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Prices may have risen too high.
"I have backed off a lot of wrenches because of the price," he said. "A wrench that used to go for $15 might go for $100 now. I'm afraid they're getting close to the limit (on price)."
Still, for the new collector, tons of common wrenches are both easily available and affordable. And while the novice builds a collection, rather than worry about high-end wrenches, Joe advised, he should concentrate on learning about the lowly tool.
The top four wrenches are patented by J.P. Johannson of Enkoping, Sweden, and manufactured by the Bocho Co. From the top: a pipe wrench patented in 1888; the company's first adjustable crescent-style wrench, patented in 1892; a jubilee wrench, part of a 1998 celebration of the company's 100,000,000th wrench; a bottle opener and case used as a commemorative piece on the 100th anniversary of the company's first adjustable wrench. The bottom wrench is a leaf adjust wrench patented by Albert Courtright in June 1896, manufactured by the Indianapolis Wrench and Stamping Co.
"Don't just get the wrenches," he said. "Get the information about them, too. That's what makes this real interesting. The idea of just having a wrench doesn't give you that much satisfaction, but knowing the story behind them does."
That said, Joe always keeps an eye open for additions to his collection.
"I'm always looking, no matter where I go," he said. "Flea markets, wrench auctions, gas engine shows ..."
He also makes trades with members of the Mid-West Tool Collectors and the Missouri Valley Wrench Club.
Collectors in those groups, he says, agree that condition of an antique wrench is not as important as it is with other collectibles.