The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[nine4gmc]

That is one Kennedy I would never sell.

 

[zkling]

That is one Kennedy I would never sell.

As much as I disdain the typical kennedy 520 boxes, I would hang onto that one. Hopefully kennedy will help you track down a rough DOB. They are usually pretty helpful and willing. For <$20 that is a super cool IMHO.

 

[bluebolt]

That is one Kennedy I would never sell.

I agree, maybe it's a Navy version with brass or brass plated hardware LOL.

 

[nine4gmc]

There has been one posted here before but it could not be identified due to those handles and no logo. I think we know now that the pulls are OEM and that's a real(possibly early) Kennedy.

 

[thundermug]

Snagged this old Dunlap machinist box today off CL for $15. Smells like mildew. Very light weight. Look at the corners. If this box could talk...

https://sphotos-a-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q77/10031_650441378922_20808434_n.jpg

 

[rusty65]

I picked up this Old Kennedy Machinist box yesterday at a garage sale for $17.50. Any one know how old it is? It has drawer pulls like I have never seen on a Kennedy. The paint is very heavy on the wrinkle finish compared to the newer stuff. Leather handle, which I have seen before on these. Their was a logo on the box that is mostly worn off. The drawer all work great except the bottom is a bit sticky.
Anyone know how to get these style drawers out? They don't have the "tabs" like the modern ones. I tried slipping something in between the slides and drawers like the old Snap Ons use and that didn't work. There is some paperwork under that bottom drawer and I want to see what it says.

My best guess would be 1930s or earlier.

Sent From Snap On Headquarters deep in China.

 

[nine4gmc]

That Dunlap is pretty cool thundermug! Any plans for it?

 

[thundermug]

nine4gmc - Clean off the dust and grime, try to remove the heavy mold stink, and use it for a few decades. I did some research, and I saw that you have at least one Dunlap box. Yours looks to be made of heavier steel and has a hinged lid. Very nice. Same vintage? I think mine is a student grade box, as the construction is lighter and there are no drawer slides.

Right now I'm looking for a bottom roller box to rest it on. Doesn't have to be an old Dunlap, but that would be great.

 

[zkling]

Snagged this old Dunlap machinist box today off Very light weight. Look at the corners. If this box could talk...

Very nice. I actually use to have one of those. Drove me crazy between the drawer pulls and lack of stops, so I gave it to a friend that thought it was the coolest thing. You could say "Very light weight" again. The bottom drawer on mine had rubbed on the bottom so much it was like tin foil.

 

[DandDMachine]

Rusty that looks like the one. You can still see the stickers (although very faint) on each side of the lid that had tap drill sizes on them.
Anyone know how to get the drawers out? There is some papers under that bottom drawer that may hold some info.

 

[zip94]

Here's an old Plomb 9989 tool box I found at an estate sale yesterday. It's in great shape, but after some cleaning I noticed the outside has been repainted. The interior is well used with worn paint but no rust. The decal inside is in good condition and there is also a smaller decal indicating this box may have come with a set of tools. There were a few Plomb Tools at the estate sale, but mostly picked through since I got there late. It would have been interesting if the estate company would have kept all the Plomb Tools with this box, but they didn't know any better.

There is a stamped brass nameplate on the top that says "Robert Sylvanus", would be nice to replace with my name. I plan on keeping the box and would like suggestions on how to preserve the paint.

 

[bluebolt]

Here's an old Plomb 9989 tool box I found at an estate sale yesterday. It's in great shape, but after some cleaning I noticed the outside has been repainted. The interior is well used with worn paint but no rust. The decal inside is in good condition and there is also a smaller decal indicating this box may have come with a set of tools. There were a few Plomb Tools at the estate sale, but mostly picked through since I got there late. It would have been interesting if the estate company would have kept all the Plomb Tools with this box, but they didn't know any better.

There is a stamped brass nameplate on the top that says "Robert Sylvanus", would be nice to replace with my name. I plan on keeping the box and would like suggestions on how to preserve the paint.

Sweet box!

 

[Outlawmws]

Rusty, great job finding the catalog/magazine page! Do you know what year/publication it is from? And do you have a link?

D&D, without seeing the slides, I'd guess the SO method would work. but post a pic. Are there any holes in the slide?

