Pawn shops, Good place for tools?

[bogydave]

I don't make it a point to shop at pawn shops but have got some good deals if you know what your'e after. You guys in the "Lower 48" should have a good selection of pawn shops. Anybody getting any great deals?
The last time I checked one out I got a Bostich framing nail gun for $100.
They had several staplers & brad nailers.
Do you always offer 50% of what they're asking?

[Don]

I've never bought anything from a pawn shop even though I know a lot of people do and get great deals. To me, tools in a pawn shop represent some else's hardship. Most people make their living with their tools or simply love having them - for them to end up in a pawn shop means they needed money fast or they were stolen. If a guy simply does not need a tool anymore they usually don't run to the pawn shop to sell it.

That's my thoughts, but I know it's not mainstream and I know it's not going to curtail pawnshop activity. I also know that there is an equal number of guys that need the best price for tools so they can have their chance at making a living too.

If I'm looking for the cheapest price on something I usually go to Horror Freight - I recently got a 28 degree framing nailer for $59 on sale. (for the bay window project) works like a champ for no more framing that I'm going to be doing.

Growing up around shops in the south, it was kinda a joke that if your tools were stolen, you knew exactly where to go and get them back, you could be back on the site with your same stuff the next day.

I don't know anything about the pricing in these shops.

dawjr

[thekl0wn]

I'd have to agree with Don. It's a shame, but I can walk into a pawn shop and pick out quite a few items that I know who they belong to... From tools to audio equipment to wheels/tires to guns. And often times know that the owners are looking to get this stuff back, but can't prove it's theirs...

Nothing against the shops, it's just that they seem to attract the crowd that scares me most of the time... Plus they have small parking lots, and I REFUSE to park next to anyone who already has door dings, so I rarely get to go ruffle through...

IMO, the tools there are over-priced for what they are... And often times are a bit more "used" than other venues.

[bogydave]

I didn't think in those terms. The shop I went into had shelves full of brand new (China imports) cheap tools. Not much of a selection of good used tools. I think they are like the road side vendors who sell junk.
Hate to think the nail gun I bought was stolen. I figured a guy bought it, built what he needed & pawned it to buy a case of beer to celebrate with his buddies. I'm probably being naive.

[Terry Mac]

I like flea markets and swap meets better then pawn shops. Looking for old tools, I general hover around these places. Pawn shops though you got to be real careful with, sure some of the stuff is stolen, but other stuff is pawned because its broke and couldn't be sold. I know a framing nailer I bought from a pawn shop that the trigger was broke, but had been super glued back on, which I didn't know about until I started using it. Needless to say, me and the store manager had a little talk. Otherwise, pawn shops are a good source for finding parts; old machines or hand tools that are in horrible shape, but can be parted out for cheap.

As for where to begin the dickering, I usually start at a low-ball price, but reasonable, then go from there. After about two or three back and forths, if they won't budge, I tell'em to have a nice day and start walking out. Amazing how that works at times.

[woodman43]

Well since I make my living with my tools I usually try to buy my tools new. I have bought a couple things in pawn shops though. A almost brand new cordless drill, should have known better, didn't last very long. A framing nailer which I needed for work on a Burger King. Knew I wouldn't use it much because I generaly use screws, so bought a used one to save a few hundred bucks.

[bogydave]

I haven't gone out of my way to shop at pawn shops but, seem to check them out a couple times a year. It is a different culture at Pawn shops, Theklown noted. The guy at the counter is always on the shady looking side (I always figure he's packin). Seem to have allot of nail guns (might be a gun thing). The 2 I have in AK have mostly junk.
I've had my best luck at garage sales & especially moving sales. You can usually plug the electric tools in & see if they work ok. Tools sometimes are in a box for $5.

[Jammin]

Stay away from pawn shop tools. They are either stolen or all used up.