The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[Outlawmws]

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.

Also look on the back for markings. (look HARD they can be very faint...)

Usually on the lower right back corner while facing the back...

 

[CoolTool]

So I took some more pics, it is heavy gauge steel and we'll built the wheels had swansonville Indiana on them. I thinck maybe the drawer draws were added but it is in fact snap on. Also there is a pic of how the snap on logo is attacched from the back, downy look like an add on to me I'd expect to see nuts. Top box measures 31w 17h 15d bottom box 31w 32h from bottom of wheels 18d. I hope these clues help verify them.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[twertsy]

How about a MAC Stack. Complete with keys. Too bad the "idiot brother" rattle canned it, but I can fix that later. Eerily similar (the same) as my Flying lady Proto Tool Mobile.

 

[beatcad]

that MAC stack is a really cool piece w/ the top and intermediate box.
rare? maybe. uncommon yes.
for its age(50s) and to still to be all together as a unit i'd say yer a lucky duck

 

[bagged89s10]

How about a MAC Stack. Complete with keys. Too bad the "idiot brother" rattle canned it, but I can fix that later. Eerily similar (the same) as my Flying lady Proto Tool Mobile.

Nice set. Matches my 50s craftsman bottom chest. Maybe he rattle can black will come off easily.

 

[twertsy]

Any tips (besides "carefully") on removing the rattle without disturbing the original paint?

 

[jakemac]

Paper towels soaked in Simple Green. But you'll have to be on top of it so it doesn't remove the original paint. The SG should soften the rattle paint enough for you to wipe it off. But if there are any scratches or rust spots, it could get under the original paint and start to lift it. Buy bulk, this could take a while.

 

[jakemac]

I wish I had had my camera with me this morning. There was a seller at the flea market with a Waterloo "All American" top and bottom. The top was model AA-330 with a date stamp of 6-72, a two drawer. I can't remember the model # for the bottom, but it was a 3-drawer with garage, date stamped 10-72. The decals on both boxes were in good condition, as were the boxes themselves. Both were in hammered blue.

I was so busy telling the seller what it was he had, that I forgot to ask what he was selling them for.

The top was similar to the picture below, but both boxes had flat handles rather than the ones on my box.

 

[zkling]

So I took some more pics, it is heavy gauge steel and we'll built the wheels had swansonville Indiana on them. I thinck maybe the drawer draws were added but it is in fact snap on. Also there is a pic of how the snap on logo is attacched from the back, downy look like an add on to me I'd expect to see nuts. Top box measures 31w 17h 15d bottom box 31w 32h from bottom of wheels 18d. I hope these clues help verify them.

Thanks for the replies.

I'm not sure what that is, besides not a snap on. Someone definitely tried to copy a snap on KRA-61 super chest. I remember seeing before a box that had riveted on drawer pulls like that, but I can't remember for the life of me who it was. :

 

[Outlawmws]

Paper towels soaked in Simple Green. But you'll have to be on top of it so it doesn't remove the original paint. The SG should soften the rattle paint enough for you to wipe it off. But if there are any scratches or rust spots, it could get under the original paint and start to lift it. Buy bulk, this could take a while.

This^^^

Saran wrap on the paper towels helps keep the SG from evaporating too quick.

 

[CoolTool]

I'm not sure what that is, besides not a snap on. Someone definitely tried to copy a snap on KRA-61 super chest. I remember seeing before a box that had riveted on drawer pulls like that, but I can't remember for the life of me who it was. :

Ya it is strange that the snap on decal is centered and the top handle is not. The're are a lot on these boxes that seem right and a lot that don't. Not a piece of garbage anyway, still worth putting in a little tlc. Thanx for your input zling

 

[zkling]

I've seen that slide design and riveted on drawer pull before, just can't remember which manufacturer used that style. Did you check it over thoroughly for a stamp? I have the snap on box of which that is a copy of. There are subtle differences.

 

[twertsy]

I've seen that slide design and riveted on drawer pull before, just can't remember which manufacturer used that style. Did you check it over thoroughly for a stamp? I have the snap on box of which that is a copy of. There are subtle differences.

ZK, isn't that one of the SO boxes I have posted in the tool box ID thread?

EDIT: I think it's the SO #2 box.

 

[CoolTool]

Is SO a brand? I looked closer and notices on the handles it is stamped in small writing "wartford Nielsen hardware Corp. Does that help?

 

[zkling]

ZK, isn't that one of the SO boxes I have posted in the tool box ID thread?

EDIT: I think it's the SO #2 box.

It's not. Read my comments above on the differences. Additionally the locking mechanism is not correct for a stock box.

 

[twertsy]

It's not. Read my comments above on the differences. Additionally the locking mechanism is not correct for a stock box.

What I meant was; isn't the box in the ID thread the one you are comparing this one to........?

 

[zkling]

What I meant was; isn't the box in the ID thread the one you are comparing this one to........?

