The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[bagged89s10]

Well, now I have tracked big Bonney boxes to one in Georgia, one in New York (now Virginia) and my top and bottom box in Texas. These oval logo boxes showed up around the time Miller came into the picture, but I can only find a few ads and these 3 sitings in the wild to confirm they even exist.

The logo does have a stamped oval ring in the metal as the main difference from a Huot (round with tangental lines and others that seem just flat fronted.



The hunt continues!



Bruce

That bottom looks a lot like my late 40's CMan bottoms by Advertising Metal Display Company of Chicago. Hmmm....

Nice set! Looks like my craftsman too!

 

[bagged89s10]

This is on CL for vintage snap on fans.


VTG SNAP- ON BOTTOM TOOL BOX, WITH MIDDLE BOX & TOP TOOL BOX
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/tls/5040601733.html

 

[Outlawmws]

Looks to be an MBC Century on top. (good box, MBC built the SO boxes back then...)

 

[zkling]

This is on CL for vintage snap on fans.


VTG SNAP- ON BOTTOM TOOL BOX, WITH MIDDLE BOX & TOP TOOL BOX
http://westernmass.craigslist.org/tls/5040601733.html

That's a good deal. Doubt it is still available, probably one of those that never delete their ad.

Did Waterloo stamp all the boxes the made? Craftsman they stamped them in certain so would those same stamps be in same location for other boxes they made for other companies?

I think so. :

 

[taumac]

That's a good deal. Doubt it is still available, probably one of those that never delete their ad.



I think so. :

Just wondering. I just haven't come across any to know.

 

[zkling]

Just wondering. I just haven't come across any to know.

The only ones that come to mind are the very early ones, the special ones (such as the machinist chests built for craftsman, I don't think those were stamped) and the more modern ones which have a sticker, but most of those aren't COO USA.

 

[Sauce73]

1969 Craftsman five drawer cabinet


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[bagged89s10]

1969 Craftsman five drawer cabinet


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Love it! I have the same one and it's my new favorite box. I wish I had more with that color combo.

 

[Beerman]

Picked this up at the local flea market on Sunday. Needs a BUNCH of work. Don't think I have the skills to get this back to 1st class condition, but thought I'd share. This thing is built like a TANK.

One of the things I find cool about this, is the set number in the upper hand corner is written in, by hand. So someone, at the Plomb factory 60+ years ago, had to fill this in.



On a related note, if I sell it, what's the best shipping service to send something like this??? Would have to think it'd cost at least $50 or so to ship.

 

[rmalkow2]

Picked this up at the local flea market on Sunday. Needs a BUNCH of work. Don't think I have the skills to get this back to 1st class condition, but thought I'd share. This thing is built like a TANK.

One of the things I find cool about this, is the set number in the upper hand corner is written in, by hand. So someone, at the Plomb factory 60+ years ago, had to fill this in.

On a related note, if I sell it, what's the best shipping service to send something like this??? Would have to think it'd cost at least $50 or so to ship.

I would think this could be easier to restore than you think and you definitely have the skills. Just clean it really good by hand with something that won't harm the decals and use some very fine swirl remover by hand on the paint then give it a good coat of wax.
If it weighs less than 70 lbs wrapped the USPS can take it or you can send by greyhound bus for reasonable costs or plain old UPS and the buyer pays.
What ever you decide this is a really nice tool chest. Congrats on the find!

 

[beatcad]

beerman- you got a good eye for cool tool boxes and a good nickname/handle. id like to toss back a couple cold ones with ya

if twertsy hasnt hit ya up w/ a PM yet than shoot him a PM. i bet he'd dig it.
buy?trade?
hes a straight shooter

 

[firworks]

I just picked up this SK top box a week ago or so off Craigslist. I don't actually know if it's 20 years old or not but it looks a bit old to me. Maybe someone here could say "Get that new **** outta here" and then I'd have a rough idea on the vintage. One thing I'll say is it's heavy for how small it is!

