Help! Snap-on tool liquidation / Estate sale?

[Hondo-407]

Hello Folks,


I need a bit of advice / guidance please. I have been given the not so pleasurable task of attempting to liquidate my recently passed brother in-laws tools. I know there is a huge Snap-On market on EBay but we really don't have the desire or time to piece it out and ship 1000's of individual items. I can’t even explain how packed these boxes are!!! He was an incredible welder, machinist, fabricator, engineer, car builder & designer and had just about every tool to support his career. 98% of the items are Snap-on & in near perfect condition.

The local Snap-on dealers have provided little to no help. We haven’t completed the piece by piece inventory but the initial estimated retail value is hovering around $100K. The boxes alone were $20K. The estates preference is to sell the package as a whole.

What the hell do I do with it???

As a whole will it bring .30 to .40 cents on the dollar?

We appreciate your help or suggestions? Thanks Tim

Location = Redlands Ca.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Location?

 

[Hondo-407]

Location?

Redlands

 

[monkeyswrench]

Dealers aren't much help, they want to sell new. I'd guess the total is probably more than that...
You may see if there's a commission type place near you. This is kind of my fear, hoping one of my sons will use my stuff, or there is still a need for tools if I have grandkids

I'm sorry for your loss, and also sorry you've been charged with this task.

 

[dirtslinger2]

Redlands

I'm gonna pass on the pics to some mechanic friends.

 

[Travmon]

Consider sending it to an auction house. We have a couple locally that we buy alot of new freight damaged stuff and other odds and ends. We also will sell stuff thru them. Alot of buyers are SO FU#king stupid they will take stuff to retail and beyond. Tools do really well. ANY other option will have you babysitting the whole lot . Yes it would be nice to find THE right buyer , aint gonna happen quickly. Google Bid venues or ehlis auction to see what I am talking about. You should have a place like that down there.

 

[$hot]

5k and I’ll have it gone within 24 hours

 

[Icky]

Wow, that's alot of vice grips

 

[rivermobster]

@bonesfab

 

[02HoWaRd26]

5k and I’ll have it gone within 24 hours

I’ll go 8k

 

[bonesfab]

That's a lot of shit. I am an idiot and a player if the price is right. The next thing is transporting the crap. Sorry to hear about your brother in law. And I will go 8001 Bob.

 

[J DUNN]

When my Dad passed I bought all of his Snap On tools from my Mom. I was still in contact with the dealer he bought from. He came over and priced out all the sets as new and priced the rolling box. He added it all up and we did some percentage of that. I know this isn't much help, just sharing my experience. Too bad there isn't a family member that is interested and you wouldn't mind giving a deal to.

 

[bonesfab]

The shit adds up fast.

 

[monkeyswrench]

Damn, ballers here! I just picked this up off the truck.
At least there was some lube this time...but I cringe at spending

Sitting here waiting for my boy a football practice, hasn't even made it "home" yet!

 

[Hondo-407]

In my mind tools should be passed down to the next generation, he had no kids & no wife. My son has begun his collection & will end up with mine. This assortment is so far above and beyond what an average Joe would ever need. I bet there is $5K in Tig consumables & abrasives alone.

A thought just came to mind of breaking it down into pieces / categories & listing it that way?

 

[lbhsbz]

I’ll offer $12K for everything.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Man, they aren't even dirty or beat up!

 

[Fastdadtsmith]

Not sure of the estate's financial status, that would be a hell of a right off if donated to the right place. Do high schools even have auto shop anymore?

 

[SBMech]

The amount of income you could get is based upon how much time you have and how much effort you want to put in.

Snap-On is top tier brand, so it will sell pretty easily if marketed to the right people.

Chances on you finding the one guy who will offer you 40k or whatever is 25% on the dollar is pretty hard.

I'd try and find someone to sell it on commission for you online or at swap-meets, to get the most out of it.

They are not worth much more than that, honestly the reason mechanics pay so much (like 3-10x a cheap tool's price) is that you have a rep that comes by weekly and most things are warrantied for life. Plus if you need something NOW most guys have decent stock on stuff. Taking time to go to Sears or Harbor Freight every week sucks.