Ah, I didn't read it as that. Yes, a KRA61 super chest. Oddly enough, not all KRA61's are super chests, only the 7 drawer versions. The later, KRA61s were 9 drawer.

 

[Outlawmws]

SO is a brand but most box companies buy their hardware. Some will be branded for the maker, some will carry the hardware mfg's name.

SO makes most, if not all there boxes today, but MBC (at least) made boxes for SO "back in the day"

 

[CoolTool]

The universe is a strangething sometimes.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/tls/5108620928.html

This just listed which is the same type of box but the real snap on. I'm going to go have a look just to see what the differences really are in terms of construction and metal thickness.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: i picked up this Huot bottom roller that is in pretty decent shape. i'm not sure if i'm going to keep the existing rollers or change to standard casters. anybody know the pros and cons of these types of wheels? i haven't seen a Huot top box in the wild worth buying so i'll be looking for one to match.

sorry i can't remember if Huot made their own boxes so do tell if you know and is there a date stamp on them and where? mine does have the cover, but not a key for the lock.

 

[zkling]

The universe is a strangething sometimes.

http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rch/tls/5108620928.html

This just listed which is the same type of box but the real snap on. I'm going to go have a look just to see what the differences really are in terms of construction and metal thickness.

Completely different box, you will be comparing apples to oranges. That is a rather poor ad, and way overpriced.

 

[jakemac]

ALL: i picked up this Huot bottom roller that is in pretty decent shape. i'm not sure if i'm going to keep the existing rollers or change to standard casters. anybody know the pros and cons of these types of wheels? i haven't seen a Huot top box in the wild worth buying so i'll be looking for one to match.

sorry i can't remember if Huot made their own boxes so do tell if you know and is there a date stamp on them and where? mine does have the cover, but not a key for the lock.

I have the same box (in purple). I also have the 3-drawer version. I cleaned and lubed the slides with a thin coat of SuperLube and they slide like butter.

I'm pretty sure that those are not the original casters. It looks like someone took the casters off a creeper and put them on that box.

You may be able to get a locksmith to make a new key for you. I just replaced the lock on mine with some I bought off ebay so they'd be keyed-alike. It was pretty much a straight swap, like for like, with no alterations.

Huot never date stamped their boxes, but they did make their own. No outsourcing. My boxes have the square cornered strap handle. Your's are the earlier loop strap handles. Mine are from the early 70's. I believe that your's is from the mid-late 60's.

Here is a link to thread about removing the drawers.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=238554&highlight=huot

Nice box.

 

[Onedivinehammer]

ALL: I picked up this Huot bottom roller that is in pretty decent shape. i'm not sure if i'm going to keep the existing rollers or change to standard casters. anybody know the pros and cons of these types of wheels?

I'm pretty sure that those are not the original casters. It looks like someone took the casters off a creeper and put them on that box.

I'm afraid I have to disagree with you jakemac, as I have the same roller with the same casters. I bought the set a couple of years ago from the son of the original owner. The father was a diesel mechanic, and this was his home set, of which he bought new sometime in the late 50's/early 60's. The son wasn't 100% sure when it was bought, but knew for sure it was around while he was a kid in the early 60's.

 

[CoolTool]

Completely different box, you will be comparing apples to oranges. That is a rather poor ad, and way overpriced.

Ya your right it was a lot smaller and for machinist tools mainly since it didn't have as many bigdrawers. The quality of construction was similar to the one I baught no difference in metal gauge or over lapping on seams. And I looked at the stamps on the back just to see hownoticeable they should be. I'm convinced mine as a knock off but of good quality I got mine with about 200$ tools in them for 150$ so I am good with that. Going to sand and paint her up!

Thanx for the help zkling

Much appreciated

 

[CoolTool]

Nice box drivesit! Bechya don't hear that every day!!

 

[jakemac]

I'm afraid I have to disagree with you jakemac, as I have the same roller with the same casters. I bought the set a couple of years ago from the son of the original owner. The father was a diesel mechanic, and this was his home set, of which he bought new sometime in the late 50's/early 60's. The son wasn't 100% sure when it was bought, but knew for sure it was around while he was a kid in the early 60's.

I stand corrected. This is the first time I've seen those casters on a Huot. Thank you for the additional information.

 

[zkling]

Ya your right it was a lot smaller and for machinist tools mainly since it didn't have as many bigdrawers. The quality of construction was similar to the one I baught no difference in metal gauge or over lapping on seams. And I looked at the stamps on the back just to see hownoticeable they should be. I'm convinced mine as a knock off but of good quality I got mine with about 200$ tools in them for 150$ so I am good with that. Going to sand and paint her up!

Thanx for the help zkling

Much appreciated

How many drawers did it have? 2 long 7 small? It wasn't designed as a machinist box per say, but they do work well for that. Much better than those tiny pull kennedy boxes IMHO.