 

[Outlawmws]

Here's an old Plomb 9989 tool box I found at an estate sale yesterday. It's in great shape, but after some cleaning I noticed the outside has been repainted. The interior is well used with worn paint but no rust. The decal inside is in good condition and there is also a smaller decal indicating this box may have come with a set of tools. There were a few Plomb Tools at the estate sale, but mostly picked through since I got there late. It would have been interesting if the estate company would have kept all the Plomb Tools with this box, but they didn't know any better.

There is a stamped brass nameplate on the top that says "Robert Sylvanus", would be nice to replace with my name. I plan on keeping the box and would like suggestions on how to preserve the paint.

Bet bet is to clean with WD-40 (Kennedy recommends exactly that for their boxes, and it generally works well), Then clean well to remove the WD, and paste wax, even over the bare metal.

I'd go with Evaporust on any rust prior to waxing.

re: Keeping the tools with the box: The PO's probably didn't either, so I can't hardly see laying blame on the estate sale folks.

And great Score! I'm envious!

 

[930dreamer]

I see some great toolbox finds.

 

[DandDMachine]

Outlaw post 1562 shows a pic of the slide. Nothing obvious, I have taken drawers out of countless tool boxes but this one has me stumped. Maybe a email to Kennedy would help. I will try that.

 

[refried]

The decal inside is in good condition and there is also a smaller decal indicating this box may have come with a set of tools. There were a few Plomb Tools at the estate sale, but mostly picked through since I got there late. It would have been interesting if the estate company would have kept all the Plomb Tools with this box, but they didn't know any better.

Here's a picture of the tool set from that box, It's from a 1948 Proto / Plomb catalog

 

[Outlawmws]

Outlaw post 1562 shows a pic of the slide. Nothing obvious, I have taken drawers out of countless tool boxes but this one has me stumped. Maybe a email to Kennedy would help. I will try that.

Yep, unless there is a release on the inside of the drawer itself (doubtful) I'll say it the SO method. you need a piece if thin sheet-metal (think hack saw blade with the teeth ground off, maybe narrower) at the release tool.

• Pull the drawer all the way out. then push in slightly while keeping the slide out.
• Slide the tool under the slide and get it well inside (you may need to bend the tool into a slight curve)
• Push the slide back and it should go past the spot welded "spring tab" that will be attached to the drawer
• Don't push it all the way back, but retrieve the tool and repeat on the other side.
• The drawer should slide out
• Same deal from the inside between the slide and box to get the slide out of the box

 

[johnnybentwrench]

KR-300 with added drawers and custom Stainless trays.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81562

 

[My Junk is Stuff]

Just carried home this old Huot top box. got it off ebay for $13.00

It's been a while since I got this old Huot and it's not quite done yet, but I thought I may as well post an update. So far the paint cost about twice as much as the box did I still need to finish the front door pieces. One thing is for sure, I need some practice with the Hammer Tone, cause it either don't hammer or it hammers and runs!!!!!!!!!!

 

[zkling]

KR-300 with added drawers and custom Stainless trays.

That is a really sweet setup johnny. What top is that? A KR-53 or 56 on top of that? Looks really good together.

It's been a while since I got this old Huot and it's not quite done yet, but I thought I may as well post an update.

Great job on the repaint. I really like that color scheme. how did you polish the side handles?

 

[My Junk is Stuff]

KR-300 with added drawers and custom Stainless trays.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=81562

This thing is seriously cool!!

 

[Rickster55]

My Junk,

Looks awesome!!! Good job!!!

 

[Duct Tape Man]

Snagged this one off CL yesterday, it's a Union Steel Chest carpenter's toolbox. Long enough to take a good sized saw, plus the notches are in the end to fit a carpenter's square. Barely any scratches on it, a little rust on the handles, but very light. One end has a handle to carry it upright. Reminds me of a Kennedy box, but the finish is different, like a grey hammertone. Inside is excellent, barely used, even the bottom of the toolbox barely has any scratches.

$10 cash. Can't beat it.

 

[pokey459]

good afternoon folks,
I meant for this to be howdy, but i slipped in a couple of posts before.
You guys are killing me, with vintage boxes , garage sales and show us your
tool box threads. I've been reading for quite some time now.
well i guess it's my turn to kick something into the kitty, so here's
some of my junk.

