Craftsman cantilever tool box..

[CTyankee]

Got this at the flea market today for 2 dollars. A little rough and missing a "buckle" on one of the latches. Also missing a cover for one of the top trays.

Don't know the age, but doubt it's very old due to the Craftsman logo appearing to be glued on. Any suggestions as to what to use to fab up a buckle for it? I'd like to use the box to try my hand at doing a simple restoration.

 

[zkling]

Nice box, especially for $2. I would like to try out a cantilever box some day.

I'd guess it is an 80's or later box.

For the buckle. Funny I actually made one just the other day. What I did was find a piece of stock the same diameter as the existing loop. Then took some measurements and cut a piece of wood as a form tool. Between the vise, arbor press and a largish pair of pliers I was able to bend it around to match the for block to match the existing one. Easy to do, just time consuming.

 

[CTyankee]

Nice box, especially for $2. I would like to try out a cantilever box some day.

I'd guess it is an 80's or later box.

For the buckle. Funny I actually made one just the other day. What I did was find a piece of stock the same diameter as the existing loop. Then took some measurements and cut a piece of wood as a form tool. Between the vise, arbor press and a largish pair of pliers I was able to bend it around to match the for block to match the existing one. Easy to do, just time consuming.

Thanks. I figured some one here would have figured out a way to do this. I don't have an arbor press, but I think if I make up a form as you suggest I should be able to bend something close up. I think they sell rod stock at Ace.

As to cantilever boxes. The only downside to this one is the weight of it. Don't know if I'd want to be hauling it around with a load of socket sets and wrenches. My plan is to use it as an electrical box, so the weight shouldn't pose a problem.