 

[drivesitfar]

CT: thanks for the compliment and with all the metal cabinets i buy and post pictures of i actually do hear that a few times around here. hope all is well up north and maybe you'll figure out your VFD or power for your old tools. also hoping the babies are not keeping you up every night.

Jake: thanks for the great post. my "creeper" wheels on my Huot box have square nuts on them, but there are other holes where regular casters can be installed. i'm not a big fan of the Creeper wheels so i'll probably make a Creeper out of some scrap 1.125 plywood and put on some regular casters. the drawers work fine and after i clean out the dust i'll probably just put some Door Ease on the slides.

did you hear toilet bowl wax rings are made of Beeswax which is what a lot of cabinet makers use to put on their slides? a few months ago i was cleaning out a few boxes and found two or three of maybe 20 year old wax rings in a box and threw out all buy one then i see that i could have used them for drawer slides.

ODH: thanks for the post and how do you like the creeper wheels on your Huot box or do you just leave it in a certain spot?

 

[Smokeshow69]

Who made the craftsman box that is in the 3rd, 4th and 5th picture?? It is the top box that with the wiskey drawer. I am trying to find 6 slide clips for my dad (his is from the late 70's) as his are broken and am sol with waterloo whom I believe was the maker. The ones i got are too short and do not work correctly. I need the longer style and they said they are discontinued?? Any body have slide clips for this box that they want to sell??

 

[jakemac]

Yes, those boxes were made by Waterloo. As you surmised, there are two lengths of clips that Waterloo used over the years and only one is still available.

I'm not sure what people are doing to replace the discontinued clips. Maybe another member will have that answer.

In the meantime, maybe you could make a set of "make-doo" clips that will work. You could heat-treat them on a gas stove or use a torch.

 

[twertsy]

Yes, those boxes were made by Waterloo. As you surmised, there are two lengths of clips that Waterloo used over the years and only one is still available.

I'm not sure what people are doing to replace the discontinued clips. Maybe another member will have that answer.

In the meantime, maybe you could make a set of "make-doo" clips that will work. You could heat-treat them on a gas stove or use a torch.

What clips are you referring to? Can you post a pic?

 

[zkling]

What clips are you referring to? Can you post a pic?

The clips on the slides that act as limit stops. That box should use the modern, waterloo clips.

 

[twertsy]

Seems to me those would be pretty simple to make

 

[zkling]

Seems to me those would be pretty simple to make

Eh, they are of a spring steel material. For ~$1 it's not worth the time and hassle let alone buying the material unless you needed a bunch. Because they need to be pretty heavily formed and then heat treated. If you try to flex one they are pretty brittle.

If you call waterloo and ask for "the little black slide clips" they will know exactly what you are talking about.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Eh, they are of a spring steel material. For ~$1 it's not worth the time and hassle let alone buying the material unless you needed a bunch. Because they need to be pretty heavily formed and then heat treated. If you try to flex one they are pretty brittle.

If you call waterloo and ask for "the little black slide clips" they will know exactly what you are talking about.

I have an older waterloo made in '74 which worked with the little black slide clips. I tried them on the newer craftsman and no luck and waterloo said they are discontinued. They did not fit and where too short. I did have a few pictures but they where deleted when my wife got a new phone. I think they around 4" long??

 

[zkling]

I have an older waterloo made in '74 which worked with the little black slide clips. I tried them on the newer craftsman and no luck and waterloo said they are discontinued. They did not fit and where too short. I did have a few pictures but they where deleted when my wife got a new phone. I think they around 4" long??

There are three types that I have run across, two of which will interchange. The other style were predominantly used by Kennedy and are folded back upon them selves. Hard to describe, but they are folded back ~1/4" allowing a person to get their nail or finger under it to release them. Those can be sourced from kennedy. The the other two that hook on the front and then snap in the square hole I've had no problems using newer waterloo clips.

 

[road_warri0r]

This was my Dad's before he passed away and he had retired as an auto mechanic about 40 years ago, so Im certain most of his tools go back to the 40's 50's 60's

 

[Kent_B]

Nice, road warri0r.

Good to see you hanging on to your dad's tool box. What are your plans? Keep it as is and hold onto the memories? That's what I'd do. Anyhow, welcome!

 

[Smokeshow69]

There are three types that I have run across, two of which will interchange. The other style were predominantly used by Kennedy and are folded back upon them selves. Hard to describe, but they are folded back ~1/4" allowing a person to get their nail or finger under it to release them. Those can be sourced from kennedy. The the other two that hook on the front and then snap in the square hole I've had no problems using newer waterloo clips.

I checked my waterloo box dated '74 as well as my grey and red craftsman box dated '72. They both use the short clips. The clips I need are the long clips. They physically look similar but are longer. I tried using the small clips on my dad's box slides and they did not work because they where to short. I was hoping someone had some? This box I need clips for should be a '78 or '79...

 

[zkling]

Post a picture of them atop a 6" scale.