I've developed this habit of saving all the boxes for my high-value Lie-Nielsen tools. I don't have any intention of selling them, and my family will have to deal with them when I'm gone. However, I'm running out of closet space, and I can't help but wonder if it's time to recycle those boxes. Should I keep them or let them go?
3 Answers
I still keep mine just because collectors are serious about having the original packaging. But if you're tight on space, maybe just flatten them out to save room. Lie-Nielsen boxes are useful for shipping, so if you think you might need to return any tools for repairs, that could be a good reason to keep them.
Honestly, I think tossing the boxes is a smart move. If you're actually using the tools, the people interested in them probably aren't going to care about the original boxes anyway. Plus, those boxes just take up space and make it harder to access your tools quickly.
Not a dumb question at all! I get why people keep boxes for resale value, especially in collectible markets like vintage tools. But personally, I'm with the 'user over collector' mindset. I use my tools, so I don't worry about keeping the boxes or their condition. If you’re not planning to sell, I say let them go.
Great tip! I never thought about flattening them. That's a smart way to minimize space.