Hey everyone! I'm currently assembling my own Anarchist's Toolchest and have had great luck finding most items at garage sales and auctions. However, I'm still missing auger bits, and I haven't seen any at local auctions or garage sales around the Twin Cities. I heard there might be 'bins of them at flea markets, all priced at 25 cents each,' but I haven't been able to locate such a market. I've found some sets on eBay for around $100, but I'd love to find a more affordable option—like around $3.25! If anyone has tips on where to find sets of auger bits for cheap, I'd really appreciate it!
5 Answers
If you're set on going vintage, keep your expectations realistic! For an Irwin or Jennings set, you might end up spending $50-70 typically. If you’re okay with new bits, try getting some wood owls in the sizes you need since I mainly use just two or three sizes from my set.
Don’t forget to check out Habitat for Humanity ReStores. They usually have bins filled with loose bits, and you might find some good deals there!
Honestly, I've gotten lucky with eBay and have about three sets all at reasonable prices there. Just keep your options open—sometimes you can find good deals if you're patient.
Yeah, I wish I could find Irwin or Jennings brace bits for just $3 too! I had to spend around $30 for one set at an estate sale and about $20 for another. When I'm at swap meets or estates, I usually grab loose brace bits for $2-3 if the spurs are in good shape. I once scored a small set of Craftsman bits for $5, but those were rare finds!
Garage sales and estate sales are good bets! But honestly, finding them for 25 cents is getting super rare these days since the book was written almost 15 years ago. Keep scouring those sales, though; you never know what might pop up!