Legal Question in Civil Litigation in North Carolina

Realistically not much. Especially if we are talking about the kind of tools a man acquires over a life time, say from Sears. Obviously if you are entitled to the property though a will or intestate succession (and bear in mind it is likely Oregon law that will control intestate succession) and the 'friends' don't fork it over you can sue or possibly involve local law enforcement for potential violations of various property laws. However, to do that you would likely need to shell out far more than any of the tools are worth. However, you know your brother's tool collection best, if it is economically viable, there are things that can be done. Your best bet would be to consult with a property / estate attorney in the county where your brother lived and kept his property.