Pro Tips for Tool Hunting at Flea Markets

[@blackraven8805]

Flea markets... I bought today a German Helios engineers depth gauge with spare rods original box not used for 10 euros when I almost bought a crappy plastic one yesterday for the same money. And added to this a set of micro Torx and Philips set of screwdrivers and tweezers for just 5 euros. What a happy day!!! Thank you Rex for all the videos!!!

[@altheliterate]

Social anxiety versus tool addiction, the struggle is real!

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

Two things ANY dealer is interested in talking to you about, without ever meeting you. 1. Shop... If it's cars, he's a gear head, and he'll reminisce as long as you stand and listen about cars, engines, custom work, old models he's driven, favorite cars for racing, favorite cars for other reasons... If it's tack and harness, you can bet your ass, he/she will want to talk horses. You can find ANYTHING out just standing there and listening. If it's antiques, he/she will blather on ad-nauseum about anything older than twenty years... and the older the question you have, the more they'll want to tell you. It's a nerd thing. They don't care if you couldn't demonstrate the difference between dollars and donuts! They WANT to teach you their favorite things... tell you about everything in their lives. "Shop" is their number one passion... and the secret (if there is one) "let them talk". 2. Getting rid of crap to clear space... I've had people OFFER me whole buildings full of stuff just to get rid of it... because they noticed I came from a VAN in the parking lot, and asked about a large quantity of "junk" (at least to them)... I don't have a dime tied up in either of my sewing machines, and by names and series, they're BOTH over $600 (US) retail right now... and BOTH in excellent condition. I could free up space for someone... that's it. The craftsman needs space to bring in materials, set up and work on projects to finish, and store projects between sales and shows. The artist need space for all stages of art. The antique dealer sorts his treasures out of bulk buys too, and needs space for that process... and cleaning up or restoring the antiques he's interested in... EVERYONE needs space for something, and are willing to talk about getting it. I understand your struggle, so I'm not discounting you. I just want to reassure you, that it's mostly listening if you instigate a bit of "Shop talk" and then casually glance over something you WANT and pointedly take interest and ask about it... AND then let them toss a price or trade, negotiate... and return to "shop talk" a little to be nice before politely excusing yourself with the new find to "go put it away" (in the Van/Car/etc)... at least, that's the easy way (for me) to get out of a hopeless drowning in shop-talk when the rabbit hole gets too deep. ;o)

[@1pcfred]

You don't really need to interact with people all that much. As a rule I don't. I'm not a haggler. If the stuff's more than I'm willing to pay I don't even waste my time on it. But often things won't even be priced. Then you have to ask. I've found the less I say the better off I am. I let people dig their own graves. Plenty are energetic shovelers too!

[@lyulf0]

@@gnarthdarkanen7464 as someone with social anxiety disorder i think you missed the mark my dude. Just because those of us who have the disorder don't have to talk doesn't meant its not a painfully difficult thing to do. I could approach someone and have a short conversation. but if they go off and start blathering for 5-10 min i'll wanna shoot myself or have a panic attack. That being said. The info you gave is useful and highly applicable to introverts, just not social anxiety disorder.

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

@@lyulf0 You have to know yourself and your limits first... That SHOULD go without saying. 1. Not all those with anxiety disorders are crippled utterly. Some are treatable, and in stages of therapy and prescriptions can "get better"... This is an avenue for some of them. 2. NOT all who claim to have anxiety disorder (or any disorder for the matter) necessarily have it. Self diagnosis is a leading cause of people on drugs for no good reason at all. Take the advice for what it's worth. I happen to be a long time and well practiced haggler... I hope you at least found it useful, and fun to read up... Maybe you can point the same kind of advice to friends who can use it... I hope you can find a quality therapist who can help you... and that you find progress. ;o)

[@SmilingDepression]

@Lyulf funny i was gonna say the exact opposite of what you said. what you're describing sounds to me like a highly introverted person not someone with social anxiety. this is coming from someone who has both a diagnosis from a doctor (my family doctor whos been following me for 9 years not just a random one) and has been put on disability in the past to seek psychiatric help. in canada that means a doctor recognize you arent able to find work due to your condition and gov will provide for you for a limited time while you get help. anyway.. i found @gnarth advice useful. the obviously first mountain to get over at a flea market is approaching it. just seeing all those people when he panned the camera made my heart race lol. but its very reassuring to know that people arent looking at YOU they're looking at all the stuff around for sell (if you can convince your anxious brain of that). its also very reassuring that its easy to spark a conversation with sellers because thats a distraction from being "uncomfortable" (understatement with 300 people around you) and you dont have to do much to make it happen. the conversation being not about you while you're shopping is even nicer. sellers going off for hours would become irritating but long before that it'd make you feel like hes your friend / like he knows you which in any social situation, not feeling alone is huge. i'd say the hardest part once you get into the crowd is moving from one table to the next, going to a new seller instead of staying in that.. safe non-ending convo you were having with the previous one that maybe made you forget where you were for awhile. not going alone in the first place would help a lot too - but by experience dont fuckin pick someone whos always in a hurry they'll make you more anxious than not. also for the first time it'd be best to only shop/look-out for things you know a lot about just in case the seller or someone else knows about that item too and it gets really awkward leaving you with a possibly terrible first experience and then its gameover. Rex's way to seeking out tools is really good too for anxiety in a crowd, it focuses your mind on one thing instead of yourself/others, plus its rewarding since you'll (hopefully) find what you want.

