FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Garage Sales

Stan | Posted in Tools for Home Building on September 16, 2009 11:03am

Up front I will tell everyone here that I am not big on going to garage sales.  Usually my Saturdays are filled with stuff to do around the house, carting the kids to swimming or wherever they need to go or my cash is in a pair of pants that I am not wearing at that moment.  I have since moved cash to my wallet where it should be (maybe / maybe not).

This past Saturday was an exception.  The wife and I landed at our first garage sale.  For $0.50 I walked off with a Porter-Cable electric drill (yes it works) with a 1/2″ chuck.

I think from now on I will check out more garage sales in my area that are selling tools…now if I can only find a table saw at decent price.

“Projects beget projects and projects beget the need to buy new tools and that is what the cycle of life is all about.”

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. Scott | Sep 16, 2009 11:29pm | #1

    Anyone want to start a betting pool on how long it takes Junkhound to jump into this thread?

    3.......2.......1........

    ;)



    Edited 9/16/2009 4:58 pm by Scott

    1. alwaysoverbudget | Sep 17, 2009 01:02am | #2

      his computer must be downthe older i get ,

      the more people tick me off

      1. frammer52 | Sep 17, 2009 01:36am | #3

        Probably in Europe again!>G<

        1. junkhound | Sep 17, 2009 03:18am | #4

          Nah, only 1700 mi away form home this week, just finished a 13 hour day at HS in Rockford, IL, holed up in Hilton Garden Inn right now, at least this week it is not 110F at 95% humidity or -20F and snowing?

          Anyway Stan, welcome to the club. 

          Garage sales during the spring and summer are a 'must do' for self and DW every Sat AM.  Only disadvantage of going with DW is getting told " your are not going to drag another table saw home' of similar <G>

          1. User avater
            plumber_bob | Sep 17, 2009 04:50am | #5

            To, Stan!Garage sales are the ticket! I don't have the room around here to go every weekend, but every once in awhile,.... I'll spy one that just sucks me in and I usually find a good deal.Mrs.Bob manages to find several things, she goes way more than me, and does kinda good selling it on ebay.Anyway, "go early" is the rule around here for yard sales!pb

    2. HomeSolutions | Sep 20, 2009 04:13am | #30

      Ah,,Ah,, Scott, wrong Stan

  2. rez | Sep 17, 2009 01:40pm | #6

    Stan-

    Stop now or you'll regret it.

     

    1. Scott | Sep 17, 2009 08:34pm | #8

      I want to go to a garage sale hosted by Stan. 'member all those tools he won????

      1. rez | Sep 17, 2009 09:44pm | #9

        I once bought a $25 concrete vibrator at a garage sale.

        Everytime I use it I think dang that was a good purchase. 

        1. junkhound | Sep 18, 2009 03:39am | #16

          bought a ... vibrator at a garage sale

          didna read the resta da thread, but gotta better use for those....<G>

          1. rez | Sep 18, 2009 03:45am | #17

            I've heard some funny nicknames for those things.

             

             

            seeyou invented the donkey dong

             

            Edited 9/17/2009 8:45 pm ET by rez

        2. Piffin | Sep 18, 2009 04:00am | #18

          Some guy named Dave sent me a big old keyring full of skeleton keys. Every time I use it, I think, Dang, he sure did me good!Made me look like a hero a couple weeks ago, when a lady was worried about what to do with her old bathroom door and guests coming with no way to lock it. I oiled that mortise lock and refit the striker plate, found the right key, and smiles all around!Thought I'd share the smiles with you. If you see Dave, pass it on!;) 

           

          Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

        3. User avater
          IMERC | Sep 18, 2009 04:09am | #19

          till yur GF discovers it.... 

          Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->

          WOW!!! What a Ride!

          Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!

