From what I am finding out, the cabinets made in the 60's had the gray panel and the 70's had red.
The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!
- Thread starter mjozefow
- Start date
From what I am finding out, the cabinets made in the 60's had the gray panel and the 70's had red.
toolmaniac
Active member
I wanted to share with you my vintage two drawer PARKS toolbox. I bought it used in the late 80s, while I was still back in the States, and it has served me faithfully over the years, storing in it my auto electrical connectors, fuses, soldering guns, tie wraps, and such. Someone before me, has stuck a TORO aluminum decal on the second drawer, only to add to its character. Thanks for looking, and have a great New Year.
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ganymede
Well-known member
^^^^
Nice .
I think those boxes are better for that type of gear because with mechanic/maintenance stuff they are a little to heavy to carry far.
Nice .
I think those boxes are better for that type of gear because with mechanic/maintenance stuff they are a little to heavy to carry far.
ganymede
Well-known member
......
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
I found this MBCentury toolbox that had a pretty good look to it and the price was right. I think it might be an early design for the Snap On boxes I see so many of? I straightened out the top's hinge so it now opens and the lock works on the upper box so with a little cleaning that portion is ready for tools. the bottom is missing the lock, cover for bottom space is off the box, some denting around the base's corners and the wheels don't roll easily so they need to be cleaned is about all. it also has the little table that folds down on the side.
I might own 20 carry tool boxes and a couple bench top Kennedy boxes, but this is my first one that is able to roll around and hold more than a few tools. I have the cover plate for the bottom, but I think i'll leave it off for now because i'm not quite sure how to put it back on. I've seen a couple of these MBC boxes that had a couple extra drawers down there. any suggestions other than a good cleaning before I put it to use???
I might own 20 carry tool boxes and a couple bench top Kennedy boxes, but this is my first one that is able to roll around and hold more than a few tools. I have the cover plate for the bottom, but I think i'll leave it off for now because i'm not quite sure how to put it back on. I've seen a couple of these MBC boxes that had a couple extra drawers down there. any suggestions other than a good cleaning before I put it to use???
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Good score on the MBC DIF!
back then MBC was the supplier to Snap-On, so yes, close resemblance.
After cleaning, lube the slides with beeswax or Boor-Eze (pretty sure its the same stuff...), and enjoy!
Those older MBC's are built like battleships.
back then MBC was the supplier to Snap-On, so yes, close resemblance.
After cleaning, lube the slides with beeswax or Boor-Eze (pretty sure its the same stuff...), and enjoy!
Those older MBC's are built like battleships.
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drivesitfar
Well-known member
wow. thanks for the catalog picture. I saved it to my MBC file I started on this box on my laptop. also thanks Outlaw and Zkling for the compliments and the tips.
now i'll have to figure out what tools will get to get inside the box and i'm sure i'll be checking out some of the threads for ideas. the foam cutouts look pretty interesting especially since the upper box doesn't have hardly any rust missing paint or ugly dents. the paint job is still in great shape which surprised me on a box that is over 50 years old.
still wondering if drawers or parts to fix the bottom face plate are available or will I need to find a parts toolbox??
now i'll have to figure out what tools will get to get inside the box and i'm sure i'll be checking out some of the threads for ideas. the foam cutouts look pretty interesting especially since the upper box doesn't have hardly any rust missing paint or ugly dents. the paint job is still in great shape which surprised me on a box that is over 50 years old.
still wondering if drawers or parts to fix the bottom face plate are available or will I need to find a parts toolbox??
Depends on what parts you will need. Lock front hande and most drawer slides you can probably get through snap on. As I mentioned it is basically a 60's KRA58/KRA55 so you can probably borrow some parts from that.
What all do you need for the bottom box?
What all do you need for the bottom box?
Nice MBC box!
