How do I sort tons of tools in my garage?

Sis
by Sis

Husband passed and there is a ton of tools in garage. How do I start sorting/cleaning/all of that. I know nothing about what they are. Family too busy and apprehensive about hiring anyone that could be trusted.

  7 answers
  • Joy30150932 Joy30150932 on Dec 11, 2018

    Start slowly and gather the tools that are similar such as wrenches, then drills, then screwdrivers. Sort the larger tools into one area. Boxes of screws together, nail, bolts, Place the small items in a box and mark the boxes as to what is in it. Be sure to keep a hammer, screwdrivers of all kinds, nails of different sizes, hooks, screws, small battery operated drill, drills, level, stud finder for yourself as you will eventually need to repair or hang something in your home.

  • So so sorry for your loss Sis. Uh sorry, family should never be too busy to help you out in this time of need. That's unconscionable. Do you have a girlfriend whose husband is handy, that you trust? A good neighbor? Anyone at your church? At least for identification purposes? Tools are expensive and even if you want to sell them for money you need to know their worth. Plus you should keep at least a basic toolkit for yourself, hammer or two, different size screwdrivers, assorted wrenches, channel locks, etc. If you can get someone to help you identify each tool, then tape a post it note to it. Then when you have time you can look up and Google each item to learn about it and it's worth.

  • Sis Sis on Dec 11, 2018

    I know, it's hard to ask family when you know they should help. Some live out of toiwn, so distance is a problem. I will try sorting similar tools. At least its a start. Thank you for your help!

  • Beth Beth on Dec 11, 2018

    First, you have my sympathy for your loss. I think Joy's suggestion is a good one, and I do think you should ask someone to help you sort things out. Then, call the nearest Habitat for Humanity Restore and take everything there. They sell these things and use the profits to build homes for the less fortunate, who help build their own homes so they are invested in them. It is one of the most worthy causes I know of.

  • Seth Seth on Dec 11, 2018

    Sis,

    I'm sorry for your loss. This must be so hard for you. Do you have a senior center where you live? They may have volunteers who can assist you.

  • Oliva Oliva on Dec 12, 2018

    Hi, Sis,

    I'm very sorry for the loss of your spouse.

    Naomie is correct about tools being costly, so I'd definitely seek assistance from a trusted friend or their spouse to identify these tools. You may wish to advertise what you have for sale, rather than making donations of them, but you need to be educated about what you have, so no one takes advantage of you.

    Should you decide to sell, make sure you have someone else with you, just for security or support. Don't be in a rush to dispose or sell all of the tools at once, as this size project can be daunting. I wish you well.

  • Karen Thorne Karen Thorne on Dec 12, 2018

    Take tools that look alike and group them together. If you don't have a clue what they are, take pictures and look them up online or go to a hardware store and mark what it is on or near the picture. Next, go to eBay and look up those tools. This can give you a great idea how much that used tool, in that condition, is selling for. Lower that price a little because, they are only worth what someone will pay for them and there you have it. Good luck.