

A recent thread in misc.consumers.frugal-living got me
thinking about things that can be purchased now for very
little money which would prove invaluable for use/trading
after TEOTEAWKI.  

This is one of those catagories that could be unlimited. I try to build up a 
supply based on what is difficult to make myself.
   I have a different method. Every month I alocate $20 to my stash. I ususally 
add a package of 10 sewing machine needles for $2. It is the kind of thing that 
will be useful and nearly impossible to make on a home basis. 
   I usually add a brick of 22's each month. I watch at garage sales for combat/ 
work/ hiking boots for a couple bucks a pair. The boots get a good coating of 
neatsfoot oil before going in sealed bags. I also watch for gloves, it's hard to 
make good ones. Shirts and pants are not nearly as difficult as gloves. Cold 
weather gear is more essential than summer items. Work clothes, jeans and 
flannel shirts, are better than bright colored.
   I watch for old radios with short wave bands for a couple bucks. 
   I figure after TEOTEAWKI more time and labor will be spent supplying your own 
needs rather than buying items. This means tools are essential and watch for 
shovels, hoes,buckets, etc. Heat will be a wood stove most likely so add a buck 
saw for when the gas for the chainsaw runs out. I was buying some steel the 
other day and in the dumpster at the steel place was a band saw blade from one 
of their saws. I added it to my purchase and cut it into 5 - 30 inch sections 
with a chop saw. The teeth are large enough to make some buck saws.
   I watch for Schwinn bikes and have a dozen in the rafters of the garage. I 
buy them for $5 max that may need a tire or a cable. If you do not frequent 
garage sales and free markets watch for police auctions. They usually sell 
dozens of recovered but unclaimed bikes. I bought a group of 5 for $10 once. By 
having a bunch of the same type, the parts interchange. I have extra inner tubes 
in ammo cans and patching kits. Buy spare tires and tubes in the fall when they 
are on sale.
    I buy backets of vegetable seeds in the late summer when they are closed out 
at 5 cents each. I put them in a glass jar with a dessicant. Store in cool and 
dark. The viability may drop over the years but some will work. I can fit a lot 
in a gallon glass jar and 100 packets were only $5, some for me, some to trade.
    I watch for sewing machines. I will pay up to $5 for a Singer.  White or 
Brother brands are good too. I especially like old straight stitch singers. They 
are strong enough to sew leather.
    Canning jars are great. They don't deteriorate unless you smash them and you 
can put small stuff like your needels, thread, zippo lighters, fish hooks in 
them until you need em. If you think that your family would need one 2 jars of 
food per day then you need at least 700 jars. The latest issue of Backwoodsman 
has an article on building a vacuum packer that works with the jars. Handy for 
packing grain and rice. I pick them up at $1 a dozen at garage sales frequently.
    I have a big box of candles. I watch for the big 3 inch ones that often have 
maybe an inch burned off and sell for a nickle or quarter. You can buy candle 
wick at craft stores if you feel like melting them down or use them as is. Crock 
pot works good for melting wax. Candle making kits with molds are good and cheap 
too.
    In the miscellanious pile I have slightly less practical stuff that may turn 
out to be needed at the time. I wouldn't grab it if I was forced to run but it 
was all picked up for next to nothing. I have things like a hand cranked ice 
cream maker, ice skates, decks of cards, board games, checkers and dice. 
   I have some future activities planned for recreation and spare time, or when 
the blizzard has you pinned inside. Like a juggling book and balls. Don't forget 
to add a few musical instruments or a harmonica.
