The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[Mintgrun]

any way we could see inside? I'm curious about those "Patented Adjustable Dividers."

This box is for sale on FB Marketplace over in Seattle. It has the same decal, but it isn't as nice as the one above. I'm guessing the dividers are the same in both and these look like the patented dividers in the box I have, minus the holes. I shared mine in post # 15,628. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...f-garage-journal.49743/page-391#post-10642554



The "mint green" box shares the same patented latch as the box I shared in post # 14,463.

The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

FYI Timm, Kennedy's recommended "cleaner" for their painted boxes is: (Drum Roll) WD-40! (Of al things.. but t works well!) The Model No. for the 3 drawer is 620 (the 7 drawer machinists is 520) And what they get for them today...

www.garagejournal.com

Lugz's box has the same embossed ribs on the front as the one I shared in post # 15,635, but mine also has them on the lid. Mine is very thin gauge steel too.

The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

Nice score Jeff!

www.garagejournal.com

I'm giving up on bringing my photos into this post, because GJ keeps fumbling the upload at the end, saying "Oops! We ran into some problems." I hate it when that happens (repeatedly). I like Simonsen boxes.

Tom

 

[Outlawmws]

I'm giving up on bringing my photos into this post, because GJ keeps fumbling the upload at the end, saying "Oops! We ran into some problems."

Reduce the size of the photos and they should load.

 

[Jay__Dub]

I'm giving up on bringing my photos into this post, because GJ keeps fumbling the upload at the end, saying "Oops! We ran into some problems." I hate it when that happens (repeatedly). I like Simonsen boxes.

Tom

I get that error message when using my tablet. Never get that message using my PC.

 

[Outlawmws]

I get that error message when using my tablet. Never get that message using my PC.

I've gotten it on a PC. not too often though.

 

[Mintgrun]

Reduce the size of the photos and they should load.

Thanks, I was simply trying to copy/paste photos I'd already uploaded. The links will take you to them.

This was another scrap-bin box, due to an art-supplies spill in the bottom that was easy enough to clean out, plus a few dents. It reminds me of a Simonsen box, with the rounded corners. I like the My Buddy decal.





I had never heard of Fall's City Products before finding this box. I also like the clasp design.

 

[four.cycle]

GJ keeps fumbling the upload at the end, saying "Oops! We ran into some problems."

^ photo size is probably too large.

 

[Mintgrun]

Okay, but they'd been accepted/uploaded before and I was simply trying to copy them from the old posts and paste them here. I've posted plenty of 'full size' photos in the past without problems.

Sometimes it doesn't like a particular photo from a group I'm uploading and if I edit the photo ever-so-slightly, it works fine. Otherwise, it keeps throwing the same error. I can work around it one way or another. I was just venting.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[Jay__Dub]

Thanks, I was simply trying to copy/paste photos I'd already uploaded. The links will take you to them.

This was another scrap-bin box, due to an art-supplies spill in the bottom that was easy enough to clean out, plus a few dents. It reminds me of a Simonsen box, with the rounded corners. I like the My Buddy decal.





I had never heard of Fall's City Products before finding this box. I also like the clasp design.

I have that box. Not in that shape, it belonged to my Pops.

Your post caused me to go out in my shop and put my hands on it.

Time doesn't wait. Reminded me of how much I miss him.

 

[Tynee]

Thanks, I was simply trying to copy/paste photos I'd already uploaded. The links will take you to them.

This was another scrap-bin box, due to an art-supplies spill in the bottom that was easy enough to clean out, plus a few dents. It reminds me of a Simonsen box, with the rounded corners. I like the My Buddy decal.

I've got a green My Buddy box similar to that I use as my tackle box. I bought it because it reminded my of the tackle box I inherited from my grandfather that was stolen from the back of my truck while I was running in to buy worms on the way to the fishing hole.

 

[four.cycle]

@Mintgrun
^ every time I run into that error message it's file size.

 

[Provincial]

When photos load slowly when I am viewing a thread, I assume that the poster didn't resize them. I always resize to 1000 pixels height, a habit I adopted in the old days when uploads were limited in size.

