The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[Bigplum]

Picked up this at Beaulieu Autojumble ( in England ) for £15 last weekend, missing front cover & no name anywhere but looks very similar in construction to my other "Enox " engineers boxes , the side handles are made by Cheney ( a old English manufacturer )
It's probably 1960's

 

[Bigplum]

Another picture, all steel , no drawer runners , just a lip for the drawer to rest on , but they work well when cleaned up and lubed , it'll be going in my E tank for a bit to knock off some pitting in the top compartment ,
I need to make a front cover but I picked up a replica vintage / retro sign that will cut down with a bit of luck

 

[thundermug]

Old rollerskate box. Not really a toolbox, but the sales around here have been kind of dry.
https://scontent-ord1-1.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13260211_827561518742_2877801162476205041_n.jpg?oh=0a20644211c551058a54bf43d94ac0a2&oe=57D8D61C

 

[maxcarp709]

I got a good score off Craigslist today I have been looking for a top chest for the PowerKraft bottom chest I rescued from the trash a couple of weeks ago.After scouring CL for a while I found this Proto Road Chest.I tried to offer the guy a trade for some Snap On tools I have been trying to sell but he wasn`t interested.We made a deal today and I went and picked it up.



Here it sits atop the PowerKraft chest

 

[maxcarp709]

Its in pretty good shape for its age.From what I have learned here it probably date to the 80s or early 90s.It did not come with a key so the first order of business was trying to fit on of the Craftsman replacement locks I have,but I struck out on that.I had to grind off one of the rivets that holds the locking bars to the cam so I could take the lock off.The cam plate is different from the Craftsman setup,but I did manage to install a drawer lock from an unused cabinet so that it will lock on the bottom of the front cover for the time being.
Now I need to see about getting a new key made for the old lock,since I don`t think I will be able to find another lock.Any recommendations for a place that could make a new key?

 

[LesserSon]

Got this SK-branded Excelsior Stanford Conn 6x6-3/8x19 box yesterday at the flea market with a couple small tools for $5. I had spotted one last week at a garage sale, but it wasn't quite this old, and didn't purchase it. Both are surprisingly light construction, but good "hammer" finish. I've taped off the painted surface around the latches and am wire brushing the rust off.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Its in pretty good shape for its age.From what I have learned here it probably date to the 80s or early 90s.It did not come with a key so the first order of business was trying to fit on of the Craftsman replacement locks I have,but I struck out on that.I had to grind off one of the rivets that holds the locking bars to the cam so I could take the lock off.The cam plate is different from the Craftsman setup,but I did manage to install a drawer lock from an unused cabinet so that it will lock on the bottom of the front cover for the time being.
Now I need to see about getting a new key made for the old lock,since I don`t think I will be able to find another lock.Any recommendations for a place that could make a new key?

I can't read the code clearly but if you PM it to me I can look it up - any locksmith should be able to make a key by that code as long as it's a good one.

 

[maxcarp709]

Thanks Jeff.The code is WA19.I have been striking out in my search.

 

[econotrk]

I got a good score off Craigslist today I have been looking for a top chest for the PowerKraft bottom chest I rescued from the trash a couple of weeks ago.After scouring CL for a while I found this Proto Road Chest.I tried to offer the guy a trade for some Snap On tools I have been trying to sell but he wasn`t interested.We made a deal today and I went and picked it up.



Here it sits atop the PowerKraft chest

Nice grab Maxcarp, I'm on the hunt for one to sit on my Proto roller.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: I posted this over on the Plvmb thread and thought i'd post it here too and maybe get a few tips on how to repair it. I haven't looked at it too close yet to see how to remove the drawers and wondering if any of you want to lend your tips to remove them. also I need to straighten a few of the drawers so is a hammer and a dolly or hunk of steel to hammer against or are there easier or better ways.

nice thing is it has the key and the front panel and of course that it's a PLVMB.

