The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[Outlawmws]

To straighten the lower edge:

The idea is to apply pressure opposite the force that bent the structure. In this case, that force was from the box being set down on something that was higher in the center than the edges.

Set the box on a sturdy bench or wood that you can get a big C-clamp under. Block the ends of the box up with wood or metal at least 1/4" thick. With the drawers removed, fill in the C-channel of the bottom edge with wood and/or metal strips that will fill in the open gap of the C-channel. The strips should be flexible enough to follow the curve, but transfer any pressure on the top edge so it isn't deformed when applying pressure. Use a wood block on top of the C-channel that is strong enough to spread out the pressure on the top surface and use a big C-clamp to pull the bottom down. You will have to take it a little below straight to allow for spring-back, so proceed slowly. Do not apply pressure in a small area. Spread it out.

This ^^^

 

[Jay870]

To straighten the lower edge:

The idea is to apply pressure opposite the force that bent the structure. In this case, that force was from the box being set down on something that was higher in the center than the edges.

Set the box on a sturdy bench or wood that you can get a big C-clamp under. Block the ends of the box up with wood or metal at least 1/4" thick. With the drawers removed, fill in the C-channel of the bottom edge with wood and/or metal strips that will fill in the open gap of the C-channel. The strips should be flexible enough to follow the curve, but transfer any pressure on the top edge so it isn't deformed when applying pressure. Use a wood block on top of the C-channel that is strong enough to spread out the pressure on the top surface and use a big C-clamp to pull the bottom down. You will have to take it a little below straight to allow for spring-back, so proceed slowly. Do not apply pressure in a small area. Spread it out.

Thanks for the advice! It will be a week or two before I free up to work on thsi but will post back with results.

 

[garilla]

I picked up this Huot 5 drawer tool chest in pretty good shape save some mice piss that made some slight surface rust here and there, I also got the dried up mouse in the box at no extra charge, otherwise nice which I think was great at $20. I have been looking and all the catalogs I find for Huot don't show a 5 drawer, only 4 or more. Can't figure out age or model number anyone know?

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice find on the big intermediate! Looks to be full depth as well?

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Those are not common!

 

[garilla]

Yes the red Huot is full size, I like the no tools drawer releases and seems well made. I looked and searched still didn't find any info on the date/model

 

[Tynee]

Any ideas of dating this Craftsman tool box ?

rustyedge, I'm not sure if you ever found an answer to your question, but as far as I know Sears sold that particular style of box for 30 to 40 years. Yours looks fairly recent, as I think they went to the decal on the front in the late '90's.

 

[JMP]

So I was checking FB Marketplace last night even though I shouldn't be and then this Snap-On toolbox popped up for $75!!! There were no details and the lid was closed so I didn't even know how many drawers there were. I almost passed on it since it was over an hour drive away but had the cash and a tank of gas.

It turned out to be a 1972 KRA-59B. I already have a KRA-53 but this thing is on another level, weighing in at close to 100 lbs. I'm glad I picked this one up though. The paint and metal is in good condition with the exception of some rust spots but overall better than the large majority of the 40-50 years old boxes I see that show up for sale. It even included a few bonus tools such as the draw pull tool which I actually needed to work on another box. I don't have the key but it might still turn up.

 

[Outlawmws]

this Snap-On toolbox popped up for $75!!!

Welcome to GJ - and what a first post! Yes, you ****! (Highest complement on a deal)

 

[Patrick Eubanks]

Please take a look at this box and see if you can help with vendor. Purchased this box having no idea what I was buying. Still don’t. Maybee one of you guys will recognize it

 

[Patrick Eubanks]

More

 

[Jay870]

To straighten the lower edge:

The idea is to apply pressure opposite the force that bent the structure. In this case, that force was from the box being set down on something that was higher in the center than the edges.

Set the box on a sturdy bench or wood that you can get a big C-clamp under. Block the ends of the box up with wood or metal at least 1/4" thick. With the drawers removed, fill in the C-channel of the bottom edge with wood and/or metal strips that will fill in the open gap of the C-channel. The strips should be flexible enough to follow the curve, but transfer any pressure on the top edge so it isn't deformed when applying pressure. Use a wood block on top of the C-channel that is strong enough to spread out the pressure on the top surface and use a big C-clamp to pull the bottom down. You will have to take it a little below straight to allow for spring-back, so proceed slowly. Do not apply pressure in a small area. Spread it out.