 

[bagged89s10]

I just picked up this SK top box a week ago or so off Craigslist. I don't actually know if it's 20 years old or not but it looks a bit old to me. Maybe someone here could say "Get that new **** outta here" and then I'd have a rough idea on the vintage. One thing I'll say is it's heavy for how small it is!

Very nice

 

[nine4gmc]

Never seen a SK box like that before, thanks for posting!

 

[Outlawmws]

Me either, I'd hazard a guess in the late 50's to late 60's based on style. I don't think I've seen a red SK box?

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

That is a sweet SK box, I would guess it's from the 60s or 70s Dresser era?

 

[twertsy]

I just picked up this SK top box a week ago or so off Craigslist. I don't actually know if it's 20 years old or not but it looks a bit old to me. Maybe someone here could say "Get that new **** outta here" and then I'd have a rough idea on the vintage. One thing I'll say is it's heavy for how small it is!

That's the '80's Waterloo style drawer pulls. Exactly like Proto and MAC and likely others as well. Very cool box!

 

[zkling]

I just picked up this SK top box a week ago or so off Craigslist. I don't actually know if it's 20 years old or not but it looks a bit old to me. Maybe someone here could say "Get that new **** outta here" and then I'd have a rough idea on the vintage. One thing I'll say is it's heavy for how small it is!

Very cool, I'll say mid 70's up to mid 80's. It should be date stamped somewhere on the sides or back. As Twertsy mentioned it is a re-badged Mac, Matco, Cornwell, Proto box.

 

[Beerman]

I had a red SK top chest. Had both SK and something about Dresser on the box's badge as well.

FWIW.


Beerman

 

[Beerman]

beerman- you got a good eye for cool tool boxes and a good nickname/handle. id like to toss back a couple cold ones with ya

if twertsy hasnt hit ya up w/ a PM yet than shoot him a PM. i bet he'd dig it.
buy?trade?
hes a straight shooter

Likewise. If we ever get that GJ convention together, beer's on moi'.

The REALLY funny thing about this Plomb box-I bought it from a regular vendor that I deal with all the time at 11am or so. He usually sets up about 5am. So this thing sat unpurchased, in full view of the whole market for around 6 hours. Why in the Hell no one else bought it, I can't figure out. If it'd been a C'man, it'd sold within an hour.

Guess it was just my lucky day.

Beerman

 

[lauver]

I just picked up this SK top box a week ago or so off Craigslist. I don't actually know if it's 20 years old or not but it looks a bit old to me. Maybe someone here could say "Get that new **** outta here" and then I'd have a rough idea on the vintage. One thing I'll say is it's heavy for how small it is!

firworks,

Your box looks to be fairly modern. I'm guessing, based on the construction, it was labeled for S-K by Waterloo. And looking at the logo on your box, I'm guessing it was made and sold during the Facom era (1985-2005), probably closer to 1985 than 2005.

Then there is the unusual color; it may be original, but there is a fair chance it could be a repaint.

I'm probably not the most knowledgeable person here on things S-K, so let me suggest you shoot skfarmer a PM and ask his thoughts on your box. He may be able to put a finer point on the likely date range and the unS-K color.

Hope this helps...

 

[zkling]

firworks,

Your box looks to be fairly modern. I'm guessing, based on the construction, it was labeled for S-K by Waterloo. And looking at the logo on your box, I'm guessing it was made and sold during the Facom era (1985-2005), probably closer to 1985 than 2005.

Then there is the unusual color; it may be original, but there is a fair chance it could be a repaint.

I'm probably not the most knowledgeable person here on things S-K, so let me suggest you shoot skfarmer a PM and ask his thoughts on your box. He may be able to put a finer point on the likely date range and the unS-K color.

Hope this helps...

It was built back when they had tons of fading problems. They started out red-ish and faded to the orange-ish commonly seen on 70's-80's, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, Proto, etc. boxes. It is date stamped, he just needs to look it over carefully.

 

[firworks]

It was built back when they had tons of fading problems. They started out red-ish and faded to the orange-ish commonly seen on 70's-80's, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, Proto, etc. boxes. It is date stamped, he just needs to look it over carefully.

