The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[bubinga]

Got this craftsman for $20.00
Not the best picture....

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[twertsy]

Hey Guys, my first time posting to this thread. I just picked up a old toolbox and wondering if anyone can help identify it. I thought the top and bottom were matching - they aren't. I believe the top has a Blackhawk label on it, nothing on the bottom. Any ideas what each piece is? Age? Good and solid, might need a little paint... Thanks - Jim

That is a very sweet old box. I'd love to have it. I'd guess 40s-50s. It has similar styles to the Blackhawk top box I posted about 4 pages ago. Particularly the peculiar vertical edges of the front cover. Mine are chrome but that's not a common feature.

 

[taumac]

Got this craftsman for $20.00
Not the best picture....

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Damn, That looks clean and rust free?

 

[RHJO51]

That is a very sweet old box. I'd love to have it. I'd guess 40s-50s. It has similar styles to the Blackhawk top box I posted about 4 pages ago. Particularly the peculiar vertical edges of the front cover. Mine are chrome but that's not a common feature.

Thanks Twertzy. Can anyone tell me what the bottom unit is? Steel wheels. I didn't see any identification yet. Thanks

 

[bubinga]

Damn, That looks clean and rust free?

thanks, Its not bad really, Yeah, it's solid.
Needs paint, but it's solid.
got if off craigslist, he as asking $30.00, got it for $20.00
Retired lead mechanic Wheeling Post Office.
Must not be too many vintage tool/storage enthusiasts in the area.
Good for me.

 

[zkling]

Hey Guys, my first time posting to this thread. I just picked up a old toolbox and wondering if anyone can help identify it. I thought the top and bottom were matching - they aren't. I believe the top has a Blackhawk label on it, nothing on the bottom. Any ideas what each piece is? Age? Good and solid, might need a little paint... Thanks - Jim

Pretty sure the top is a blackhawk and the bottom is a snap on KR-50, both from the early to mid 40's.

 

[carcajou]

Just finished up this Beach B98 chest. I have been wanting one in this color for awhile. A previous owner must have been a painter because it had a dozen different colors up to 1/4" thick in and on the drawers. I guy i know suggested some aluminum wash on the pulls and it worked pretty slick.




Edit the top right front of the box is fine, just an unfortunate glare from the lighting.

 

[taumac]

thanks, Its not bad really, Yeah, it's solid.
Needs paint, but it's solid.
got if off craigslist, he as asking $30.00, got it for $20.00
Retired lead mechanic Wheeling Post Office.
Must not be too many vintage tool/storage enthusiasts in the area.
Good for me.

Yes sir. I would pick it up for $30 all day long. Paint is easy it's fixing rust issues which is PIA.

 

[bubinga]

Yes , like I said there must not be many vintage tool or toolbox enthusiasts in the area but also there was no picture of it but when I talk to him on the phone I knew I wanted it I told him I was surprised nobody brought up by now didn't anybody look at it he said not really well when he came down on the price I have a feeling that a couple people looked at it but did not want it so again good for me. When I talk to him on the phone he said well come down and take a look at it make an offer that's all I can tell you so I knew I could probably deal with him a little bit. I well post pictures when it warms up and I get to paint It

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[LesserSon]

About the tabs on friction glides: I was getting really frustrated trying to use a screwdriver to depress the tabs through the slots. Then I thought of a small end nipper. Worked great; much more control and worked first try on most of the 21 drawers. What tool do you use when you need to pull a drawer?

 

[taumac]

About the tabs on friction glides: I was getting really frustrated trying to use a screwdriver to depress the tabs through the slots. Then I thought of a small end nipper. Worked great; much more control and worked first try on most of the 21 drawers. What tool do you use when you need to pull a drawer?

They can be so frustrating. I just used a screwdriver to press in tab. Bend it back out before I reinstall the drawer. I always wondered if there was a tool or better method to remove the drawers?

 

[Stuart in MN]

Just finished up this Beach B98 chest. I have been wanting one in this color for awhile. A previous owner must have been a painter because it had a dozen different colors up to 1/4" thick in and on the drawers. I guy i know suggested some aluminum wash on the pulls and it worked pretty slick.

That's a great looking box, nice job.

 

[lilredex]

Just finished up this Beach B98 chest. I have been wanting one in this color for awhile. A previous owner must have been a painter because it had a dozen different colors up to 1/4" thick in and on the drawers. I guy i know suggested some aluminum wash on the pulls and it worked pretty slick.




Edit the top right front of the box is fine, just an unfortunate glare from the lighting.

Looks really good in that colour, what is it...and the wash details too, please.

I have a few boxes that could under go those treatments.

Here is another configuration (11 Drawers) I had not seen before....listed as an Ultra Pro (NAPA).

http://www.liveauctionworld.com/ULTRA-PRO-TOOL-BOX-AND-CONTENTS_i11511092

 

[carcajou]

Looks really good in that colour, what is it...and the wash details too, please.

I have a few boxes that could under go those treatments.

