Replies

1. 
   ToolDoc | Nov 18, 2002 06:13am | #1

   We have those truck load sales here a few times a years either cummins or uncle homers or what ever , mostly its a just a big truck load of crap,althou you might find a few bargins, but beware of the power tools..I know of friends who bought power tools and got them home and were very sorry they purchased them...how do you exchange a tool once they leave town?????

        Let the Buyer Beware.....        ToolDoc

2. 
   riverr1 | Nov 18, 2002 07:08am | #2

   Yep, we get Homer through here a couple of times a year also. Did some pointing last year. Cleaned the joints out with a $6, 4 1/2" throw away homer grinder. Worked fine and didn't even throw it away. Last time they were through here they had brand new sections of bil-jax scaffolding for $99 a section. Great deal. My father also picked up a WorkMate for about 50% off. I never wanted to try the 35 piece router set for $19.99 though. I envison pieces of carbide flying through the air! They do have a lot of junk.

   Don

3. 
   noone51 | Nov 18, 2002 07:13am | #3

   Yes you might get the job done but you probably wont pass it on to your kids.

   
   

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   Edited 11/17/2002 11:14:38 PM ET by no one

4. 
   UncleDunc | Nov 18, 2002 08:55am | #4

   Probably not exactly the same class, but I saw two guys selling tools out of the trunk of a 15 year old Cadillac parked in front of a 7-11. They said they had lost the lease on their warehouse and had to liquidate all these tools immediately. Obviously false, but the crowning touch was the personalized plates on the Cadillac, HUSTLE.

5. 
   JeffKurtz | Nov 18, 2002 06:12pm | #5

   Cummins comes to town twice a year, and I never miss their sale.  Yes, a lot of their stuff is junk, but they have a lot of factory reconditioned Milwaukee, Dewalt, Ryobi, etc.  Sometimes too, I need a tool that I'm not going to use very often, and theirs usually work fine.

   Stay away from the no-name machines/power tools and router bits.  I always find a good deal and always have fun as well.

   Jeff

6. 
   crt2cu2 | Nov 19, 2002 12:42am | #6

   Doc,

   Similar "gypsy" tool sales outfits present here in Butte, MT fairly often as well.  I go to shop the sales with a real negative attitude front-loaded in my head to thus avoid impulse buying.  However, I will sometimes risk buying an off brand tool for a job that I know might ruin my current name brand tool.  I do scrutinize any purchase very carefully however.  For example, I will ask if I can plug the tool into their generator (they usually have a portable power source nearby) and use the old "screwdriver to the ear" method to listen for motor and bearing quality.

   Other than power tools, these bargain outfits often carry tools for a song of the type that I probably wouldn't normally purchase nor often use.  Last summer for example, I bought some small cheap carving tools from a truckload sale.  Since I don't do a lot of carving, these cheap tools are good enough and nice to have around for the rare carving need.

   One important point though, be prepared to put some time into preparation as it is my experience that truckload tools are not "ready to go".. I had to sharpen those cheap carving tools extensively before they were even barely functional.  Hope this helps.

   sawick

1. 
   bill_1010 | Nov 20, 2002 04:03am | #7

   traveling tool sales, the first and smartest advise i can give. Stay at home and save your money.  They are disposable tools, and you dispose of them when you least expect it.

7. 
   JamesC67 | Nov 20, 2002 04:33am | #8

   Thanks To All Who Responded,

    I just wanted to give a update after getting back from the sale. Boy I'll tell ya that there is quite a differance in the quality of tools they sure aren't Delta,PC,they even make my Grizzly look top of the line not that Grizzly isn'nt good becouse to me its the best.At any rate I did pick up a 3hp router for the listed $49.99 you definately can tell its not a PC but I've used it quite a bit today and it seems to be allrite but as in anything low cost only time will tell.I also picked up a 30pc package of their router bits again lower quality there supposed to be carbide but I sure wont let my son use them and I wont either without the extra  safty equipment.On the briter side I bought a couple strobe lites like the kind snow removel opperators have on their trucks at $5.00pc I didn't think that was to bad but again only time will tell. Well folks I just wanted to let you all know that I probably spent $$$$$stupidly on junk tools but if they last for a couple projects they'll more than pay for themselves.Again thanks for all your input and if you'd like to let me know what you think about my purchases feel free to let me know.

   JIM C the"PUTTERIN YANKEE"woodworking shop(the shop with a very tite buget)

1. 
   billyg83440 | Nov 20, 2002 07:48pm | #9

   Doc,

   I've quit buying most tools from these outfits, particularly power tools. Last one I bought was a small angle grinder. Cheap, and I don't do a lot of metal work.

   Lasted me less then 2 years, probably 2-3 hours of run-time before the gears stripped. Then it dawned on me, had I spent about 4x the money and purchased a good one it'd probably last me a lifetime. So I bought a good Makita on sale. Picked up some wire brushes and sanding pads, and now do a fair amount of metal working. I'd guess your router may work out the same way. Maybe not, my father's grinder, same one, gets more use and has lasted 5-6 years w/ no problems.

   I think the best advice I ever got from a neighbor who did lots of work on things, but had little money was buy the cheapest power tool if you have to, but put really good blades and bits in it. Most of his power tools were cheap, but with good blades and bits they don't have to work as hard, and they last him a long time.

   I actually bought a cheap set of drill bits once that wouldn't even drill pine very well. After a couple of holes they would untwist the flutes, and one twisted into almost a perfect circle. Soft steel makes a poor drill bit.

   Then again I have a cheap tap and die set I bought at one of these. Good for me because most taps I will seldom or ever need. The couple sizes I use a lot I buy good taps. But, for the once every 5 years I need a 5/16 thread it's great. Mostly gets used to touch up dinged threads.

   For tools you seldom use, they can be a good deal. Usually better to have a set of cheap cold chizels then not have one at all. Just keep that grinder handy to sharpen them.