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The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

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colmal

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Sep 8, 2021
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Australia
Just arrived, a tiny bit bigger than I thought- LOL well a lot

Usable size thou and I did want the full length drawers-probably pass one on and put 2 in my shelves,

They are now project number one, even if I find a matching blue pretty sure they will end up the same copper color to match the juniors

Rota CD2,CD3,CD4

SAM_5114.JPG
 

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682bear

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West GA
Lookin4'67Galaxieconv said:
Yeah, I actually bought the Craftsman from that guy. The Remline box caught my attention. But it needed a lot of work and I'd like to get a bigger top box. Had one about twelve years ago and sold it!
Click to expand...

There was a 12 drawer top on facebook up in Charlotte three weeks ago that was in really nice condition... we were up there for a couple of days and I considered contacting the seller...

I had already committed to buying an optical comparator, though, so I passed on the box. I don't remember if it was branded Rem Line or Craftsman, though.

I can't seem to find it now... it may have sold.

-Bear
 
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colmal

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Australia
colmal said:
Just arrived, a tiny bit bigger than I thought- LOL well a lot

Usable size thou and I did want the full length drawers-probably pass one on and put 2 in my shelves,

They are now project number one, even if I find a matching blue pretty sure they will end up the same copper color to match the juniors

Rota CD2,CD3,CD4

SAM_5114.JPG
Click to expand...
It fits :)

Problem #1 is solved SAM_5119.JPG

Problem # 2 also solved- ordered a 3 pack this morning as it was cheaper, also have a small Rota chest of Drawers to paint and may try a vice with any left overs

2026-01-28_06-41.png

Problem #3 going to have to remove the factory sticker gently so I can put it back on - will try maybe a heat gun from the back to start, scraper and Eucalyptus Oil placed with a small brush to peel it. SAM_5122.JPG

Unless of course someone has a better method ?
 
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zanyad

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2,790
Location
NE Ohio
colmal said:
Problem #3 going to have to remove the factory sticker gently so I can put it back on - will try maybe a heat gun from the back to start, scraper and Eucalyptus Oil placed with a small brush to peel it.
SAM_5122.JPG


Unless of course someone has a better method ?
Click to expand...
Try member @mattblast? See his thread.
 
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colmal

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Australia
Farmer J. said:
Put masking tape over the sticker whilst you paint the box. Trim the edges of the tape neatly to the edge of the sticker with a razor blade.
Click to expand...
That was the original plan, however it's going in the oven for an hour or so, now that I know it fits.

The paint comes up so much better and even looks like a factory finish. I've done quite a few Rustoleum paint/primer spray before- going to find out if the hammered likes heat treatment as well.can't see why not.
 
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colmal

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Australia
Beerhippie said:
But how will the sticker hold up?

@colmal : I've oven-cured Rusto Hammered with fine results. I usually go about an hour at 225-250F.
Click to expand...
Being the novice here, I'll go with your settings, pretty sure your the Coleman lantern restorer ? Been a while since I've seen them but was one of the reasons I started using the oven-still impressed.

I have a range hood over the oven which gets most/all of the fumes and use a fan directed at 2 large windows just to clear things up when I'm finished.

No cooking in the paint oven, bought a little french door oven for food.
SAM_5125.JPG
 
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Beerhippie

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Far NE Oregon
colmal said:
Being the novice here, I'll go with your settings, pretty sure your the Coleman lantern restorer ? Been a while since I've seen them but was one of the reasons I started using the oven-still impressed.

I have a range hood over the oven which gets most/all of the fumes and use a fan directed at 2 large windows just to clear things up when I'm finished.

No cooking in the paint oven, bought a little french door oven for food.
SAM_5125.JPG
Click to expand...
Microlathe instead of a microwave? Perfect!

Chops, slices, dices and makes Julienne fries!
 
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colmal

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Outlawmws said:
That's the kitchen of a single guy...
Click to expand...
That's the pic of a guy that would be single if 'she that finds it amusing' didn't have her own place. :)

She doesn't find my paint oven amusing thou and put her foot down -'absolutely not, it's not safe'
 
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Beerhippie

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colmal said:
That's the pic of a guy that would be single if 'she that finds it amusing' didn't have her own place. :)

She doesn't find my paint oven amusing thou and put her foot down -'absolutely not, it's not safe'
Click to expand...
I'd hesitate to use a gas-powered oven for paint curing.