Here is another configuration (11 Drawers) I had not seen before....listed as an Ultra Pro (NAPA).

http://www.liveauctionworld.com/ULTRA-PRO-TOOL-BOX-AND-CONTENTS_i11511092

The paint is from Cloverdale It is their industrial maintenance and marine enamel. I can post the paint mix, or send you a paint sample in the mail if you have no access to Cloverdale paints.

It was the 1st time i used this paint and i'm impressed, sprays nice and very little odour.

As for the aluminum wash, it comes in a squirt bottle and is made by BUSCH.

I have not seen that 11 drawer chest either but i will add it to the wanted list. lol

 

[Ainsley]

Recently picked up a pair of Kennedy machinest chests , a newer 11 drawer in great condition and an older 7 drawer 520 that needs some TLC.

7 Drawer kennedy:

And the 11 drawer:

So i decided to repaint the 520 for my son, he's 3-1/2 at the moment
Prepped for paint:

Still contemplating how I want to do the paint.
Primer:
- self etch spray bomb
- two part industrial epoxy thinned and sprayed
- 1 part high adhesion moisture cure urethane primer

The top coat I want to do silver drawers and turquoise case.
Might do silver hammer finish or an aluminum alkyd enamel.

Not quite a tool box but still vintage, my huot drill dispenser, it's since been repainted:

 

[carcajou]

Your drill dispenser sure looks cool. What does it look like inside? Inquiring minds need to know.

 

[lilredex]

The paint is from Cloverdale It is their industrial maintenance and marine enamel. I can post the paint mix, or send you a paint sample in the mail if you have no access to Cloverdale paints.

It was the 1st time i used this paint and i'm impressed, sprays nice and very little odour.

As for the aluminum wash, it comes in a squirt bottle and is made by BUSCH.

I have not seen that 11 drawer chest either but i will add it to the wanted list. lol

Thanks, have found both. Now all I need is that paint code.

For anyone else interested, "Cloverdale" has one (company owned ) outlet in Ontario and it just happens to be around the corner from princess.

http://www.cloverdalepaint.com/stores_and_contacts/stores/company_stores.htm

(Mississauga 1235 Cardiff Blvd.)


http://www.buschshineproducts.com/aluminum-wash-p-25.html

 

[carcajou]

lilredex I added 5% Varsol I sprayed one coat on the drawers, 2-3 coats on the cabinet and drawer fronts and got by with one quart and a couple oz left for touchups down the road.

 

[Outlawmws]

Sure those Huot's are tool boxes; just for specific tools!

I'd love to get a pair like that for the Drills I have; that plus a box for letter drills would be a Home run...

 

[Ainsley]

Inside the huot:

 

[jeffmoss26]

Nicely organized!

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Picked this up yesterday at an auction with a couple of rusty tools for $7.50. I didn't realize until I got it home it was labeled Bon-E-Con. Unfortunately I think l'm going to have to re-paint it.

 

[jquail]

I noticed this advertised locally (online) this morning. Could not tell the make or much detail as the photos weren't very good. It wasn't till I got home with it that I noticed it was a snapon.

Turns out I knew the young lady selling it so we had a good chat as I was looking at the box.

A few photos:

The liftout top box is intact and in good shape as is the sliding box on top of the larger drawer. I suspect that nothing is missing. The worst rust is on the front panel, the remainder is in good shape. I do not plan to paint this but any ideas on making the front a bit cleaner looking would be appreciated.

I'm not sure what tools/supplies I will use it for - it is substantially heavy without anything in it.

Also if someone has an idea of the age I would be interested.

Thanks,

John.

 

[zkling]

That's a 1940s snap on K-21W. It was a general tool box, nothing specific went in it. They made those for a long time. The newer ones are a bit nicer as they have side handles welded on.

 

[bubinga]

I noticed this advertised locally (online) this morning. Could not tell the make or much detail as the photos weren't very good. It wasn't till I got home with it that I noticed it was a snapon.

Turns out I knew the young lady selling it so we had a good chat as I was looking at the box.

A few photos:


The liftout top box is intact and in good shape as is the sliding box on top of the larger drawer. I suspect that nothing is missing. The worst rust is on the front panel, the remainder is in good shape. I do not plan to paint this but any ideas on making the front a bit cleaner looking would be appreciated.

I'm not sure what tools/supplies I will use it for - it is substantially heavy without anything in it.

Also if someone has an idea of the age I would be interested.

Thanks,

John.

That's a 1940s snap on K-21W. It was a general tool box, nothing specific went in it. They made those for a long time. The newer ones are a bit nicer as they have side handles welded on.

Nice, That's in nice shape too!
The top handle reminds me of the machinist box handles of that era.

 

[Ainsley]

Perhaps a bit of blasphemy to some of you on here but I decided to paint the Kennedy 520 in a colour that is definitely non-original.
the main box and top:

drawers and front panel:

I have another coat or two to shoot this week and probably let it cure over the weekend before I pop it back together. I still need to order a new top handle, some feet and some split rivets to get it all back together.