           

          "Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"

          1. User avater
            BossHog | Sep 18, 2009 03:03pm | #23

            A while back I ran across this set at a yard sale. You can see the $.25 price tag on it. I don't know what the heck it was made for, but it was too cool to pass up. The odd shaped pieces are still shrink wrapped, so I don't think it's ever been used. It was a yard sale put on by a bunch of kids raising money for something, so I felt kinda bad. I ended up telling them it was worth a lot more than they were asking and gave them a few bucks for it.
            Lawyers have feelings too (allegedly)

          2. alwaysoverbudget | Sep 18, 2009 03:39pm | #24

            your ready to be a bodyman, no specfic place to use,

             when dinging a dent out you use the dollies to back up the peck hammers.use the dollie that best fits the curve of metal your working on.the older i get ,

            the more people tick me off

          3. Scott | Sep 19, 2009 06:14am | #25

            Yup, what always said. It'll help you take all those wrinkles out of your mower deck from hitting the occasional something.Chicks love a good lookin' mower deck! ;)$.25?!?!?Heck, the scrap value is more than that.Scott.

  3. dude | Sep 17, 2009 03:52pm | #7

    Stan garage sdales are the curse of all tool freaks bar none

    I have been hitting them for the last few years and have acquired a tractor trailer load of merchandise

    here is a partial list silverware ( about 100 items some sterling )

    tools : kango breaker , porter cable door planer including spare carbide cutter & sharpener ) , portable work station worth $300 for $15 , owner thought legs were missing but they are folded up inside , $ 650 dollars of veneer edging for $15  got my money back already after selling 3' ,

    got a nearly new washing machine for $25 & then swaped it for the wifes and sold our old one for $50 , got two oil paintings of sailing ships last week for $40 framed & am contemplating right now where to put them

    got 3 snow blowers , one 12 hp for $400 , a ariens 6 hp for $ 25 & a 6 hp ariens for free for the taking & am planning on keeping the $25 electric one for myself as i have a plow on my truck

    I also acquired a 8 / 10 oriental rug for my dog for $65 like new & have seen the exact same one at a consignment store for $300

    Got a 10  x 12 asian rug for the great room for $30 , dog likes it too

    the computer work station i am currently sitting at cost $ 650 retail & i got it for $60 at a yard sale

    I refinish antiques & have over 30 that i hve refinished in my home most bought at yard sales & estate sales

    I have found you have to get there early as *am sales seem to start at 730 am and everthing any good is gone by 9:30  & i leave a business card if i need to go back to pick it up

    HAVE FUN !

     

    1. Stan | Sep 17, 2009 10:40pm | #10

      I have already checked craigslist for garage sales in my area for this weekend.  It looks like I will need to wait until tomorrow (Friday) for the list to be updated.

      Another great place to look is freecycle.org.  Everything there has to be given away for free.  So far we have a acquired a brand new baksetball hoop and backboard, which I attached to the garage and a 6 quart Rival crockpot never removed from the orginal box or shopping bag...and yes the receipt was still inside from three years ago.  Not to mention some fireplace tools and other stuff.

      With being furloughed two days a month and being the sole provider of my family of four I need to maximize my purchasing dollars as much as I can.

      The garage sale I went to last week was selling a Craftsman bandsaw and floor drill press.  The seller wanted a $100.00 each.  I walked away.  Maybe I can pick them up this week for $75.00 to $100.00 for both.  Who knows.  But if I can only find a table saw for a great song."Projects beget projects and projects beget the need to buy new tools and that is what the cycle of life is all about."

      1. Scott | Sep 17, 2009 11:24pm | #11

        >>>being the sole provider of my family of four I need to maximize my purchasing dollars as much as I can.You, sir, have been bitten by the bug. No turning back now.....;)Scott.

        Edited 9/17/2009 4:51 pm by Scott

        1. Stan | Sep 17, 2009 11:57pm | #12

          Sounds like I have an idea for a Sci-Fi movie.  Watcha' think?"Projects beget projects and projects beget the need to buy new tools and that is what the cycle of life is all about."

          1. Scott | Sep 18, 2009 12:01am | #13

            Hahaha...just don't let that virus mutate and give you a crazy hankerin' for used heli parts!

            Edited 9/17/2009 9:26 pm by Scott

          2. rez | Sep 18, 2009 12:16am | #14

            ha, so now the plot thickens.

            Go ahead Scott, it's been said confession is good for the soul. 