Sorry for your loss, hope things work out with the tools.

 

[monkeyswrench]

In my mind tools should be passed down to the next generation, he had no kids & no wife. My son has begun his collection & will end up with mine. This assortment is so far above and beyond what an average Joe would ever need. I bet there is $5K in Tig consumables & abrasives alone.

A thought just came to mind of breaking it down into pieces / categories & listing it that way?

Welding and fab as one lot, machining type as another and then mechanical stuff. You can also break down mechanical between diagnostic and repair.

 

[WhatExit?]

Sorry for your loss and for what you have to deal with now. I don’t know much about this but perhaps you can get an auction company to come to the property and hold ann auction for all the tools? I don’t know if they do it nor do I know what their percentage would be but it might look into it

 

[RiverDave]

I’ll offer $12K for everything.

Sorry for your loss and for what you have to deal with now. I don’t know much about this but perhaps you can get an auction company to come to the property and hold ann auction for all the tools? I don’t know if they do it nor do I know what their percentage would be but it might look into it

He’s having an auction right now.. lol

I’ll go 12.5 before I move it to the classifieds..

As mentioned you need to call an auction house

 

[4Waters]

He’s having an auction right now.. lol

I’ll go 12.5 before I move it to the classifieds..

As mentioned you need to call an auction house

I don't think his intent was to spam the lounge, he was just trying to get some information as how to go about selling these tools and then it turned into an auction

 

[WhatExit?]

He’s having an auction right now.. lol

I’ll go 12.5 before I move it to the classifieds..

As mentioned you need to call an auction house

Seems Steve / 2FF has taught a lot of RDPeeps a lot

 

[hallett21]

20k if you’re looking to unload them.

 

[BingerFang]

I would take RD’s 12.5k and run. Bird in the hand is better than 3 in the bush.

 

[pronstar]

Estate auction house for sure.

 

[Hondo-407]

I don't think his intent was to spam the lounge, he was just trying to get some information as how to go about selling these tools and then it turned into an auction

Absolutely NOT my intent. I'm aware there is lots of different expertise on RDP & I was simply looking for advice, hoping for someone with knowledge of liquidating high value items.

I would love to make the estate whole & just keep them for myself & son BUT based on the caliber of the set it just doesn’t make sense.

 

[pronstar]

My sister went to school with a gal who’s dad owns Little John’s Auctions in Orange.

I don’t know if they’re any good, but they’ve been in business forever and they were freaking loaded, with a huge house in Villa Park LOL

 

[Backlash]

Hondo, I sent you a PM.

 

[Dunerking]

Sorry for the loss of your BIL…that tool set is above amazing! Even 50% of those would be great to own! Goodluck on finding a appreciative home for them.

 

[traquer]

You'll probably sell them through here lol.. But if not, why not take some good quality photos showing roughly all the tools, and list it online using a Google voice number and turn off notifications. I'd run it for a month or two (tell them to send you their best offer) and check it every few days just to see who's serious and what the dollar amounts come to. If you decide don't like the idea just wipe the Google number and go to the auction house

 

[lbhsbz]

The problem with tool collections like this is that those who need them already have them, and those don't have them but want them can't afford them. eBay is a slow and painful way to sell it all....but if the time is invested, one will do quite well.

 

[calkid]

Not sure of the estate's financial status, that would be a hell of a right off if donated to the right place. Do high schools even have auto shop anymore?

I do work for lots of school districts in the Inland Empire. Lucerne High School just started an auto shop program. I friend of mine sold his auto repair business and took on the job as their new auto shop teacher. When he got their, the only tools in the classroom were for auto body repair. These tools would be a Godsend to their program.
I would be happy to help with contacts and help to transport the tools to the school. It would be a great write off and certainly go to a worthy cause.

 

[monkeyswrench]

The problem with tool collections like this is that those who need them already have them, and those don't have them but want them can't afford them.

