The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!
- Thread starter mjozefow
- Start date
Since I'm always bugging others for pics, only fair if I share some myself I suppose. Nothing super fancy or nice, but I think they are pretty cool. Finally had a warm, dry day with a little bit of light left.
First up 1937, I think Snap on's 1st roller combo K-500. People must have been much shorter back then.
And many thanks to the resident lock expert cough JM26 cough. What I believe to be the original lock is now fully operational.
Stills needs a good cleaning, but I pulled most of the junk and drawer liners out for a pic. Not rusty or beat up, but very just grimy I would call it. 
First up 1937, I think Snap on's 1st roller combo K-500. People must have been much shorter back then.
And many thanks to the resident lock expert cough JM26 cough. What I believe to be the original lock is now fully operational.
Stills needs a good cleaning, but I pulled most of the junk and drawer liners out for a pic. Not rusty or beat up, but very just grimy I would call it. Attachments
Next up a late 40's craftsman carpenters box. Kinda large and flimsy, but I think it just has a pretty high cool factor. To my knowledge it is 100% original, barring the specs of over spray. 
And thanks to Outlaw for informing me that the cutout in the lid is for a square.
And thanks to Outlaw for informing me that the cutout in the lid is for a square. Attachments
First up 1937, I think Snap on's 1st roller combo K-500. People must have been much shorter back then.
And many thanks to the resident lock expert cough JM26 cough. What I believe to be the original lock is now fully operational.
great score. I dought its a functional box(nowadays) but its still very cool.
and it couldn't come to a nicer guy
Belonged to my dad. Really well built and I really like the way the top handle is metal and the latches have =craftsman= on them, not to mention sentimental value. Tray and all inside. I kinda want to restore it, then again I hate to touch the uhm, character it has gained over the years.
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rickhigginshtbr
Well-known member
i would clear coat it to preserve the current "character" and to make sure it doesn't gain too much more
Lookin4'67Galaxieconv
Well-known member
I wouldn't touch that one, restoration-wise. If you want to do one of those, find another one down the line and restore it.
3baygarage
Well-known member
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?
Here's the Williams drawer slide you asked about zkling. Sorry, I forgot to measure the width too.
Nice Snap On box by the way. Cool little side drawer action there.
Also Outlaw, I peeked around but didn't find a stamp. I didn't have the time to give it a real thorough look though.
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jeffmoss26
Well-known member
Zkling, great stuff! Glad we got the padlock open
johnnybentwrench
Well-known member
Since I'm always bugging others for pics, only fair if I share some myself I suppose. Nothing super fancy or nice, but I think they are pretty cool. Finally had a warm, dry day with a little bit of light left.
First up 1937, I think Snap on's 1st roller combo K-500. People must have been much shorter back then.
And many thanks to the resident lock expert cough JM26 cough. What I believe to be the original lock is now fully operational.
WOW... I have a new favorite
FJ 432
Well-known member
Love the 1937 k-500. You also have a nice collection!
I suppose here is the best place to ask this question
on my kr 537, the second to bottom drawer slide is peeling back on the top. It's the part of the slide assembly that is welded to the drawer. The box came with replacement slides for the tallest slides on the box, those are labeled "8-668", but not one for the drawer in question.
If anyone knows a part number or a place to get one I would be great full. If anyone has one they want to get rid of let me know your price, or if you want to trade for the slides I have let me know.
on my kr 537, the second to bottom drawer slide is peeling back on the top. It's the part of the slide assembly that is welded to the drawer. The box came with replacement slides for the tallest slides on the box, those are labeled "8-668", but not one for the drawer in question.
If anyone knows a part number or a place to get one I would be great full. If anyone has one they want to get rid of let me know your price, or if you want to trade for the slides I have let me know.
great score. I dought its a functional box(nowadays) but its still very cool.
and it couldn't come to a nicer guy
Hey thanks beatcad
Like almost all the stuff I have, just dumb luck finding it. Yea, I have a requirement that things I own have to be useful, no "just for looks" over here. Actually it works out pretty well sliding under my drill press table. I keep mis drill press accessories and welding supplies in it. It is only ~36" over height and 12" deep, but all 4 wheels swivel so that really helps. The only thing I really wish is that it had drawer slides and that the bottom had drawers. It does have drawer stops, kinda, but you have to be on your toes. I don't know how you tolerate all those wood machinist boxes, my limited mental capacity always ended up dumping the contents from pulling the drawers out too far. At least this thing has stops. It is built like a tank, each drawer is very heavy. What I think is pretty cool is that it reminds me of my main box with the long and short drawers. Funny to look at them side by side and see 50 years in difference.
