The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[k p]

Since We're talking about beach...here's my re-branded Beach boxes (Mastercraft). Best $300 I have ever spent (for both). These will be with me for life.

Last two pictures are when I picked up the bottom box and completed the set.

 

[May Pop]

Brent
Thats a great set of Craftsman stacks. I love the little drawer in the center of the base cabinets, makes a nice place to store treasures.
What did you give for the whole group?

 

[lauver]

PCO6,

Thanks for posting the date of the Beach catalog. That put's it in perspective. And, yes I can see the similarities between the Beach and Gray boxes.

BTW-- Love your avitar. Is that you? Nice pec's.

 

[thundermug]

What a beauty.

 

[PCO6]

PCO6,

Thanks for posting the date of the Beach catalog. That put's it in perspective. And, yes I can see the similarities between the Beach and Gray boxes.

BTW-- Love your avitar. Is that you? Nice pec's.

That's not me nor did I take the picture (sadly).

What a beauty.

Are you also commenting on my avatar or on the boxes? You're right on both counts.

Those are some nice boxes ... and GREAT deals!

 

[-Brent-]

Brent
Thats a great set of Craftsman stacks. I love the little drawer in the center of the base cabinets, makes a nice place to store treasures.
What did you give for the whole group?

I paid $500 for everything in the pics except the new intermediates. I used points from my Sears card to almost get one because I purchased a washer and dryer during a promo. The other two I got for 30% off. So, in total I've got a little over $700 into the whole thing.

A couple things that helped facilitate the deal was he was asking $1200 and really only wanted to sell them together. As well, he didn't have any keys since they were lost long ago and all but one of the red boxes was unlocked.

Of course, one drawback is there aren't wide drawers like you'd find on a professional box. Another is I've got to be smart about the weight I put into them. Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of empty drawers to grow into.

 

[bobkentnova]

I've got the same box. It was my grandfathers. I'm guessing it was made in the 1930's. Please let me know if you have any more detail on it.

 

[zkling]

Since We're talking about beach...here's my re-branded Beach boxes (Mastercraft). Best $300 I have ever spent (for both). These will be with me for life.

Last two pictures are when I picked up the bottom box and completed the set.

Very nice IMHO a perfect drawer layout.

 

[Tsquare]

Since We're talking about beach...here's my re-branded Beach boxes (Mastercraft). Best $300 I have ever spent (for both). These will be with me for life.

Last two pictures are when I picked up the bottom box and completed the set.

Really nice

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

3 new additions to the family!



Little red Kennedy box....




Late 40's CMan 7-Drawer Machinist Chest





Late 50's CMan Machinist Chest

The late 50's CMan is definitely a keeper, the other two may find there way FS once I clean them up.

 

[thundermug]

That Cman machinist chest is nice. Passed on one a couple weeks ago...regretting it.

 

[k p]

Very nice IMHO a perfect drawer layout.

Really nice

Thanks fellas, I love the drawers too.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

Picked this up yesterday


A lot going on here


Snap-on sticker, Mac badge and drawer pulls and Matco M520 Nov 77 stamp

 

[jakemac]

I like that drawer layout. Nice find.

What are the measurements on the the box ?

 

[Outlawmws]

What's written on the drawer pulls?

 

[WildwoodChuck]

i like that drawer layout. Nice find.

What are the measurements on the the box ?

26.5w 18d 37h

 

[WildwoodChuck]

What's written on the drawer pulls?

Mac

Tools

 

[jakemac]

I want one !

 

[bobcatdan]

Picked this up yesterday


A lot going on here


Snap-on sticker, Mac badge and drawer pulls and Matco M520 Nov 77 stamp

In 1977, mac and matco were basically one company, matco stands for Mac Allied Tool Company. This would explain the different names on the box. The two split in 1980 or so, but their boxes stayed almost identical for a number of years.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I want one !

This one is for sale but it's a long drive for ya

 

[zkling]

I want one !

It is a real common Mac/Matco box. They are out there, when you least expect it I'm sure you will find one. FYI Waterloo has the little clips the cheapest

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

FYI Waterloo has the little clips the cheapest

Those the standard clips for friction slides on Craftsman, Waterloo, Mac, etc?