[@schm4704]

That colors and textures thing really nails it. It's exactly how I approach the flea market.

[@RexKrueger]

Nice! I'm glad I'm not the only one.

[@Zthreve]

So true

[@thirzapeevey2395]

I don't have anywhere near the budget or the tool storage space to follow this advice exactly, but I took your suggestions to the 127 yard sale last weekend. I had a short list of things I wanted. I already had a Stanley jack plane that I bought new 20 years ago, but based on what I've learned from some of your videos, I had decided I wanted a jointer plane, either in wood or transitional, and a fore plane of some sort. I also kinda had a rabbet plane on my "wish list", as well as a scythe and a brace with bits. The only thing I didn't get was the bits. I made one stop, on a farm where they rent about 30 spaces to vendors. At one booth, I found a Craftsman rabbet plane and fore plane, both in excellent condition, and an unnamed transitional jointer plane. I didn't get the prices you get, but I did pay for two and get one thrown in. I paid right at $100 for all of it, and only spent an hour.

[@bobd.]

Lots of useful info in this video. I found a Stanley #20 compass plane at a small hole-in-the-wall antique shop for $35 years ago. It's worth at least $200. At a local flea market I found a Stanley #5 in like new condition with the original box for $25. Your tip on talking to vendors is also a good one. You might find out after you talk a bit that they have loads of items that are too large to drag with them to a flea market. That guy with a bucket of Granddads' old hand tools might have a garage shop full of tools they are looking to clear out too.

[@OldSneelock]

The vendor bought out a couple estate sales, boxed them up, drove two hours, set up the booth, sat in the sun, or worse the rain, and is looking at packing up everything and repeating the cycle next week. Selling is the only way they don't have to haul it back home. They are open to offers. If not there is another booth next to them. 😆😎

[@jameszaino5930]

Really enjoyed this video. I buy most of my tools this way. Garage and estate sales are also excellent sources for good and sometimes fantastic deals on old tools. I recently purchased two old Stanley block planes and one nameless spokeshave for fifty cents each. The spokeshave was in nearly new condition and the planes were old but well-cared for. The person selling them had no idea what they were and just wanted to get rid of them. Thanks for producing interesting and entertaining videos.

[@glen1arthur]

James Zaino me too, lots of good fines for those who are willing to look.

[@1pcfred]

That's it. Value is entirely subjective. So what you need to do is find people who don't value what you do. When people want money for stuff I don't have any time to waste on them. The road is long and someone down there has the attitude I'm looking for.

[@humber_andrew]

Had my first trip to a Swap meet today to look for specifically tools. There wasn't a lot to offer but with the help of your tips I did manage to find a very nice old bit brace sitting in a box in the back and the guy gave it to me for 2 dollars then even threw in a 5/8 auger bit with it. Thanks for the videos.

[@DrFunke]

Am I seriously watching a video on shopping? Wow, well played Rex, well played.

[@RexKrueger]

Wow, did I make a shopping video? I guess I did.

[@emm_arr]

Spot on. Pretty much applicable to the UK too - including local markets stalls. I find just putting in regular appearances is a big part of it too. Its amazing what you chance across. I managed to bundle an art deco mirror, a Stanley No. 4 and a nail punch for £10 not so long ago. Really. The only thing that was wrong with the plane was that it needed delisting and the blade sharpening.

[@lewis9888]

I bought a complete set of Bits in their original wood case for $40 and they all look brand new. They are definitely worth the money to me. I also bought an old Beam Drill Press for $75 and I am so delighted with it. I got these at Flea Markets years ago. My father used to buy Two Man Cross Cut Saws to clean up and my mother painted pictures on them to sell at Craft Shows. When my parents passed away, I got several Two Man Cross Cut Saws that have not been cleaned yet from their house. I know they will be Priceless when SHTF for Barter. I'm sure that most Preppers don't have a Two Man Cross Cut Saw. Eventually Preppers will run out of gas & oil for their chainsaws.

[@makenchips]

Rex - this is a great video! I go through flea markets the same way, fast and look for key things! Then when I'm finished, I go back and take a deeper look from my mental notes. Every point is spot on! It's fun and the excitement of finding something you did not know that is there - it the Hunt! Keep you your good work, enjoy your videos always!

