hanging in the shop!

[@robertfandel9442]

Mine are made for electric and they're pretty old over twenty years. Brace bits have a tang on them hex tangs are electric

[@davidg.808]

I'd never heard of an expansive bit so I looked it up. It reminded me of a kind of trepanning tool which as a sheet metal worker I've used in the past. I've got tools going back to the seventies and always bought quality makes. They will outlive me. Sadly a lot of what you buy these days won't outlive a fairground goldfish.

[@JonaShone]

I would lvoe to have more tools that old in my collection!

[@michaelschlarman7835]

Very cool to see you wanted USA tools. Most of my fellow Americans refuse to support the brands still making tools here. Those Wright wrenches are some of the best as are the Proto. Both are still being Manufactured here in the states. I believe almost all of Wrights tools are still made here, a big Portion of Protos is made here but a lot is made abroad too. Bondhus is still made here in the states as is some Mac tools, Lang, Lisle, Klein, Snap-On, Williams, Mayhew, and many others. Thanks for the content!

[@jordanbutters844]

In the late 90’s I remember my dad would take us to sears once a week to check out what clearance items or new tools they had. I vividly remember buying my first drill there. A corded makita with a 3/8 keyless chuck. As a family of woodworkers, sears/lowes and Menards were weekly outings.

[@barryskeates5623]

gotta love a secondhand tool shop, a charity shop near me did used to do a great selection of tools but then stopped doing them and moved to selling "junk" lol

[@JonaShone]

Sorry to hear that, I’d love to find a charity shop selling tools!

[@three-phase562]

That Mitutoyo caliper was a complete steal at that price, bet it won't be there for long. The square shank on the expanding drill bit is for a hand brace, so it may not appreciate being in a combi drill. You could probably pick up a vintage brace of ebay with some more bits and Shadow Foam and old school wood drill and bit set. I have had quite a few bits from Aliexpress, bit more reliable than Temu.

[@richt1838]

Your number one pick which was the the expanding bit, dates back to the seventies and can only be used in a hand brace drill, it must not be used in a power drill. I still have mine from my apprenticeship days. Love the show Richard

[@scotthoffmaster4600]

Sears was an all-encompassing store that sold everything from clothes and toys to even houses at one point. They used to be the sole solicitors of all craftsman products. They had car shops to get tires, batteries(diehard) and other work done. They almoat always where one of the large stores in big malls. They streamlined down to less stores 1st then went to specific types of store. Appliances, lawn equipment etc. Now they are few and far between.

[@peterconnolly2724]

Back when we had a Sears, Craftsman was my choice of tools - both power and handtools. Now it's gone, I stick to DeWalt for power tools, and Milwaukee for hand tools. Still have some craftsman tools in the garage, though.

[@StephenButlerOne]

The sears houses ware amazing. A falt pack house.

[@leesayer1196]

As a carpenter apprentice in the 80s we were issued a starter tool kit, expansive bit was in the kit with a hand brace. When boring larger holes in tight places the hand brace had a ratchet switch so you didnt have to do a full rotation..still have it 38 yrs on.

[@davidroth4514]

Sears was a store that was also a catalog store ! You could get enney thang from dishes to a kit to build a house and everything you needed to fill it ! You could get all the tools and parts for your car years ago ! Back in the day you could shop when going to the bathroom ! You could find them in what was called a out house ! This was used as toilet paper ! A little history lesson ! Thank you for doing this video ! I didn't know about that tool store !

[@chrisomahony7166]

The metal piece at the back of the drill guide is to ensure its held flat against your work piece. Nice mechanical piece of engineering. Great finds and I can see a few return trips in your future!

[@charlotteconroy9367]

My husband a retired plumber used to use the expanding drill bit with a brace ,as there was no cordless tools and a lot of jobs had no power , you also get them as tank cutters .

[@cetocoquinto4704]

I always admire americans...such a good business model..reminds me of my fathers ridgid pipe wrench best metal ived seen on a tool..cheers from the philippines mate. Sadly its all china now here in my country.

[@rbos6285]

Love the idea of a used tool store in the UK

[@chrisharner4019]

I have that Craftsmen ratchet you pulled out 14:55. My dad passed it down to me when I was 14. I'm now 32. It's still used daily and in my work van. I don't run any new craftsmen but buy up every old Craftsmen tool I can.

[@paulbudford]

What a great tool shop. And very friendly staff.

[@SwitchAndLever]

The expansive bits were all the rage some decades ago. They are dirt common on flea markets here, you can't even get $1 for it on a good day. And yes, they're still made today, both from no-name garbage tool brands to well known brands, like the IRWIN Tools 45002 drill bit.

