14 Garage Tools and Shop Items That Car People Love to Collect

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Vintage Snap-On Wrenches

Vintage Snap-On wrenches are a coveted item for car enthusiasts, often found in old garages or workshops. These wrenches are known for their high quality and precision, making them ideal for mechanics and collectors alike. Snap-On tools have a reputation for durability, and their vintage wrenches are even more desirable due to their historical value and craftsmanship.

They were originally designed for professional use, but their iconic branding and solid construction have made them highly sought after by collectors. Depending on the condition, a single vintage Snap-On wrench can fetch anywhere from $50 to $200, with rare models reaching even higher values. Many collectors prefer to restore these wrenches to their original condition, enhancing both their functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Old Gas Cans

Old metal gas cans are another popular item in the world of car collecting. While they were once practical items for fueling vehicles, they have now become nostalgic artifacts from a time when cars and gas stations were different. These cans are often decorated with vintage branding, adding to their charm. Many car collectors are drawn to these items because of their connection to automotive history.

Some of the more collectible cans are those from well-known oil companies like Shell, Texaco, and Esso. Prices for old gas cans can range from $30 to $150, depending on the condition and rarity of the design. Cans in good condition, particularly those with original paint and markings, are considered the most valuable. For those interested in vintage automobilia, gas cans are a must-have item.

Classic Car Jacks

A classic car jack is a tool that many collectors treasure for its historical significance and use in automotive repair. These jacks were once an essential part of every garage, particularly for car owners who worked on their vehicles themselves. They often have a distinctive look, with heavy-duty metal frames and robust construction.

The design of these jacks, whether hydraulic or screw-based, offers a glimpse into the engineering practices of past decades. A well-maintained classic car jack can be a valuable addition to any collection, with prices varying from $50 to $300. Older models from brands like Hein-Werner or Arcan are particularly sought after. Collectors value these jacks for both their practicality and their unique design, often pairing them with vintage car lifts or other classic shop tools.

Vintage Creepers

Vintage creepers are a unique and functional item for car enthusiasts. These low-profile platforms on wheels were designed to allow mechanics to slide under vehicles easily and are a nostalgic reminder of the era before modern hydraulic lifts and portable ramps. The wooden or metal-framed creepers from the mid-20th century often feature vintage padding and unique designs, with some even sporting custom upholstery.

Over the years, these creepers have become a valuable item for collectors, especially those who are passionate about preserving the tools and equipment of past generations. A vintage creeper in good condition can be worth between $75 and $250, depending on the maker and condition. Collectors often look for brands such as Proto or Craftsman, as these were known for producing high-quality, durable creepers.

Early Model Air Compressors

Early model air compressors, especially those from well-known manufacturers like Craftsman or Dewalt, are a prized possession for car enthusiasts. These tools were essential for tasks such as inflating tires and powering pneumatic tools, making them a staple in any professional or home mechanic’s garage. Collectors are often drawn to these compressors due to their vintage industrial design and the nostalgia they evoke.

The earlier models, often from the 1940s to 1960s, feature heavy-duty metal frames and large, exposed pumps. Depending on their condition and working order, these compressors can fetch anywhere from $100 to $400. The most valuable models are typically those with rare features or those that still function as intended. For many car collectors, owning a working early model air compressor is a nod to the history of automotive repair.

Antique Oil Cans and Funnels

Antique oil cans and funnels are another favorite for car collectors, offering a glimpse into the past of car maintenance. These items were once essential for oil changes and other maintenance tasks, and their vintage appeal lies in their design and branding. Early oil cans were often made of metal, with classic logos and slogans from oil companies that are now long gone.

Some collectors focus on finding rare designs or particular branding, such as cans from independent gas stations or regional oil brands. Antique oil cans can range in price from $40 to $150, with rare brands or limited-edition designs commanding higher values. Many collectors also appreciate the craftsmanship of the funnels, which were often handmade with unique shapes and features. These items, when found in good condition, can serve as both functional tools and decorative pieces in a vintage garage or workshop.

Vintage Automotive Clocks

Vintage automotive clocks, often seen in old car dealerships or garages, are a great addition to any collection. These clocks, typically made of metal or glass, were designed to be mounted in garages or used as promotional tools by car manufacturers. They are highly collectible due to their historical significance and their association with a bygone era of automotive advertising. Some vintage clocks feature neon lights or unique designs that make them particularly attractive to collectors.

Depending on their brand, design, and condition, these clocks can be worth anywhere from $75 to $500. The most sought-after models are often those from well-known automotive companies like Ford or Chevrolet, especially those with neon or porcelain faces. These clocks not only add a sense of nostalgia to a collection but also serve as functional items for any car lover’s garage.

