Courtesy iStockphoto / ThinkstockIf browsing service department sales or barn sale is your idea of supreme Saturday dayspring play , you ’re not alone . Millions of Americans revel the pleasant pursuit of searching for inexpensive treasures each week at yard sales , outmoded shops , thrift stores and auction . However , when pick out used garden tools , it can be difficult to tell whether a exceptional point at a sale is a diamond in the rough or just another piece of random detritus . This can be especially important to know whether a particular creature has useful potential or is beyond saving . Use the tips below to determine whether to keep that tool or toss it back on the sales event table .
1. Hatchets
It ’s prosperous to think of a million - and - one uses for a abruptly - plow axe around the farm and garden , and some mass believe antique hatchet are of mellow tone than those produced today .
gestate to give : price change depending on the age of the hatchet and any distinguishing feature , but generally prices fall between $ 5 and $ 50 . Rare specimens from manufacturing business like Kelly Axe Co. , Plumb and Mann can command higher prices , while a sword with nicks and rust can drive the price down .
When to cast aside : A cracked handle or a head that rocks on the handle indicates weakness in the hatchet . While the tool is still suitable as a aggregator ’s piece , you ’ll require a stronger tool for daily farm use .
When to Keep : If the handle is secure and the vane edge face near , snap it up — antique hatchet are popular point and if you do n’t purchase it , somebody else will .
2. Shears
Expect to Pay : Antique shear can be picked up quite inexpensively , often under $ 10 . Their far-flung availableness contributes to frown overall prices .
When to Toss : The job with antique shears is that they tend to be rusty . While in many cases it ’s possible to move out the rusting , you ’re probably good off invest in a new pair of shears , unless your sole purpose is to obtain them for a assemblage .
When to Keep : If you find a pair of shear in excellent shape with minimal rust for a reasonable price , they might be worth keeping . you’re able to efficaciously slay minor amounts of rust using steel woolen , and you never know when an supererogatory pair of shears might arrive in handy .
3. Ladders
ladder of motley heights can be beneficial around the farm , but they ’re also a staple of modern body politic décor . outmoded ladders sum ambiance and expressive style to the farm or home .
anticipate to give : Price will depend on ravel size . Expect to pay mellow terms at an antique show or store , as the current collectability of old-hat ladder generally warrants a higher markup by trafficker . There ’s always the chance that you ’ll rub one at a bargain damage ( less than $ 10 ) at a service department sale , but online shoppers should be prepared to compensate more : I found an on-line generator that offered antique ladders for more than $ 150 each , and the ladders were not turn over to be secure for climbing ; only ornament .
When to pitch : accord to theAmerican Ladder Institute ’s site , avoid any ladder that sways , leans , is rickety , or has loose or missing share . In other words , if the rung are broken , the effectiveness seems compromised , or the overall structure is weak , you ’ll want to expire .
When to Keep : ex ladders are quite a popular fixture in rest home décor and can be smartly repurposed into a assortment of objects from cosmetic ledge to quilt racks . Even if the ladder appears too far gone for practical employment , you could put it back to bring in another way . If you do across a ladder in exceptional circumstance that is strong and secure , you could view using it for climb , but only if you ’re positive that it is good .
4. Pruners
you’re able to never have too many pair of pruners , thanks to their utility in the garden and orchard .
Expect to Pay : As with shears , pruners can be obtained at a comparatively scummy cost , often under $ 10 .
When to Toss : Antique pruners are often afflicted with the same trouble as antique shear : rust . Because trade name - new pruners can be purchased for a price that ’s like to the antique pairs , you ’re probably salutary off prefer for new lopper than corrode antiques .
When to Keep : If you find a pair of pruners that ’s in like status to a new twain and is n’t too hoary , snap ’em up for a supererogatory pair .
5. Scythes
A handy prick for harvesting small - scale crops or mowing grass , antique scythe often have lot of use leave in them .
anticipate to Pay : Antique scythe are pretty easy to find , and thanks to their far-flung handiness , you’re able to often get your hands on quality - condition dick for less than $ 10 . scythe in exceptional condition and/or orotund models can command high monetary value .
When to Toss : If the scythe seems weak — for deterrent example , if the grip cracked or the vane seems loose — you ’ll credibly need to keep looking .
When to Keep : Sometimes a good sharpening is all that ’s necessary to breathe young life into an old scythe , so do n’t neglect blunt treasures when shopping at garage sales or ex shops . appear for scythe with handles that are strong and slopped , ideally without crack .
6. Tool boxes
Of course , it ’s always dainty to have a place to store your sundry tools , so tool boxes in depart sizes can be the perfect solution .
Expect to pay off : Because instrument boxes are found in a panoptic range of sizes and types — from lowly , caddy - character tool corner all the way up to declamatory chest — their price reach also varies greatly . await to pay up into the hundreds for large chest , while smaller shaft boxes can sometimes be found for less than $ 20 .
When to thresh : If you ’re design to use the tool box , you ’ll want it to be potent enough to safely run your tools . If the box is weak or beginning to fall apart , verify that it ’s easily repairable . Check to make indisputable the bottom is safe , the hold are strong and the junction are solid .
When to Keep : Antique tool boxes aggregate intrinsic good luck charm with useful lastingness , and they ’re often built to last , meaning it belike still concord life-time . seem for a shaft box that has solid mental synthesis and inviolable joins and is sturdy , and then snap it up for daily use or your collection .
