What increases appraisal value the most?

Working condition, completeness, and originality increase appraisal value the most, in that order, with rarity and documentation close behind. A tool that runs (or functions) as intended, comes with its original parts and accessories, and hasn't been altered from its factory state will consistently outvalue a similar tool missing any of those qualities.

What appraisers weigh most heavily

• Working condition: A drill, saw, or lathe that operates safely and as designed is worth substantially more than one with a seized motor, cracked housing, or worn bearings. For hand tools, this means no rust pitting on cutting edges, intact handles, and functional adjustment mechanisms.
• Completeness: Original cases, guards, chucks, blades, attachments, and instruction manuals all add value. A machine shop tool missing its original tooling or a power tool sold without its case is appraised as incomplete.
• Originality: Factory finish, original decals, unaltered components, and minimal non-original repairs matter more than a fresh coat of paint. For collectible and vintage tools especially, over-restoration (stripping original patina, replacing original hardware, repainting over factory stamps) can actually reduce value rather than increase it.
• Rarity and model desirability: Discontinued lines, early production runs, and professional-grade or specialty models command more than common consumer versions of the same tool type.
• Documentation and provenance: Receipts, serial numbers, maker's marks, and any record of restoration work give an appraiser more to work with and support a stronger, more defensible valuation.

The right move depends on the tool and its intended use. A working shop lathe headed for insurance coverage benefits from a straightforward safety and function check, while a collectible hand plane may lose value if it's cleaned or repaired incorrectly. If you're weighing whether to service, clean, or leave a piece as-is before an appraisal, Tool Appraisals can advise on that during scoping, particularly for insurance coverage, estate settlement, or resale planning where the intended use shapes what "value" actually means.