The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[Outlawmws]

Pretty old thread I realize; I am looking for a top box like the one you have a photo in on this thread. It's been quite a while and I wonder if you possibly still have it for sale.

Regards,

David, the post you quoted was quoting another post from MickeyO.. try PMing him, or even the Email option, since he hasn't been on in a couple of weeks.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=862731&postcount=262

 

[Parrothead]

I am going to start looking for some older Craftsman boxes. What's the oldest year I can go and keep ball bearing slides. Late 70's? Mid 80's? I really like the grey box with red drawers but I suspect those are all friction slides. Zero interest in friction slides, and yes I've owned them. I'll be interested in the responses. Post pics if you have some. Thanks!

 

[zkling]

I am going to start looking for some older Craftsman boxes. What's the oldest year I can go and keep ball bearing slides. Late 70's? Mid 80's? I really like the grey box with red drawers but I suspect those are all friction slides. Zero interest in friction slides, and yes I've owned them. I'll be interested in the responses. Post pics if you have some. Thanks!

Mid to late 90's, if that. Ball bearing slides, especially on their 26" boxes only happened in about the last decade or so.

 

[Rusty Musket]

That one is a bit earlier than Alinc's. It was the largest, then became the mid size box. That one is a carry over from the late 30's box which did not have drawer slides, but otherwise identical construction. I'd guess very early 40's. From what I have seen they are not very valuable, unless you really like that one I think I might pass. Looks like a mix of old and new tools, with HF screwdrivers. At least the badge is there.

Thanks Zkling & Tumac! I actual do like that box but not enough to buy it. Tools are mostly vintage Blackhawk and a bit of SO. Somebody from Seattle wants it bad enough to drive to Portland Tuesday. Hopefully its a member here who can put the tools to good use. I always appreciate you graciously sharing your knowledge

 

[Parrothead]

Mid to late 90's, if that. Ball bearing slides, especially on their 26" boxes only happened in about the last decade or so.

Ouch! I was hoping they'd been around longer than that. Oh well.

 

[Project_shadow]

[QUO TE=jakemac;4223805]I don't consider this "vintage" since I'm older than the box is - but here's the $20 early 80's (before they started turning to ****) Craftsman roller I picked up at the flea market this morning.[/QUOTE]

I have the one I had gotten for free from my neighbor that has the slide in door on the bottom
Looks the same age and handles and drawers look identical
I must look this weekend when I'm home

 

[jakemac]

I have the one I had gotten for free from my neighbor that has the slide in door on the bottom
Looks the same age and handles and drawers look identical
I must look this weekend when I'm home

That sounds like the taller 5-drawer w/garage door storage that my grandfather has in his garage. It was a retirement/christmas gift that he received sometime around 1983/4. It still has the label hiding under the top mat. The catalog number is 9-65065.

 

[Outlawmws]

That's one I couldn't think of earlier. Do you know if Presssteel made top boxes for Craftsman and the like or mostly just bottom boxes with their unique roller bearing setup?

snip

ZK, AFAIK, that 5 drawer roller from the 54 catalog was an orphan. I'm not even sure how many years they sold it, since I don't have many catalogs for hand tools. It's a solid roller, and I think I've only seen one besides mine, so fairly rare. Even more rare than the '42 type of tops we have recently seen surface. Heck I see more Plumb and Proto's made by Prssteel show up, and even Pressteel branded boxes.

 

[hemifalcon]

Wow, Hemi, that one looks immaculate; was it repainted?

No sir.. This one is JUST THAT NICE!!!

I haven't even wiped it down, it has all the extra bits inside too for additional tool arrangements. Pretty stoked for $25..

 

[Project_shadow]

That sounds like the taller 5-drawer w/garage door storage that my grandfather has in his garage. It was a retirement/christmas gift that he received sometime around 1983/4. It still has the label hiding under the top mat. The catalog number is 9-65065.

That's the one

 

[hardydson]

The resto Kennedy looks great. That's a well spent $25 + paint n effort.

Thanks..Was pretty beat up and rusty when i bought it. Didn't know much about it at first, was pretty sure it was either a Kennedy or Waterloo because of the slides. Actually found one like it in this great thread, think the owner said his was a 1972. Added a 1/4 in plate of aluminum to the bottom to straighten up the casters and add some strength. When the heat breaks i plan on taking it back apart and grinding it smooth and painting to match.

 

[hardydson]

Ok gonna post up one more of my boxes up then give everyone a break.. Found it in the 1941 catalog over at collecting Snap-ON. Seems to be a k-37 Coaster Cab.( Please someone correct me if i'm wrong i'm still a student when it comes to these old boxes).. As you can see it's pretty mutilated guess the previous owner liked to rivet, and he welded the bottom cover on sideways. Had a few intersesting vintage tools in it too. Was going to try and do a restore but kinda digging it like it is for now.