[@PaulBostwick]

It helps to have, on your phone, a list of the sizes of belts your tools (and your friend's tools) use. That way when you run into a deal on belts and disks and band saw blades and such at good prices you can pounce and not worry about getting the wrong ones... If, when you borrow a tool, you bring consumables and leave extras - that is a total rock star move - you'll be a welcome guest in most shops.

[@frogsoda]

I was at the local flea market when I was just starting out in woodworking. I saw 20 inch Craftsman hand plane on a blanket and a quick stepped over to it and picked it up and looked at it. Then ask the guy how much and he said $150. I said what gave me away? He said you picked it up with love! Lesson learned.

[@kleinjahr]

Ayup, flea markets and yard sales is where you can find the best stuff at best prices. Recently got a Veritas Gent's saw for $20, in the box.

[@markanderson8066]

loved going to flea markets as a kid. My Dad bought/sold antiques. So I tagged along and found many cool things. Still go to them when we can!

[@rockdog2584]

Nothin' more fun (for us tool nerds) than to spend a day (or two) stumblin' around 'flea markets' looking for good vintage stuff. Having some understanding of Rex's background (being raised by auto mechanics)(I grew up in the Central California SCCA Sports Car Racing scene)...I kinda get where he is coming from.

[@CMP-tr2ws]

You're definitely right about those shows. I've been going to car shows for at least 20 years now, and you can almost always find some great deals.

[@jezaitkens6676]

In the UK we call that a car boot sale! Or 'carboot', for short. And it's not just people selling car parts, it's everything. I bought most of my tools at them, including a Record 5 1/2 for £25 a few weeks ago.

[@moadeeb2002]

Hi Rex, just wanted to give a huge THANK YOU for letting me know of this AACA meet! I live in the north New Jersey area and had no idea of its existence, so this will be my wife and I's first time. Hope to see ya there! Also, would love to see more vids like this one. I enjoy seeing what vendors from all over are selling and it gets me hyped for swap meets. Thanks so much and God bless you!

[@BeachsideHank]

I have found when negotiating at flea markets, wearing nothing but a pouch tends to get me some leverage with sellers who want to conclude the sale swiftly and have me move on... works like a charm guys.

[@LaneHouse]

It's weird, I started watching this and realized my hesitation of going to flea markets and the like to look for tools is because I feel like a kid doing it. A lot of people I meet at like Wood Craft and selling stuff on Marketplace sites are generally a bit older than me, so I just feel like an annoying kid who shouldn't be there.... then I realized I'm 35, what am I worried about?

[@gnarthdarkanen7464]

An immutable truth about flea markets, open-air shows, and the like (including estate sales)... There are two things ANY dealer is interested in talking about. 1. "Shop talk"... SO if a car related business, it's about cars. If an art or craft booth, whatever gambit is run of the art or craft. If an antique dealer, anything older than twenty years... and the older the better. 2. Getting rid of crap they don't want or need. That means the weird jumble of blades and frames and junk under the table (even if you KNOW it's likely about a thousand dollars worth of planes when you've cleaned and tuned them)... excellent choice of subject... They want to clear out space for more "shop talk" subject. The artist needs space for canvases, paints, drying area, fans and turbines, filters (to keep crap flying into wet paint)... The antique dealer isn't interested in Harbor Freight stuff, and needs space for the next "hit-and-miss" engine he's been eyeballing for a month. That Custom Auto guy? He's GOT to get more space for the English wheel to improve smoothing out rounds and shapes, so he can advance on fenders and get started doing motorcycle fuel tanks. A five-foot tall stack of toolboxes full of saws, drill bits, screwdrivers, and spoke shaves couldn't possibly mean more than interference. He doesn't want the wool yanked over his eyes... BUT a half-hour of reminiscing about the first VW bug you ever drove and the fun of learning a stick with Uncle-bunk will probably drop the price to make it feasible. Buy in bulk, even if you don't want the tools. You WILL learn their value, since you have an interest in the craft/hobby anyway... AND when you get a "bottom dollar" price, you can clean them up and whatever you can't use, can "flip" for a "middle dollar" price without breaking someone else's heart and soul and maybe even get them interested in sharing the hobby/craft with you... you know... for the favor of cutting them a break on some good clean tools. ...and no, you don't have to set up at a flea market to move tools. I've had no trouble trading from one dealer to another at the flea market, and I've had no trouble plopping the stuff out in the yard when there's a fair surge in garage sales nearby... or just setting up in one of the vacant lots next to the highway and selling out of the back of the van... I can often triple my money (or MORE) just buying in bulk and flipping on a table marked, "Anything's a dollar"... Socket SETS for a dollar... Screwdriver SETS for a dollar... Anymore, as often as not, I buy bulk tools JUST TO GET THE BOX... and sell 95% of the tools exactly this way. ;o)

[@1pcfred]

I was going to flea markets when I was 6 years old. Vendors do not care how old you are. They just care what color your money is. I sell too so I know both sides of the coin.