 

[Beerhippie]

When photos load slowly when I am viewing a thread, I assume that the poster didn't resize them. I always resize to 1000 pixels height, a habit I adopted in the old days when uploads were limited in size.

Even if your file is small enough to upload, the actual size of the picture in pixels matters.

Web browsers map one pixel in the image to one pixel on screen. If your monitor is, say, 1850 px. wide by 1000 px tall, the largest picture that can d be seen without scrolling is smaller than that. As monitors have gotten bigger, so have the pictures I post. I usually limit mine to 800 tall or 1,200 wide, which seems to work well enough I don't get a lot of complaints.

 

[Mintgrun]

I have that box. Not in that shape, it belonged to my Pops.

The blue box looked a little dingy, until it got a little scrubbing with some rubbing compound/soapy water.

stolen from the back of my truck

That's pretty low-down, stealing a guy's tackle box!

When photos load slowly when I am viewing a thread, I assume that the poster didn't resize them. I always resize to 1000 pixels height, a habit I adopted in the old days when uploads were limited in size.

Thanks. I'm not sure where to do that in the process. My iPhone asks how large I want them when inserted in emails, but my computer doesn't. As soon as I get things like this, or photo editing, or whatever, a new update rolls through and I have to learn something new. Different sites/phones/computers/servers make for a complicated equation and I'm just glad I'm able to navigate it at all.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I have to resize every shot I post here with "Windows Paint" because I have my camera set to shoot images that are usually 6MB in size.

 

[Outlawmws]

When photos load slowly when I am viewing a thread, I assume that the poster didn't resize them. I always resize to 1000 pixels height, a habit I adopted in the old days when uploads were limited in size.

Even if your file is small enough to upload, the actual size of the picture in pixels matters.

Web browsers map one pixel in the image to one pixel on screen. If your monitor is, say, 1850 px. wide by 1000 px tall, the largest picture that can d be seen without scrolling is smaller than that. As monitors have gotten bigger, so have the pictures I post. I usually limit mine to 800 tall or 1,200 wide, which seems to work well enough I don't get a lot of complaints.

I cop most pics to what is relevant then resize as needed. I'm still using MS Office picture manager, as its quick and simple and has adiquate tools for the basics I need. my camera is only 5MP capable.

For the occasional full pic I use the picture manager's, "web large" setting of 640 X 480.

 

[Tynee]

That's pretty low-down, stealing a guy's tackle box!

Yeah, it would have been a beating he'd have remembered if I'd caught him...

 

[CGarage]

I picked up this Snap-on tool cart the other day for $50 on Craigslist. It's been well-loved as you can see - probably was parked right behind the forklift a few times. I'm already really liking having it in the shop, as it lets me keep all the tools and parts for a project in one place. Just need to keep it organized and fight the urge to use it as a catch-all.

Can anyone help me find out about how old it is? There doesn't seem to be any information stamped on it anywhere. I've tried searching and have been unable to find this model. Similar Snap-on carts with the square tubing (and square bends) seem to date from around 1990, but all the pics I found show either two trays or one tray with drawers.

I own 4 or 5 of these.
The date code should be stamped on the bottom shelf if you look closely in the back right hand corner.

They were offered from late 80s up until ~ 1998 I want to say. Then, production shifted to China under the BluePoint product line, which is still a very nice cart with added tool holding capabilities via a modular / peg board style storage system that was added.

You could configure them in various ways. The most common was a top shelf, no middle shelf, and a bottom shelf.

There is a version with 1 big, deep drawer and another version that had a 3 drawer middle box added.

They are nice carts and I am happy I have mine.

Yours is in good shape. Not sure why you think it was parked behind a forklift.

 

[Pexto]

I own 4 or 5 of these.
The date code should be stamped on the bottom shelf if you look closely in the back right hand corner.

They were offered from late 80s up until ~ 1998 I want to say. Then, production shifted to China under the BluePoint product line, which is still a very nice cart with added tool holding capabilities via a modular / peg board style storage system that was added.

You could configure them in various ways. The most common was a top shelf, no middle shelf, and a bottom shelf.

There is a version with 1 big, deep drawer and another version that had a 3 drawer middle box added.

They are nice carts and I am happy I have mine.

Yours is in good shape. Not sure why you think it was parked behind a forklift.

