The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[twertsy]

Agree, the top isn't, the bottom I'd need to see the rollers inside...

I wonder if the two companies might have "done a deal"; or if the patents ran out and Waterloo made a few like Pressteel?

I suppose some company history research is in order. I like where you're heading with that thought though. I'll see what I can dig up in the morning.

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[ktmracer]

A recent auction score, I didn't know of MBC before. Interesting thread here for sure.



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[smschriefer]

Here are the pictures of the slides. I was surprised how nice the bottom drawers work for an old box. The guy I bought this from had them packed they rolled nicely.

Based on the handles I would say either Gray, or Beach. I'm leaning more to Gray. It is hard to search for old Gray boxes, since you get pictures based on the color and not the manufacturer.

 

[Tynee]

A recent auction score, I didn't know of MBC before. Interesting thread here for sure.



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KTM, what's the depth of that box? That "Snap" badge is an owner mod, right?

 

[sXe]

Based on the handles I would say either Gray, or Beach. I'm leaning more to Gray. It is hard to search for old Gray boxes, since you get pictures based on the color and not the manufacturer.

I considered them as well. I still wonder about the paint, green with red drawers which I believe is original. I have not really seen other boxes with this combination? In the end its a decent box regardless of who made it and i will continue to enjoy using it. Thanks for every ones insight.

 

[ktmracer]

KTM, what's the depth of that box? That "Snap" badge is an owner mod, right?

17 deep and high
31 wide.
Agree on the odd Snap badge not belonging.
Thanks!


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[ktmracer]

Here's another recent item, 17" wide. $2.50 I was the only bidder.




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[jeffmoss26]

Got this box today from a family friend. One of the guys on another site thought it might be SK.

 

[twertsy]

Got this box today from a family friend. One of the guys on another site thought it might be SK.

I'd say. Check the latch for the S-K diamond, that's where mine is.

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[jeffmoss26]

Almost impossible to see, but it looks like 'EXCELSIOR' on the latch.
On the middle drawer, there are two holes that look like they were for a nameplate.

 

[Provincial]

On my SK box there is no embossed diamond around the drawer pulls. The rivet holes for the nameplate are 2.750 apart.

 

[_vin_]

Jeff,
That's a nice box. I have that same vice, same color as well.

 

[senlow]

Almost impossible to see, but it looks like 'EXCELSIOR' on the latch.
On the middle drawer, there are two holes that look like they were for a nameplate.

For those that don't know, Excelsior Hardware Company was a manufacturer of locks, latches and other cabinet hardware. Their products were made in Stamford, CT. They went out of business around 1994.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Yeah, as soon as I searched Excelsior, I saw pictures of latches and keys. Pretty sure I have codes in some old locksmith books.

 

[senlow]

I bought this Craftsman box a couple of days ago. It's pictured as found. I took it apart intending to do a good cleaning and lube the drawer rollers. I wasn't able to find a build date on the box. Can anyone help with an approximate date?

Well, it looks like I have more work to do. A couple of spot welds on the drawer fronts have broken. That's a quick easy fix.

Notice the top drawer is crooked and the left side of it is resting on the drawer below it. It turns out that a few of the drawer rollers are worn out. Unfortunately, the rollers are not easy to replace. It appears to me that the axles for the rollers were riveted to the channel prior to spot welding the channel to the box. So, one end of the axle is riveted to the channel, and the other end has a flange that is sandwiched between the box and the channel. It's hard to envision this without pics. So, I'll try to post a few photos of the drawers and rollers tomorrow.

Have any of you guys done this repair? I'm sure that my box is not the only one that has had this issue.

 

[Zeeman]

Post up a picture of the rollers. I did not think the style like yours had rollers. Mine has the slides.

 

[smokeyburb]

Yours is from the early 60s to mid 70s era. Every older Craftsman roller I've seen has a date stamped on the front side, lower, right portion of the structure (not on the cover). On your box it should be just left of and above the right caster. You will probably need to get close to the box and shine a flashlight at the area, but hold the light at an angle to the box, not straight onto the surface. The stamping is not super deep and is partly filled with paint. The code will be four digits, the first two indicate month, second two indicate year.

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[bluebolt]

With that divider between the drawers and the bottom door that is an early box, pre 1966.

 

[Outlawmws]

I have an SK with the diamonds like that.

Jeff do you have the door? Is he logo on that?

I'll look on my latch tonight for EXCELSIOR.

 

[Outlawmws]

Senslow, is that the type with the two rollers per side for each drawer?

 

[thehorse13]

1960 RemLine stack. I just rescued the top box from Texas.

 

[senlow]

As promised, here are pics of the drawer mechanism on the box from post 6664.

First is two rollers. The one on the right is good. The one on the left is worn out. Both the ID and OD are worn.

Next is a pic of the inside of the cabinet.

Third is a close up of a wheel on the drawer.

