My first set of auto body hammers.

January 28, 2014

Ever since I started teaching myself how to do auto body work, I have been wanting to buy a good set of auto body hammers and dollies. When I checked the catalog of Snap-on and Mac Tools, the prices of their tools are way above the regular tools in the market. I guess quality tools does not come cheap. 

The very first auto body hammer I bought was a hammer that I purchased at a local swap meet for $3. I bought it so that I could have something to use while I am refining my welding skills. 

Every time I go to Pomona swap meet, I would check out if anyone is selling Snap-on or Mac tools but I can’t seem to spot anybody selling them. I also did not have any luck finding them at vintage VW shows in southern California. I have been checking the website Craigslist.com everyday but majority of the auto body hammers being sold there the cheap ones. 

Finally, I had an idea. I decided to check out the items being sold in Craigslist.com outside California. I spotted a guy selling 3 Snap-on body hammers and 2 dollies for $180. I called the phone number listed on the ad and a guy answered the phone. When I told him that I am from California, he became a bit suspicious and did not really wanted to talk to me. 

It took another two weeks or so before I found another advertisement in Craigslist.com and this time from a person in the state of Michigan. The guy from Michigan was selling 3 Mac tools body hammers, 3 Mac dollies and 1 Mac  light spoon for $120. After studying the pictures in the ad, I decided to call the phone number in the ad. An old timer with a southern accent answered the phone and after I told him that I am calling from California, he told me that he does not want to deal with long distance buyers. I did not want to lose this one and so I had to explain to him that I am a legitimate buyer and I am willing to send them the money via US postal money order. I also explained to him that the U.S. postal money order is known to be the safest way to send money to someone you do not know. He then said that he will talk to his wife who will be the one to decide if we will proceed with the transaction. 

After I hang up with the guy, I waited for a couple of hours. After no call came in, I decided to send a text to the old guy and gave him my home address, work & home phone number and where I work. I finally got an email from the wife of the old guy who told me that they are willing to sell me their Mac tools if I send them the money via US postal money order. I got a call from the lady seller the following day and she seemed very nice. She and her husband are now retired people living in a small town where neighbors live a bit of a distance from each other. Though I am a bit hesitant to send money to total strangers, I figure that these folks are worth the gamble because there are no huge indicators that tells me that they will run away with the money.

It took 5 days to my check to reach Michigan using a first class mail stamp. I received a text from the seller informing me that that they got the check and they are now on their way to the postal office to mail me the tools. After 3 days, a box arrived at my doorstep and when I opened the box, I found the Mac tools in good condition. 

Today, tested the hammers & dollies on some damage vintage bus hubcaps. I felt more comfortable with the Mac tools because they are solid and handles better. 

I read an article written in an auto body fabrication forum that tells people to continue buying different styles of dollies because you will always find a way to use them as you continue working on auto bodies.