That's the big problem. A lot of guys starting out buy new off the truck because they can pay weekly. I'm about 10 years into buying "nice" stuff, but never been a full timer really. I buy as I go, and have not told the wife what it cost...we will maintain happiness. I don't ask about shoes or clothes, she's never once asked me what any of this stuff cost. In the 10 years of my "upgrading" of tools, I probably could have bought a very nice, albeit pre-owned, crewcab diesel

I would love to make the estate whole & just keep them for myself & son BUT based on the caliber of the set it just doesn’t make sense.

Would it be a possibility to sell off the fab an machining type lots separately? If so, then you could take the mechanical portion, and skinny it out between items for you and your boy, and sell the others piecemeal or as a lot. Anyone who has a set like that, no doubt has doubles...or more...that the average shade tree guy may not use.

 

[Icky]

Cam we get more pictures ?

 

[brgrcru]

I’ll take all the 10 mm you have

 

[lbhsbz]

That's the big problem. A lot of guys starting out buy new off the truck because they can pay weekly. I'm about 10 years into buying "nice" stuff, but never been a full timer really. I buy as I go, and have not told the wife what it cost...we will maintain happiness. I don't ask about shoes or clothes, she's never once asked me what any of this stuff cost. In the 10 years of my "upgrading" of tools, I probably could have bought a very nice, albeit pre-owned, crewcab diesel

Would it be a possibility to sell off the fab an machining type lots separately? If so, then you could take the mechanical portion, and skinny it out between items for you and your boy, and sell the others piecemeal or as a lot. Anyone who has a set like that, no doubt has doubles...or more...that the average shade tree guy may not use.

I could not afford to buy what I have in my shop right now. I would venture to say it would cost about 1/2 what I have into my house. Do I need it all? Fuck no. Did I need it at one point?....yes. ...and that's the thing with tool collections. Especially with the professional technicians that have been at it any length of time.

I have a special tool to release the heater hose connections on a Ford Aerostar. I have a cooling system pressure tester adapter for a 2000-2005 toyota celica...and that's all it's good for. I have a cam seal installers for engines that I haven't seen in 15 years....special timing belt tools, etc. Sockets I've purchased that only ever got used on one fastener on one car. I really need to go through my box and throw all that obsolete special shit in the garbage or in another box and put it somewhere else.

I put a boat tool box together about 15 years ago instead of just throwing a bunch of shit in a bag the night before so I had everything I needed at the river. It's pretty basic and minimal, with a small corner of bottom drawer having a few merc specific tools in it. I find myself working out of that quite a bit because I can carry it to what I'm working on and it has most everything I need....in a little 3 drawer craftsman carry around box. The home gamer doesn't need all the shit in that big box....all it will do is tie up money and take up space.

My $12K offer was serious, and I think very fair, if not a bit on the high end of what you might get for it as a lot on the open market. Do I want it?...no. I'd sell it off all piece by piece saving a few things for myself as time permits and probably quadruple my money, but it would take a few years to get rid of most of it, then the rest would get scrapped.

The best way to deal with it would be to donate it to a school like one of the posters mentioned. The students will get more value out of that collection of tools than anyone else ever will.

It ain't a Toyota Tacoma....tool collections typically aren't worth shit except to the person that built the collection.

 

[PRORACER7474]

Someone on here offered 20k, I would take it. Lok around on Offerup/craiglist on what a box like that is going for used 5 to7k, used tools are worth about 50cents on the dollar sold off of a tool truck on payments, to sell outright to someone with cash 25% to 30% of retail. 20k seems like a fair deal to both of you. BTW I have been a toolman for 38 years

 

[Ducksquasher]

Sorry for your loss

 

[4Waters]

I’ll take all the 10 mm you have

There isn't any

 

[SoCalDave]

In my mind tools should be passed down to the next generation, he had no kids & no wife. My son has begun his collection & will end up with mine. This assortment is so far above and beyond what an average Joe would ever need. I bet there is $5K in Tig consumables & abrasives alone.

A thought just came to mind of breaking it down into pieces / categories & listing it that way?

^^^This^^^
When we did our will I gave everything in my garage to my 7 year old grandson and I have a lot of shit. He really enjoys spending time out there with me and knows what everything is for. Hell he even put his name on rollaway already...
Love that kid...