I mean, I'd still do it, but I'd hesitate a bit first. Y'all, hold my beer--I wanna show ya' something.....

I've used my Coleman folding oven on top of a Coleman stove for paint curing. Just let the paint dry well first.
 
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colmal

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Beerhippie said:
I'd hesitate to use a gas-powered oven for paint curing.

I mean, I'd still do it, but I'd hesitate a bit first. Y'all, hold my beer--I wanna show ya' something.....

I've used my Coleman folding oven on top of a Coleman stove for paint curing. Just let the paint dry well first.
Click to expand...
Yeah that's what I told her, it's not Gas- had a better response just pop in my head thou-Can't see the forest for the trees- Safer than cooking a Lamb roast or spuds in oil at higher temps- :)

Either way, I acquiesced to her 'no cooking in there' that makes sense, (wasn't going to do that anyway), she's accepted, kinda - still had the woman's , perturbed sideways look thou, 'Is he Trolling me ?'
 
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Beerhippie

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colmal said:
Yeah that's what I told her, it's not Gas- had a better response just pop in my head thou-Can't see the forest for the trees- Safer than cooking a Lamb roast or spuds in oil at higher temps- :)

Either way, I acquiesced to her 'no cooking in there' that makes sense, (wasn't going to do that anyway), she's accepted, kinda - still had the woman's , perturbed sideways look thou, 'Is he Trolling me ?'
Click to expand...
Aw, I regularly reheat snacks in my paint curing oven. Nothing like a hint of Rustoleum to really set the spices off!
 
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682bear

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West GA
Three weeks ago I bought a set of Matco boxes...

20260110_112032.jpg

I've been working on the boxes in my spare time... there is a couple of issues with them.

First, the previous owner lubricated the drawer slides with something that smells very strongly like diesel fuel... it has my shop stinking pretty badly... so I started with the top box, removing the drawers and slides. I degreased the slides then regreased them and reinstalled the drawers. During this process, I found the second issue...

I discovered that two of the slide retaining clips were missing. I couldn't find any replacements that I thought would fit, so I cut up a galvanized angle bracket, making new clips that I riveted to the slides.

The original clips look like this...

20260128_160732.jpg

My replacements are a little crude, but work fine...

20260128_160745.jpg

20260128_160750.jpg

I've finished cleaning and degreasing the top and middle boxes. While I'm working on them, I'm also cutting and installing new drawer liners.

I've discovered a very interesting product that I'm using for the liners... it is a woven fabric with an adhesive backing...

Screenshot_20260128_164845_eBay.jpg

It's made as a self stick, absorbent floor covering for slick areas. It is easily removed for replacement, and is only maybe 1/16" thick.

Screenshot_20260128_165227_eBay.jpg

I ordered a roll... it's 32 inches wide and 50 feet long... it will only take about a half roll to do this set of boxes.

It's easy to measure, cut, and install... it makes me look like I know what I'm doing...

20260128_162026.jpg

20260129_114535.jpg

This was the final drawer in the top box... I used two pieces of scrap for it. There is a seam down the middle...

20260129_115057.jpg

So far, I'm pretty impressed with it.

-Bear
 
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RTM

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682bear said:
discovered that two of the slide retaining clips were missing. I couldn't find any replacements that I thought would fit, so I cut up a galvanized angle bracket, making new clips that I riveted to the slides.
Click to expand...
This is a Kennedy search result, I think they also work on certain Craftsman slides.


matco toolbox drawer clips replacement


Looks like Matco come in two sizes, without seeing your full geometry can’t tell you what will work.

1769756397052.png
 
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682bear

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West GA
RTM said:
This is a Kennedy search result, I think they also work on certain Craftsman slides.


matco toolbox drawer clips replacement


Looks like Matco come in two sizes, without seeing your full geometry can’t tell you what will work.

1769756397052.png
Click to expand...

I saw those... they are not shaped the same, so I didn't know if they would work or not.

-Bear
 
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RTM

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682bear said:
I saw those... they are not shaped the same, so I didn't know if they would work or not.