So, despite it being near 2AM... I figured what the hell and went back out to the garage. I do not see a date code anywhere on that thing. I even looked on the bottom. The only place I could think maybe would be on the back of the drawers? I could try taking all the drawers out tomorrow and see if there's one on the inside back wall or on the back of the drawers but beyond that I don't think there's a date stamped on it...

 

[zkling]

Check the back and sides very well. They can be hard to see. Use a flashlight at different angles. Even check the top compartment floor. It should be on the outside though.

 

[Bill Ramsey]

I just picked up this SK top box a week ago or so off Craigslist. I don't actually know if it's 20 years old or not but it looks a bit old to me. Maybe someone here could say "Get that new **** outta here" and then I'd have a rough idea on the vintage. One thing I'll say is it's heavy for how small it is!

Cool box. It's an interesting variation on the Waterloo theme. Interesting how these vary slightly. I have a '78 Craftsman 10-drawer chest and an '82 Matco 10-drawer chest. This SK one shares the box and lid construction of the Craftsman, and the drawer, pull, side handles, and color of the Matco.

 

[taumac]

Exactly like Proto and MAC and likely others as well. Very cool box!

I would have said Proto or Mac just by the handles alone. Never would have thought SK

 

[firworks]

Ok, I emptied the whole box, put it up on my table saw and went over every inch of that thing with a fine toothed fine thing. There's no date stamp anywhere... The only thing I can think of was maybe it was sold as a set with a base and the base had the stamp for the set on it? The one thing I didn't do was actually take off the drawers and look at the inside of the outer walls but I doubt there's anything in there. I'll PM skfarmer and direct him to this thread. If he doesn't have any idea then I'll just accept that I got a fairly cool SK branded toolbox from sometime between 1950-2005!

 

[bluebolt]

That red S-K box is pictured in the 1990 S-K catalog and is indeed supposed to be red. It's an 86050 model number chest.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1990-S-K-To...D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

 

[scott1970]

Ok I'll play

[/IMG]
Old machinists chest found in the barn.

[/IMG]
Vintage Craftsman machinists top chest. Given to me by a friend.

[/IMG]
Husky top and bottom boxes. Not sure on the age.

[/IMG]
Promark top (goes with bottom in next pic), again not sure of age.

[/IMG]
Waterloo workbench, vintage Craftsman top and bottom, HF top and bottom (not a bad box at all), Taskforce top and the Promark bottom.

later

 

[Impala64]

$10 at the local thrift store

 

[sk farmer]

I just picked up this SK top box a week ago or so off Craigslist. I don't actually know if it's 20 years old or not but it looks a bit old to me. Maybe someone here could say "Get that new **** outta here" and then I'd have a rough idea on the vintage. One thing I'll say is it's heavy for how small it is!

just got tipped off to this. as someone stated earlier it is 80's - 90's vintage. i politely disagree with those that call it a waterloo made box. my 97 catalog call it a 86050. there was also a matching 12 drawer chest, 3 drawer intermediate and 3 and 7 drawer cabinets. they are identical to the rem/pro boxes pictured in remline flyer i have this. the following pictures should remove any doubts on who made this box.

ps. that is an awesome box and would love to have one. i had the matching rem/pro at one time.

 

[McBrownie]

GJ converts another one. Here is my plan. I have two kids in college and neither of them has any tools. This has to be fixed. So, I have decided to get them each small tool boxes with all USA made tools. Nothing fancy, but a good starter set for this Christmas. I'm slowing getting things from CL, ebay and the occasional garage sale. The hunt for the right thing at the right price is the fun part.

Thanks to this thread, I picked up a pair of 6250 Craftsman tool boxes with trays - one in pretty good shape and one that is a little rough. The trays and insides on both in good shape and just need cleaning.

Here is the good one:
View media item 51107View media item 51106
And here is the rough one:
View media item 51113
On the rough one, I did a bit of cleaning on one half. I hope you can tell which half:
View media item 51721View media item 51722
I'm looking for some advice. I'm was thinking of leaving the paint as is and getting some vintage racing stickers to give the boxes some more personality. However, on the rough one some of the paint is completely gone and is now rusty metal. What do you think about clear-coating? Or should I do a strip and repaint? Also, I'm guessing that these boxes are early 1960's. Is that about right?