Thanks FJ, please note, not a "collection" per say all are used for their intended purpose on a regular basis. Do you have any recent pics of your K60 setup?
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Awesome, thanks for the pics. Definitely looks like 60's style snap on slides.
Can you post up some dimensions of the slides you need? Alot of the slides from the 80's are still made, you just have to decode SO's part number change.
EDIT, after reading again, so the part you need is the channel that is actually attached to the drawer and not the connecting runner slide? If so I think you may be SOL on that one. To my knowledge, very well could be wrong, I don't think they ever sold the welded part, only the entire drawer since it was welded as one unit. Is it worn down or just bent away? If the latter you can just bend it back with a little persuasion and patience, possibly a few colorful words along the way. I've had to fix a few, it isn't that bad. One tip is to make a solid piece of metal the exact dimensions of the channel and use it as a die to hammer and fold against.
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Lookin4'67Galaxieconv
Well-known member
Can you post pics?
Hope this is good enough, can't find my memory card for my camera or my reader so had to use my cell phone
Thanks for your help
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Lookin4'67Galaxieconv
Well-known member
I would cut off that piece that has already rolled up in a ball. That's not going to be good for anything. Actually, I just bought a used box that had part of the runner from the drawer sheared off somehow but it wasn't enough to have to worry about doing a repair on it.
I think the only way you're going to repair that is on your own or with someone's help. It's not impossible, but unless you have some metalworking skills and the right equipment, you'll have to farm it out.
I think the only way you're going to repair that is on your own or with someone's help. It's not impossible, but unless you have some metalworking skills and the right equipment, you'll have to farm it out.
Was worried about that, my dad did auto body repair for 20 some odd years. Guess I'll be calling in a favor.
The drawer still works so till I can get it fixed ill use it for lighter stuff and take it easy on it
The drawer runner that sheared off what size is it? Like I said I got two full sets of replacement slides but they are the biggest size on the 537/557 combo, I can get dimensions when I get home tonight, if you want them they are yours
The drawer still works so till I can get it fixed ill use it for lighter stuff and take it easy on it
The drawer runner that sheared off what size is it? Like I said I got two full sets of replacement slides but they are the biggest size on the 537/557 combo, I can get dimensions when I get home tonight, if you want them they are yours
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I just posted a Matco bottom box in the garage sale thread, and a member suggested that I post some pics of my vintage Matco set up in this thread...
The first pic is of the bottom I bought earlier today, the second is it mated with the top and middle boxes that I've had for awhile. The top box is actually in real good shape, although it doesn't look it. The PO tried to paint it black: using a wide paintbrush and rustoleum. Didn't work out so well. But the drawers slide perfectly. The middle box (from another seller) is in great shape.
The other (larger) Matco box is the one that replaced the smaller (now complete) setup. These boxes are real STURDY! Enjoy...
The first pic is of the bottom I bought earlier today, the second is it mated with the top and middle boxes that I've had for awhile. The top box is actually in real good shape, although it doesn't look it. The PO tried to paint it black: using a wide paintbrush and rustoleum. Didn't work out so well. But the drawers slide perfectly. The middle box (from another seller) is in great shape.
The other (larger) Matco box is the one that replaced the smaller (now complete) setup. These boxes are real STURDY! Enjoy...
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Very nice setup(s), Boog. Can you provide a little detail on the larger set, like dimensions, date and model? I've seen that box before but couldn't find out much about it. IIRC the 26" was the MB5xx series, the 33" 8 drawer bottom was the MB9xx series, I have one of those. But I'm not familiar with that 9 drawer bottom setup you have. That last pic really shows the size difference between the 26" and larger box.
Edit, on your 26" boxes, is the top and middle box full depth of the bottom, 18"?
