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RabidBlackSquirrel t1_j8igyb8 wrote

I've debriefed the missus on tool brands to look for at yard/estate sales. Anything Snapon, MAC, Matco, really anything that looks older and labeled made in USA or Germany is a grab it and review item.

A LOT of vintage MCM furniture goes unlabeled, or has been shabby-chic'd/Pinterested and can be had for pennies and restored/rescued. A lot of authentic MCM furniture is BIFL, especially Danish, Swedish, and many American brands. Plus, the designs are timeless.

FB marketplace is decent, I have better luck selling than buying though. You MUST be fast. I got a Dewalt DWS780 with cart for $250, but I answered within minutes of posting and was across town with cash in minutes. It's a $750+ saw new. There's deals on FB, but it's not for casual viewing if it's something desirable like tools. Furniture is an easier FB buy - a lot is posted due to logistical problems ("I'm moving and need this gone now"). I have a truck and can take stuff all on my own and fast, makes me an easy sell versus the other buyer who has to coordinate shit. When selling, I give the same kind of preference, I just want the thing gone.

eBay is tough - most people know what they're selling and deals can be hard to find given that listings need to be keyword heavy to get views. Harder to "sift through the pile" so to speak, just the nature of the platform.

Thrift stores in my area are picked through before stuff hits the floor. Still worth browsing, but the best items are long gone before I'll ever see them.

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Xyspade t1_j8jrw42 wrote

>labeled made in USA or Germany

I'd add Japan to that list, their cars and a lot of their appliances and electronics were and are top of the line. They know what they're doing.

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TheMrDrB t1_j8k2tln wrote

Anyone can make a really good product. But anyone can also make complete crap. I've had USA made tools fall apart in my hand and Chinese made tools survive the Gauntlet that is my job. A good example of a USA made tool being trashy is the Matco eighty8 tool line. I one one of each drive for the series and all 4 have been back to the tool truck for a rebuild within 6 months. On the flip side I've had my Chinese built Proto 45 tooth ratchet for over 5 years without incident. I know that tooth counts matter and that it may be an unfair comparison but that's just my 2 cents on the matter i suppose.

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hudstr t1_j8k80oq wrote

I wouldn't tell that to someone who doesn't who doesn't know much about tools. Most of the tap and die sets I see at garage sales are made in Japan probably from the 80s or 90s and are absolute garbage. They were sold and priced like what Harbor Freight is today.

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Dear_Watson t1_j8jxr4m wrote

For furniture Facebook marketplace is incredible if you’re fast and ready to pickup. Me and my girlfriend managed to snag a full leather couch/chair set with matching side tables for $200 because the seller had bought a new set and realized they would never use this one in the basement. Not even sure of the brand but the couch is full grain black leather and the side tables are solid steel and glass. Probably cost about $2-3k new if I had to guess. It’s a little older for sure, but it’s probably the most comfortable couch I’ve ever used

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vena_cava91 t1_j8l8tdr wrote

How do you identify the quality furniture and MCM?

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