This worked great. Thanks!

 

[JMP]

Welcome to GJ - and what a first post! Yes, you ****! (Highest complement on a deal)

Haha, well thanks for the warm welcome! I also have a couple other cool things like this 1973 KRA-53 full of old mechanic tools and a Gerstner machinist chest.

 

[saukit]

Not really a tool box but I picked up a few caddies and a cart this weekend.

The caddies are Hory RC-101’s, made in Japan in the 60’s or 70’s according to another GJ thread I found. They are a Hazet Assistant knockoff I believe. If anyone knows any more about these things I’d love the knowledge! They’re filthy but I couldn’t leave them behind to get trashed.

The cart is nothing special, an older Matco but it’ll be useful for organizing my horde of junk once I get it cleaned up a bit.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Not really a tool box but I picked up a few caddies and a cart this weekend.

The caddies are Hory RC-101’s, made in Japan in the 60’s or 70’s according to another GJ thread I found. They are a Hazet Assistant knockoff I believe. If anyone knows any more about these things I’d love the knowledge! They’re filthy but I couldn’t leave them behind to get trashed.

The cart is nothing special, an older Matco but it’ll be useful for organizing my horde of junk once I get it cleaned up a bit.

Those Hory's are not very common. It's great that you saved them! I would imagine you could sell them for a decent amount.

 

[saukit]

Those Hory's are not very common. It's great that you saved them! I would imagine you could sell them for a decent amount.

Yeah I think I could flip em pretty easy, I’m sure there are tons of VW or Toyota guys that would love these.

Right now I’m enamored with them but we’ll see how I feel about it once they’re taking up space inside

 

[JMP]

Earlier this month I picked up this Sears/Craftsman bottom box box and a 6 drawer Stack-On top box (model CHCF-206) for $25 from someone that was moving. The locks on both boxes had a key broken off. Got the keys out and ordered a key for the Craftsman and had a locksmith make a key for the Stack-On. The Craftsman box I really was not happy with the original casters as much as I find myself moving it around, although I probably should have greased the ball bearings. Either way a bit too small for my liking. I found a set of new 5” casters taken from a Husky toolbox for $20 from Marketplace. Now I feel like I can take this thing off-roading. As a bonus the casters came with a handle which I can bolt to my other Craftsman box. The Stack-On box I'm currently using for some of my bike tools and other general purpose tools for projects at home.

 

[Mintgrun]

I replied to a free tool box CL ad this morning and wound up first in line. Or, at least I was the person she chose to call, due to being close by. I'm glad I added my location when I replied. Here's what she wrote in the ad and the one photo she posted.

Mac Tools Tool Chest​

Note- most of the drawers are stuck- this is probably 35 years old. don't know if top section will lift off.


The box belonged to her ex-husband and has been sitting for thirty years. The glides are quite sticky on most of the drawers and some were coming off. She couldn't get them open and the deal was that all of the tools needed to be removed in order to take the box. I went over tonight and got that done.

Thankfully, there was only one mouse nest and it wasn't occupied. There's some moisture damage, but it isn't beat up at all. All of the drawers have liners in them and they did a good job of protecting the bottoms. The mouse drawer was the only rusty one. The tools were quite rusty though and I'll bet 90% of them get thrown away.

I've got until Wednesday to figure out how to get it home. I've also got to figure out where to put it! It's not small. (5' tall, by 2' deep, by 51" long) The top is a MB1510 and the roller is a MB1500.

 

[JMP]

I replied to a free tool box CL ad this morning and wound up first in line. Or, at least I was the person she chose to call, due to being close by. I'm glad I added my location when I replied. Here's what she wrote in the ad and the one photo she posted.

Mac Tools Tool Chest​

Note- most of the drawers are stuck- this is probably 35 years old. don't know if top section will lift off.


The box belonged to her ex-husband and has been sitting for thirty years. The glides are quite sticky on most of the drawers and some were coming off. She couldn't get them open and the deal was that all of the tools needed to be removed in order to take the box. I went over tonight and got that done.