 

[FJ 432]

Ok gonna post up one more of my boxes up then give everyone a break.. Found it in the 1941 catalog over at collecting Snap-ON. Seems to be a k-37 Coaster Cab.( Please someone correct me if i'm wrong i'm still a student when it comes to these old boxes).. As you can see it's pretty mutilated guess the previous owner liked to rivet, and he welded the bottom cover on sideways. Had a few intersesting vintage tools in it too. Was going to try and do a restore but kinda digging it like it is for now.

That thing is all kinds of awesome!

Can you post some more photos of how he configured the bottom panel. Are the rivets mostly ornamental?

 

[David Jackson]

Your bottom box looks a lot like mine must have looked like when new.

 

[drivesitfar]

Anybody have one of these Union toolboxes? i think i am reading 1931 patent so probably pre WWII made box and i really like the metal handle. it is a very solid box and pretty clean since it was used to store fishing flies for years. i'm missing the key and wondering how hard these keys are to find or make a new one? not that i need to l lock the box for security, but it would be nice to have it since i'm probably keeping this box.

 

[hardydson]

Anybody have one of these Union toolboxes? i think i am reading 1931 and i really like the metal handle. it is a very solid box and pretty clean since it was used to store fishing flies for years. i'm missing the key and wondering how hard these keys are to find or make a new one? not that i need to l lock the box for security, but it would be nice to have it since i'm probably keeping this box.[/Q

Very nice find I'd say that's a keeper for sure

 

[Canoe50]

That sounds like the Pressteel roller slides. Pressteel was the OEM for Plvmb/Proto Boxes for many years. I also have a mid fifties Craftsman roller that also used the Pressteel rollers, so I'm 99% certain they also made that one. that Craftsman roller was "Sears Best" for the era, with 5 drawers full depth of the roller. No bottom "garage".

So I have anything EXCEPT the Plvmb or Proto...

Thanks for that info on the Pressteel roller slides. I have a 5 drawer (with bottom storage area) Craftsman roller dated 7-66 that I picked up about a year ago that has those slides. Always wondered what the story was on them since they're not ball bearing or friction slides. Thanks again.

 

[drivesitfar]

it's always interesting to see something i'm about to buy pop up on GJ before i actually buy it. here's the Craftsman long C 1940's tool box with some interesting tools in it. not sure what all of them do or what they are and i'll save that for another time to ask. enjoy.

 

[Outlawmws]

Thanks for that info on the Pressteel roller slides. I have a 5 drawer (with bottom storage area) Craftsman roller dated 7-66 that I picked up about a year ago that has those slides. Always wondered what the story was on them since they're not ball bearing or friction slides. Thanks again.

Can you post pics of your later box and the slides? I didn't think Sears stayed with Pressteel very long. Maybe they did...

 

[zkling]

it's always interesting to see something i'm about to buy pop up on GJ before i actually buy it. here's the Craftsman long C 1940's tool box with some interesting tools in it. not sure what all of them do or what they are and i'll save that for another time to ask. enjoy.

So you did buy it? That is a very cool box. What all is in it? I spy a NOS New Britain rebuild kit, is that a New Britain flex head in the top tray?

 

[drivesitfar]

Zkling: you are correct on both assumptions. the sockets are Blackhawk, Snap on and a few others. wrenches are a mixed bag. old Blackhawk ratchet is maybe the keeper for me because it has the pin that goes through or all the way out so you just turn the ratchet over to switch directions. i'm guessing it is pre WWII?

i almost passed on buying it and was walking back to the car after a nice chat with the 80 year old. i was hoping for some old Craftsman stuff to complete an old set i own so as i was walking away I remembered him saying it was his wife's sister's husbands toolbox and he had died on the job from a power pole accident of some kind. it had been sitting in his garage for maybe the last 10 to 20 years and his son used a couple times an added a HF set of screwdrivers. i do like that style and age of a box so i turned around and handed him some cash and brought it home.

there is a Snap ON tool that looks like a dial that has a slotted head on the other side like a screwdriver with a spring on it. any idea what it is?

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives, if you are talking about the thing with the finger grip knob in Pic 3, its a valve adjusting tool. You put on the proper socket for the lock nut, loosen slightly, then use the screwdriver and knob to adjust and hold the adjusting screw in place while you re-tighten with the socket and torque handle.

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: thanks. i'm not a car guy so will probably never use that tool, but nice to know what it is. it looks like it's in great shape. by the way doesn't your version of this old Long C tool box have the third drawer or just the two like this one? have you packed it full of those vintage Craftsman tools yet?

 

[Outlawmws]

Yep, mine is the two drawer version, and nope, a couple of tools have landed in it, but It's not got a good home yet, so I've not loaded it heavy...

 

[taumac]

I wonder if Rusty Musket is kicking myself for not getting it now?

5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
Florida GJ Group
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117

 

[Revere Cycles]

I found this old Utica Drop Forge & Tool display cabinet on CL late last night, picked it up today after work.

I am very excited to put in my collection of Utica pliers; it's a mix of the ones I inherited from my grandfather and others I've collected over time. There are 5 drawers on the back side for access. I just have to figure out a cool way to display it in my shop so I can see it from all sides.