Bluebolt and smokeyburb, thanks for the dating help. Any idea who made this box. Is it Waterloo?

Outlawmws, it is the type with the two rollers per side for each drawer.

Any thoughts on repairing this? I can machine new rollers and axles. I'm not sure of the best approach for attaching new axles.

 

[senlow]

For some reason, I couldn't upload all the drawer pics in one post. So, here are the rest:

Drawer side view.

Drawer channel from above. I apologize for the poor focus, but I think that it still gets the message across.

Drawer channel from below.

 

[Outlawmws]

Senslow: I replaced one of those with a 1" bearing and a 1/4" bolt, one side may need the bolt head ground thin.

you might be able to find an equivalent nylon roller...

I think someone replace the roller with a washer? Mine had that done...

Jeff, my lock is also an EXCELSIOR, code 493 - Are the blanks available?

 

[taumac]

Senlow, that's I nice box. IIRC it was made by Presteel but I forgot the details of where and when.

 

[senlow]

Senslow: I replaced one of those with a 1" bearing and a 1/4" bolt, one side may need the bolt head ground thin.

you might be able to find an equivalent nylon roller...

I think someone replace the roller with a washer? Mine had that done...

Jeff, my lock is also an EXCELSIOR, code 493 - Are the blanks available?

Outlawmws, the bearing is a good idea.

I don't have even a small fraction of lock knowledge that Jeff has. That said, I would expect that Excelsior key blanks are available. Gerstner used Excelsior hardware for years, and I'm pretty sure that Gerstner sells replacement keys for their old boxes. My thinking is that if Gerstner sells keys, then blanks should be available somewhere.

 

[smokeyburb]

Senlow, I've not worked on any boxes with the rollers...everything I have, had, or used were the "newer" design. I'd love to have a box like yours to pair with my 6D top chest made 12-72.

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[smokeyburb]

I don't have even a small fraction of lock knowledge that Jeff has. That said, I would expect that Excelsior key blanks are available.

So where would I find period-correct key blank for my 12-72 Craftsman chest?

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[Outlawmws]

You can take the lock to a "real" locksmith and get one made, or you can get a cylinder lock replacement (with keys) at almost any hardware store (or on line), and probably cheaper than having a key cut by said locksmith.

 

[smokeyburb]

You can take the lock to a "real" locksmith and get one made, or you can get a cylinder lock replacement (with keys) at almost any hardware store (or on line), and probably cheaper than having a key cut by said locksmith.

I've thought about changing all my locks to use the same key, but this red & grey box just screams at me to stay original, as in a Crown logo key. Any repros?

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[Outlawmws]

I just noticed you said "period correct" For a number of years Sears had the key marked "Craftsman"; and in the Crown logo as well. you MIGHT get lucky on Eprey. You might stop at an old Sears and see if they had any in the "repair shop" left (where they would rebuild ratchets)

 

[senlow]

So where would I find period-correct key blank for my 12-72 Craftsman chest?

This is way out of my areas of knowledge. Paging jeffmoss26... Help, help, help! The Mossman can answer better than I can. The first place that I would try is: http://antiquekeys.net/

 

[smokeyburb]

This is way out of my areas of knowledge. Paging jeffmoss26... Help, help, help! The Mossman can answer better than I can. The first place that I would try is: http://antiquekeys.net/

Ooo, interesting website. Thanks senlow. Thanks Outlaw.

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[smokeyburb]

I just noticed you said "period correct" For a number of years Sears had the key marked "Craftsman"; and in the Crown logo as well. you MIGHT get lucky on Eprey. You might stop at an old Sears and see if they had any in the "repair shop" left (where they would rebuild ratchets)

Yesterday on theBay there was a red & grey era Craftsman chevron style badge emblem (I think a few days ago someone said they were looking for one).

I might have a better chance of finding a whole lock w/key assembly.

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[jeffmoss26]

I have this:

My day job is at a locksmith/security company - we have quite a few old blanks, post a pic of what your keys look like and I'll see if I can find anything on Monday.

 

[smokeyburb]

I have this:

My day job is at a locksmith/security company - we have quite a few old blanks, post a pic of what your keys look like and I'll see if I can find anything on Monday.

Thank very much. My issue is that I don't have any keys. I could go out to the shed and look for a number on the lock.

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[jeffmoss26]

that would help - there were many different keyways used over the years

 

[smokeyburb]

Thanks very much! At a birthday party now, will check tomorrow.

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[Zeeman]

Yesterday on theBay there was a red & grey era Craftsman chevron style badge emblem (I think a few days ago someone said they were looking for one).

I might have a better chance of finding a whole lock w/key assembly.

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Do you know how to search to find that emblem? Thanks.

 

[smokeyburb]

Do you know how to search to find that emblem? Thanks.

Search for "vintage, craftsman, badge, emblem"

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