My late Dad’s Gerstner Tool Chests: Refinishing Project

[mad german]

I’ve got 2 Gerstner tool chests that were my late Dad’s. I believe they are from the early 1950s. I’m taking on the project of refinishing the smaller of the two (model 42, from what I can tell) for a jewelry box for my wife. Compared to some of the older boxes I’ve seen, these are in great shape.
I thought you guys would like to see how it goes. I’ll post pics as I progress.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Definately keep us apprised of your progress.

Pic of the Gerstner model 52 I inherited from my dad below. I believe it's older than me, and I'm 68.

The lower Gerstner I bought on Craigslist fairly recently.

 

[Garcky]

I’ve got 2 Gerstner tool chests that were my late Dad’s. I believe they are from the early 1950s. I’m taking on the project of refinishing the smaller of the two (model 42, from what I can tell) for a jewelry box for my wife. Compared to some of the older boxes I’ve seen, these are in great shape.
I thought you guys would like to see how it goes. I’ll post pics as I progress.

Very nice. It will make an outstanding jewelry box for your wife.

 

[mad german]

If you look closely at pic 4, you'll see a news clipping showing my Dad getting suited up for some old school hardhat diving...in Alaska!

 

[alinc100]

Not to discourage you from refinishing ,but I've had very good success cleaning up a Union B-20 with a product from Mohawk Finishing called Plush. It wipes on very easily with steel wool, scotch-brite, or cotton rag. I'm at work currently and I am trying to dig up some photos.

 

[Neighbor]

Very cool! I've always said a status mark of an accomplished journeyman was when they acquired a Gerstner toolbox. For your father to have two must of meant he was very skilled.
I will suggest tuck a note in there someplace so that when your long gone and no one remembers the story your family will know the story behind the tool boxes.

 

[mogandave]

Nice kit!

I would clean and oil it, not refinish it.

 

[Farmer J.]

I will suggest tuck a note in there someplace so that when your long gone and no one remembers the story your family will know the story behind the tool boxes.

Write the history/story of the box on the underneath of one of the drawers.

 

[Mintgrun]

Not to discourage you from refinishing ,but I've had very good success cleaning up a Union B-20 with a product from Mohawk Finishing called Plush.

I have not used this product, but second the notion of refreshing, as opposed to refinishing. The boxes in your photos look beautiful from where I'm sitting.

 

[Davefr]

I have not used this product, but second the notion of refreshing, as opposed to refinishing. The boxes in your photos look beautiful from where I'm sitting.

I agree. Another alternative is Brown Briwax. The brown stain will blend in light scratches and the wax will bring back some luster while maintaining the original finish. Briwax has saved many items from full stripping/refinishing. "It's only original once". If you don't like the results then you move on but it's a good place to start. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Love the history that goes along with these old boxes.

 

[mad german]

Excellent ideas, guys, on cleaning it up vs refinishing. Obviously, it's irreplaceable, so if I can avoid any damage from refinishing, I'll try that first. I'll order some of the cleaner that you recommend. I'd like to polish up the drawer pulls, corner guards, latches, and handle assemblies.
Any suggestions for polishing/cleaning the metal pieces mentioned above?

 

[Davefr]

Excellent ideas, guys, on cleaning it up vs refinishing. Obviously, it's irreplaceable, so if I can avoid any damage from refinishing, I'll try that first. I'll order some of the cleaner that you recommend. I'd like to polish up the drawer pulls, corner guards, latches, and handle assemblies.
Any suggestions for polishing/cleaning the metal pieces mentioned above?

The hardware looks to be in great shape. You could use a Dremel w/polishing wheel, fine compound or a very fine scotchbrite pad but I wouldn't bother.

 

[mad german]

The hardware looks to be in great shape. You could use a Dremel w/polishing wheel, fine compound or a very fine scotchbrite pad but I wouldn't bother.

True. My Dad took great care of his stuff. For being as old as it is, I've seen many others that are trashed. You can tell he took care of it.

 

[bubinga]

Clean it and use a few light coats of blond dewaxed shellac, from flakes you mix yourself.
Scuff /rub down with fine scotch brite, then a few coats of wax. Instant patina, refinished without looking refinished, Easy to repair if ever needed too!
I think the little one is a Union.

 

[bubinga]

True. My Dad took great care of his stuff. For being as old as it is, I've seen many others that are trashed. You can tell he took care of it.

Those are both in great shape to begin with.

 

[Steve from Socal]

The metal trim is nickel plated, I have had good luck with chrome polish and cotton rags. I would avoid anything abrasive like scotch brite, extra fine steel at most. I agree that restoring the original finish is best, mineral sprits is a good first pass on the box.

The box in the middle was in worse shape than your dad's, cleaned up as above with no other issues.

 

[mogandave]

It appears the foil nameplate is missing from the bottom drawer of your dad's box. I think you may still be able to get these from Gerster in limited quantities with proof of ownership, I know you could a few (?) years ago.

I would get one if you can....

 

[RTM]

See them here

Drawer Label Archives - H. Gerstner & Sons

gerstnerusa.com

 

[mad german]

It appears the foil nameplate is missing from the bottom drawer of your dad's box. I think you may still be able to get these from Gerster in limited quantities with proof of ownership, I know you could a few (?) years ago.

I would get one if you can....

Good idea. I noticed that too. I guess it came off over the years he was using the boxes.

 

[Lightyear]

Very cool! I've always said a status mark of an accomplished journeyman was when they acquired a Gerstner toolbox. For your father to have two must of meant he was very skilled.
I will suggest tuck a note in there someplace so that when you’re long gone and no one remembers the story your family will know the story behind the tool boxes.

Your note idea is awesome!

 

[LSU]

I’ve seen these but never really knew the brand name. I have no use or space for one of these beautiful boxes but I’m now searching EBay for one.

I’ve got to stop reading threads like this.

 

[Lightyear]

I’ve seen these but never really knew the brand name. I have no use or space for one of these beautiful boxes but I’m now searching EBay for one.

I’ve got to stop reading threads like this.

I went searching for the same item. These threads cost me money.

 

[d42jeep]

I searched for one for a long time before finding one last year at a Tahoe garage sale. Now it’s one of my favorite things to look at when I go down to the basement. It’s been fun adding appropriate tools.
-Don

 

[Lightyear]

You scored!!!

 

[Luntz]

Murphy's Oil and a little elbow grease.

 

[Rick’s RC]

I just had my grandfathers Gerstner handed down to me by my dad. The research I’ve done tells me its manufactured date was 1959? I’ve posted pics of the stamped lot number.

 

[Rick’s RC]

It’s an 042c model. Unrestored and has some starrett caliper and miscellaneous machinist’s tools.

 

[ZRX61]

Start with #0000 steel wool & nothing else.