Collecting old tools can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby! Whether you’re interested in their historical significance, craftsmanship, or utility, here’s a quick guide to help you get started or enhance your collection:
Types of Old Tools to Collect
- Hand Tools
- Planes (e.g. Stanley, Millers Falls)
- Saws (crosscut, backsaws, bow saws)
- Chisels and gouges
- Hammers and mallets
- Wrenches and spanners
- Measuring Tools
- Calipers
- Rules and folding rulers
- Levels
- Plumb bobs
- Agricultural and Blacksmith Tools
- Scythes and sickles
- Farrier tools
- Tongs, anvils, and swages
- Machinist and Industrial Tools
- Micrometers
- Dividers and scribes
- Lathes and early machine tools
- Specialty or Trade Tools
- Cooper’s tools
- Watchmaker’s tools
- Carpenter’s and joiner’s tools
Where to Find Old Tools
- Flea markets and antique fairs
- Estate sales and auctions
- Online marketplaces (eBay, Etsy, Craigslist)
- Tool collector clubs and swap meets
- Barn and garage clean-outs
Tips for Starting a Collection
- Start with a focus (e.g. woodworking, blacksmithing, a certain brand like Stanley).
- Learn to identify makers’ marks and model numbers—this helps with valuation and dating.
- Study condition vs. restoration: Rust and wear can add character, but major damage reduces value.
- Display or use? Some collectors restore and use the tools, others keep them for display.
- Join a collector community—like the Mid-West Tool Collectors Association (M-WTCA) or online forums.
Care and Preservation
- Clean with care—avoid wire wheels; use rust removers or vinegar baths gently.
- Store in dry conditions to prevent rust.
- Use tool oil or wax to preserve metal surfaces.
Most Sought-After Old Tools
Some old tools are highly sought after by collectors due to their rarity, craftsmanship, historical value, or brand reputation. Here’s a list of the most sought-after old tools, along with why they’re valuable:
1. Stanley Planes (especially pre-1900s)
- Stanley No. 1 Plane – Very small smoothing plane; rare and highly collectible.
- Stanley No. 45 and No. 55 Combination Planes – Complex multi-purpose planes.
- Early Bailey and Bedrock planes – Known for precision and build quality.
2. Disston Handsaws
- Especially pre-1920 Disston saws with ornate etching and carved handles.
- Saws with medallions stamped “Philada” (pre-1870s) are especially valuable.
3. Norris Infill Planes (England)
- Elegant metal-bodied planes with rosewood or mahogany infills.
- Precision-made, considered among the finest ever built.
4. Spillers or Mathieson Plow Planes
- Early wooden plow or molding planes with brass hardware.
- Some made of exotic woods like boxwood or rosewood.
5. Antique Measuring Tools
- Early folding rules by Lufkin or Stanley with brass joints.
- Levels with brass and rosewood, especially from Davis or Stratton Brothers.
- Plumb bobs with unusual shapes or early maker’s marks.
6. Rare Wrenches
- Monkey wrenches with ornate handles or from niche makers.
- Erie Tool Works, Coes, and unusual patent designs are popular.
7. Blacksmith-Made Tools
- Hand-forged tools with unique features or early hand-stamped maker’s marks.
- Especially prized if signed or from a known regional smith.
8. Unusual Patented Tools
- Tools with odd or short-lived designs, like multi-use wrenches or saw sets.
- Patents from the 1800s or early 1900s attract attention for their ingenuity.
9. Tools with Provenance
- Tools owned by historical figures or used in notable trades/crafts.
- Tools from early American or colonial tool chests.
10. Complete or Original Sets
- Sets of auger bits in original boxes.
- Tool chests from the 1800s with matching, labeled contents.
Factors That Increase Collectability
- Early production years (pre-1900 especially)
- Excellent or original condition (even better if unused/new old stock)
- Maker’s mark or patent stamp intact
- Unusual or limited production models
- Unrestored with a nice patina (some collectors prefer “as found”)