How much are they?

 

[zkling]

Those the standard clips for friction slides on Craftsman, Waterloo, Mac, etc?

How much are they?

Yes sir, I bought some back in Feb or March IIRC this year when I got my matco box. They are ~$1 each, keys are $3 each then shipping is like $3 per order.

I don't know the part number, if you call waterloo and say you need the "little black drawer slide clips" they will know exactly what you are talking about Fit my MB920 perfectly.

 

[HighwayTrout]

I don't know why I bought this. I'm already swimming in tool boxes as it is.
I'll put it to use until it's time to pass it on to the next guy.

[/url] IMG_1943 by HighwayTrout, on Flickr[/IMG]

 

[Mumbly00]

Found GJ while on my search for a "new" tool box, I outgrew my 26", and was torn between a new HF 44" roller, and a used snap on kr-537, 557, and 274 combo. Decided to get the snap on combo and got it for $450, couldn't be happier with it, but I'm still getting moved into it. The 557, and 537 are '84 vintage, and the 274 is '82 vintage. The whole set has spent the last 30 years in a john deer shop.

 

[jeffmoss26]

That's nice!!

 

[crewchief888]

Found GJ while on my search for a "new" tool box, I outgrew my 26", and was torn between a new HF 44" roller, and a used snap on kr-537, 557, and 274 combo. Decided to get the snap on combo and got it for $450, couldn't be happier with it, but I'm still getting moved into it. The 557, and 537 are '84 vintage, and the 274 is '82 vintage. The whole set has spent the last 30 years in a john deer shop.

that was a popular combo back in the day for the guy that wanted a bigger box.

 

[HubbaBubba]

I don't know why I bought this. I'm already swimming in tool boxes as it is.
I'll put it to use until it's time to pass it on to the next guy.

[/url] IMG_1943 by HighwayTrout, on Flickr[/IMG]

Great idea!

 

[Revere Cycles]

Late last night, I responded to a local craigslist ad for a Kennedy machinist roller cabinet for $20. (Model 277) After I got off work today, I went straight to the seller's home on the other side of town.

When I got to the house, the seller had a very clean top box (Model 520) and matching tote in the basement. He sold me the whole lot for $60. (I paid more for my other 520 box just a couple years ago.)

I was ecstatic to find a Kennedy roller cabinet for $20, and even more excited to pick up the extra boxes for only a few dollars more. Above all, I was thankful that the seller honored the fact that I was first to respond and waited for me to come by. It just goes to show that there are good people out there.

As for the boxes, I am going to restore the roller cab for myself, replace a couple of the handles, and give the other boxes to my step dad and brother.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Found GJ while on my search for a "new" tool box, I outgrew my 26", and was torn between a new HF 44" roller, and a used snap on kr-537, 557, and 274 combo. Decided to get the snap on combo and got it for $450, couldn't be happier with it, but I'm still getting moved into it. The 557, and 537 are '84 vintage, and the 274 is '82 vintage. The whole set has spent the last 30 years in a john deer shop.

You made the right choice. Great buy!

Got any more pics?

 

[rusty65]

Late last night, I responded to a local craigslist ad for a Kennedy machinist roller cabinet for $20. (Model 277) After I got off work today, I went straight to the seller's home on the other side of town.

When I got to the house, the seller had a very clean top box (Model 520) and matching tote in the basement. He sold me the whole lot for $60. (I paid more for my other 520 box just a couple years ago.)

I was ecstatic to find a Kennedy roller cabinet for $20, and even more excited to pick up the extra boxes for only a few dollars more. Above all, I was thankful that the seller honored the fact that I was first to respond and waited for me to come by. It just goes to show that there are good people out there.

As for the boxes, I am going to restore the roller cab for myself, replace a couple of the handles, and give the other boxes to my step dad and brother.

Nice kennedy boxes! I'm pretty partial to them my self. I have a 3 drawer and a 7 drawer for machinist tools and a 6 drawer mechanics box which I bought new 6 months ago. Plus I have two Kennedy carry boxes so as you can tell I really do like Kennedy boxes .


Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.

