The Joy of Second Hand Jewellery Tools

New tools are always exciting and if they are second hand but new-to-you that's even better. Our school has plenty of tools which had a life before they came to us and they make our workshop a richer and more exciting place. Connecting us with the jewellers who used them before us and the jewellers who will use them next.

WHY ARE SECOND HAND TOOLS SO FANTASTIC?

Vintage tools can often be really well made - if they have lasted long enough to be second, third or even fourth hand then they must be good quality.

Second hand tools are going to be cheaper than new ones so you can buy better quality or stretch your tool budget a little bit further.

It's far better for the planet - if you can bring an old tool back to life and use it then a new one doesn't need to be made and there will be less in landfill.

Jewellery and metal smithing is a long standing traditional trade, reusing old tools keeps that link with the history of jewellery making alive in your workshop.

WHERE TO BUY SECOND HAND TOOLS

There are lots of places to buy used jewellery tools both online and in real life.

If you are shopping online then try eBay, Facebook market place or Gumtree, If there are specific tools you are after then set up saved searches and they'll send you a notification when tools matching your search terms are listed.

Facebook also have plenty of jewellery makers and metal smiths groups and many of those allow members to list tools for sale. Join any groups that are relevant to you (make sure they are in your local or national area) and keep your eyes open or make a post asking for the tools you are after.

Auction houses often have their catalogues and auctions online. Register with your local auction house - especially if it deals with closed businesses and liquidised companies - and, if they offer it, set up a saved search for notifications.

If you are shopping in person then start searching car boot sales and flea markets, you can sometimes find a gem in there and meet the person who used it first.

Junk shops, vintage shops and even antiques shops are always worth a look. And as jewellers tools are quite specialist make sure you have a good rummage as people often don't know what the tools are so they may be mislabelled.

Charity shops might have books, materials or electricals - they don't often have tools but you could try what they do with any that are donated.

Visit an auction house in person - you might check the catalogue online first to see if they have what you need but placing your bids in person can be really fun.

And don't forget to talk to friends and family - people often have tools and useful things stashed away and if they don't use them then they would be happy to donate them to support your hobby or business.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR - HOW TO CHOOSE GOOD TOOLS

Make sure the tools are in a good usable condition. They might be a bargain but if you can't use them then pass them by.

Don't limit yourself to specific jewellers tools - engineers tools, carpenters tools or even DIY tools can all be repurposed to work in your studio. Files, dividers,

If it is an electrical tool - drill, pendant motor etc then make sure you check the cord and body of the tool are in good condition. You might want to get them checked or PAT tested by an electrician.

Make sure handles are still sturdy and well attached - a wobbly handle on a saw or hammer can be dangerous.

Check that the working faces of the tool - file faces, rolling mill rollers or stamp ends for example - are in a good condition or are suitable for your use. If hammer face is dented or pitted it will make your work - but if you intend to use it for texturing that would be a great thing.

HOW TO CLEAN THEM UP

If your new-to-you tools are dirty or rusty metal then give them a wipe down with vinegar and then oil with a machine oil such as 3 in 1 oil. If they are really rusty see our guide to reviving rusty tools here. Wooden handles might need a quick sand down and can be sealed with varnish, wood oil or wax. Moving parts should be greased or oiled and any dirt or debris removed. Edges or points can be sharpened on a grind stone or sharpening stone.

Most importantly, use them often. Tools thrive when they are in your hand so the more you use them the better.

If you are in the market for some new-to-you tools ( or if you have some to sell) join us for our second hand tool sale at our annual spring open day and second hand tool sale on May 10th and find some terrific tools for your workshop.