The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[d42jeep]

I found this toolbox with it's top tray at a garage sale today. I couldn't find any manufacturer's markings. Does anybody recognize it?
-Don

 

[Ayles]

I am new here but figured this was the best place to get info on this box.

I picked this one up over the weekend along with with a large collection of NOS craftsman tools. The tool box is in new condition other than some marks for sitting in a box for almost 40 yrs, even has some original packaging material inside.

I could barely get it into my truck. When I got it home I thought it was full of more tools. But it was locked with no key. A few YouTube videos and I had it picked in a few minutes. It ended up being empty except for a couple pamphlets and a receipt for the purchase back in 1982. Paid $50 for the box and $120 for the tools.

 

[Cope]

I am new here but figured this was the best place to get info on this box.

I picked this one up over the weekend along with with a large collection of NOS craftsman tools. The tool box is in new condition other than some marks for sitting in a box for almost 40 yrs, even has some original packaging material inside.

I could barely get it into my truck. When I got it home I thought it was full of more tools. But it was locked with no key. A few YouTube videos and I had it picked in a few minutes. It ended up being empty except for a couple pamphlets and a receipt for the purchase back in 1982. Paid $50 for the box and $120 for the tools.

Did you get the handle for the lid? If not, you can probably find one that fits. I remember seeing that box back in the day.

 

[Ayles]

Ahh!! The handle was in the tool box as well. I didnt realize where it went until you mentioned it!

 

[Bill Ramsey]

I picked this one up over the weekend along with with a large collection of NOS craftsman tools. The tool box is in new condition other than some marks for sitting in a box for almost 40 yrs, even has some original packaging material inside.

Wow that box is museum quality condition. It looks like the original purchaser never even put it to use (still has the Styrofoam packing block on the tray handle). Most pieces on this thread have varying degrees of patina and use (even abuse). Your box is in a completely different category. Makes you wonder what happened that someone purchased this box new, and then no one ever used it. A 12-drawer locking-front box, with the tray, in that condition for $50? You stole that!

 

[tombell572]

I had posted a picture of my Lyon boxes last year when I was asking for info on Lyon products but I never posted here. I bought these from a guy who is a car audio installer and had grown out of them. He said he bought them new in the late '80's when he was starting out. They've held electrical/electronic tools only and seem to never have known serious dirt. I gave $150 for it.

Please note I am looking for a middle box for this set--doesn't have to be Lyon but I want the same style of small drawer pulls. Three drawer preferable but two would be OK. If anyone has one surplus to your needs (DRIVES--are you there?) near Long Island or Portland, OR or willing to ship, please PM me.

Tom B.

 

[drivesitfar]

TB: I LOVE LYON and sorry i don't have one currently and i rarely pick up middle boxes, but would if i saw any especially a Lyon one.

now if you want to sell your Lyon or trade for something i might have that might have me driving to Portland to meet you in person. if i were you i'd look for these red side cabinets for your roller if they are the right size and sorry they are the only ones in the pictures i don't own.

Lyon also has bigger cabinets like Vidmars that were built for commercial use and i have a 500 pound "little" storage cabinet that I'd like to buy a few more of especially if they were full of this kind of stuff.

Lyon made a nice selection of great metal cabinets and storage like these bins too.

cheers and nice find

 

[tombell572]

Drives--if you do see something in your searches please let me know. I'm really pleased with these Lyon boxes and will be holding on to them. Those side boxes in your pic are nice--didn't know they existed. I know that Lyon currently builds industrial cabinets and storage furniture but I'm not sure they build individual tool boxes any more.

Thanks.

Tom B.

 

[6pony6]

Ever seen anything like this toolbox? Can't decide if I like it or not.

 

[smschriefer]

Ever seen anything like this toolbox? Can't decide if I like it or not.

I've seen the box. I'm guessing my local Craigslist? I have seen boxes painted like that in the military for use during competitions between units at evens like Maple Flag and many others. That one makes me think of the Navy.

 

[drivesitfar]

TB & ALL: speaking of LYON did any of you know they made cabinets for KOHLER? i do like these old metal cabinets with the sinks with the huge drainboards. this one isn't my favorite and it's not exactly a tool box, but i bet it would make a great tool box and shop sink so hope you all don't mind me posting it here.

cheers

 

[tombell572]

Drives--that unit would be great for a shop. Excellent for rinsing off de-greased parts and cleaning yourself up before your spouse lets you back in the house. Storage is handy too.
Did not know Lyon did that work but it would make sense given their product lines.

Tom B.

 

[Outlawmws]

A friend of mine had one of those in the garage of his old house. It was great for cleanup before hitting the house... Good times...