[@RexKrueger]

People are generally a lot friendlier than you think. I'm a little shy at this show becasue it's a car show and I know nothing about cars, but no one know that!

[@1pcfred]

@@RexKrueger come on, you know about cars. They go vroom, vroom! I know about cars too. I turn the key in them and they go. And that's all we need to know about cars.

[@1pcfred]

@Frankie Teague I've met plenty of old folks that didn't know beans. So it is less about how old someone is and more what they're focused on knowing. Although there is the subset of people that get interested in topics later in life I suppose? I know I came on woodworking a bit later myself. When I was younger I was into cars then one day I didn't have any car project to do but I had all these tools and I felt I needed to do something with them. So I just gave woodworking a shot. It has it's appeal.

[@jinx18marchify]

I've driven by so many of these type of flea markets, I'll be stopping from now on. I'll definitely visit Hershey this year.

[@lylachristopherson865]

I Love Flea Markets, Thrift and Pawn Shops, Garage and Estate sales!!!!!

[@Aubreykun]

I do that colors thing to find cookware in thrift stores - I got a pretty nice le creuset pan today for 10$ when they sold on QVC for 80 back in 2016. For tools, I keep an eye out for the colors you mentioned but also some others: gold (Brass), silver (Aluminum), and "gemstones" (Acetate handles). Oh and a tip for cleaning up old tools - give them a coating of some mineral oil as first order. It makes caked on grease and grime lift off easier with either a rag or when followed by a light degreaser, as well as being good for wood and plastics. And a nice coating of it blocks rust progression if you can't quite finish a restoration for a while.

[@triune_blades]

I love bundling. My most successful bundle was at a garage sale. I paid $32 for over $300 worth of tools and supplies. I filled up my entire back seat. 😃

[@bigdogbob845]

Rex, really love that you appreciate old, vintage, wood working tools. I have an Exquisite Collection of turn of the century and Pre-WWII Japanese wood working hand tools. Fine quality, carving knives, chisels, small hand planes, hammers, saws, etc., etc. Most of these are multiple examples in graduated sizes of the various styles and patterns of wood chisels, flat, curved, inverse V angles, just amazing the super high grade carbon steel blades with perfectly crafted wood handles which are all wrapped with silk thread, and have Japanese characters on the handles. A real thing of beauty, want pictures ?

[@RexKrueger]

Sounds like a great collection!

[@bigdogbob845]

They are pretty awesome, I just wish I could aspire to the level of an True Artist who could utilize them to their best purpose. Unfortunately, I am but a 68 Year Old contractor / builder with a real bad shoulder and arthritis in most of my fingers. Keep up the Great Videos.

[@tomdenny8507]

I agree with everything you said. It is fun to go to swap meets and flea markets and with a little patience you can find great deals.

[@jeffandthings77]

you call it color and texture, but i just call it my "rust radar"-and my wife hates it! and good advice on talking to the vendors. at smaller shows or flea markets, i've had good ol' boys that found out i was interested in old school wood working, and shown me a chisel or something that needed some love and said, "it's yours." some of them really want to see the old stuff brought back to life!

[@RexKrueger]

I've had the same thing happen!

[@damienwatson3897]

I don't have access to shows like you displayed. But locally, once a year, we have an antique tractor show that is held in the middle of whoop whoop and they literally spend 2-3 days ploughing up some paddocks. I took my little boy and never realised all the stands selling tools and odds and ends. I had only just started looking for hand tools at that part and did not take enough cash but I can tell you next year I will have a list and wallet full of cash. Awesome fun, a great day, totally recommend :)

[@1pcfred]

Don't bring a list. Focusing is a mistake. What you need to look for are just bargains. So keep an open mind. Because the one thing you can't afford to pass up is a bargain. It helps if you can just spot out quality. You need to be attracted to it. Throw any 10 random things in front of me and I can invariably pick up the most expensive item. I was at a thrift store once digging through their utensil bin and I came up with a Henckels carving fork. That they only wanted 50 cents for. I have no idea how I lived without that fork for so long. It was meant to be mine. I'm going to go carve some steak with it right now in fact.

[@RexKrueger]

If you bring cash, you may spend it. Double-edged sword.

[@damienwatson3897]

@@RexKrueger just like heading to the track. I know I have an addictive personality, so only put in the pocket what you can afford to lose ;)

[@nostolthegreat]

Thanks Rex. Very helpful video. Springtime weekends planned!

[@dscraft6358]

This kinds of flea markets a treasure! A Stanley no.4 for a dollar... You are kidding me! Congrats man 🙌

[@1pcfred]

I've gotten a Stanley No. 4 in absolute mint condition for a dollar. Like not a scratch or spot of rust on it. It looks like they shaved one door with it and that was it.

[@RexKrueger]

I am very lucky! Thanks for rooting for me!

[@scott9488]

Rex when the weather gets warmer here in Cleveland, try Jamie's Flea Market in South Amherst. Great place to go. The outside vendors are the place to look.