Thankfully, there was only one mouse nest and it wasn't occupied. There's some moisture damage, but it isn't beat up at all. All of the drawers have liners in them and they did a good job of protecting the bottoms. The mouse drawer was the only rusty one. The tools were quite rusty though and I'll bet 90% of them get thrown away.

I've got until Wednesday to figure out how to get it home. I've also got to figure out where to put it! It's not small. (5' tall, by 2' deep, by 51" long) The top is a MB1510 and the roller is a MB1500.

That top should just lift off but that is some heft. I would avoid that. If you have a friend with a trailer and ramps just roll the whole thing on or use a winch or come-along to help and then strap it down tight. Maybe you can rent a box truck with a lift gate, assuming that you can find one that can handle the size of this box.

 

[Provincial]

Posted in wrong thread.

 

[zanyad]

Nice finds, @JMP and @Mintgrun!

 

[saukit]

I replied to a free tool box CL ad this morning and wound up first in line. Or, at least I was the person she chose to call, due to being close by. I'm glad I added my location when I replied. Here's what she wrote in the ad and the one photo she posted.

Mac Tools Tool Chest​

Note- most of the drawers are stuck- this is probably 35 years old. don't know if top section will lift off.


The box belonged to her ex-husband and has been sitting for thirty years. The glides are quite sticky on most of the drawers and some were coming off. She couldn't get them open and the deal was that all of the tools needed to be removed in order to take the box. I went over tonight and got that done.

Thankfully, there was only one mouse nest and it wasn't occupied. There's some moisture damage, but it isn't beat up at all. All of the drawers have liners in them and they did a good job of protecting the bottoms. The mouse drawer was the only rusty one. The tools were quite rusty though and I'll bet 90% of them get thrown away.

I've got until Wednesday to figure out how to get it home. I've also got to figure out where to put it! It's not small. (5' tall, by 2' deep, by 51" long) The top is a MB1510 and the roller is a MB1500.

I saw that on CL too! I was tempted but I have absolutely no way to transport that beast, let alone find space for it! Glad it went to a good home!

 

[Orangina]

The caddies are Hory RC-101’s, made in Japan in the 60’s or 70’s...

These Hory RC-101 are quite cheeky copies of the original "Hazet Assistant 162" patented in 1953 and sold since 1954.
But at least they are built to be as solid as the original. They copy attributes of the 1960s-1970s Hazet models - the labels I saw attached look IMHO more like 1970s. I haven't seen a catalog or brochure about it to date.

Later cheaper knockoff of the Hazet Assistent from other suppliers in the 90s have wobbly wheels, thin sheet metal, no rubber edges and simple plastic column guides.


from left to right:
1955 Hazet (HELKA Favorit) tool trolley, 1967-1976 HAZET Assistent 166 TS, 1954 Hazet Assistent 160 (first model):



regards,

 

[Farmer J.]

I was hoping Orangina would chime in about these Assistents. Thanks for sharing your extensive and detailed knowledge, and always a treat to see pictures of your collection.

 

[bugnut]

@Orangina Wow just wow! Love everything in the image!

 

[hobie18]

Nice transporter and Karmann Ghia. The bookends of the vw story.

 

[Patrick Eubanks]

These Hory RC-101 are quite cheeky copies of the original "Hazet Assistant 162" patented in 1953 and sold since 1954.
But at least they are built to be as solid as the original. They copy attributes of the 1960s-1970s Hazet models - the labels I saw attached look IMHO more like 1970s. I haven't seen a catalog or brochure about it to date.

Later cheaper knockoff of the Hazet Assistent from other suppliers in the 90s have wobbly wheels, thin sheet metal, no rubber edges and simple plastic column guides.


from left to right:
1955 Hazet (HELKA Favorit) tool trolley, 1967-1976 HAZET Assistent 166 TS, 1954 Hazet Assistent 160 (first model):



regards,

That has to be the coolest pic ever

 

[saukit]

Thanks Orangina! Appreciate the info very much!

 

[12vx2]

These Hory RC-101 are quite cheeky copies of the original "Hazet Assistant 162" patented in 1953 and sold since 1954.
But at least they are built to be as solid as the original. They copy attributes of the 1960s-1970s Hazet models - the labels I saw attached look IMHO more like 1970s. I haven't seen a catalog or brochure about it to date.

