Do you take any testing gear on your thrift store runs?

[GatorDude]

I've been brainstorming things to take on a thrift store runs. Here are some things that I think would be useful:

http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/8199913/the_thrift_store_survival_kit.html?cat=46

Do you take anything to help you test stereos, computers, and other gear?  What about to examine potential finds more closely?

[Jay2TheRescue]

Years ago before the price on real milk glass crashed, I used to bring a battery operated black light with me.

[Big Daddy Audio]

The Goodwills around me have a good return policy, so test equipment isn't as critical.  All the stores have cables,v playable media, etc. so you can do modest tests right in the store.  There are exceptions - I'd have no way to test a mini-disk player/recorder in a store (but it's not something I'd look for anyway, so that's a moot point).  Everything else is close inspection.

It's a good idea, though.  I usually have in my car my ipod and a patch cord to use as a music source for amplifiers.  I also bring a small set of headphones.

Some things are hard to test in a thrift store - CB radios for one.  You don't have access to the correct voltage, an antenna is required (which won't likely be there) and the microphone may be damaged or missing.  Without those things, they are hard to test.   

[FleaQueen]

The only testing gear I'm never without is a tape measure and a pair of reading glasses. 

The tape measure is mainly for when I'm looking for something for myself.  I can't tell you how many times I was so thrilled to get some super-desirable item in my size, only to find out when I got home that they were my size only in theory.

In reality, they would only fit me if I were 25 pounds lighter, or five inches shorter.   

I'm usually on a thrift run (multiple stores) so even if a store has a changing room, I don't have the time to try anything on.

The reading glasses are for reading the teensy marks on jewelry.

www.fullservicebohemian.blogspot.com

[GatorDude]

My wife seems to have the doesn't fit problem with shoes.  She doesn't like to try them on in the store. She likes to bring 'em home and lysol them good first.  But, sometimes a 9 isn't really a 9.  It all depends on the manufacturer. 

[subversivegrrl]

When I'm on a really serious hunt - and when I'm prepared! - I take a small blacklight, a pocket tape measure, and (not strictly "testing" so much as "is this just goop or is it damage") a pack of wet wipes and a Magic Eraser.  Plus the wipes are handy for afterward, when my hands are sometimes really cruddy.  I do that at antique malls, too, not just thrifts.

[valleythriftshopper]

The magic eraser is a good idea, I have wished many times at a thrift store that I had one to see if something is cleanable.  Having an assortment of batteries would also be a good idea as the Salvation Army here doesn't test items without batteries in them. 

[FleaQueen]

What's a Magic Eraser?

www.fullservicebohemian.blogspot.com

[Jay2TheRescue]

http://www.mrclean.com/en_US/magic-eraser.do

[brianrhc]

Good suggestions. I also take a pocket magnifier. For electronics without ability to plug in, could use a multitester. As to web access, have a blackberry but web is s..l..o..w.. Can others recommend better web mobile devices?

[Good Buddy]

I guess faster web access is based on the 3G, 4G thing these days. 4G is all the rage and processor speed is obviously going to be a HUGE issue as well. I'm sure there's other factors, but a tablet seems to be the way to go. Not us yet, but we'll be joining the "Joneses" sooner than later I'm sure.

I've done no research on 4G or Tablets, but heck, this is the internet and I'm sure Consumer Reports and Wired magazine have Tablet ratings.

[valleythriftshopper]

What's a Magic Eraser?

www.fullservicebohemian.blogspot.com

Wow, I'm surprised you don't know the wonders of the magic easer sponge since you deal in antiques, they are a dealers best friend, IMO.  You can usually get just about any stain off anything with one of those, or at least make it look alot better.  Also they sell no name eraser sponges at Dollar Tree if you have those stores in your area.  They work just as well.  The sponges don't have a long life though, even the Mr. Clean brand.  A few tough jobs and they start to fall apart.  Still invaluable though!

[valleythriftshopper]

Good suggestions. I also take a pocket magnifier. For electronics without ability to plug in, could use a multitester. As to web access, have a blackberry but web is s..l..o..w.. Can others recommend better web mobile devices?

An IPhone would most likely give you fast reliable service, unless you live out in the sticks.  In some areas around here you can't get a connection even with 4G.  My sister had a blackberry before she got an IPhone and I don't remember it being super slow, she used AT&T with her blackberry. 

[brianrhc]

Thanks on web surfing. I'm also thinking a 4G tablet but will wait to see lower price. The issue with my BB, and it's an older model, is not only slowness but unless the site has a .mobi app (which most of interest to me don't), hard to read and navigate display.