Edit, on your 26" boxes, is the top and middle box full depth of the bottom, 18"?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Boog you might try using some simple Green (soaked paper towels work well on flat surfaces) to get the black off the red.
Ask and ye shall receive:
It's dirty, but really in quite good usable condition. Everything works except for the lock and there's no major rust or dents. The previous owner even left me a couple of vintage cartoons. I think I'll not "clean" those off.
It strikes me as odd that there are two different styles of logo on this box. Both have to be original; the front cover doesn't fit any other box, and the box one is riveted, clearly with factory rivets.
And now, the rest of the story. When I attended the estate sale in question, I went in on Sunday, the last day, when everything was half price. I didn't actually need anything listed, but you never know. The box was marked $150, which I thought was a pretty good price, but even and $75 it hadn't sold. Maybe I guessed wrong. I returned in the last hour to try again for a little bench vise that I thought was overpriced at $20, thinking I might knock them down enough to make bookends out of it (thanks, Colt!). The vise was gone, but the box was still there. So I made an offer at which I was sure I could resell it at a profit even if it had to be shipped: $40. They accepted. So, I put it on eBay and sold it for $199+ the cost of shipping it halfway across the country-$75.
Call me an evil flipper if you must. In this case, yes, I bought it with the intent of making a profit.
But, that's not the only reason. The way some, if not all, professional estate sale directors work is that everything that doesn't sell must be removed from the premises at the end of the sale, leaving a clean, empty house (broom clean, anyway) Had I not bought the toolbox, it might well have gone straight to the landfill. Best case is the estate sale managers might have had a store where they would have sold it -- at a profit.
So there you go. I had some fun, made some money, and put a vintage Snap-On tool box in the hands of someone who really wants and will appreciate it.
blackhawkdriver
Well-known member
I have its twin.
What color did you go with on the paint it looks good.
Very nice setup(s), Boog. Can you provide a little detail on the larger set, like dimensions, date and model? I've seen that box before but couldn't find out much about it. IIRC the 26" was the MB5xx series, the 33" 8 drawer bottom was the MB9xx series, I have one of those. But I'm not familiar with that 9 drawer bottom setup you have. That last pic really shows the size difference between the 26" and larger box.
Edit, on your 26" boxes, is the top and middle box full depth of the bottom, 18"?
zkling,
The larger set model numbers are as follows:
Top: 1010
Middle: MB1003
Bottom: 1020
It measures: 76"T X 36"W X 21"D. I couldn't find a date on the tags. So if the 36" wide boxes start with 10xx, is there possibly a 33" wide version with 9xx model numbers? I just always assumed that there were just 36" and 26". Actually, I didn't even know there was a 36" version until I bought the set I have. I know there is a matching side box (i.e. same handles), don't know what model series.
The smaller setup has model numbers 510A (top), 503A1 (middle) and 316A1 for the bottom. So it seems that it doesn't exactly match. I realized this as I was stacking the boxes...
"Boog you might try using some simple Green (soaked paper towels work well on flat surfaces) to get the black off the red.
__________________
-Outlaw"
I will definitely give that a try. Thanks for tip! Just curious: Do you know if Purple Power would work the same way?
Awesome, thanks alot for taking the dims and presenting them on here. I'm trying to build a Mac/Matco Database. Old Snap on boxes are pretty easy to find info on, not so much the Mac/Matco. I'd like to find an older mac/matco catalog just to see what all they offered. I'm kinda a vintage box nerd.
The "main" mac/matco boxes back in the day were
26" wide setup x 18" deep
MB510 - 10 drawer top
MB503 - 3 drawer mid
MB520 - 10 drawer bottom (a little different than yours)
Compared to the Snap on 26" wide
KRA59 - 9 drawer top
KRA429 - 3 drawer mid
KRA337? - 7 drawer bottom
33" wide setup x 18" deep
MB910 - 10 drawer top
MB903 - 3 drawer middle
MB920 - 8 drawer bottom
Snap on 33" x 18" deep
KR537 - 12 drawer bottom
KR547 - 3 drawer bottom
KR557 - 7 drawer bottom
Matco 36" wide x 20" deep, new info thanks to you
MB1010 - 10 drawer top
MB1003 - 3 drawer mid
MB1020 - 9 drawer bottom
Snap on 36" wide x 20"
KR550 - 11 drawer top
KR555 - 8 or 9 drawer bottom
I don't think they made a mid for this.