That MBC looks like a dead ringer for the Duplex 1243 to me, check out page 5 of the 1966 Duplex catalog here:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/fqs97bg7jan2zcz/Duplex+1966+Catalogue.pdf
That MBC looks like a dead ringer for the Duplex 1243 to me, check out page 5 of the 1966 Duplex catalog here:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/fqs97bg7jan2zcz/Duplex+1966+Catalogue.pdf
cburnscrx
Well-known member
my 1975 craftsman. bought it at a thrift store about a month ago or so. paid $150 for it with the original keys.
The 70's era Craftsman boxes are my favorite...by far. I've even thought about painting my newer boxes in a similar fashion because I like them so much.
*I am guessing all the Craftsman boxes of that vintage are friction slides vs. ball bearing?
Keep em coming guys!
TruckJunkie
Well-known member
Very nice, that top box is identical to one I inherited from my Grandfather, the only difference being that mine has gray drawers and a Proto badge.
I found this MBCentury toolbox that had a pretty good look to it and the price was right. I think it might be an early design for the Snap On boxes I see so many of? I straightened out the top's hinge so it now opens and the lock works on the upper box so with a little cleaning that portion is ready for tools. the bottom is missing the lock, cover for bottom space is off the box, some denting around the base's corners and the wheels don't roll easily so they need to be cleaned is about all. it also has the little table that folds down on the side.
I might own 20 carry tool boxes and a couple bench top Kennedy boxes, but this is my first one that is able to roll around and hold more than a few tools. I have the cover plate for the bottom, but I think i'll leave it off for now because i'm not quite sure how to put it back on. I've seen a couple of these MBC boxes that had a couple extra drawers down there. any suggestions other than a good cleaning before I put it to use???
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Klars,
very interesting and thanks for the link to the Duplex company's catalogue. I also found your old thread you started I think in 2008 with your top box. Do you still own it and can you shoot me some pictures of it with the drawers open so I can see how you organized your tools?
so far not much information on Duplex in Fort Smith, Arkansas, but MBC looks like it became www.Edsal.com and it looks like they still make very nice cabinets.
I thought my MBCentury might be missing a tool tray to set in the top box along with some missing hardware on the bottom hole's cover plate. or by a picture I saw on Klars thread there was a bottom box there that the cover plate just snapped on. there are a couple slides inside where that hole is and i'll take some pictures of that after I clean it up.
I really like where buying an old tool can take you especially with the members of GJ that might know more than Google.
Happy New Year Everyone
very interesting and thanks for the link to the Duplex company's catalogue. I also found your old thread you started I think in 2008 with your top box. Do you still own it and can you shoot me some pictures of it with the drawers open so I can see how you organized your tools?
so far not much information on Duplex in Fort Smith, Arkansas, but MBC looks like it became www.Edsal.com and it looks like they still make very nice cabinets.
I thought my MBCentury might be missing a tool tray to set in the top box along with some missing hardware on the bottom hole's cover plate. or by a picture I saw on Klars thread there was a bottom box there that the cover plate just snapped on. there are a couple slides inside where that hole is and i'll take some pictures of that after I clean it up.
I really like where buying an old tool can take you especially with the members of GJ that might know more than Google.
Happy New Year Everyone
lauver
Well-known member
Gang,
I downloaded the Duplex catalog and spent a few moments looking thru it.
Interestingly, I noticed on the front cover of the catalog that Duplex Manufacturing Corp. was a subsidiary of Pendleton Industries, Inc. (aka Proto Tools). I suspect the Duplex catalog was actually printed several years earlier, in spite of the 1966 price list, because IR acquired Pendleton Industries (Proto) in 1964. I don't know if Duplex was part of the deal or not.
Small world...
I downloaded the Duplex catalog and spent a few moments looking thru it.
Interestingly, I noticed on the front cover of the catalog that Duplex Manufacturing Corp. was a subsidiary of Pendleton Industries, Inc. (aka Proto Tools). I suspect the Duplex catalog was actually printed several years earlier, in spite of the 1966 price list, because IR acquired Pendleton Industries (Proto) in 1964. I don't know if Duplex was part of the deal or not.