[@TheGrandPooBahe]

Live auctions are also a great place to find good vintage tools, especially since you can usually pick up and look at the things you want to bid on before the the auction starts.

[@lincolndickerson1293]

You may want to add Air Shows to your list. Osh Kosh Air Show is the biggest Air show in the country. I only went once. Definitely a good time. Same thing mostly aircraft but some type of person cleaning out the barn..

[@woodaddict1]

Great info. Watch out, don’t buy old sanding belts they have a shelf life. Or don’t buy to many. If you don’t use them fast enough they will go bad. Trust me, it is pretty scary to have a belt fail while you are sanding.

[@mbrsart]

Man I haven't been to my local flea market in years. I'll have to head out there once it stops being so cold.

[@MarkNiceyard]

Great advice. I like the short shots explaining what you mean.

[@RexKrueger]

I'm glad it was clear!

[@samcegler470]

3:49 walled right past hand plane

[@researchandbuild1751]

Thats a junky one

[@horseblinderson4747]

That things harbor freight. Not even worth five bucks.

[@davidbrautigam1701]

Thinking of going to shows flea markets which in the first place have nothing to to with woodworking and tools might be a good idea. So far I have one flea market that takes place once a month where I got the most finds so far, but the offered stuff varies very much - and old wooden planes are often incomplete, just a step away from being trash or overprized and there is no way to negotiate about the prize, so for me here in rural western Germany ebay etc. is the main source for comparing and buying tools.. We got ECE quite nearby so I could buy planes directly from the company, but my most preferred little Company for Chisels, gouges etc. closed their business earlier this year after nearly 180 years of making tools. I am not sure if anything like the MWTCA exists in Germany.

[@garyhorton6652]

One of the best lessons I learned is if it’s not a good deal, walk away! Then later in the day go by again if possible. They don’t want to repack everything and will usually meet you halfway.

[@briantrend1812]

I had that same approach for the donut stand in north Londons famous flea market Camden Town. On closing at 5pm you got a dozen amazing donuts in a large bag for a £quid. my favourite buy worked great for a couple of years until I had a heart attack!

[@briantrend1812]

........the moral of the story was I should've been looking for old tools instead of donuts

[@BradsWorkbench]

All great tips. Ive found most of my stuff on facebook marketplace but most isnt advertised. I look in the background of photos or even ask blindly to people thar have other woodworking tools. Alot of people dont realize others are looking for these tools

[@elund408]

add some things, I am a buyer and a vender at a local swap meet. For the best deals on the rare, show up before 8 and try to check out the booths as they are putting stuff out. if you get there at 10 I or another dealer has bought any real bargens to put in my collection or for resale. Talk to the sellers, tell them what you want, they might have a box at home they can bring next week or know someone who does. If you see somthing big and bulky that they want too much for go back about 11 they will be thinking about taking it home which is a motivator to sell. Bring Cash while your running to the ATM someone else is buying it. Have fun and go often, Many weeks I don't buy anything I just enjoy the hunt.

[@gregbenwell6173]

Hey Rex I have a old set of those wooden hand planes.....never knew what they were used for though!!!

[@kaml284]

I was there on the last day. lot of vendors had already left, but I still got some good finds.

[@RexKrueger]

Fridays are kinda sad. The party is breaking up, but the deals are great. This year, I got all the good old tools on Friday.

[@sourcererseven3858]

great video, really encouraging me to go to flea markets. Pity it came out only a couple months before all this "go outside into huge crowds and talk to people" stuff became dangerous 😜

[@cwilliamson23]

Yup, we cant do this anymore, but its perfectly fine to goto the big box stores in huge crowds. I mean lowes and home depot are hitting record numbers of in store and online sales as well as other retailers.

[@matthonen]

COOL! Got a set of those Marples firmers myself off of eBay. Lovely tools, even with a bit flakier shellac/varnish than your Rex. Cheers for the videos you make!

[@hugobose2254]

I Must say Rex, I'm English and always look for Old English tools, IF they're old (over 30 yrs) and they still work, Well worth the price. I'm sure the same over the world. As if they're that old and still work , then they're better than the cheap Chinesium Crud you can buy today

[@RexKrueger]

English tools are generally top-notch!

[@momo-yz4lu]

Love this episode My man speaking the truth

[@johnbrownspiers8242]

Takes me right back to the Turlock Flea Market, good times

[@RexKrueger]

Wait, really? You went to Turlock?!? Me too!

[@johnbrownspiers8242]

@@RexKrueger I did indeed. The time was early 2016, and I was in need of a pitchfork and an empanada. I got both -- plus so much more.

[@RexKrueger]

Holy crap!!! I'll bet anything I was there that day. That's crazy.

[@strandloper]

I've never heard of shows like this here in South Africa. More often just little local flea markets with the odd stall selling hardware of some sort. Usually you don't pick up great deals because sellers either know what things are worth or don't and thus over price.