#1 my toolbox at work[not vintage enough].

#2 old mac / lyon box at home.

#3 '88 craftsman top and bottom[ignore the newer mid].

#4 my son's boxes old roller[ignore the newer top box].

more stuff but that will be for later.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Very nice!

 

[zkling]

good afternoon folks,
I meant for this to be howdy, but i slipped in a couple of posts before.

Welcome to GJ pokey, Looks like you will fit in real well. Great boxes.

Do you know what the model is on that upper mac box? I have that same 8D bottom, super heavy built boxes. I have not seen a wide top box like that.

Your son has a very nice box as well. I have the waterloo version of that 12D bottom. I love the drawer layout.

 

[pokey459]

Do you know what the model is on that upper mac box?

Nope, can't find any numbers, and don't want to lose any more paint.
It's truck box style, with the lid that covers the drawers, and is @ 32"
wide at the outside.

 

[beatcad]

heres my 1st post in this thread, the main reason I signed up for the GJ.
I got this 1976 proto for free because the bottom drawer was messed up. it turns out one of the slide clips was missing and another was installed backwards. I made a couple calls and a couple emails to Stanley and bought 2 new clips. I cleaned all the slides and lined the drawers w/ black carpet runner. the lower box is unknown. I got off CL. I cannot find a makers stamp anywhere. the guy said it was his granddads and was from the 40s. I didn't believe him, but I think he might be close.

 

[zkling]

Nope, can't find any numbers, and don't want to lose any more paint.
It's truck box style, with the lid that covers the drawers, and is @ 32"
wide at the outside.

Look on left hand side as you were facing the box. On that side, lower left hand corner. Should be stamped pretty deep, no need to remove paint, just need good lighting. At least that is where it is stamped on my top box.

the lower box is unknown. I got off CL. I cannot find a makers stamp anywhere. the guy said it was his granddads and was from the 40s. I didn't believe him, but I think he might be close.

Great boxes, I love the older tool boxes. Can you post a few more pics of the bottom box? What is, if anything, behind the doors?

 

[beatcad]

Great boxes, I love the older tool boxes. Can you post a few more pics of the bottom box? What is, if anything, behind the doors?

i'll get a better pic tomorrow(when my wife helps me load pix)
inside this box isn't drawers. just one shelf. I've seen pix if it w/ the top box but mine was missing. it's a cool top box.

 

[zkling]

I've seen pix if it w/ the top box but mine was missing. it's a cool top box.

You've got me curious now, what brand was the matching top?

 

[beatcad]

no clue. the other 2 I saw(both on the hamb) the other owners were both clueless as to the maker. pix are here. post# 541 and 558
beware! don't click on this thread unless you got at least an hour to kill

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146631&page=28

 

[zkling]

no clue. the other 2 I saw(both on the hamb) the other owners were both clueless as to the maker. pix are here. post# 541 and 558
beware! don't click on this thread unless you got at least an hour to kill

O... Now I remember seeing those boxes. I think they are a Plomb box. Key work think, will have to look into it. Yea I've read that thread as well as this one numerous times. I love the vintage boxes, even looking at the same pics over and over.

 

[supperfly17]

Hi. I purchased a vintage snapon top box recently. Kra60. It is full of grease. What is the best way to clean grease? Is there a product or? Thanks.

 

[zkling]

Hi. I purchased a vintage snapon top box recently. Kra60. It is full of grease. What is the best way to clean grease? Is there a product or? Thanks.

Pics please Is it friction or ball bearing? To clean old boxes I use a combo of
-Car soap
-Dawn dish soap
-Water
-Alcohol
-Acetone

 

[johnnybentwrench]

This thing is seriously cool!!

Thanks,
I am not sure what model the top box is??

 

[zkling]

Thanks,
I am not sure what model the top box is??

Looks like a KR-53, does it have 3 drawers? Can you post a few more pics. What are the custom stainless trays you speak of?

 

[supperfly17]

Pics please Is it friction or ball bearing? To clean old boxes I use a combo of
-Car soap
-Dawn dish soap
-Water
-Alcohol
-Acetone

So there isnt one solution that cleans it, I have to use a combination. Thanks.

Also I will post pics.

 

[Outlawmws]

Be VERY careful with acetone, it can take the original paint along with the grime...