-Bear
Click to expand...
Over the decades, Kennedy and Craftsman (via Waterloo?) has changed to a universal shaped one, that supposedly is backwards compatible to many boxes. Not sure if Matco has also. Post a photo of one, with dimensions, in and out of the box, and the hunt can continue.
 
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Firebird1975

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Feb 16, 2017
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MA/NH Border
Outlawmws said:
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:

1762398322934.png



and after:

1762398354183.png


The roller before - second from the bottom was after spotwelding and "bodywork":

1762398209557.png


and after:

1762398425849.png
Click to expand...
I have the same Craftsman box. It's listed in the 1953 and 1954 Craftsman Tool catalog. The only downfall is the top drawer is not fully accessible when fully opened. What paint did you use ???
 
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Outlawmws

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The Badlands
Firebird1975 said:
I have the same Craftsman box. It's listed in the 1953 and 1954 Craftsman Tool catalog. The only downfall is the top drawer is not fully accessible when fully opened. What paint did you use ???
Click to expand...

Hammer-Tone Grey (Rustoleum).

it was about as perfects a match as I've ever seen rattle can paint go. I fogged in the bottom interior and you could not tell...

The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

I have a second toolbox I picked up for five bucks at a yardsale. I has a lot of rust but I think I can clean it up. The only redeming quality is that it is a craftsman. I think it may be from the 80s due to the sticker. But for 5 bucks I thought it would be a decent project. I was able to heat...
www.garagejournal.com www.garagejournal.com
 
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mccachar

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Mar 8, 2025
Messages
15
Good morning, everyone. It was recommended that I try my query in this thread. Hope someone can help. I'm trying to identify the make/model of this top box.

Notable features:
  • Can't find any ID (specifically no S-O model stamped in the back).
  • Was originally a very S-O red.
  • Shallow top tray (it also looks like one of the inner dividers has a handle that should hinge up and let you lift it out, but nothing moves, as though it's been spot welded in place).
  • Riveted flat drawer pulls that are rounded for the whole width (as opposed to being more-or-less rectangular).
  • No markings on the drawer pulls.
  • Visible piano hinge at top front (whereas some S-O models, such as a KRA I have from ~1960, has it hidden under the lid lip).
  • Single knob handle (I looked and there's no evidence that there were ever other handles or a two-hole handle in the center).
  • Only a lid support on the left side, not both sides (I looked and there's no evidence that there was ever a support on the right).
  • No markings on the drawer pulls.
  • Snap-On type drawer slides (where you have to stick a thin tool in between the slide and the drawer to release).
TIA

Thanks,
Chaz
 

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mccachar

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JMP said:
Doesn't look Snap On to me. Maybe another brand like Remline.
Click to expand...
Yeah, someone suggested Rem Line in the first place I posted it but I couldn't find any likely matches. Tried looking for Waterloo, Matco, Mac, etc. Struck out. The single knob and single support seem to be unusual.
 
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mccachar

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Mar 8, 2025
Messages
15
mccachar said:
Good morning, everyone. It was recommended that I try my query in this thread. Hope someone can help. I'm trying to identify the make/model of this top box.

Notable features:
  • Can't find any ID (specifically no S-O model stamped in the back).
  • Was originally a very S-O red.
  • Shallow top tray (it also looks like one of the inner dividers has a handle that should hinge up and let you lift it out, but nothing moves, as though it's been spot welded in place).
  • Riveted flat drawer pulls that are rounded for the whole width (as opposed to being more-or-less rectangular).
  • No markings on the drawer pulls.
  • Visible piano hinge at top front (whereas some S-O models, such as a KRA I have from ~1960, has it hidden under the lid lip).
  • Single knob handle (I looked and there's no evidence that there were ever other handles or a two-hole handle in the center).
  • Only a lid support on the left side, not both sides (I looked and there's no evidence that there was ever a support on the right).
  • No markings on the drawer pulls.
  • Snap-On type drawer slides (where you have to stick a thin tool in between the slide and the drawer to release).
TIA

Thanks,
Chaz
Click to expand...
Found it! It was this *AWESOME* bunch of information from @twertsy that led me to it: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/vintage-tool-box-identification.295748/.

It's a Bonney. Looks like mid-50s. This is the only pic I've found so far of such a thing:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/484629609903977525/
 
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