 

[jakemac]

With the metal handles, mid 50's to '60/'61(?). Stamped logo, no badge - mid 50's ?. I'm not sure when the Heritage logo was put on the carry boxes. I could be wrong though.

 

[safariknut]

Here is an old unmarked box given to me several years ago.Wish I knew the history on this one.My favorite part is the drawer with the ghost images of the tools impressed(didn't get the tools).

 

[chopper1]

GJ converts another one. Here is my plan. I have two kids in college and neither of them has any tools. This has to be fixed. So, I have decided to get them each small tool boxes with all USA made tools. Nothing fancy, but a good starter set for this Christmas. I'm slowing getting things from CL, ebay and the occasional garage sale. The hunt for the right thing at the right price is the fun part.

Thanks to this thread, I picked up a pair of 6250 Craftsman tool boxes with trays - one in pretty good shape and one that is a little rough. The trays and insides on both in good shape and just need cleaning.

Here is the good one:
View media item 51107View media item 51106
And here is the rough one:
View media item 51113
On the rough one, I did a bit of cleaning on one half. I hope you can tell which half:
View media item 51721View media item 51722
I'm looking for some advice. I'm was thinking of leaving the paint as is and getting some vintage racing stickers to give the boxes some more personality. However, on the rough one some of the paint is completely gone and is now rusty metal. What do you think about clear-coating? Or should I do a strip and repaint? Also, I'm guessing that these boxes are early 1960's. Is that about right?

I don't know if I posted this before but I restored the baby brother to yours, shorter without a tray.
Restoratiion will be your decision, but if it were me, I'd restore both. Paint one hammered gray and the other hammered brown. A different color for each boy.

 

[bagged89s10]

GJ converts another one. Here is my plan. I have two kids in college and neither of them has any tools. This has to be fixed. So, I have decided to get them each small tool boxes with all USA made tools. Nothing fancy, but a good starter set for this Christmas. I'm slowing getting things from CL, ebay and the occasional garage sale. The hunt for the right thing at the right price is the fun part.



Thanks to this thread, I picked up a pair of 6250 Craftsman tool boxes with trays - one in pretty good shape and one that is a little rough. The trays and insides on both in good shape and just need cleaning.



Here is the good one:

View media item 51107
View media item 51106


And here is the rough one:

View media item 51113


On the rough one, I did a bit of cleaning on one half. I hope you can tell which half:

View media item 51721
View media item 51722


I'm looking for some advice. I'm was thinking of leaving the paint as is and getting some vintage racing stickers to give the boxes some more personality. However, on the rough one some of the paint is completely gone and is now rusty metal. What do you think about clear-coating? Or should I do a strip and repaint? Also, I'm guessing that these boxes are early 1960's. Is that about right?

With the metal handles, mid 50's to '60/'61(?). Stamped logo, no badge - mid 50's ?. I'm not sure when the Heritage logo was put on the carry boxes. I could be wrong though.

I would also say 50s to early 60s but the stamped logo is throwing me off for date.

 

[CoolTool]

I just pocked up a couple of older snap on boxes I did a quick look online didn't see any with the solid stainless drawer draws not sure if these were added on or not. Does anyone know the year these were built or their value. I will be restoring them.

Thanks,

 

[bagged89s10]

Here is a decent deal for $65 in Cornwall, NY


http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/tls/5075959479.html

 

[Outlawmws]

Bagged, that would be a good deal for someone!

 

[zkling]

I just pocked up a couple of older snap on boxes I did a quick look online didn't see any with the solid stainless drawer draws not sure if these were added on or not. Does anyone know the year these were built or their value. I will be restoring them.

Thanks,

Those are either heavily modified snap on boxes, or other brand boxes that someone threw snap on badges on. Take a picture of the drawer slides as well as some measurements of the overall boxes.

Bagged, that would be a good deal for someone!

You can fit a ton of tools in that for a 26" box.