Patrickm82
Well-known member
That thing is ****!! Nice score
The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!
- Thread starter mjozefow
- Start date
FJ 432
Well-known member
Your location would be helpful.
Maintyre88
New member
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- Nov 3, 2025
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- 3
Central Illinois
FJ 432
Well-known member
Calling @Shelbylex . He's been looking. The handles hurt it a bit because they're not original.
FJ 432
Well-known member
You're new to this forum but he will check in with you. He's been looking for the top box.
Got enthused while looking at the last 30 pages I've missed, thought I'd post this while I catch up, acquired 8 Rota/2 Sidchrome since I last visited, this is last weeks buy.
No tools, early 1980's, couldn't resist
A few gentle hours of cleaning, then I had a "I wonder moment" - so I looked amongst my spares, just need to replace the vice-grips and hammer, the 2 adjustable are correct -should be chrome thou.
No tools, early 1980's, couldn't resist
A few gentle hours of cleaning, then I had a "I wonder moment" - so I looked amongst my spares, just need to replace the vice-grips and hammer, the 2 adjustable are correct -should be chrome thou.
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INSP380
Well-known member
Ok, GJ strikes again. You guys got me on your Totes and I pulled the trigger on this one tonight. I think the only wear this thing saw was from sitting in the garage. Luck was in my favor, $5 and two miles from home. I call it another great rescue..
Steve
Steve
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
WTAF?! That is three different TOTERS (E-Z, HANDE-E, and WEN) and a MY BUDDY, three different companies (Laube Steel, American Metal Specialties Co, Disston), two basic designs (arched bottom, flat bottom), four different patterns on the embossed end panels, only two locations (Chicago, and Danville, VA), and one identical concept, dimensions, composition, and construction.
Is It An Addiction Or A Hobby?
That is what my wife keeps asking me as she threatens to take them all to our town dump. You see, years ago I became interested in metal tool boxes and purchased a few at a yard sale. Then it just continued with my main interest being the Craftsman brand. The quality of the build of these boxes was amazing to me. Im old enough to remember when things were built to last instead of the throw away society we now live in. Last time I added them up I believe I have about 45 boxes. A couple I have in my vehicles and in my house. I normally paid $3-$10 dollars for the ones I picked up and walked away from many high priced ones. At first I refurbished a couple, but lately I have learned to appreciate the patina of each one. It kind of tells a story of its past life. Yes, my kids and some friends think I'm crazy, but i have one grandson that thinks they are great and will go on the hunts with me. That is what keeps me looking. Unfortunately, I think I hooked him on collecting. Anyway, the second to last picture is of the moon rising above Lake Michigan tonight. I took a walk at the state park. I hope you enjoy it.
Michael
That is what my wife keeps asking me as she threatens to take them all to our town dump. You see, years ago I became interested in metal tool boxes and purchased a few at a yard sale. Then it just continued with my main interest being the Craftsman brand. The quality of the build of these boxes was amazing to me. Im old enough to remember when things were built to last instead of the throw away society we now live in. Last time I added them up I believe I have about 45 boxes. A couple I have in my vehicles and in my house. I normally paid $3-$10 dollars for the ones I picked up and walked away from many high priced ones. At first I refurbished a couple, but lately I have learned to appreciate the patina of each one. It kind of tells a story of its past life. Yes, my kids and some friends think I'm crazy, but i have one grandson that thinks they are great and will go on the hunts with me. That is what keeps me looking. Unfortunately, I think I hooked him on collecting. Anyway, the second to last picture is of the moon rising above Lake Michigan tonight. I took a walk at the state park. I hope you enjoy it.
Michael
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Especially since it was sitting there - or somewhere, since sometime between 1943 (when 2-digit Postal Codes were established) and 1963 (when 5-digiti Zip Codes were established).
Incidentally, I have a Wen soldering iron kit from the 50's
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Pics of her shoe "collection"?
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I'm going to go out on a limb and postulate that either Laube or Amsco was making these for Disston and Wen. Who was first and who copied who between those two remains unknown.
Trade mag notices...
1957 Supervision
1958 American Lumberman
1958 Building Supply
Trade mag notices...
1957 Supervision
1958 American Lumberman
1958 Building Supply
Those grey craftsman crown boxes with 2 drawers are my favorite. I have one I use constantly, loaded heavy. If you would ever sell one let me know, I'd be happy with the uglier one. Mine was made in 1967.
Mintgrun
Well-known member
I like how the WEN TOTER's tray has hanging lips on all four sides, so it can span the box any-which-way. The Amsco box above only has two lips.
It's an addictive hobby. I have a friend who assures me there are far more destructive addictions to pursue ( as he lives vicariously through my gathering habits ). At first, I wondered why you were storing them so high up, but now I understand. It's for security reasons. Using the ladder as a shelf was brilliant, since it makes it even harder for her to reach them.