Later cheaper knockoff of the Hazet Assistent from other suppliers in the 90s have wobbly wheels, thin sheet metal, no rubber edges and simple plastic column guides.


from left to right:
1955 Hazet (HELKA Favorit) tool trolley, 1967-1976 HAZET Assistent 166 TS, 1954 Hazet Assistent 160 (first model):



regards,

Hazets, Volkswagens and the coolest driveway I think I have ever seen Thank you!

 

[saukit]

Well didn’t take long to bury one in junk again

 

[rtvinc]

These Hory RC-101 are quite cheeky copies of the original "Hazet Assistant 162" patented in 1953 and sold since 1954.
But at least they are built to be as solid as the original. They copy attributes of the 1960s-1970s Hazet models - the labels I saw attached look IMHO more like 1970s. I haven't seen a catalog or brochure about it to date.

Later cheaper knockoff of the Hazet Assistent from other suppliers in the 90s have wobbly wheels, thin sheet metal, no rubber edges and simple plastic column guides.


from left to right:
1955 Hazet (HELKA Favorit) tool trolley, 1967-1976 HAZET Assistent 166 TS, 1954 Hazet Assistent 160 (first model):



regards,

beautiful!! and until i looked them up i didnt realize they collapse!! what a design!

 

[rtvinc]

 

[Outlawmws]

I think Thoe Hazat carts would be great for Maintenace work where you did a lot of traveling down hallways. Not so much in a close shop situation - too much bending.

 

[MR.X]

Bought this Kennedy box almost 20 years ago. It was at an auction for the guy’s massive clock collection. At some point they decided to start selling dude’s tools simultaneously off to the the side. Almost no one was there for anything but the clocks. I think the guy worked for TWA and maybe was military before that….anyway, it was loaded with aircraft tools mostly Pratt Whitney stuff. I was the only one who bid on it. For years I remembered the story thinking I paid $5.00 but I got to thinking that sounds like a BS story. Why would an auctioneer start it so low? Anyway, recently I found this receipt ticket in the box and as you can see, I had it wrong, it was $4.00. To be fair I did add a lot of stuff to it but I also sold a lot too.

 

[hobie18]

44-45 boeing champs

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Picked this up on Saturday. All original. Little touchup paint but pretty good shape. 1973 roller and top. 1977 mid box.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Picked this up on Saturday. All original. Little touchup paint but pretty good shape. 1973 roller and top. 1977 mid box.

Dude, uncommon mid chest. How many drawers ?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Dude, uncommon mid chest. How many drawers ?

Three

 

[Provincial]

Bought this Kennedy box almost 20 years ago. It was at an auction for the guy’s massive clock collection. At some point they decided to start selling dude’s tools simultaneously off to the the side. Almost no one was there for anything but the clocks. I think the guy worked for TWA and maybe was military before that….anyway, it was loaded with aircraft tools mostly Pratt Whitney stuff. I was the only one who bid on it. For years I remembered the story thinking I paid $5.00 but I got to thinking that sounds like a BS story. Why would an auctioneer start it so low? Anyway, recently I found this receipt ticket in the box and as you can see, I had it wrong, it was $4.00. To be fair I did add a lot of stuff to it but I also sold a lot too.

I see lots of R-985, R-1340, and R-1830 tools in there. In the left hand lower shelf near the middle is something that looks like a roller cam follower. I believe that it is a tool for DZUS fasteners. The "roller" has a sharp edge that digs into the slot in the fastener and keeps it from slipping out.

Nice pick on the box! A major ****.

 

[Farmer J.]

Bought this Kennedy box almost 20 years ago. It was at an auction for the guy’s massive clock collection. At some point they decided to start selling dude’s tools simultaneously off to the the side. Almost no one was there for anything but the clocks. I think the guy worked for TWA and maybe was military before that….anyway, it was loaded with aircraft tools mostly Pratt Whitney stuff. I was the only one who bid on it. For years I remembered the story thinking I paid $5.00 but I got to thinking that sounds like a BS story. Why would an auctioneer start it so low? Anyway, recently I found this receipt ticket in the box and as you can see, I had it wrong, it was $4.00. To be fair I did add a lot of stuff to it but I also sold a lot too.

That was a good auction buy!
I see the box has been painted red at some point, maybe to 'civilianise' it.