[@pirakoXX]

Fun fact: Here in Denmark, we call "Allen keys" for "Umbraco (keys)", which comes from the English word "unbrake"... which again is connected "Unbrako" a brand belonging to the American Pressed Steel Company who (?) in the 1920's produced precision screws, bolts, etc. to the American car industry.

[@andycommon5050]

Shadow foam saved me today from loosing an expensive pair of crimpers when I had an empty place in my box. Love shadow foam and love your Chanel 👍

[@scotthoffmaster4600]

I worked for a company in the late 80s early 90s as a maintenance mechanic called Goody. It made hair products like brushes and combs etc. The machines where german made by beugerie. All metric, i had that exact set of Bondhus allen drivers. Mostly used the smaller ones for daily things but overhauls required larger allens and wrenches.

[@azmrblack]

OMG I remember that brand - I think I had one or two of their combs for something. Can't remember how the brand was positioned cost wise.

[@dagwood1327]

Sears was what was commonly called a department store. JC Penny was another department store. They had men’s ware. Women’s ware etc. appliances, housewares, automotive and on and on. Craftsman was part of their tool department. Craftsman as a brand that is mostly made in China now.

[@ColinLennard]

That No2 - The thing at the back - I think that it is so that when you are making a hole it keeps the hole maker square Its a balance to make sure that you get the 90 degree.

[@davidlyons7238]

That's correct I have one from the 1970s .

[@RaulRamirez-zu9dt]

Sears was a department store which sold clothes and appliances and also bedroom stuff plus tools and land mowers it had the life time warranty on hand tools which was awesome they either fixed it right then and there or they replaced it with a brand new one and the craftsman brand was exclusive to sears so if you ever wonder what is made on the USA just remember sears craftsman on the package and you will have genuine USA made tools

[@gregbill1137]

Love these 2nd hand tool shops, always guaranteed to find hidden gems - the fact these fella's sift out the damaged/ knackered stuff and only sell the quality items is brilliant. Think the back end on the Stanley drill bit guide it to make sure its flush 90', and yeah, would also double as a paint cap opener 😎

[@JonaShone]

Couldn't agree more!

[@angiebrain67]

Delaware Tool Exchange. What a brilliant concept, with brilliantly priced gear.

[@RawAutos]

Sears, at one point, was the go-to place for home appliances, tools, bedroom furniture, outdoor furniture, some had their had their car service shops, they carried lawnmowers, things like basketball hoops, clothes, shoes, everything for your kitchen, etc. They were literally a one-stop shop for pretty much every single need.

[@JonaShone]

Wished I could have visited one!

[@RawAutos]

@: It’s a real shame that they’re all gone now. All that’s left are service repair centers for various appliances they sold over the years. Every mall in America had a Sears. Oh, and something most people don’t know: Craftsman was created by Sears as their personal tool brand.

[@alanmuddypaws3865]

Great video! The expansive bit is designed to go in a brace (hand cranked). Old school, but you get a very positive grip on the shank of the bit. I have a Ridgeway (Sheffield made) bit, and I think some other old Sheffield brands made similar, so not unique to the USA. But that looks to be a quality bit though.

[@JonaShone]

Thanks for the input mate, not used one before myself so I appreciate that!

[@bretlagasse3560]

I live in Delaware and have my entire life. I have been by this store and have not stopped in. I really need to lol

[@jamesseif2180]

Sears was a store in the USA for more than 100 years. Sears sold everything.

[@stephenbatterbee2065]

Great idea of the tool shop and yes we need this in the uk. Liked the adjustable cutting tool that’s clever.

[@chrisfirey4957]

My house came from sears. Built like a tank double today's spec old growth maple. You ordered it from the catalog a la carte. They delivered everything toilet, electrical, tiles, windows and slate roof etc. to your local train station and you put it together yourself. Everything is labeled and cut so "you don't even need a saw" as they said. They begin with them 1880 and. Mine is one of the last circa 1960 sold as new old stock and in better condition than the new ones in house farms built last year

[@rafo6577]

We have those expanding wood bits here in the UK. I've got a few vintage ones from various brands. I'm guessing the bit on the end of the drill guide is just a foot for keeping the tool level and steady.

[@JonaShone]

Happy to hear that, thanks for the info! 👍

[@robertmceuen3630]

Those Proto and Williams combonation wrenchs are made in the USA. Both top quality sets.