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives, for the "wavy edge" issues, it doesnt get simpler than these:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=5535247&postcount=306

If you don't weld, get someone to make them up for you. I have two pairs, a narrow set, and a wide 4" or so set. Al you need are a "dead" (notched) set of nippers, and a little bit of small angle.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

sometimes in situations like that I use clamps and wood blocs too. easy to cut out around handles and whatnot, and the spring of the wood keeps the edge from leaving a mark. #40 sandpaper can add a profile quickly if things keep springing back.

 

[Apache3057]

Here is a nice tool box/service chest that we have at work. It has a tag on bottom marked Chevorlet. It has been here since the building was built. I am hoping to grab it up one day.

 

[maxcarp709]

Nice grab Maxcarp, I'm on the hunt for one to sit on my Proto roller.

Thanks econotrk!If you weren`t so far away,I would offer to make you a deal on the Proto chest.I don`t need any more boxes,these just kinda came along.I am pleased with the project so far,now that I have got both boxes cleaned up and changed out the locks.I think I have found a locksmith online who can make me a key for the Proto box if I send him the lock.I will report back to you folks and start a new thread if it works out.I may be able to get spare keys for my Mac and Snap On boxes as well

 

[ed4banger]

Picked up a machinist tool box this last weekend. Old, and completely full of tools. Mostly Starrett and Lufkin micrometers. depth gauges, inside bore gauges, etc.

 

[nine4gmc]

Thats nice Apache, you too ed4banger!

Sent from my SM-T230NU using Tapatalk

 

[d42jeep]

I found a vintage Dunlap toolbox at the fleamarket last Saturday. Here are some pictures.
-Don

 

[beatcad]

ed- that is an excellent chest.
of course it is the cadillac of machinist chests.
its a gerstner. model 52.
from about 1954 to sometime in the 60s.

 

[ed4banger]

Thanks for the ID beatcad, I was curious what it was, and hadn't researched it yet. I know its a very well made chest.

 

[Blue Frog]

ed- that is an excellent chest.
of course it is the ROLLS ROYCE of machinist chests.
its a gerstner. model 52.
from about 1954 to sometime in the 60s.

Fixed it for you!

 

[Outlawmws]

ed- that is an excellent chest.
of course it is the LEXUS of machinist chests.
its a gerstner. model 52.
from about 1954 to sometime in the 60s.

Fixed it for you!

Fixed it for the younger crowd!

 

[Tellingthem]

Just picked up this little guy form the Habitat for Humanity store for a whopping $2. Pretty decent shape but the bonus was it still has the key.

 

[Mooreag47]

Dose any one have any idea about what this is worth just want to see how well I did. I searched the inter web and couldn't find much info

 

[Outlawmws]

Old late 30's early 40's Craftsman;

With or without slides?

does it have a top tray?

What did you pay?

 

[Mooreag47]

With slides
No tray
$20.00

 

[Outlawmws]

I don't think you got hurt at all (as in usuck)

I paid near 5X for mine (mostly shipping) with the tray...

Give it a good clean (WD-40) and see where you come out.

 

[rmalkow2]

Just picked up this little guy form the Habitat for Humanity store for a whopping $2. Pretty decent shape but the bonus was it still has the key.

That's a classic carry box. Leather handle??? if yes it's a pretty nice pre-war example. For $2 you got the U-**** deal on that box especially with the key!

 

[Tellingthem]

That's a classic carry box. Leather handle??? if yes it's a pretty nice pre-war example. For $2 you got the U-**** deal on that box especially with the key!

Thanks! Heres the key and it does operate the lock. It was tucked off to the side in the store. Almost passed it up but the key caught my eye. As soon as I saw the logo I got kind of excited. Was thinking late 30's to 40's based on it. Kind of a nifty little box. The rounded trays on top are different. Needs a good cleaning but besides that think I'm going to keep her as is.

 

[Outlawmws]

Tel that is also a great find! the S-K tools trademark was in sue from the early 30's to 57-8, but I agree the color schem is early. IMO from the 30's.

However, is that a metal handle? Seems not so early if so...

 

[Tellingthem]

Tel that is also a great find! the S-K tools trademark was in sue from the early 30's to 57-8, but I agree the color schem is early. IMO from the 30's.

However, is that a metal handle? Seems not so early if so...