[@RexKrueger]

It's a very American thing. We're drowning in stuff over here.

[@AhmetCnarOzuneUyans]

Same here in Turkey

[@gregmislick1117]

Do people have "garage Sales" or " Yard Sales" - where they put all their stuff they want to get rid of out in front of their house? I picked up a 6x48 belt / 9" disk sander for about $60 - it's old, lightly used, a touch of rust, needs a new $2.00 switch...which I can steal from a $5.00 small band saw which has too many problems to address, but has a nice(ish) motor, some shafts with bearings etc... I'm thinking perhaps a 1x ## strip sander or some such. However, the 6x48 brand new from Harbor Freight ( or whatever your local equivalent of that chain is), the same thing is about $200, and from Grizzley it's closer to $400 ( US $) but has a cast iron table, which would be nice.... but not $340.00 nice. OH, and here I just found a link to what looks like the exact sander under different name again, but same color and all - $501.15 ... so there you go, saved $441.15 !! Now I won't feel bad rebuilding this thing into something more useful like an edge and spindle sander or something using the motor and belt drive etc....eventually...the more I use it and look at it, the more I think of jigs and accessories I can build to add to it for better utility, maybe it will stay as is forever... So, you don't need a big Flea Market setting - anyplace that has someone putting stuff out, particularly if the person putting it out is just doing a clean out - estate sales, or more likely a quick "garage sale" after dad, or mom, or Uncle Joe, have passed on and the children are left to clean out... When my parents move on, I have 2 houses each with a selection of tools including almost complete sets of mechanic's tools including pneumatic...I can only use so many 1/2" impact guns...etc. ( Dad also has some of his dad's tools and so it goes - but my son can only use so many as well.) What will I do with 2 radial arm saws? ( Keep them of course) but you get the idea.

[@QlueDuPlessis]

There are a few larger flea markets where vendors are more willing to negotiate. I've found most of my old tools at pawn brokers. I passed up a Stanley plane because it was badly neglected and the guy wanted over R600 for it. On the other hand, I've gotten hand braces for as little as R100. Just pop in on a regular basis and see what's new.

[@bff1316]

Been to a few flea markets, rock shows. Pull into their booth and ask questions. Let them know you are trying to build furniture with hand tools. Don't lie, if you are not they will know. After some talking I'll pick up a few tools, the price is a buck or two, way under the marked prices.

[@thomaszaccone3960]

Wow! Do not live that far from Hersey! Not that interested in cars. But now I will go. Maybe I will be real lucky and even meet you there!

[@1pcfred]

If you're close it looks worth it. It'd be over 2 hours for me to get there.

[@RexKrueger]

You never know!

[@billdodson207]

Tools are also heavy, hence their position on the ground, often near the trailer or van. There's some kind of shared conservation psychology around the transaction: My personal values won't allow me to throw this thing away; There's gotta be somebody who will save it from the dump, even for $1 it's worth the hassle.

[@RexKrueger]

I'll save it....but will you take 50 cents?

[@anthonymorales842]

those Marples chisels is just killer

[@dhroen]

Thanks for the helpful advice.

[@JosephMullin]

If you go to these shows and you find something you really want, have a walk-away price. That is the price you value the item at and your return on investment. Then be prepared to walk away. If the vendor has had it for some time he may not want to pack it away and take it back home. Sohe may come down to your price. If he does pay them an extra $5 or $10 for coming down. He will remember you and the next show and give you tips on good buys on what you want.

[@ATONAL6173]

Hi Rex, you really produce a lot of great content. For what it's worth, I've not always clicked your videos as much recently as I had for a while (I've been off on a Curtis Buchanan Democratic Chair and Rocket Stove Mass Heater binge recently), but when you make one that hits me like this one, I want to go back and see the ones I skipped. Thought I'd share to deepen your understanding of your audience. Maybe it's the "haul video" aspect of vicariously enjoying your scores and for the same reason I will watch James Wright walk around a meet and look and talk about stuff. Plus, the advice on and the reliving and fantasy of past and future personal tool scores is fun to nerd out over. So though I can't support you right now on Patreon, I'll give you that data about my viewing habits and psychology. Hope that helps! Thanks again for being so prolific and such a clear and efficient story-teller, advisor, and communicator! -- David Jones, Pacific Northwest, USA

[@RexKrueger]

Please share your thoughts anytime! I often wonder what my viewers like and want. Feedback is king!

[@MrBuyerman]

Watching this in Sept 20. He said he went to the largest car event in the world. I nearly fainted until I went to see when he posted, then I relaxed. Typical Covid response.

[@feistyvillain7308]

Just thinking, one day, we can once again look at flea markets for deals... I miss being able to do things.

[@AM-os4ty]

It's going to be very long time before we get back to normal. *sigh* Any coronaviruses is a common cold virus. Yes, this "pandemic" is a chest cold. Personally, I am ready to get whole stadiums of people together to cough on each other so we can eradicate the mental virus.

