DIY antiques a practical choice for collectors

It’s Father’s Day this weekend, so I hope all the dads out there have a lovely one.

With us all spending time at home this spring, I wonder how much extra DIY has been going on? One of the busiest stalls in the centre is our vintage tools specialists, and in the past, I’ve had many interesting chats with their regulars finding out what’s the appeal!

It seems that many DIY enthusiasts, serious woodworkers, and professional builders and craftspeople develop a preference for working with vintage and antique tools for reasons of quality, reliability and durability.

For others, collecting antique tools for interest and display has become a popular hobby in its own right. Some seek tools they remember using in younger years, or watching a parent or grandparent use. Many are fascinated by the ongoing design and technology of tools, and hunting out unusual tools or categories of tools. The vintage tool market value has risen steadily over the years.

Carefully researched and sought, antique tools can give a good return for your investment. Many people specialise in collections of a particular type of tool, or made by specific manufacturers. Hand tools can be organised into a number of categories. First there are the striking tools, such as hammers, axes and hatchets. Cutting tools include chisels and knives, with saws in a class by themselves.