 

[zkling]

Found GJ while on my search for a "new" tool box, I outgrew my 26", and was torn between a new HF 44" roller, and a used snap on kr-537, 557, and 274 combo. Decided to get the snap on combo and got it for $450, couldn't be happier with it, but I'm still getting moved into it. The 557, and 537 are '84 vintage, and the 274 is '82 vintage. The whole set has spent the last 30 years in a john deer shop.

Awesome box, one of my personal favorite SO boxes. Good choice IMHO, actually I did the same thing, HF44" vs vintage boxes for same price. Think of it this way, that box has already been used for 30 years and STILL has a bunch of life left in it, I wonder what a HF 44" will look like in 30 years.

Welcome to GJ

 

[sasquatch12]

Anyone interested in the Ontario Canada built "Beach" tool chests mentioned here, just "Google" "Beach Tool Chest".
There is a bit of history there about Russel Beach and how he got started.

Built at Smithville Ontario, untill stanley bought them out and ruined a great old company.

 

[PCO6]

Thanks sasquatch12. I think this is the artical you referred to. Interesting stuff

"In 1949, a man in Smiths Falls named Russ Beach started a little company making metal utility and toolboxes. It began with 12 employees, but grew and grew.

The shiny, tiered toolboxes from Beach Industries found themselves in workshops everywhere, marketed by the likes of Canadian Tire, Sears and Eaton's.

When Mr. Beach, then aged 77, sold the company in 1987 to Stanley, the U.S. tool-making giant, it had more than 200 employees and annual sales in excess of $20 million.

STANLEY closed the plant in Smiths Falls, ON ending an era.

Russ Beach was well known across Canada in business circles as Canada's leading metal box manufacturer and as the popular president of Canada's largest member national aviation association, the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). In recent years Beach was Canada's oldest active jet pilot. He flew his own Cessna Citation jet aircraft for several years after he turned 80. Although Beach Industries Limited became Canada's largest metal box manufacturer, Beach was best known in aviation as the protector of the rights of private pilots and private aircraft owners to enjoy the freedom of the skies."

 

[matt stott]

I have quite a few vintage tool boxes. My grandfather was a tool and die guy his entire career. For much of my life, holiday and birthday gifts from him were his old tools and boxes and errata. I now work with tools every day at work (and have for 25 years now), but it is my home shop where I can relax and enjoy the work.

One box I always wanted was the Gerstner. Growing up around machine shops, these boxes were the king. I could never justify buying a new one, so a few years ago I searched ebay and finally found this guy. It was pretty beat up, and needed a lot of elbow grease to get back into fighting shape, but it puts a smile on my face each time I open it up. Some hardware was replaced (Gerstner is still pretty good about selling hardware for their boxes), a LOT of grease and oil was removed from the wood, the felt and mirror were replaced but nothing was stripped down or re-plated or anything.

The best part of this box is the back side of the tall drawer. The man (I can only assume it was a man) who originally owned this case recorded the start and finish dates for all of his jobs- so it has a built in history, and my imagination can fill in the rest.

It's not one of my grandfather's gifts (those get special treatment, and I am often reluctant to use them as intended), but special to me nonetheless. (and yes- I just realized that I set the front panel down on top of files for the photo! my bad, and not normal practice).

Matt

 

[FJ 432]

matt stott,

That's a super cool Gerstner! Look at the times written down 1937-1970! Incredible. Thanks for sharing.

 

[beatcad]

heres my latest gerstner. I believe it's early/mid 40s.

 

[3baygarage]

[/QUOTE]

It's pretty impressive how that box traveled back and forth from East Coast to West Coast. Looks like it was right near me in Buffalo and Cheektowaga. I know Trico left here for Mexico a while back though.

 

[3baygarage]

Here's an old Williams box with some character to it that I picked up recently.

 

[zkling]

That is a really cool setup 3baygarage. I don't think I have ever seen a williams tool box before. What is the story behind williams tool boxes? Were they a division of snap on like the modern hand tools? I see alot of similarities in that box and the older snap on boxes? Are they date stamped or anything? Would you mind taking a picture of one of the drawer slides? I wonder if that would tell us who the maker was.

Either way, cool boxes, I like that drawer setup. Safe to assume they are 27" wide?