Grandpa's Garage Might Be A Gold Mine
You might want to double-check your garage shelves—some of those old tools collecting dust could be worth a small fortune. From rare wrenches to antique power tools, vintage garage gear has become a hot commodity among collectors and restoration enthusiasts.
Here are 25 vintage tools that are surprisingly valuable today.
Stanley No. 60 1/2 Block Plane
Estimated value: $100
This low-angle block plane was used for fine wood trimming, especially on end grain. Known for its compact size and smooth handling, it’s become a collector favorite. Clean, working examples can bring in serious interest, especially with the original box.
Luke Milburn, Wikimedia Commons
Plomb 1/2-Inch Drive Ratchet
Estimated value: $125
Before becoming Proto, Plomb made top-tier hand tools in the early 20th century. Their 1/2-inch ratchets are now collectible for their quality and historical value. They're still usable, but collectors love the brand's connection to WWII manufacturing.
Millers Falls Hand Drill
Estimated value: $150
Millers Falls produced beautiful, high-quality hand drills. Known for their wooden handles and smooth gearing, they’ve become functional art. They’re popular with tool collectors who love vintage American craftsmanship.
Snap-on D-6 Torque Wrench
Estimated value: $175
This early Snap-on torque wrench was used by mechanics to ensure precise bolt tension. Because Snap-on tools are lifetime tools and this model was produced in limited quantities, it’s now worth a decent chunk.
Snap-On Electric Torque Wrench | Tool of the Week, Help Me DIY
Stanley Yankee Push Drill
Estimated value: $200
These push drills were a mainstay in every garage from the 1930s to the 60s. They’re compact, require no electricity, and are loved for their clever mechanism. The rarer boxed models can go for hundreds.
Stanley Yankee Handyman No. 46Y Push Drill Restoration, 357magdad
Craftsman Box Wrench Set (Pre-WWII)
Estimated value: $225
Early Craftsman wrenches are built like tanks and have that gorgeous nickel or chrome finish. Complete sets from the 1930s and early 1940s are in high demand among collectors and Craftsman brand loyalists.
J.C. Fields (Talk) (Uploads), Wikimedia Commons
Goodell-Pratt Hand Vise
Estimated value: $250
A small but mighty tool, this was used for holding delicate metal pieces during fine work. Goodell-Pratt was eventually absorbed by Millers Falls, but their original tools are beloved by antique tool fans.
Goodell Pratt Vintage Hand Drill Restoration, BoredandRestored
Walker-Turner Bench Grinder
Estimated value: $300
Used for sharpening and shaping, this beefy grinder was a staple in mid-century workshops. Heavy and built to last, working models with original motors can fetch high prices from restorers and retro tool buffs.
Klein Lineman’s Pliers (Pre-1950)
Estimated value: $325
Klein is still a respected name, but their early lineman pliers with embossed logos and thick grips are particularly valuable. Collectors admire their durability and the history behind them.
1955 Klein Linesman Pliers New England Pattern-, ScoutCrafter
Stanley No. 45 Combination Plane
Estimated value: $400
A highly complex woodworking tool, the No. 45 could cut rabbets, grooves, dadoes, and more. It came with multiple cutters and attachments. Complete boxed sets can bring in a lot from both collectors and woodworkers.
The Patriot Woodworker, Wikimedia Commons
Herbrand Socket Set (1920s)
Estimated value: $450
Herbrand was one of the first American toolmakers to produce standardized sockets. Their early sets, often with wooden boxes and chrome-plated tools, are now sought after for their rarity and beauty.
Herbrand Ratchet Restoration. Saved from a Rust Bucket!, West Highlands Shop
Blackhawk Ratchet Set
Estimated value: $500
Blackhawk made some of the finest ratchets in the early 20th century. Their sets, especially those in good condition with original metal boxes, can be worth hundreds. The Art Deco designs are a bonus.
Blackhawk 911X Vintage Ratchet Review, Nash Rathbone
Mac Tools Distributor Tester
Estimated value: $550
Used to check timing and spark advance, this Mac Tools diagnostic device is a blast from the past. These were once standard in every garage and now appeal to gearheads and collectors alike.
Mac Tools Franchise Overview, Mac Tools UK
Dunlap Bench Vise
Estimated value: $600
Dunlap vises, sold by Sears, were rugged, simple, and highly effective. Today, well-kept models are collector favorites—especially the rotating base versions. Vise collectors (yes, they exist!) love these.
Dunlap Bench Vise Restoration, Uwannawatch
Delta Milwaukee Scroll Saw
Estimated value: $650
Popular in the 1940s and 50s, this power saw was used for intricate woodcutting. Vintage woodworkers and tool restorers prize it for its durability, design, and old-school cool.
1950s Delta Rockwell homecraft scroll saw, Freddy Fabricate
Brass Blowtorch (Turn-of-the-Century)
Estimated value: $700
Before propane, torches were made of solid brass and filled with gasoline or kerosene. These functional antiques are now beautiful collectibles, especially the polished ones with ornate designs.
Ford Model T Tool Kit
Estimated value: $750
Original toolkits from the Ford Model T era included pliers, wrenches, and screwdrivers. Complete kits are rare and very collectible—not just among car fans, but among antique tool lovers.
Artifact of the Week: Model T Ford Wrenches, 20th Century Adventures
Wallace Tiernan Tire Pressure Tester
Estimated value: $850
This heavy-duty analog device was used in garages for decades. Known for its industrial design and precise dials, it’s now a coveted display item for vintage auto enthusiasts.
Twopower332.1938, Wikimedia Commons
Crescent Tool Co. Adjustable Wrench (Early 1900s)
Estimated value: $900
The iconic adjustable wrench got its name from Crescent Tool Co. Early 1900s examples with patent dates and embossed logos can bring high prices, especially in pristine shape.
Andrew Plumb, Wikimedia Commons
H.D. Smith “Perfect Handle” Screwdriver Set
Estimated value: $1,000
These screwdrivers had wooden grips riveted to the metal shaft. A full set of Perfect Handle tools, especially branded ones, is incredibly collectible and visually stunning.
Starrett Micrometer (Early Model)
Estimated value: $1,200
Machinists relied on Starrett for precision measuring tools. Their early micrometers are both collectible and usable, with some models now fetching four-figure prices when boxed.
Nathanael Burton, Wikimedia Commons
Lufkin Red End Folding Rule (Pre-1930)
Estimated value: $1,400
These wooden measuring sticks were a staple in tool belts. Early Lufkin models with brass tips and red enamel markings are now rare, especially with original boxes.
Lufkin X48 USA 8' Extended Reach Folding Rule With Inside Measurement Extension, Catus Maximus
Stanley Bedrock Plane
Estimated value: $1,600
More advanced and heavier than standard planes, Bedrocks were favored by professional carpenters. Certain rare sizes—like the No. 602—can go for well over $1,000.
Stanley Bedrock Hand Planes: What Makes Them Different?, Woodworkers Institute
Bridgeport Milling Machine (Early Model)
Estimated value: $2,500
A staple in serious machine shops, early Bridgeport mills are beasts of engineering. Restored early examples are both functional and valuable, especially among vintage machinists.
How to use a Bridgeport Milling Machine, Toolamanjaro
South Bend Lathe (Vintage 9-Inch)
Estimated value: $3,000
Used for metalworking, these compact yet capable lathes are highly collectible. A well-maintained model with accessories can be worth thousands to vintage machine enthusiasts.
New (to me) 1930's 9 inch South Bend Lathe + Harbor Freight Yukon 46" Toolbox Unboxing, TimNummy
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