It's an addictive hobby. I have a friend who assures me there are far more destructive addictions to pursue ( as he lives vicariously through my gathering habits ). At first, I wondered why you were storing them so high up, but now I understand. It's for security reasons. Using the ladder as a shelf was brilliant, since it makes it even harder for her to reach them.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
What is weird to me is you four came up with 4 different/identical versions, and I have yet, the best I can recall, to see one in the wild ...
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ Every one of those I've come across has been abused or rusted out - that "Earthwise Recycle" place had a few of them.
I'm tending to shy away from projects that require a lot of angle grinder and flap-wheel work.
I'm tending to shy away from projects that require a lot of angle grinder and flap-wheel work.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I did one that was a rust bucket for my 3/4" socket set. - a lot of work but the end product was worth it.
and I took on one high end Craftsman roller that had a drawer with the front face half off the I repainted the exterior and all the drawers inside and out.
Others have been a couple small boxes for special use that just needed paint for what I wanted. Not really interested din "complete redo's" anymore.
The 3/4" box before:
and after:
The roller before - second from the bottom was after spotwelding and "bodywork":
and after:
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Jay__Dub
Well-known member
Nice work! That roller looks terrific.I did one that was a rust bucket for my 3/4" socket set. - a lot of work but the end product was worth it.
and I took on one high end Craftsman roller that had a drawer with the front face half off the I repainted the exterior and all the drawers inside and out.
Others have been a couple small boxes for special use that just needed paint for what I wanted. Not really interested din "complete redo's" anymore.
The 3/4" box before:
and after:
The roller before - second from the bottom was after spotwelding and "bodywork":
and after:
Mintgrun
Well-known member
There is a TOTE-ALL made by Simonsen on ePay right now (also made in Chicago). It has the rounded bottom edges and arched base, with the rectangular grab bar. Rounded corners are no surprise on a Simonsen product. It's also got three pressed in 'feet' on each side of the base, which is a nice detail.
EDIT-
Here's an E-Z TOTER like the original in this thread, but made by Simonsen, instead of Laube Steel. It also has 'feet' on the base.
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Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Make that five Mfgrs. I forgot someone mentioned Simonsen before - which is not at all surprising, they all have Simonsen tics. I wouldn't be shocked to learn Simonsen was first. I would dearly love to figure out the backstory and lay out the production timeline on all these. Was it all copycatting? Or was there some relationship? Had to be something between Laube and Simonsen, at the very least.
INSP380
Well-known member
Kinda sorta … it is, unfortunately, not a square. The side rails act more like a handle. The tray is one of my favorite parts on this tote..
Steve
INSP380
Well-known member
The sides on the “Toter” are very similar to the others, but the bottom is flat. Any guesses as to the Dymo label??
Steve
Steve
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Probably not an owner's mark unless it was an inventory tag.
Possibly someone effed up the label and just decided this was where they would get rid of it.
INSP380
Well-known member
Beerhippie
Well-known member
Florida....Google search turned up this…. Time frame is about right… creepy.
Steve
INSP380
Well-known member
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Got any things in your shop moving of their own volition? 
INSP380
Well-known member
Every single box has a story! Maybe the best part about collecting them..Got any things in your shop moving of their own volition?
Steve
Mintgrun
Well-known member
I'm on my way to pick this one up. I'm guessing it's a Kennedy box, as are the other two they're selling; but I'm not buying those.
The asking prices are $40-$50-$75, based on size. $40 is more than I'd typically pay, but this one seems special.
The asking prices are $40-$50-$75, based on size. $40 is more than I'd typically pay, but this one seems special.
RTM
Well-known member
Looks like an ASCO, both Lugz and I have one posted here. Mine has been repainted.
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
It's not a huge box. The dimensions are moderate. But it's built like a tank. Easily the most robust, well-made steel machinists' box I have ever had or seen. Heavy duty. Slides like butter. Side carry handles. Did I say heavy? It almost seems overkill for the size and weight of its typical contents, but precision tools, gauges, and instruments wouldn't feel more secure in a museum or a bank vault.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Weren't those armorers boxes?
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
Yes. I've posted a NOS one being uncrated on this thread, and also one with the whole kit laid out for inspection.
Patrickm82
Well-known member
I have two of them myself, nice boxes
Patrickm82
Well-known member
Picked up this Park 8666 for $5 at an estate sale very nice condition. Lite rust on the carry handle but otherwise great shape
Private Lugnutz
Well-known member
I'm sure @Mintgrun will find all the prior references, but here's the crated one.
www.garagejournal.com
The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!
This one is staying with me, for the time being at least.
www.garagejournal.com
JustVicingIt
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 6, 2025
- Messages
- 179
Another Kennedy, This one came completely outfitted. Belonged to the father-in-law of the guy I got it from who was a machinist. $300 all in, so not half bad. I'll clean it all up and do some touch up spray to it. Should be a great addition to my shop and a lot of the precision tools will be hlepful but not neccesarily needed overall. Sorry for the overload of pic! The red rust look is just the lighting from the sun, barely any rust if any at all. Very well taken care of.