[@nsoper19]

Tool exchange is a fantastic idea. Would be great for tradesmen to offload old tools when upgrading. Wish we had something similar in the UK

[@JonaShone]

Totally agree!

[@SandyMasquith]

Sears sold everything. Clothes, kitchen things, tools, decorations, even things like window air cons. It was a wonderland for us kids! That Craftsman expandable spade bit looks like it chucks into what we would call a "brace". It seems odd to have that end on a tool like that, but I also think it would chuck into older pillar drill chucks. Very cool haul! I love a used tool store. Haven't seen a consignment tool store. I may have to take a trip up to Delaware! :)

[@JonaShone]

I hadn't seen a consignment tool store before either, but I am hoping there are more!

[@TK_GeekTempus]

Love the concept of an actual physical shop where you can take your stuff in, and have the shop sell it for you then split the proceeds. A bit like Amazon Marketplace but actually able to pick up the item! If ground rent, rates and taxes weren't so high in the UK it could be a real thing to setup!

[@JonaShone]

Totally agree!

[@sup3rmoose]

The part on the end of the Stanley drill guide is just so you can keep it level while applying a downward force, without it you would then put pressure on your drill bit as it will tilt.

[@glenlockyer775]

Next time you head to the States, see if you can find some "robogrips." Great tool, self adjusting kind of pipe grip/wrench. Similar made to the craftsman autolocks, but no adjustment needed! BTW ive got one of those expansive bits..recommend only use in a brace, not a power tool! I did have two but one exploded when used in a power drill!

[@mrb8721]

Best guess for stanley drill guide. The additional bit would be there to help you keep it square to the work piece

[@azmrblack]

I have a few Proto USA sockets for odd things along with my entirety of Metric & SAE chrome Snapon set. My whole impact setup is Sunex with an occasional Proto or Snapon. Proto was still making stuff in the USA in Stanleys Texas plant last I heard, not sure if they moved it to China or just certain tools. I have a few Wright wrenches for stuff up past 19mm to 32mm. Alot of my stuff prior to that was USA Craftsman, good decent tools. Here in Phoenix our Sears at Metrocenter which is now being torn down the entire bottom floor was appliances, tools, TVs, etc. - good memories.

[@jamiequesenberry821]

I live and work down the street from this place cool to see you in Delaware

[@glennbrown1961]

Sears was a "Department Store" they had a department that sold every different thing. Hardware, gardening, clothing, homeware, farming, tools etc. Also large into mail order I believe.

[@watchcommander2012]

Another great tools video FYI Sears were at one time the US largest department stores they sold literally everything. I believe there are only about 8 stores with the Sears name still trading. The Stanley dill hole is a fabulous product and I think the metal piece at the bottom is just there to keep it level against the surface your drilling.

[@goncalovazpinto6261]

All this travelling around the world "to find quirky tools"... I think Jona works for MI6!🤣

[@revolvingwonder3777]

we have workaid in chesham. a charity tool restoring shop. for older folk to social and for passed aways parents tools to get rehomed instead of skipped, etc. lots of old tools and tool boxes there.

[@RichFlynn1]

Those adjustable bits a brilliant have 2, one here the other in my place I'm doing up in France!

[@kristianwall1340]

The extending bits were available I had one 20 years ago for power drill, the one you have is for a hand brace, I had one years ago when learning.

[@KSCuberOfficial]

Pretty positive they made the craftsman professional series mainly in the mid 1990s through very early 2000s. My grandpa had a lot of usa made craftsman stuff he collected through the early 2000s. Might have started in the late 1980s. Great deals at that shop. If I wasn't 2000 miles away I'd give it a look

[@PeterScott-r4x]

I purchased a expansive bit in the early eighties to dill a hole for a new newel post cost about £25 form a old type tool store in Newcastle

[@JonaShone]

Do you still have it?

[@PeterScott-r4x]

@@JonaShone yes i just got it out today looking to use it set to 25mm to drill new door latch on six new doors its a CK tool

[@OliverCole95]

You've just reminded me I need some thread files haha they USA ones looked good

[@CarlMarx]

I love the concept of this store!

[@JonaShone]

@@CarlMarx so do I, hope to see more on my travels

[@paulinestraker8656]

Love the drill guide. Such a great price too.

[@joeblow3939]

Sears table saws have a smaller tee slot than all other table saws. Place a miter gage in the tee slot , then try it on a sears.

[@robertmawby3021]

I have had an expanding bit in my kit for 50 years! The one you have got is for use in a hand brace.

