Buying used/Pawn Shop tools

[chopnhack]

Any advice for buying hand tools from a Pawn shop?
I am looking to pick up a few chisels and planes from a pawn shop and maybe a grinder to help sharpen them up. Anything to look for on planes that wouldn't be obvious?
(rust, binding frog, etc.)
Thanks in advance.

[LCHIEN]

I used to look at pawn shop tools but never found anything approaching a bargain. Old, outdated, heavily used probably abused tools in the front, not worth what they were pawned for probably why they are for sale. The better stuff is in back waiting for their owner to claim them if they were worth anything.

Camera equipment, fishing gear I know, also bad deals.

I buy loose wrenches to have dedicated wrenches for some tools. that's all I have found.

[Uncle Cracker]

Problem with pawnshop tools is that the shops know what they're worth, and they want to make money both from the guy they bought them from, and from you. Rarely find a bargain there.

[reddog552]

Pawn shop

I found a M12-V almost new/w afull set of template bushings $65.

[LCHIEN]

Did I see you said you want to buy planes and chisels and then sharpen with a used grinder?...shudder

[jonmulzer]

The pawn shops around here went from great places to find bargains to places where items sell for the same as their brand-new counterparts. Absolutely ridiculous. That happened at the same time they started offering credit to those purchasing. They are raking it in from both ends. Kinda sad really.

[kevincan]

I gave up looking at the pawn shops near me. I can usually find the same item that they have for less money if I wait for a sale. Makes me wonder how they sell anything.

Kevin

[chopnhack]

After todays trip to a couple local pawn shops, I can understand why Lchien shudders.....ughhh...crappy items at high prices. I have an older 10" miter saw that I no longer use, they offered me $15 for it! The blade is worth at least that!!! Ah, well. Will have to keep my eyes out for deals.

[LCHIEN]

actually i was shuddering because you said you were planning to use a grinder on planes and chisels.
I merely cringe at pawn shops.

[Woodwerker]

This may sound crazy, but Ebay hurt the pawn shop deals. I know a guy who owns a few pawn shops. Every item he puts on the floor he checks Ebay and adds 10-15% to what it sold for on Ebay. In the old days I used to get deals there, no more :-(

[chopnhack]

Lchien, how else do you put a hollow bevel on a chisel???

[TB Roye]

There are a couple of Pawn Shops here in Sacramento that use Ebay to get rid of stuff.
I have bid on a few things but never won,

Tom

[Hoover]

Lchien, how else do you put a hollow bevel on a chisel???

I think he was referring to buying a grinder from the pawn shop.

[cabinetman]

If it's a good deal on used, sometimes new tools, become a garage/yard sale, and flea market junkie. Some of the best deals I've found were at yard type sales. Our local newspaper has a section in the classified dealing with announcements and sales. If you get to them early, your selection is much better.
.

[Pappy]

C-Man is right. Flea markets and yard sales are the way to go. Best prices at flea markets are at the temp tables, not the store booths. Another good place is auctions.