 

[Roosky01]

You will make way more cash if you take the time and piece it out. If you sell it all in one package you are looking at 20 cents on the dollar. At least that's the market around here.

Not related, but quite the story. In 2010-2012 when I was working out in St. George I was buying shit off of Vegas Craiglist like a madman and sending it back home to WI and my brother was reselling it. I bought the large Snap-On KRL top and bottom roller box with side boxes that retailed 2 years previous for around $16.5k and I handed the dude $3k cash and I left with it. It looked absolutely brand new. I remember asking him if it was hot and he went into the house and came out with the receipt. He said "I'm just trying to make my house payment this month, man" . Their were a lot of people in Vegas back then in really tough shape...

 

[RiverDave]

Someone on here offered 20k, I would take it. Lok around on Offerup/craiglist on what a box like that is going for used 5 to7k, used tools are worth about 50cents on the dollar sold off of a tool truck on payments, to sell outright to someone with cash 25% to 30% of retail. 20k seems like a fair deal to both of you. BTW I have been a toolman for 38 years

I read that post a couple times, I don’t think it was an offer so much as a possible value to sell. Could be wrong.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I could not afford to buy what I have in my shop right now. I would venture to say it would cost about 1/2 what I have into my house. Do I need it all? Fuck no. Did I need it at one point?....yes. ...and that's the thing with tool collections. Especially with the professional technicians that have been at it any length of time.

I have a special tool to release the heater hose connections on a Ford Aerostar. I have a cooling system pressure tester adapter for a 2000-2005 toyota celica...and that's all it's good for. I have a cam seal installers for engines that I haven't seen in 15 years....special timing belt tools, etc. Sockets I've purchased that only ever got used on one fastener on one car. I really need to go through my box and throw all that obsolete special shit in the garbage or in another box and put it somewhere else.

There are certain tools I will buy, because I know it will get used more than once. Then, there are the "tools" cobbled together for that "one job". For instance, I made a tool to draw the inner grease seals in on 2 1/2 ton Rockwell axles. I needed to do mine, and the official tool cost more than the axle. Since then, done a handful of other seals, tractor, truck and implement, with that same POS.
The problem is, only a couple people know what it is. Like so many tool truck things, you don't know you need it, until you need it. Like your heater disconnect tool, the guy who needed on, bought it. Most people would see it in a box of trinkets and have no clue what it's purpose is.

Then, there is also the time frame in which wrenches were turned. Whoever clears my crap out is going to be confused. Dwell meters and timing lights are archaic by modern standards, but I keep them in the same drawer with my OTC scanner and DMM...
Some "techs" today don't know how to square off a press, or set up a gear splitter. Some tools will be lost to time, just as the knowledge the old mechanics had.

 

[Englewood]

20k if you’re looking to unload them.

I was thinking the same thing. That’s a hell of a setup for 20k.

 

[BingerFang]

I read that post a couple times, I don’t think it was an offer so much as a possible value to sell. Could be wrong.

I read it the same. That’s why I said take your offer

The only problem I see with donating it to a high school is theft. High school kids are shitheads. That’s the last place I would put a bunch of high value anything.

If they were matco or craftsman? Different story.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

If there is an enterprising teenager in the family give them the job of liquidating the set online. Have them research list and sell each item. Give them a % similar to what an auction house would charge. Kid gets great life experience and the potential to earn some legitimate money for a car, college, etc...

 

[bonesfab]

senior year in high school they were setting up an auto shop. Pallets of snap on tools came in. I was an aide to the teacher who was in charge. I got to set it all up. I was thinking this shit isn’t going to last a year. It lasted a couple from what I was told. At least Snap on gives the schools like 50% off retail.

 

[Spudsbud]

Someone on here offered 20k, I would take it. Lok around on Offerup/craiglist on what a box like that is going for used 5 to7k, used tools are worth about 50cents on the dollar sold off of a tool truck on payments, to sell outright to someone with cash 25% to 30% of retail. 20k seems like a fair deal to both of you. BTW I have been a toolman for 38 years

Yes. This.