Then of course both companies offered different boxes along with those mentioned above, but I think the ones I posted were the more popular boxes offered.
Interesting to see how they made pretty competitive products. Is the 10xx boxes you have friction slide or ball bearing. Thanks for helping build my little database with the info
O, the simple green trick outlaw mentioned works really good. Be careful with purple power as it contains a high % of sodium hydroxide IIRC. I'd start with simple green personally. It works well without harming factory paint.... usually.
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
I'm seeing all the "MB #'s from Matco/Mac. Would I be correct in assuming that MBC was the supplier?
I don't think so, but honestly can't say for certain. To my knowledge matco made their own boxes. If they used anyone it was waterloo. I've had people at waterloo actually confirm they made some boxes for matco/mac back in the day. The slides and quite a few parts will transfer between the two. From what I have seen there are quite a few build differences between matco/mac and MBC--> snap on. Mostly drawer slide design and drawer pulls.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I can't say MBC was never a supplier, but the only thing matco makes them self is tool boxes. Mac and matco were one company before they spilt in '79 or '80. I would guess MB means matco box or Mac box.
Awesome, thanks alot for taking the dims and presenting them on here. I'm trying to build a Mac/Matco Database. Old Snap on boxes are pretty easy to find info on, not so much the Mac/Matco. I'd like to find an older mac/matco catalog just to see what all they offered. I'm kinda a vintage box nerd.
Interesting to see how they made pretty competitive products. Is the 10xx boxes you have friction slide or ball bearing. Thanks for helping build my little database with the info
Im glad you're making a database! I love these boxes and am always on the lookout for matching boxes, side cabs, etc. i'll let you know if I find anything else.
The 10xx have friction slides. Glad I could help, it's my pleasure.
O, the simple green trick outlaw mentioned works really good. Be careful with purple power as it contains a high % of sodium hydroxide IIRC. I'd start with simple green personally. It works well without harming factory paint.... usually.
Now I know what I'm doing tomorrow! Thanks!
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ZRX61
Well-known member
It's some Hammertone/Rustoleum rattlecan color, but sprayed lightly so it looks metallic instead of hammer finish. Can't recall the color, but if you stand in front of the paint prison at Lowes/HD you'll see it
At some point it will be getting a vintage aircraft manufacturers logo on one side (maybe both.. or the back), probably the WWII Lockheed logo.
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FOCUS.FREAK
Well-known member
I need everyone's opinion on this I believe its either a kra3800 or 4800. Its not ball bearing slides, the friction slides i believe. My Snap On guy has this with a 3 drawer KRA429 i believe. He will sell both the bottom(without side cabinet) and the three drawer for 500. He said he will warranty the drawer slides for me since they are gummed up. I wonder if he will give me ball bearings or the friction slides again?
Whats your take on it. I can always pass on it and look for another box down the road.
Whats your take on it. I can always pass on it and look for another box down the road.
FOCUS.FREAK
Well-known member
Just saw none of the KRA429F's are even on Ebay. I hear thy are a rare item that usually sells for pretty high. I found a few that sold for 250-414.
senlow
Well-known member
Matco made them.
dlehman604
Member
I restore vintage woodworking machines, so I decided that I should go with vintage tools to work on them.
Little jingle "Do you suffer from short term memory loss?"
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=226577
Yes, it is a good deal, as was stated numerous times in your other thread.
Ebay prices on those middle boxes are just, annoying and very much inflated IMHO.
Very nice, I remember seeing your shop on the other site.
I really like the 2 tone on the boxes, very cleanly done as well as the wood intermix. Do you have any before pics? How rough were they before you redid them? Great job.
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IlliniBone
Well-known member
Purchased this box this morning for $15 from CraigsList. It will be my first toolbox restore! Thanks everyone for the good advice.
At first I thought I would paint it red, but the Craftsman symbol in the middle has a red circle so I'm afraid that will "clash". Anyone have a better recommendation on paint?
At first I thought I would paint it red, but the Craftsman symbol in the middle has a red circle so I'm afraid that will "clash". Anyone have a better recommendation on paint?
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Bigplum
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torqueman2002
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