Small world...
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ganymede
Well-known member
Yes very interesting. Do Proto boxes of that time look the same.?
TruckJunkie
Well-known member
You bet they do, you'll have to excuse the mess around mine.
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ganymede
Well-known member
Nice, Truck Junkie. The diving lady logo is one of my all time fav tool emblems.
JeremyBurke
Well-known member
I just picked this up today. It was a craigslist deal and it's my first rolling tool box. I know very little about it other than what you see in the pictures. The PO spilled paint thinner on the top of the roller which accounts for the paint damage to the top and down the inside of the rails for the front cover on the right side. I don't have time to redo it now and am bad need of the storage it provides. So no painting right now. But would happily take suggestions for stopping the rust without damaging the vintage paint.
If any experts out there can provide information about vintage or anything else I would love to hear it. Thanks for looking.
Front
Front with cover
Lower box slides and inside
Side
Top rack of top box
Top badge
Bottom badge and model tag
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
If any experts out there can provide information about vintage or anything else I would love to hear it. Thanks for looking.
Front
Front with cover
Lower box slides and inside
Side
Top rack of top box
Top badge
Bottom badge and model tag
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
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Sam'sAutoParts
Well-known member
Wow, I really like the New Britain box, I need to find one of those to store my New Britain tool collection in. 
-Sam
jakemac
Well-known member
For the rust, try LIGHTLY scuffing the rusted areas with a scotchbright pad, wipe the box down, then wax the whole box with paste wax.
Put a heavy coat of wax on it, let it harden overnight, then buff it out with a clean rag. Wait another 24 hours and repeat. Once you get 3 to 5 coats of wax on it the rust should be stable for a while.
Put a heavy coat of wax on it, let it harden overnight, then buff it out with a clean rag. Wait another 24 hours and repeat. Once you get 3 to 5 coats of wax on it the rust should be stable for a while.
Bigplum
Well-known member
Update on these, the seller turned out to be a dirtbag, ignored most emails and texts ,
Cancelled collection at the last minute , to add insult relisted one the boxes by someone else using the same picture .
Still I reported it to eBay and left sh*ty feedback, I guess he had a better offer , but its a shoddy way to sell things on eBay ,
drivesitfar
Well-known member
i'm hoping to bring this old wood Craftsman back to life and post or PM me if you have any secrets or methods to share. the Gerstner site has some helpful videos and their box looks the same so I wonder if they also made the Craftsman wood tool boxes.
I also found this little green gem with a leather handle and a pretty old craftsman half inch ratchet set inside.
I also found this little green gem with a leather handle and a pretty old craftsman half inch ratchet set inside.
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senlow
Well-known member
The construction of the box looks very much like Gerstner. However, some of the hardware does not look correct for a Gerstner.
Gerstner boxes are marked on the inside bottom of the box. Take out the bottom couple of drawers, pull out the front cover, and take a look. I can't be certain that a box made by Gerstner, and rebranded would be marked in that manner.
that's a great chest!
although the drawer layout and some of the hardware(yale lock and handle mounts) is similar to a gerstner I don't think gerstner made chests for craftsman.
the most wrong things are the drawer handles.
the mirror also.
can I get back to ya on it?
drivesitfar
Well-known member
I just pulled out all the drawers and only saw a T113 punched on the base under the bottom drawer. also there are hand written 113 on the back of each drawer. if Gertsner didn't make it their process is very similar to the way mine is built. the lock maker is Union
I'll let it sit for a while until it warms up some in my unheated garage, but i'm guessing the felt can be changed the same as a Gertsner by wetting them and catching a corner to pull each one out?
I also looked on all the sides and bottom and nothing. maybe their is information under the mirror or felt? the badge on the top of the box doesn't have a spec of writing on it that I can see, but it sort of looks like a craftsman badge.
thanks GJ members in advance for any help because it is still pretty solid for an old wood tool box and i'd like to see it shine again.
