Learning to Collect Antique Hand Tools

Certainly, people who are handy with their tools can go to the DIY section of a home improvement store and salivate over all the high-quality tools their are on display. There's another side to the love of tools you see in those who really love working with their hands the love of antique hand tools that they just have to collect.

The surprising thing with antique hand tools today is that these aren't as much of a niche item as you might expect. These have been gaining in popularity not just among collectors but among actual people who choose to buy these over something brand-new to get actual work done. There's so much interest currently in antique hand tools that there is research being done, there are books being written and there are fan clubs being formed all the time.

What gets a collector started collecting antique hand tools?

Have you ever seen one of those bumper stickers that go "Engineers build the world"? That's probably an engineer in the driver's seat; nevertheless, fans of antique hand tools look at their collection and think that it's these early tools that have helped bring the world where it is today. From the Mona Lisa to the space shuttle to the iPod, everything in the world started with these hands tools. And it ives these collectors a shiver of excitement to get back to the roots of the modern world.

The great thing about getting into such an area of interest is that you get to meet all these people around the country and the world who share your interest. Being a collector of any description is a great way to meet people.

If you've been into tools for a while, you have to wonder at some point if you're ever going to have seen it all. Even well-seasoned toolies from time to time come across something that's been purpose-built for a job that they never thought had a dedicated tool before. The technical name they have for it of course is the ever-convenient stand-in, "Doohickey".

So how do you actually get into collecting antique hand tools? Where do you start? Usually, starting with a brand name is a good idea. You identify a classic toolmaker something well loved like a Stanley or a Windsor or a Miller for instance and you start collecting their tools. The idea here would be to collect everything from the one manufacturer that you've picked. Pick a brand like Stanley and you really set yourself up for a demanding hobby there are thousands of tools under that brand name. For sanity's sake, you could do something like confining yourself to a particular kind of tool by the maker.

There are all kinds of other possible involvements in antique hand tools that you could get into. Some try to track the evolution of a toolmaker and learn everything possible about tools by that maker.These are other people who can take a look at a tool and identify it right away. Others try to gain expertise in the artistry that is to be seen in tools. These are people who admire the esthetic in how tools look. The Art of Fine Tools by Sandor Nagyszalanczy explains how this is done.

You could collect antique hand tools as a kind of investment. If you have a rare tool in good condition, it could fetch tens of thousands dollars. If the tool has been provably owned by someone famous, that could add to its value. You'll find a great market for antique tools on eBay.

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