Vintage Spark Plug Boxes

Vintage spark plug boxes are a highly collectible item for those who enjoy the history of automotive tools and parts. These boxes, often made of cardboard or metal, were used to store spark plugs in bulk and were frequently found in car repair shops and garages. The most valuable spark plug boxes are those from well-known brands such as AC, Champion, or Autolite.

Collectors appreciate these boxes for their unique designs and the way they reflect the marketing and packaging trends of their time. Prices for vintage spark plug boxes can range from $30 to $150, depending on the brand and the condition of the box. Some collectors focus on acquiring spark plug boxes in excellent condition, while others enjoy the challenge of restoring them to their original state. For car enthusiasts who enjoy hunting for rare automotive memorabilia, vintage spark plug boxes are a must-have item.

Old Tire Repair Kits

Old tire repair kits, especially those from the mid-20th century, are another item that car collectors find interesting. These kits were once an essential part of every vehicle owner’s toolkit, designed to help repair flat tires without needing to replace them entirely. Vintage tire repair kits often feature unique packaging and include rubber plugs, tools for removing nails or other debris, and even tire patches.

The most collectible kits are those that have their original packaging and are in good condition. Prices for these kits can range from $30 to $100, depending on the rarity and condition of the kit. Some collectors focus on tire repair kits from specific car manufacturers or brands, adding to the historical significance of their collection. While not as commonly found today, these kits remain a nostalgic reminder of automotive history.

Old Shop Signs

Old shop signs, particularly those from automotive repair shops or gas stations, are valuable collector’s items for many car enthusiasts. These signs were once used to advertise services like oil changes, tire repair, and car washes, and they often feature bold colors and vintage typography. The most coveted signs are those from long-defunct brands or those with unique, eye-catching designs.

Collectors are drawn to these signs not only for their historical value but also for their potential to add a vintage touch to any automotive-themed space. Prices for old shop signs can vary greatly, with rare signs fetching anywhere from $100 to over $1,000. The condition of the sign plays a big role in its value, with those in near-mint condition being the most sought after.

Antique Shop Vices

Antique shop vices are a staple in many car collector workshops due to their durability and usefulness. These heavy-duty tools, often made of cast iron or steel, were used to securely hold objects in place during repairs or restorations. Vintage vices from well-known brands like Wilton or Yost are highly sought after by collectors because of their rugged construction and historical significance.

They were originally built to last, and many of them still function perfectly today. Depending on the brand and condition, an antique shop vice can be worth anywhere from $75 to $300. The most valuable models tend to have rare features, such as a swivel base or unique design elements. Collectors value these vices not only for their practicality but also for the craftsmanship and attention to detail found in older models.

Vintage Automotive Grease Guns

Vintage automotive grease guns are a unique item that many collectors find intriguing. These tools were once essential for lubricating car parts, ensuring smooth operation and extending the life of critical components like bearings and ball joints. The design of vintage grease guns is quite different from the modern, more efficient models, with many featuring manual pumps and metal canisters.

Collectors are drawn to these vintage tools due to their historical significance and their connection to older automotive maintenance practices. Depending on the brand and condition, a vintage grease gun can range in price from $40 to $150. Some rare models, especially those with unique designs or logos, can be even more valuable. Vintage grease guns are often found in garage sales or estate auctions and can be restored for further use or displayed as a piece of automotive history.

Old Mechanics Toolboxes

Old mechanics toolboxes, particularly those made of metal or wood, are a cherished item among collectors. These toolboxes were once used to store and organize a mechanic’s tools, and their vintage design often includes intricate latches, handles, and custom compartments. The best models come from well-known brands like Kennedy or Craftsman, which are still respected today for their quality craftsmanship.

The appeal of these toolboxes lies in their rugged design and the fact that they often hold a bit of history within them, many were passed down through generations of mechanics. Depending on the age and condition, old mechanics toolboxes can be worth between $75 and $400. Some collectors focus on boxes with original paint or branding, while others are more interested in restoring and using them for their own collections. These toolboxes serve as a functional and nostalgic reminder of automotive repair’s golden age.

Vintage Floor Drains

Vintage floor drains, especially those found in older auto repair shops or garages, are a quirky but fascinating item for collectors. These floor drains were designed to direct oils, water, and other fluids away from the workspace, keeping the floor clean and safe. Many vintage floor drains feature designs that reflect the engineering style of the era, with some made from cast iron and adorned with unique logos or markings.

Collectors often search for these drains due to their rarity, as they are no longer commonly made with the same level of craftsmanship. Depending on the brand and condition, a vintage floor drain can fetch anywhere from $50 to $200. The most desirable models are those that still function or are in near-mint condition, often serving as both functional items and decorative pieces in a vintage garage. For those passionate about preserving automotive history, a vintage floor drain can be an exciting addition to any collection.

This article originally appeared on Avocadu.