I was having my tractor's starter benched tested at my starter-generator rebuild shop today. The owner (that I've dealt with for 40 years) asked I'd give him fifty bucks for this lot of tools... I didn't hesitate, took a Grant, and said sure... Even though I really need these tools? After all I have more than enough and then some..
The Mitutoyo Dial Indicator alone was worth that. And the rest came along for the ride.. Most are made in the USA. Maybe not major top quality; but respectable.. Gem indicator was made right here in Cleveland Ohio. The One, Two, and Three inch micrometers are Central Tool, made in Rhode Island. A few are Starrett Tool. The drill gage is General Hardware made in NY, etc...The large dial indicator is an Enco made in Japan. The telescoping gage set are unbranded,, most likely Chinese. Height gage is also Mitutoyo..
The item in the lower right is marked E.L. Pease, I have no idea what it is.. But the Chicago Ill. company goes back to early 1900's. And made architectural equipment.
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That was a deal!
WOW, when you fall into it, you really fall into it! What a deal!
Quote from: Heiny57 on Mar 03, 2026, 06:11 PMThat was a deal!
Quote from: Uncle Buck on Mar 05, 2026, 07:21 AMWOW, when you fall into it, you really fall into it! What a deal!
I just cannot help myself.. I did pass on the the 6" Columbian Vise with stand at antique mall last December. Looked in perfect condition and asking $200.00..
... Just $200.00
I know the feeling. The part I should probably feel guilty about but do not is the fact that I just don't care if I ever use the tool overage or not!
The way I figure it is when the tools purchased are just dirt cheap, even if I later regret the purchase enough to want to unload them I know I could come out even, or as in your case, ahead!
I have personally purchased, used and had very pleasing results from using precision brands I feel most folks dismiss as second tier so to speak, among them Gem, Central Tool, and General. There have been others as well, but you get the idea.
Back on topic, that was one hell of a haul in my estimation, even one or two pieces alone would have supported the cost to me!