          3. Scott | Sep 18, 2009 04:29am | #21

            LOL, no I didn't mean "chopper" as in bike, I meant chopper as in heli (edit applied).No... my wife keeps me on far too short a leash for me to be draggin' stuff home each weekend. Besides, with house to build, kids, hobbies, and everything else in life, I don't have the luxury of garage sale time..... it's on my retirement list.Scott.

          4. cowtown | Sep 19, 2009 07:02am | #26

            Scott, that's my brothers balliwick eh....

             

            http://www.pilotstore.com/store/item.asp?ITEM_ID=2205

             

            Eric

          5. Scott | Sep 19, 2009 07:56am | #27

            >>>Scott, that's my brothers balliwick eh....Well, if he's selling heli stuff then I'll defer to Stan. I know nothing of that domain...Scott.

          6. User avater
            plumber_bob | Sep 18, 2009 02:55am | #15

            >>>"Sounds like I have an idea for a Sci-Fi movie"<<<No, you just becoming one of us!!!<insert spooky laugh here>pb

      2. User avater
        plumber_bob | Sep 18, 2009 04:27am | #20

        Stan,>>>"I have already checked craigslist for garage sales in my area for this weekend. It looks like I will need to wait until tomorrow (Friday) for the list to be updated."<<<Look in local papers, and just get out and drive, if it's a nice day and you are in any kinda area with more than 100 or so per acre, you're bound to find one.But stay away from the ones in western KY, like just south of Louisville. There are no deals here! Just trust me! <snicker>pb

        1. Stan | Sep 18, 2009 07:43am | #22

          Since I live about 30 minutes north of the Golden Gate Bridge I can attest there are "no deals" here either....yeah right....so deal...I won't invade your space and you don't invade on mine!  LOL!!!"Projects beget projects and projects beget the need to buy new tools and that is what the cycle of life is all about."

  4. junkhound | Sep 20, 2009 02:04am | #28

    Got a sawzall (HF version) for $4 today, guy said he'd only used it once, and it was trash, said he'd paid $59 (told him they go on sale for $19.95 often, so $4 was all I could go).

    Thing made a terrible racket, bought it anyway for parts.

    Got it home, figured only need to pull 6 screws to see what is wrong

    ALMOST NO GREASE in the hypoid (actually looked like a plane spiral vs. true hypoid).

    One fingerfull of grease and purrs like a kitten --

    1. cowtown | Sep 20, 2009 03:57am | #29

      Got two airless sprayers in the shop that just needed augmentation of the oil and cleaning of the gun. Tried to sell one once, fella said it was toast, and he was apparently an experienced sprayer repair tech, Took it home, had it spraying with a MINUTE (intake valve stuck)Gotta know the tools eh?

      5 buck 2 HP router sold As is had a soft start module smoked, cut out the soft start module, one marrett, and the puppy is usable. Why buy it? it fit my jessem router lift.

      It don't need a soft start.

      Eric

      1. Stan | Sep 21, 2009 08:34am | #31

        Went out again with the wife and son (13 years old) in tow to four different garage sales.  Picked up a Skill belt sander for about $3 (really like to have a Bosch one day - but for as often as I could use one...this will do for right now)...all the wife needs to do is sew a small tear in the dust bag for me.  Also picked up a chain saw file and holder for $0.50 and a pitch fork for $1.00.

        The final kill...we bought a chiminea (terra cotta fireplace) for $30.00.  Looks nice on the patio.  May or may not have been the greatest deal..but we for the last year or two wanted one but did not want to pay full price.

        Think I will possibly take next weekend from garage sales and actually get some stuff done around the house.  The wife outlined some "building" projects she needs done.  Hey, it doesn't matter what the project is as long as I get to use my tools."Projects beget projects and projects beget the need to buy new tools and that is what the cycle of life is all about."

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

Grout-Free Shower Panels

Engineered-stone shower panels are waterproof, but proper installation relies on tight seams and silicone sealing.

Featured Video

How to Install Exterior Window Trim

Learn how to measure, cut, and build window casing made of cellular PVC, solid wood, poly-ash boards, or any common molding material. Plus, get tips for a clean and solid installation.

Related Stories

  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro
  • Podcast Episode 691: Replacing Vinyl Siding, Sloping Concrete, and Flat vs. Pitched Roofs
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Roofing on Commercial vs. Residential Buildings

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data