Thanks for the additional info! I ended up finding stamping on the side of the top shelf showing that this is a KR-488, made in 1996 (pic here: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/everybodys-got-some-snap-on.546902/page-4#post-11212773).

The forklift comment was a bit of a joke, but this cart is covered with small scrapes, dents, and bruises. It has clearly seen a lot of use!

I'm finding it a real asset in the shop - I can load up all the parts and tools for a project and wheel them to right where I need them. I'm trying to make a habit of emptying the cart and putting everything away before I start the next project.

 

[senlow]

Here is an interesting Monkey Ward Powr-Kraft box that I acquired last year. It's a nice example of an AMD / Remline made box. The factory paint is a hammered bronze. My camera didn't reproduce the color very well. I found it interesting that the top center drawer was painted red under the bronze. I don't believe that the drawer was replaced since the color and texture match the rest of the box.

I really like the side locking mechanism for the drawers.

 

[FJ 432]

Here is an interesting Monkey Ward Powr-Kraft box that I acquired last year. It's a nice example of an AMD / Remline made box. The factory paint is a hammered bronze. My camera didn't reproduce the color very well. I found it interesting that the top center drawer was painted red under the bronze. I don't believe that the drawer was replaced since the color and texture match the rest of the box.

I really like the side locking mechanism for the drawers.

I like your version better than mine although I have an edge in condition.

 

[JustVicingIt]

Kind of works for this thread. On vacation in the East Coast and wandered into an antique mall. Saw this toolbox sitting there with 36 various molding planes. At $500 took the plunge. Not the deal of the century but fine by me. Tool box was included lol.



Going to store them here on the East Coast and bring them back home to the West Coast at some point in the future.

 

[d42jeep]

I like your version better than mine although I have an edge in condition.

My first Powr-Kraft box is very similar but with one less drawer. It started me looking for Powr-Kraft tools to fill it up.
-Don

 

[RTM]

Saw this toolbox sitting there with 36 various molding planes. At $500 took the plunge. Not the deal of the century but fine by me.

Nice get. Hope they are all from the same previous owner, and not just random planes thrown in a box.

That's about each what I'd pay for a decent condition solo moulding plane, so don't beat yourself up too much on $, especially if there are nice ones in there, or they all match.

I passed on a box like that at an auction, didn't think I could lift it if filled.

 

[Old Radar]

I found it interesting that the top center drawer was painted red under the bronze. I don't believe that the drawer was replaced since the color and texture match the rest of the box.

Two observations:
-- In your front-on picture, the top center drawer is visibly less worn than the rest of the box, so, from here it looks like it has been paint-matched.
-- I have to wonder, if the PO meticulously sourced and matched a new drawer, why he didn't paint the whole thing.

 

[JustVicingIt]

Nice get. Hope they are all from the same previous owner, and not just random planes thrown in a box.

That's about each what I'd pay for a decent condition solo moulding plane, so don't beat yourself up too much on $, especially if there are nice ones in there, or they all match.

I passed on a box like that at an auction, didn't think I could lift it if filled.

Yeah they seem to be mostly the same manufacturer. I didn’t dive too deep into them so not sure of completeness per se. But, they have irons and wedges so couldn’t ask for much more.

 

[Provincial]

I cop most pics to what is relevant then resize as needed. I'm still using MS Office picture manager, as its quick and simple and has adiquate tools for the basics I need. my camera is only 5MP capable.

For the occasional full pic I use the picture manager's, "web large" setting of 640 X 480.

I do it the opposite way. I found that if I crop, then resize, I get a distorted image. If I resize first, the image stays the same. Microsoft Photos.

 

[Provincial]

Back in April I spotted this old Kennedy 520. It is interesting because the drawer pulls are made of brass.



The center latch was obviously replaced. Notice that the lid brace assembly has a cross bar, and two braces. A bracket for a name tag is located beneath the center latch.