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Oh dang it! Now I "need" one of those for my garage at home....only problem is it would be weird to have it, and no running water...hmmmm

 

[fowldarr]

Might be worth installing water just to put the sink in.


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[lowbucktruck]

Wow that box is museum quality condition. It looks like the original purchaser never even put it to use (still has the Styrofoam packing block on the tray handle). Most pieces on this thread have varying degrees of patina and use (even abuse). Your box is in a completely different category. Makes you wonder what happened that someone purchased this box new, and then no one ever used it. A 12-drawer locking-front box, with the tray, in that condition for $50? You stole that!

I am new here but figured this was the best place to get info on this box.

I picked this one up over the weekend along with with a large collection of NOS craftsman tools. The tool box is in new condition other than some marks for sitting in a box for almost 40 yrs, even has some original packaging material inside.

I could barely get it into my truck. When I got it home I thought it was full of more tools. But it was locked with no key. A few YouTube videos and I had it picked in a few minutes. It ended up being empty except for a couple pamphlets and a receipt for the purchase back in 1982. Paid $50 for the box and $120 for the tools.

Wow... you definitely stole that chest! Still cannot believe you only gave 50 bucks for that...

 

[CraneMan2005]

Here's my new find from the weekend. 1949 craftsman �� And the 1949 original sales ad. Paid 25$ for this box!

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Looks to be in nice condition for its age, and for $25 I say You ****!

 

[twertsy]

Looks to be in nice condition for its age, and for $25 I say You ****!

Ditto! Nice snag.

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[thehorse13]

Here's my new find from the weekend. 1949 craftsman �� And the 1949 original sales ad. Paid 25$ for this box!

I would strip that red paint and return it to the original grey finish if it were mine.

 

[larry_g]

This box was passed on to me by a co-worker a few years back. I do not know the history of it but i bet it was an interesting one, judging by the stickers. I'll let the pictures tell the story;

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lg
no neat sig line

 

[FJ 432]

This box was passed on to me by a co-worker a few years back. I do not know the history of it but i bet it was an interesting one, judging by the stickers. I'll let the pictures tell the story;


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lg
no neat sig line

Awesome box but I LOVE that badge!!!

 

[Outlawmws]

That is a cool old kennedy box! an early one too!

I wonder if the "Kennedy Name plate Co" is related to Kennedy Tool boxes?

 

[drivesitfar]

Larry: cool badges and nice that you had a friend pass it on to you so you can maybe think of him when you look at it.

ALL: anybody own this style Huot? i don't own it yet, but i think i will soon unless somebody tells me that it's a POS which i doubt that it is. Huot made and probably still makes great toolboxes and i like the vintage look of this one.

it's not that big of a Box at 9 x 9.5 x 21 but the Drawers are on slides

 

[Outlawmws]

Huot is out of the mechanics tool box business, at least for civilian use. (I think I recall them still doing some for the gov/military? ) Still going strong on other storage.

If the price is right I'd get that box. it s a great size for a travel box.

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: i'm not sure there is a vintage tool box you don't like which is understandable. is 3 Jacksons too much considering he's throwing in the tools? i don't NEED IT or the tools, but it's a lot cooler than my old Kennedy red wrinkle finish box i bought new in the 80's that has a similar design. i'm also using this Huot in my garage so it sort of matches the theme.

thanks for your support

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: does anybody else like Craftsman Long C and HERITAGE as much or maybe more than i do? man i'm tempted to drive 2 hours for this LONG C box that i don't even need just to add to the group of the other ones i already own.

maybe some day when i have more time and not quite so many HONEY DO'S i'll be on the road to pick up more cool stuff.

here's a simple 24 inch long carry box, but it has the tray that you don't always see.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

This box was passed on to me by a co-worker a few years back. I do not know the history of it but i bet it was an interesting one, judging by the stickers. I'll let the pictures tell the story;
lg
no neat sig line

Love that Kennedy machinist chest Larry. Those awesome vintage badges add a ton of character to it and treasures like this always mean more when you know the previous owner and a bit of the history.

ALL: anybody own this style Huot? i don't own it yet, but i think i will soon unless somebody tells me that it's a POS which i doubt that it is. Huot made and probably still makes great toolboxes and i like the vintage look of this one.

it's not that big of a Box at 9 x 9.5 x 21 but the Drawers are on slides

I would pick up that Huot Drives if it wasn't too far away. Seems like a really good price with the tools included and it is a pretty practical design, not often you see drawers in such a small travel box.

ALL: does anybody else like Craftsman Long C and HERITAGE as much or maybe more than i do? man i'm tempted to drive 2 hours for this LONG C box that i don't even need just to add to the group of the other ones i already own.

maybe some day when i have more time and not quite so many HONEY DO'S i'll be on the road to pick up more cool stuff.

here's a simple 24 inch long carry box, but it has the tray that you don't always see.

