Hello guys, I just wanted your opinion on my little problem. I am cleaning out my workshop and come across with my old tools and accessories. They’re pretty much old and rusty, not in their best form, duplicates, and trash for someone else. Any idea on what to do with them? I just hate the idea of throwing them away.
Any ideas on what to do with old unvaluable tools?
- Thread starter Motionless Mantis
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Donate them at Habitat for Humanity or any other donation places that needs old tools and unused items. They’ll surely accept it even if they’re not in perfect shape or rusty. Donating sometimes feels good, knowing that they’ll still use it as a tool for home reps and nonprofit tasks.
I did the same by dropping a box of old screwdrivers and wrenches at a donation drive, the look on their faces is priceless and heartwarming. This way, our old tools are kept away from landfills that will surely erode and toxic our lands. I even received a thank you note from them, telling me that they used my old tools in a volunteer construction project. Feels like my old tools revived in their hands!
If you’re tools are really out of shape, strip their parts and use them for spare parts for your new tools. Just put them in a box, far from your neat tools. You’ll never know when you will be needing them.
Do you consider repurposing them? Give them a new life, not just as an old tool or spare parts. For example, I used my old screwdrivers as garden stakes, old hammers for decors or even hooks. There are many possibilities, it only depends on your creativity. Needs a little bit of cleaning and tweaking though.
Been there, done that! I once made a coat rack from my old wrench. I know this is not for everyone, but it is worth a try especially to those who are deeply in to DIY stuff. You can turn any old tools into something creative and cool. I even saw someone sold their craft at fairs and events. Cool stuff!
Try selling them in Craigslist, I’ve done this several times marking them, “box of tools”. There’s always a market for them, especially those who loves to restore tools, you can’t imagine the number of hobbyists who love to have your old tools.
I remember posting a box of pliers and screwdrivers for 15 bucks, can you guess how many people inquired? Ending, it was sold within less than an hour. People here buy old stuff and refurbish them to give them as gifts for people who loves vintage tools.
I remember posting a box of pliers and screwdrivers for 15 bucks, can you guess how many people inquired? Ending, it was sold within less than an hour. People here buy old stuff and refurbish them to give them as gifts for people who loves vintage tools.
I usually keep the price cheap, maybe 20 bucks or something. It’s not about the money, it’s about clearing some needed space, and cleaning my workshop. But, when talking about rare and vintage tools, you can really increase the price exponentially. You need to do some research on the market before posting them online – to not get lowballed by stingy peoples. Lol!
Dead tools belong to the scrap house for me. At least the metal gets recycled and not just dumped in landfills. If you’re lucky, some scrap yards may be able to pay you a good price.
Sort them out, tools that aren’t usable and tools that still can be used in a separate box. In the box of usable tools, use them when someone borrows tools from you. It’s a great way to take care of your new tools without worrying.
Tbh, I just give them away for free. It feels good to donate them on groups like “Buy Nothing” or just leave them outside with a free note sign. Once I had this guy picked my entire set of mismatched and old wrenches, after a few days, he sent me a picture of them looking new and shiny. I thanked him for taking care of my old stuff and knowing that they are in safe hands.
DIY crafts out of old rusty tools as an art piece is really awesome, for me. I had a friend that made a sculpture out of old rusty pliers and it turned out really great! I also seen people who used old tools creating garden fences and even screwdrivers for wind chimes.
Woooow! That’s really creative and awesome! I’ve seen some people made clocks, wind chimes, even repurposed tools and furniture. I know it’s not for everyone, but trying it makes your braincells work hard.
Great suggestion! I did the same with my son, it was for our bonding, and it also keep my new tools from being damaged.
I just want to add, check the local community or even schools. They sometimes need old tools for their workshops, they’ll gladly take your old tools for their programs, explaining their usage and using them for teaching people about tools.