[@JonaShone]

Thanks mate

[@PTRRanger951]

The Stanley tool that to keep it flush. Should have noticed as soon as you put it on the table what it was for, too keep the head of the guide flush with the wall.

[@spevakdesigns]

I have a 1/4" drive ratchet that's a made in USA Allen brand tool. No sockets or extensions with it, but a pretty solid old school little ratchet.

[@richards200]

Those Bondhus hex keys look like a nice set, we've all got the Allen kek bits with socket sets etc but never use them and always struggle removing long bolts with Allen keys, so they'd be great in that situation

[@tammybrazeau1213]

Sears was a department store, well known for the Christmas catalog. As a child, we'd mark our names beside what we wanted....rarely ever got it.

[@JonaShone]

Sounds very similar to Argos in the UK!

[@jamesjones4607]

That snap on wrench set was probably around $300 - $400! There was a snap on socket set in a blow mold case there too, that set was around $750 10 years ago when I bought it

[@JonaShone]

Like I say, I like looking at it not buying it 😅

[@DimepieceCustomWorks]

Sears used to sell all kinds of stuff. They even sold entire house kits. You could buy the kit and build it yourself, or you could pay extra and have them show up and build your house for you.

[@robinlindholm410]

Nice and interesting video! Like this secondhand tool.

[@chrisallen2005]

Back in the seventies we had a kid in the neighbourhood who did contract theft. Ten cents on the dollar he would steal anything. I still have Craftsman tools that he got from Sears.

[@straybaby5835]

Another awesome video!!

[@ErictheRedCantona]

Another great video Jonathan!

[@jamie7025]

Love your videos, keep it up Jamie

[@egomaniac247]

the blue ryobi's at the start of the video caught my eye. I'd have picked those up.

[@DaveGDesigns]

Love that to exchange Jona I’ve got a couple of full sets of the easy wood tools. If you ever fancy a go at turning you’re always welcome to come and visit the workshop mate 👍🏻

[@JonaShone]

Thanks mate, I’ll take you up on that offer when I have the time to do that 👍

[@DaveGDesigns]

@ doors always open buddy 👍🏻

[@Oo-IIII-oO]

That's like a pawn shop except you don't get paid untile your item is sold. There still is a Sears store in Anchorage Alaska. LOL I'm sure they don't sell what they used to. Sears was cool. I remember they would warranty any tool but they also had replacement ratchet gears for $ 0.01 so you could grab a few and not have to make a trip to the store for a replacement if you wanted to replace it yourself.

[@jasonanderson1757]

Leave no zoldstock unbought 😂 6:52

[@JonaShone]

haha! 😅

[@DimepieceCustomWorks]

Tractor Supply Company or Atwoods has some good brands of tools here in America. Though not quite the same selection of tools as other big stores, they have a large variety of items that would be cool to see your reaction of seeing for the first time. Just an idea for a future USA trip.

[@moodophile]

Second this; like Harbo(u)r Freight but slightly less of a quality lottery

[@batnav10]

I worked at the hardware department at Sears as a teenager. I bought some of my first tools were US made Craftsman that I still have today. Those autolock pliers are not very good. I have them and bought them in the late 90s early 2000s. Note that they have the Craftsman Professional label which was usually the higher tier quality than the regular Craftsman tool line. I have a set of the Craftsman professional locking plier set that are rock solid.

[@harlanborders943]

Got tool boxes full of 70,s and 80,s Craftsman tools. First tools I ever bought . The first cordless drill I remember using was Craftsman 24 volt I think

[@JonaShone]

Still got them mate?

[@harlanborders943]

@ yes sir still using them .

[@alanmcguckin5257]

If your ever in Boulder Colorado, theres a place called McGuckin Hardware, I hope to visit it sometime since it’s my name, not close relatives that I’m aware of, but it be great to see what it’s like.

[@apmullen]

The bit at the back of the Stanley tool number 2 is just to keep it level, might be wrong.

[@b_7081]

Suggestion for hard ware store - visit (an old one, not the new ones) Blain's Farm and Fleet

[@ryanmurtagh6653]

I can't recall which other youtuber page I seen the tool exchange on but it does look like an amazing idea that the uk are missing

[@chrisheald6897]

Brilliant Video!!

[@TutorMystic]

You need to check out: Charlie's Second Hand Tool Store, Denver, Colorado. HUGE!

[@BleepinScotland]

Didn't know Allen made other tools either.. learn something everyday!