Yeah its metal. Not sure what i was smoking earlier. Haha just tired I think. I'll take a few more pics tomorrow to hopefully nail this down a bit better.

 

[Joes89yj]

Picked this one up tonight with all that was in it and picked up the little SK-Wayne Metric set. I'm missing, I believe, the smallest socket in the SK set but not sure.







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[maxcarp709]

Good Score Joe's 89yj!

 

[LesserSon]

Thanks! Heres the key and it does operate the lock. It was tucked off to the side in the store. Almost passed it up but the key caught my eye. As soon as I saw the logo I got kind of excited. Was thinking late 30's to 40's based on it. Kind of a nifty little box. The rounded trays on top are different. Needs a good cleaning but besides that think I'm going to keep her as is.

Looks identical to the one I posted one page back. Mine has some bare spots. Good for you to get the key with it.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Buddy bought this off a friend who inherited it, anyone put a decade to it?

 

[bsg1]

I've posted these pics before. But here they are again:

Joe Mamma

i posted in this thread on 12/19/2015 regarding your Cornwell box because i liked it very much (post #5106). yesterday, a swap meet seller spoke wi†h me about an old Snap-on rolling cab he'd like me to look at and buy if i liked it. i went to his home after the swap meet was over. he had an early 1950s Snap-on KR-352 which he wanted $50.00 for. sitting on top of the Snap-on was a Cornwell top box, identical to yours in all respects except for having a round badge instead of a rectangular one.
i was eager to close the deal on the Snap-on, but wanted the Cornwell as well. i would have paid him more to get the Cornwell, but the seller threw it into the deal before i had an opportunity to ask how much. i am thrilled to have both of these boxes added to the collection.

 

[taumac]

Buddy bought this off a friend who inherited it, anyone put a decade to it?

Late 60's.

 

[bubinga]

No, but that's a nice box.
BTY, those drawer latches shown, IF YOU WANT, you can drive that pin out, and those latches pull up, and out, store them in the top for re use if wanted at another time.
my 40 some inch BOX (top) is like that, and I find it a PITA to have to open the top to open the drawers, so I pulled those pins. Mine had 3.
I had a Fellow on here trying to tell me it wasn't safe, and it was part of the hinge, and he just didn't get it.
another member told him NO! too, but he insisted.
Nothing to do with the hinge. Easy to put back to the way it was.

 

[bubinga]

My "guess" and it is only that is early 70"s
there's lot 0 guys on here that I bet can tell you for sure.

Edit,
Read the whole thread bubinga...........
I was going to say late 60's early 70's, I really was, believe me OK?
I had a bottom box sort of like that, Im going to say circa late 70's early 80's, cept the bottom was drawers,instead of the bin.
I can tell you this, and maybe someone here can confirm the time frame,
It was (a craftsman, ) ~ 26 1/2" 27" wide, painted red on the out side, and drawers were BLACK.
It was a Nice Solid Made box, Not the Tin Foil Craftsman of today.
Had a lock in the top center.
Now at the time, Husky at HD had some nice boxes, not sure of the year, was about
1993-94, Nice!!! heavy built box as well.
It was a full 18" deep, and about 20-22" tall,
That was a nice combo. ended up when I quit wrenching, (for a living) I sold it for $300,
kick myself now and then, wish I had it now.
I think the guy got a fair deal.
I will look for pictures of it, and re-post if I find them.

 

[bubinga]

BGS1, Cool old cornwell box, how wide is it, are you going to paint it?

 

[bsg1]

BGS1, Cool old cornwell box, how wide is it, are you going to paint it?

the Cornwell pictured belongs to Joe Mamma and mine is it's twin. width of the Cornwell is 26 1/8", depth is 12" and height is 14 1/4". based on the almost identical wear patterns of both pieces, i'm fairly certain that the Cornwell spent it's entire worklife on top of the old Snap-on KR-352 roller.
i wouldn't think of doing a repaint. it's the great patina that only time and use can provide that makes each piece unique. my OCD most always pairs a Snap-on bottom with a Snap-on top, but not in this instance. the pair will continue as partners and at this point will reside in my living room.