The NW seems to be full of neat boxes available right now. Here is another one that's popped up on area C/L's. Ed.

 

[fowldarr]

This one followed me home today. $5, had a few wrenches inside.


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[Smokeshow69]

Love that Kennedy machinist chest Larry. Those awesome vintage badges add a ton of character to it and treasures like this always mean more when you know the previous owner and a bit of the history.







I would pick up that Huot Drives if it wasn't too far away. Seems like a really good price with the tools included and it is a pretty practical design, not often you see drawers in such a small travel box.







The NW seems to be full of neat boxes available right now. Here is another one that's popped up on area C/L's. Ed.

That set is 20 minutes away from me and I had to talk myself out of going to get it [emoji16] I need another box like a hole in the head so I did not get it.

Drives- I totally get you heritage logo statement. I love the old school cman stuff and if I find one it follows me home . I currently have 1 lower roller and 3 hand carry boxes... Most of them have come from habitat for humanity and my crown top hand carry is really nice!


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[Rileysan]

That set is 20 minutes away from me and I had to talk myself out of going to get it [emoji16] I need another box like a hole in the head so I did not get it.

Drives- I totally get you heritage logo statement. I love the old school cman stuff and if I find one it follows me home . I currently have 1 lower roller and 3 hand carry boxes... Most of them have come from habitat for humanity and my crown top hand carry is really nice!


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I looked for it on CL this morning but to no avail. I assume it sold on the first day. I don't need another set, bu for that price I would find a place for it.

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[thehorse13]

75 bucks for that Craftsman stack is a great price. I would have a hard time not dragging it home.

 

[Smokeshow69]

75 bucks for that Craftsman stack is a great price. I would have a hard time not dragging it home.

Believe me there was lots of restraint involved. If I had not just bought a vintage drill press and cman table saw it would have been mine[emoji16]


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[Cope]

I worked at a JC Penney store in 1968-69. I bought a 6 drawer top chest from them. I really wanted the 10 drawer, but didn't have the money. I don't know who made them for Penney's, but I suspect it was Huot due to the fact that the front panel for the lid on the 10 drawer was hinged about 6" from the bottom.

 

[Zeeman]

Drives, I like the Craftsman stuff alot. I have a small collection going now, and like you, I need to find time to redo them.

 

[drivesitfar]

ALL: well i now own the Huot carry box and it's pretty stout for a two drawer box. it's 21 x 9 x 9.5 inches and has slides on the bottom two drawers.

it came with a few goodies, but i didn't need any of them and just helped the owner clean out some of his tools.

anybody else own one of these and maybe like them as much as i do mine? also i posted the Circle B wrenches on the Garage Sale thread and Outlaw thinks they are a WILDE brand that i'm not aware of. is that the conscientious of the group?

i also got these Starrett punches that i already have another set of, but after i clean them up they'll be a nice back up set cause my other set has a nice wood container and they are almost new condition and maybe 30+ years old.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I looked for it on CL this morning but to no avail. I assume it sold on the first day. I don't need another set, bu for that price I would find a place for it.

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75 bucks for that Craftsman stack is a great price. I would have a hard time not dragging it home.

Believe me there was lots of restraint involved. If I had not just bought a vintage drill press and cman table saw it would have been mine[emoji16]


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Well, as confession is good for the soul I have to admit that lacking Smoke's restraint and having better timing than Rileysan I ended up buying this stack. Both top and bottom are a bit of a project for sure but have fairly good potential. Here is a pic of some socket rails someone had stuck on the outside of the top box. Not sure I've ever seen this done before and will have a few holes to patch because of it. At least it is complete except for missing one oval craftsman badge. I'm rearranging some boxes in one area of the shop to make room for it... Ed.

 

[thehorse13]

I'm glad someone here ended up with that Craftsman stack. The bones appear to be good so I can't wait for the restoration thread.

 

[fowldarr]

I'm glad you bought it. When I saw it posted here I went and looked at the craigslist ad, trying to figure out what time I would be home if I went and got it. It was already down at that point. Saved me a lot of time and gas and a little money too.


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[drivesitfar]

ORC: i tried to talk AE Neuman (GJ member) out of his bottom roller a couple years ago cause i had that top box and AE wouldn't budge so i sold him my top box and he has the pair. it's a well built box and i can't recall who made them for Craftsman/Sears. do you or anybody know who did?

nice of you to get the boys riled up and then talk yourself into buying it. if you run out of time cause you might have a few projects it sounds like a few of the local guys might be willing to trade you something for them.

cheers