 

[RTM]

Here is a new machinist's chest that I won at auction recently. It's got me digging on who / when it was made. I've been thru "the guide...", and of course it didn't match my expectations (Union, Pilliod, etc), but it has given me enough clues to say who did. Using the quick reference chart, it's a 5/2. Size is 20" long, 12-3/8" tall, 9-1/2" deep. This size is listed in the guide, as a Gerstner 41C, which was not my first guess. But sure enough, the 1919 catalog shows an almost perfect match, especially the lock. I was shocked. Only the 41 shows that lock style, the 43 is different. The 1914 catalog does not show a lock clearly and the 1925 is changed. I was wondering about the quality of the wood, and now that I see its a 41, so I know it used to be leatherette, but got stripped. So waw, a 100 year old tool chest. (Thanks @toolboxted for the resources)

Crud, no pix with the flap open, coming soon. The top drawers left column, are 1-1/4" tall over 2-3/16" tall (face sizes). The right column are 1-1/4 over 1" over 1-3/16". The small drawers are 7-1/4" deep and 8-1/2 catalog says 8-5/8" wide. There is a central divider, and a horizontal divider below the small drawers. The bottom drawers are 1" and 2" tall, 7-1/4" deep and 18-1/4" wide.

There is some gross damage to the locking pins, one has been replaced with a block of wood, the pin in the other is missing, but shows some damage to the flap front. The flip up ring was another thing that made me think not Gerstner

The lock is looking bad, the cylinder is not centered in its hole.



Guess I'll need to do 2 leatherette jobs now.

I'm sorta surprised I never posted my other one. Guess I'll leave this for now, and post it later.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Picked up this uncommon Duplex mid chest#1248. Has some slight wear and no key but is in good shape over all. Cover is in very good shape. Figured the odds of me finding a Proto badged flying lady version to match my toolmobile is fairly uncommon so this one will work well! This is from the era when Proto owned Duplex

 

[Tynee]

Missed out on this Equipto last night on Marketplace:
+
It was listed at $25. He never responded to my message, just marked it Sold...

 

[JustVicingIt]

Todays haul. All of this for $150. A lot of junk in the boxes but salvaged some cool useable bits. Gonna clean them thoroughly.



The main tool box is missing the key so have to sort that. Paint is pretty good though.





The older ( I think because of the tag) Kennedy needs a complete overhaul as it's rusted and poorly overpainted. May just count it as a loss.



The cantilever box is in great shape.



Stuff I'm keeping from inside the boxes



Bonus Snap-On (lol) and Starrett rule



Double Bonus, Kennedy Catalog



I may be going back for the larger machinists top and larger base they had as well. Hope that deal works out.

 

[CGarage]

Murphy’s oil soap spray available off of Amazon with orange / citrus scent will help you clean those boxes up.

 

[Outlawmws]

Kennedy recommends or recommended WD-40 for box cleanup.

 

[JustVicingIt]

Sprayed down with simple green and rinsed with water. Once dry, I'll WD-40 the whole large unit and cantilever case.

The worst of the rust was on the bottom of the cantilever so I'll think I'll mask near the base and spray paint the bottom with a rust converter and leave it as is so it doesn't wear down the top of the larger chest.

 

[CGarage]

Kennedy recommends or recommended WD-40 for box cleanup.

They recommend Murphy’s Oil Soap, which helps prevent rust on metal surfaces and is a good and gentle cleaner.

 

[Beerhippie]

They recommend Murphy’s Oil Soap, which helps prevent rust on metal surfaces and is a good and gentle cleaner.

I use mineral spirits for cleaning paint. Works great, even if it doesn't smell as nice as the Murphy's--which, BTW, is no longer labeled "Oil Soap".

 

[JustVicingIt]

It's all cleaned up and sprayed down. The easiest 'resto' I've ever done. It was pretty immaculate overall. May remove the wheels to give a proper scrubbing and lube the bearings as well. I've been looking at vintage Kennedy's for a few months nowso that's pretty awesome. Very psyched to put it into the workshop.

 

[CGarage]

I use mineral spirits for cleaning paint. Works great, even if it doesn't smell as nice as the Murphy's--which, BTW, is no longer labeled "Oil Soap".

I wouldn’t use something that strong to start out with!

 

[Outlawmws]

I wouldn’t use something that strong to start out with!

He just did with Simple Green...

SG is a dang good paint remover - especially if you go with a hot soak. So if you use it, you need the dilute version, and be very careful.

 

[JustVicingIt]

Yup diluted it immensely.