This is one of those things I've always wanted, but never found locally, or for the right price.

 

[jakemac]

Sweeeeet find !

I'm a big Utica fan. I also learned the joys of Utica from my grandfather.

More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics

PLEEEEEEEEEEESE !

 

[Revere Cycles]

Sweeeeet find !

I'm a big Utica fan. I also learned the joys of Utica from my grandfather.

More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics

PLEEEEEEEEEEESE !

I'm glad I am not the only one who appreciates this piece. I'll take some better photos tomorrow when I am back at my shop.

 

[drivesitfar]

Taumac: I offered it to Rusty when I saw his post and I think he wanted old craftsman tools too so he passed. I'm probably keeping the toolbox and the ratchets and I think the wood handled screwdriver is spoken for otherwise rest is up for grabs.

 

[taumac]

Taumac: I offered it to Rusty when I saw his post and I think he wanted old craftsman tools too so he passed. I'm probably keeping the toolbox and the ratchets and I think the wood handled screwdriver is spoken for otherwise rest is up for grabs.

Oh that was nice of you. Cool box

5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
Florida GJ Group
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117

 

[johnnybentwrench]

i just got this PROTO toolmobile this morning. its missing the rack for the rods/pistons, but its in nice shape. the 1st thing i'm gonna do is remove those decals. i've searcherd for hours and cannot find another.
many pages back montanafordman has the earlier PLVMB version.
anyone have a ballpark of when this sucker may have been made?

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sent you a message about this tool mobile for a friend. John Los Angeles, CA

 

[Canoe50]

Can you post pics of your later box and the slides? I didn't think Sears stayed with Pressteel very long. Maybe they did...

I'll take a few pictures today & send them to your email. I'm not too savvy with the computer & posting pictures.

 

[Rusty Musket]

I wonder if Rusty Musket is kicking myself for not getting it now?

5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
Florida GJ Group
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117

Rusty had his chance! The seller warned me that someone was coming down from Washington to look at it and DIF was kind enough to send me a PM once I posted it here on GJ.

A couple of years ago some GJ members from Idaho crossed into Oregon without permission. They both walk with a limp now. I fear for my own life whenever I sneak into washington to chase down a Craigslist ad. I only do it after dark and always in disguise.

 

[taumac]

LMAO, good one.. In Florida we don't have that issue..... We have a lot of swamps to hide the bodies. LOL

5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
Florida GJ Group
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117

 

[drivesitfar]

Rusty: I already walk with a limp so what's next? besides i'm just trying to offset the $4 per gallon gas i have to buy and use delivering my gyms to the energetic Oregonians. Besides i only take a small trailer down there, but it will hold a 300 pound vise if another one appears. i just bought a pallet jack to use in case i need it.

cheers and thanks for the warnings and kudos.

Taumac: i watch Gator Boys and Swamp wars so have learned a thing or two about the swamp. besides with all the blue hairs down your way there must be a enough old tools for everybody in the US. my handle drivesitfar really does have a couple meanings and i'm due for a road trip to Florida since I've never been there yet.

 

[taumac]

Well, another GJ member is always welcome. You know there's not a lot of old stuff down here as I see in other parts of the US. I think a lot of ppl sell before moving down. Warning many things that come to FL don't leave this includes ppl. Once they move down they don't leave. Its like the melting pot of ppl.

5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
Florida GJ Group
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117

 

[drivesitfar]

Taumac: i would bet that you'd be surprised going in some of the 90 year old's garages. they don't want to use or own a computer so Craigslist or Ebay isn't an option and sometimes their relatives are too far away to help. FYI, i would go to every garage sale i could find in old housing developments if i lived there with year round sunshine. i'd probably have to rent a warehouse to store the stuff while i was sorting it if i didn't run out of money first. i could be wrong because I've never lived there, but i know how stubborn those old guys and gals are about turning on or using a computer in other parts of the US.

PS I've noticed you seem to do ok so hopefully you are liking the stuff you find. Also old people sometimes only put a sign up just in front of their house for a sale and not on a busy intersection so there's where your word of mouth sales come back in to play like the days prior to computers when we had to read newspaper ads and drive around.

 

[taumac]

There's no doubt there's stuff buried in garages. I can't complain with what I found. I visit garage sales, flee markets, and estates sales but not every weekend. I'm just being more selective cause of limited space I have. I also just looking for silver and red craftsmans from the late 60's early 70's. Now the somewhere in 70's they changed changed from silver with red drawers to red with black drawers but same construction. I look for those too unless I find something real cool.

5 Stitches Garage
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=211899
Florida GJ Group
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/group.php?groupid=117

 

[Revere Cycles]

Sweeeeet find !

I'm a big Utica fan. I also learned the joys of Utica from my grandfather.

More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics More Pics

PLEEEEEEEEEEESE !

Since you asked so kindly, here you go.

 

[Outlawmws]

Revere, that is an incredible display find! Well done!