second hand tools
Antique, collectable, secondhand and new craftsman's hand tools

Seaton, Devon, England

 
About us

Gerry Dawson

I became interested in tools when Carol bought a box of carpenters tools at an auction. A year or so later we started a stall at Bridport Market in Dorset specialising in traditional tools for the wood and metal working trades and others. In the early 1980’s we established a retail shop in East Devon and then, following the sale of that business, another shop was opened in Wiltshire. In September of 2004 I left that to start a similar business trading mainly on the Internet under the name of secondhandtools.co.uk.

gerry dawson

Carol Dawson

I did a lot of the buying for the market stall and can remember thinking I had made a mistake to buy a box of old tools! Since then, however, tools have been part of my life but with four children I was mostly in the background of the business. Recently I gave up my part time job to concentrate on the internet side of the business and be able to do a bit more with the family and friends.

 

carol dawson

Something close to our hearts

We have two beloved grandchildren - both boys. When our first grandson was 10 months old - a very healthy, happy little boy - he became very poorly one Sunday morning and by the evening was diagnosed with severe meningitis and septicaemia. Somehow he hung on to life, was rushed to the Cosmic Unit at St. Mary's, Paddington by a brilliant recovery team and against all odds survived. He is now again a happy little boy but with long term effects to live with.

We are so grateful to the staff of the COSMIC Unit. They work with very sick children and desperate parents with great skill, care and empathy. Also our great thanks to the help and support of the Meningitis Research Foundataion. To the right are the links to the websites of both the bodies. Please, please make yourselves familiar with the symptoms of Meningitis (and the 24 hour helpline). Meningitis strikes all ages, the effects are devastating and it is very, very fast. Know your child and follow your instincts - better to make a fuss and be in error than to lose a loved one.

Finally, both the COSMIC Unit and the Meningitis Research Foundation do a brilliant job but desperately need funds for research and to support those who have not been lucky. On each site there is a link for donations

 

In stock
Items in stock. CLICK the titles below to see the full selection
book - tools for woodwork
book - engineers tools
book - antiques from the garden

 

Tool search

If you are looking for a particular tool we offer a free tool search

Email us with full details and we will try to source the item within the next two weeks.