I'll let it sit for a while until it warms up some in my unheated garage, but i'm guessing the felt can be changed the same as a Gertsner by wetting them and catching a corner to pull each one out?
I also looked on all the sides and bottom and nothing. maybe their is information under the mirror or felt? the badge on the top of the box doesn't have a spec of writing on it that I can see, but it sort of looks like a craftsman badge.
thanks GJ members in advance for any help because it is still pretty solid for an old wood tool box and i'd like to see it shine again.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
keep thinking Beatcad because that is what you are good at. I only heard from a couple 70 year old retired machinists today that they thought it was a Craftsman machinist box. i'll hold on to the Union brand name and do a little research too.
http://www.gerstnerusa.com/videos.htm
this is the link for the Gerstner wood tool boxes in case any other members haven't seen one.
http://www.gerstnerusa.com/videos.htm
this is the link for the Gerstner wood tool boxes in case any other members haven't seen one.
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i'm sorry. i'm a honest & humble guy. when i'm wrong i'm wrong. aint been the first time wont be the last.
I aint being a **** just tryin to explain myself.
craftsman was a name brand of sears. they contracted other makers to make their boxes.
the metal machinist chests in the 60s/70s were badged as craftsman but made by kennedy.
I don't dought yer chest is a craftsman, but I believe it was subbed out to another chest maker(union) and badged as craftsman.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Yep, Craftsman Dunlap, Companion, others: All Sears branding efforts, and re-badging of other company's tools. Nothing wrong with it, at least back in the day. most Craftsman branded tools were good to great quality. If they weren't they would have never given an unconditional warranty...
drivesitfar
Well-known member
Beatcad,
I was quoting a line in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid and didn't mean to say you were always right or wrong. I totally appreciate you for trying to help me figure out what my knockoff brand is. I wish I had your wood Gertsner box instead of mine even if you kept all the awesome tools in it, but this is the first wood tool box I have owned that wasn't made out of a couple pieces of plywood.
any other information from you or the other awesome members on GJ is always welcome.
take care and have fun diving into those 2 awesome toolboxes you acquired today.
I was quoting a line in Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid and didn't mean to say you were always right or wrong. I totally appreciate you for trying to help me figure out what my knockoff brand is. I wish I had your wood Gertsner box instead of mine even if you kept all the awesome tools in it, but this is the first wood tool box I have owned that wasn't made out of a couple pieces of plywood.
any other information from you or the other awesome members on GJ is always welcome.
take care and have fun diving into those 2 awesome toolboxes you acquired today.
senlow
Well-known member
Now we know who made the box.
Yes, the drawer pulls are definitely unlike those on any Gerstner that I have seen.
senlow
Well-known member
You have a nice tool box. A Union box is not a cheap knock off. Union was a major player in the machinist box industry, and made top notch products.
drivesitfar
Well-known member
thanks
Radio Ron w4ron
Well-known member
Im working on restoring this piece as a tool chest versus going out and buying something new. It was purpose built at a clay factory and was bought by a local vintage furniture dealer here in town. Its missing two drawers but they will be simple enough to build. Solid oak, I just wish I had more time to work on it.
I love the tall oak tool chest. Please do't refinish it. Try cleaning
it using "The Treatment", you can see what is able to do on this
web page;
http://radioheaven.homestead.com/The_Treatment.html
I'd love to have it...
Gasgt1
Well-known member
My set of Rem-line boxes from the late 70's
You can tell the bottom door has spent most of it;s life open.
Greg
You can tell the bottom door has spent most of it;s life open.
Greg
Very cool.
I've never seen that style Remline emblem before. Do the drawer pulls have the little man on them?Gasgt1
Well-known member
Nope, no little man on these 
Greg
Greg
454ragtop
Well-known member
Huot on Boston CL $50.00 http://boston.craigslist.org/nwb/tls/4277923473.html