[@AM-os4ty]

@@feistyvillain7308 - I know. It's going to be a while thanks to our careless leaders who locked us down for nothing but now have to double down on stopping a chest cold.

[@donavan4481]

@@AM-os4ty does a chest cold kill 300, 000 people in one country alone?

[@cwilliamson23]

@@donavan4481 do you mark a persons death as a chest cold when they have a massive heart attack? How about if you die in a car accident while having a chest cold? Oh you know what, i think you're right, it was the chest cold that caused those things and not government funding for treating said chest cold as an incentive.

[@silmarils94]

in France we have this style of flea markets....but if you find a plane is a big sh.t just good for fire...anyway sometimes you find what you don't look for at a great price

[@sean3278]

These are really great tips that will hopefully come in handy soon!

[@RexKrueger]

Good luck!

[@shopdoc]

Excellent advise and very good tips!!!

[@averagejoe4837]

Thanks for the great tips. I'll definitely have to save this one to my recommended videos.

[@old-moose]

Good food for thought. Thanks.

[@erichenao6537]

Outstanding suggestions! Thanks Rex!!!!

[@dagorithe]

Ive gotten a lot of my hand planes at a local consignment antique shop. Ive gotten a few other items there too. I have passed up some that owners prize too much.

[@GrantHendrick]

Great tips. Thank you.

[@stevewalker7822]

Real informative as I enjoy flea markets as well! Next year I’m going to try some steam engine shows too!

[@RexKrueger]

I bet that show will be great!

[@Russ0107]

@@RexKrueger Looks like the shows are cancelled this year, but you got me so pumped to go to one. I invited my father to the auto show in Hershey, PA that you made your video about, but it looks like the 2020 show is cancelled. D'oh.

[@darrylportelli]

Best tip i can give (especially if the swap meet in your area is very small) is DONT BE AFRAID TO WALK AWAY ... i keep haggling and if the price is not what i want , i just walk away ... Ive "lost" tools that i REALLLYY wanted but I SET THE PRICE , if the vendor cant match it and we cant find an agreement , i just walk away ... Its difficult to lose a tool you really want but its good discipline to walk away

[@BensWorkshop]

I've got two Marples wooden planes and two Marples chisels. They are excellent.

[@RexKrueger]

I would love to try one of their planes.

[@BensWorkshop]

@@RexKrueger I have two wooden Marples bladed planes, a jointer and a jack plane. They do need flattening. I also have a no 4 Marples that needs a bit of restoration.

[@Quasar0406]

"he didn't know a hewing hatchet from a helicopter" brilliant content

[@devinnelson9386]

yeah, especially it kind of sounds like Huey, and a Huey is a heli

[@josephking6515]

What's a helicopter? 🤭

[@miguelruiz4613]

There's a difference?

[@mathguy829]

Loved the vid! Great information!

[@appsunder-ground2524]

I found a hack saw and 2 wood carving tools for 7 bucks a little rusty but after i took the wire wheel to them and a little oil tgere now tools i use to make different stuff

[@richardbrobeck2384]

I love the car shows great place to buy tools

[@MrPete1x]

Another great video, thanks Rex

[@leadingedgeknifeandtoolsha4128]

do you ever go to the hartville flea market? just south of akron, if i remember correctly. 20 years ago it was a huge flea market with lots of tools and every thing else

[@RexKrueger]

I have been to Hartville once. It was pretty good.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

Thanks for the tips on buying hand tools !!!!!!

[@johnkelley9877]

Great advice. Thanks for sharing this information.

[@rewc2421]

Another great video! Keep them coming! 🙏🏼

[@RexKrueger]

Thank you!

[@glennanderson8783]

Once again as always sage advice!

[@ramingr]

I envy you guys for stuff like that. Here (Greece) this is science fiction. Would love to visit some of these events! Also, probably make a video with all the atuff you bought and what their fate was in your workshop?

[@gregmislick1117]

see my post under Steve Crane - you may still have options in Greece, though you may have to fight people off to get them - my neighbor growing up was 1st generation immigrant from Greece - he didn't like to part with things, they just kept reappearing in a new form in his garden / yard doing something else than they were originally intended for. Good Luck

[@heatherterpstra6233]

probably why I see that guy stavros gakos making so many of his planes

[@lyleloomis3493]

Fined a lot of stuff at garage sales too

[@RedPillVegan]

Hahaha i was gonna say go to hersey pa show! There is even one guy there who is an antique tool specialist, but his stuff is top dollar. It's a shame they canceled it

[@cozimfrench]

Great video, keep up the good work rex,

[@1pcfred]

Junking isn't something that can be taught. You just have to put in the time. My family was taking me to flea markets when I was a little kid. So I know the deal today. I'd have had to be in a really good mood to buy those Stanley No. 4s. Maybe two for a dollar? I think I could have talked them into that. "Hey come on, I'm only going to get one tool out of parts from both of them."