 

[Outlawmws]

Why not paint it the way you like it? It's not like the 520 is a rare beast. Hmmmm I'd venture to guess, leaving carry box's out of it, that the 520 is possibly the most common "top box" with drawers in existence. if you add in all the knock offs, it almost certainly is.

I own 4 Kennedy 520's and at least 4 of the same case size, with other drawer configurations from 3 to 5 or 6, (thats not counting the 526 series, (26" wide instead of 20") I certainly see more 520's out there that anything else...

 

[jquail]

zkling - thanks for the info on the snapon box. I thought I'd seen one similar away back in this thread but couldn't recall where. I will admit that side handles would be easier to use but I won't be moving it much once it has a place in my shop.

I've bought several new plastic boxes in the past and now regret their purchase as I'm finding older metal ones for less money and they sure have a lot more character.


John.

 

[r_olson_06]

I noticed this advertised locally (online) this morning. Could not tell the make or much detail as the photos weren't very good. It wasn't till I got home with it that I noticed it was a snapon.

Turns out I knew the young lady selling it so we had a good chat as I was looking at the box.

A few photos:

The liftout top box is intact and in good shape as is the sliding box on top of the larger drawer. I suspect that nothing is missing. The worst rust is on the front panel, the remainder is in good shape. I do not plan to paint this but any ideas on making the front a bit cleaner looking would be appreciated.

I'm not sure what tools/supplies I will use it for - it is substantially heavy without anything in it.

Also if someone has an idea of the age I would be interested.

Thanks,

John.

I have the same one in red.

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[young_buck]

Just picked up this Brico box at a swap meet today, Had a handful of s-k wayne, snap on and usa craftsman sockets, and a lot of chinese made odds and ends. I paid $20 for the box and contents it will end up being my junkyard box

nothing too special, not sure how old it is but I figure it should meet the op's guidelines for age.

 

[joe.striper]

Picked up this Gerstner toolbox today. My first one. I love the condition it is in. I now have to figure out the correct way to restore it. Only one latch springs properly so thats where i plan to start. I paid $100 for it.

 

[Blue Frog]

Picked up this Gerstner toolbox today. My first one. I love the condition it is in. I now have to figure out the correct way to restore it. Only one latch springs properly so thats where i plan to start. I paid $100 for it.

Joe,

You can get a lot of guidance here: http://www.gerstnerforum.com/

Blue

 

[Blue Frog]

Duplicate post deleted

 

[bubinga]

Picked up this Gerstner toolbox today. My first one. I love the condition it is in. I now have to figure out the correct way to restore it. Only one latch springs properly so thats where i plan to start. I paid $100 for it.

its nice,
It's in nice shape, sans the felt.
You **** price too.

 

[beatcad]

Picked up this Gerstner toolbox today. My first one. I love the condition it is in. I now have to figure out the correct way to restore it. Only one latch springs properly so thats where i plan to start. I paid $100 for it.

nice find. not "you ****" but it was a decent/fair price.
its a style 41.
hard to say from your pix but its probably 1950s

 

[Outlawmws]

Around here it would easily be a "yousuck"

So once again, Joe.*****

 

[beatcad]

joe- outlaw is right. any gerstner that old for 100 clams is suckworthy.
i was thinking of the condition & lack of felt.
id happily pay $75 to $80 for that chest, but if the seller wouldnt budge i'd pony up a franklin just to make sure it didnt get away from me.

i was just thinking about myself(thifty/cheap ***). i've paid more for less, but i've also paid less for more.

i aint no expert, but i'm up to 18 wooden chests. most of 'em gerstner.

 

[bubinga]

nice find. not "you ****" but it was a decent/fair price.
its a style 41.
hard to say from your pix but its probably 1950s

Around here it would easily be a "yousuck"

So once again, Joe.*****

joe- outlaw is right. any gerstner that old for 100 clams is suckworthy.
i was thinking of the condition & lack of felt.
id happily pay $75 to $80 for that chest, but if the seller wouldnt budge i'd pony up a franklin just to make sure it didnt get away from me.

i was just thinking about myself(thifty/cheap ***). i've paid more for less, but i've also paid less for more.

i aint no expert, but i'm up to 18 wooden chests. most of 'em gerstner.

I don't have no 18 of th=em, but a few, but I think he ***** for $100.00
Try to get that chest on e bay for $100.00.....LOL
or put it on CL here, and see how long it's lasts.
bring it to WV, and I'll give you $150.00 right now.

 

[joe.striper]

I don't have no 18 of th=em, but a few, but I think he ***** for $100.00
Try to get that chest on e bay for $100.00.....LOL
or put it on CL here, and see how long it's lasts.
bring it to WV, and I'll give you $150.00 right now.

In my car heading down RIGHT NOW!!!!

Bought my felt and parts to repair the latches.

 

[bubinga]

nice find. not "you ****" but it was a decent/fair price.
its a style 41.
hard to say from your pix but its probably 1950s

beatcad, do you restore yours, or just ckean up, guess it depends on found condition.
it is a rewarding part of my tool hobby.
I will have to count mine, and get back to you.
I did sell 2 of mine I restored/repaired already.