[@andrews3137]

I couldn't tell the age of the SK Tools however they were a quality American made tool brand until fairly recently

[@barbward9470]

How much did your suitcase weigh on your return journey? …really enjoyed watching this video .Glad to see others have told you about the ‘ brace and bit ‘, bet all of “ us oldies “ that are watching have one in our shed or garage .

[@johnvickers1981]

We need that kind of shop here in the UK

[@markduggan3451]

We need shops like that in the UK.

[@Esoteric_Jahanism]

You don't have pawn shops or consignment centers in the UK? Those are hotbed for killer deals on tools.

[@Luke-yx5ve]

​@@Esoteric_Jahanism ebay and Facebook marketplace is much better for that kind of thing over here, and then the car boots he mentioned or I go to a auto jumble that's on once a month which is just people bring tools and machines and bikes, parts, car parts etc. To a big lot and you walk round and buy what you want. Other than that we have the things like cash converters

[@markduggan3451]

@Esoteric_Jahanism we've got some pawn shops, but they seem to just have one or two tools, and the rest is phones, computers, and TVs.

[@richcartwright889]

Great video. I would like to see a British view on Rockler, woodcraft and kencraft stores. I've seen US makers go round the stores. You pick out all the not in UK stuff.

[@johnm.withersiv4352]

I love the old Sears Craftsman with that return policy. I miss swapping my tools out.

[@JonaShone]

Wish I could’ve been around for that!

[@andrewknots]

Sears roebuck was the original mail order catalogue, bit like Coopers in England who also have a store in Bishops Stortford

[@harveysmith100]

I have a pair of the black Craftsman mole grips. I bought them in Sears between 1996 and 2003.

[@peterclarke3300]

Great video Jona and what a shop to find and the best thing there was the snap-on spanner’s,what a deal they were but of the ones you bought I would say the adjustable wood drill,I could do with finding a shop like that here I have some original Allen keys,and i don’t know if you know that a genuine Allen key will turn 180 degrees before snapping then snap off,square the only trouble with that it’s twisted so you can’t use it anyway 👍👍

[@JonaShone]

Sounds like a great tool you have there mate, place like this would get you a great deal on it!

[@swordfishsewing7114]

Yes mate ! Found it - 🎉 quality trip

[@JonaShone]

Glad you enjoyed it! Which tool stood out to you as your favourite?

[@Kenny-8327]

I've actually never seen allen brand tools of any sort. It's a plumb bob. Sears was a home furnishing store. Tools was one of the MANY things they sold.

[@Kushert]

That's near my house. It's on 896 in Newark Delaware. I'm almost positive it's closed down now.

[@briankaelin7728]

That mitutoyo caliper is a monster! Good deal on it too if it’s new

[@JonaShone]

I agree!

[@Eminim97]

that tool that you asked what it was its a line level just a really old one im pretty sure thats what it looks like to me. Used one in brick laying so you lay the bricks even and one isnt higher than the other

[@AWBuilder]

An Ali Express tool haul would be interesting - I have bought many small tools from there and the quality and price has been good. But I think that there are 2 divisions (an industrial one and a pound store). I normally go for vendors that have shipped a lot of product and have high ratings. Other vendors have only shipped a handful of items and the reviews may be fake. Another (weird) thing is that the options are called "colors" be it for sizes, quantities or whatever.

[@davidl1338]

I saw the original Blue Ryobi with the Ni-Cad batteries by the entrance. I'd be shocked if the Batteries are any use at all now! I still have a bunch of Blue Ryobi which worked fine (some I got from Home Depot in Washington DC way back in 2007 and brought back to UK) and they work great still but the Ni-Cads dies ages ago. Tools work fine with the Lithium batteries so all good there still :)

[@bighatstephens]

There is a commercial from 1998 with Bob Vila for the Craftsman Professional Autolock Pliers. They originally sold for $19.99. We call hex keys, Allen Wrenches. Sears and Roebuck was a catalogue store from the 1890's. You could mail order EVERYTHING from them. They sold house plans and all the things needed to build a house. You could buy ready made clothing, or clothing patterns, cloth, and a sewing machine just to name a few things. Then they started building brick and mortar stores kind of like an early Walmart, but the products they carried were much nicer brands. Many folks believe that online shopping is what forced the store into decline.

[@robt2151]

Somewhat ironic that S&R originated as a mail-order store and was then compromised by online shopping.

[@robertfandel9442]

They had entire house kits there's a neighborhood in carlinville Illinois that has the most sears houses in the country purchased by standard oil company for employees.

[@bighatstephens]

@robt2151 exactly!

[@daleleatherbarrow6354]

the square end on the drill bit is for a hand drill