[@99323bimmer]

I need some places like this in Houston. Everybody here wants crazy prices for used tools

[@shenlun]

You and james should do a collaboration i am wanting the hand tool alternative to procedures and tools. eg the hand tool alternative to a band saw maybe a bowsaw etc

[@RexKrueger]

We DID a collaboration a year ago. We each built a plane!

[@DieCastoms]

Don't neglect places like Goodwill and Salvation Army. Those places just want to make a buck or two and don't really research what they have! I bought a 5 gallon pail FULL of antique saws for a buck each, including the pail!! Hey Rex, want to look through some pictures and tell me if I wasted $20 or if there's something that stands out to you?

[@ianbutler1983]

I am always amazed at how some people will cheerfully sell off family heirlooms for a few dollars. I have even known people who throw boxes of family photographs out without a thought.

[@orangeActiondotcom]

Another haggling tip: If you can't come to a deal with the vendor and there just isn't anything for you to bundle, don't be afraid to walk away. Don't just set it down and take off without them seeing you do it, get their attention and decline the offer, thank them for their time before you turn. Unless you're some kind of sociopath, you'll convey some disappointed body language as you do this, and they hate seeing it. I feel like 95% of the time I do this they chase me down and either meet me at the price point I wanted or make a much more reasonable counteroffer that's agreeable.

[@woodworking267]

Damn I missed it i remember seeing this opportunity online. I'm in Philly so I'm not to far away.

[@RexKrueger]

Come on out next year! I drove 6 hours for this thing.

[@horseblinderson4747]

@@RexKrueger lol cancelled this year!

[@gordonconlogue5686]

Great video!

[@nicoeckerstorfer5893]

Hi Rex could you build a hunting knife? I think this would fit pretty good at your channel becouse you could build it out of an Sawblade.

[@RexKrueger]

I've made a few knives as part of my blacksmithing. Didn't really think my viewers would go for it. Interesting...

[@upsidedowndog1256]

The things you can find at these places is really amazing. It can get frustrating if you don't bring enough cash though!

[@1pcfred]

If it costs a lot then you haven't really found anything. Keep looking!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@1pcfred I agree but I usually find more than I planned on buying!

[@1pcfred]

@@upsidedowndog1256 there's plenty of days I get shut out myself. I'm pretty selective when it comes to buying. It's got to be something I think is really special if I spring for it usually. Except for box lots. I'm a sucker for boxes of junk. I'm superstitious when I buy boxes of junk too. I'll never look through them before I buy them. I save dragging through them for when I get home.

[@upsidedowndog1256]

@@1pcfred HA! Like Christmas then. Cool. I have never bought a box of unkowns, live in a place too far from cool experiences like that. Around here most gems are found at auctions or flea markets. There are more antique shops than schools in my town. Items found there ARE old but they want mint condition new in the box prices for really worn out garbage. I recently found a 1910-1918 Baily Stanley #4 plane in a sad state of rust at a local pawn shop for $10. It was fun to restore and works great. Rex's tips about planes made it work fantastic.

[@1pcfred]

@@upsidedowndog1256 old tools are usually rusty. But there's different kinds of rust. When you're into old tools you begin to appreciate various rusts. Rust for us is like snow for Eskimos. There's hundreds of different kinds. Black rust is good rust. Bright orange rust isn't too bad either. Least it cleans off easily. But then you get into the reds and browns. There you may have problems. Powdery rust and scaly rust, pitted rusts, flaky rust and gooey rust. Sometimes you got to tell yourself it didn't rust up overnight so maybe I can't clean it up overnight either? I worked one set of bolts for almost two years once freeing them up. I'd spray them up with penetrating oil and put a wrench on them then smack it some with a hammer and heat it with a torch then smack them some more and if they didn't come I'd spray them and let them sit and soak for a spell. I got a saw set I'm working on now. It's froze solid. Someday maybe I'll get it going though? I probably been at it a good half a year already. Here's what them bolts are on. They're holding the bearing caps i.imgur.com/tMwheuz.jpg It had a flat belt pulley and I changed it to a V belt. Plus I made that whole kooky frame for it too. Thing's gotta be an easy 150 years old. It has Babbitt bearings.

[@charlesmckinley29]

And don’t be afraid to walk away. The vendor really doesn’t want to pack stuff up and haul it home. It is also costing them $$$ to be there sports aren’t cheap so you need to sell enough to make being there worth their time.

[@TheDistur]

Real good tips!

[@mikecurtin9831]

Some useful tips. Thanks much for the video and thumbs up to crush a troll.

[@woodworking267]

Rex I think you're close to me in the Eastern Pennsylvania area if you come across something similar to this is it possible to give me a heads up. Thanks and Im grateful for your channel.

[@archwhitemage]

rogers in oh, national pike and steam show Brownsville pa, tool n around bridgevile pa

[@Al-fl1gq]

I have found great deals at estate sales. You just have to know which ones are bargains.