Let's Hear it for the Old Gray/Red Sears Craftsman Tool Chests and Cabinets (60s/70s)

[JUNK-MAN]

Here is my tired hand box, she's seen alot of junkyards, but is now retired to sitting on a bench at work and collecting junk.

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[6PTsocket]

What's baffling is the roller has plank sides instead of the usual recessed sides, the handle is wrong and the garage door lock is in the door instead of the cabinet itself. I just wonder if it's an early roller cabinet.

I have a red and gray and a red Dayton branded pair, also made by Waterloo, of around the same vintage.. The Dayton has the slab sides. They just reversed the sides so the box frame is on the inside instead of the outside. That means most of the drawer slide is floating, with only the front and back attached. It also means that the side handle has to stick out beyond the box, instead of just being a flush bar with room for your fingers in the recess. I think it was just for a different look. I also think the outside box frame is a better design. The drawers on the CM and the Dayton interchange. The Dayton also has grip drawer handles instead of the top edge grip. Waterloo made similar boxes for a lot of companies. Waterloo stocks touch up paint but I am not as tight with the Waterloo lady as the previous poster. When I asked for paint for the red and gray it was not sufficient info. I used the Rustoleum hammertone and the effect does not match that well for touchup and the Rustoleum red that everybody suggests is going to be a bit off but it is mostly inside the drawers. Just having them clean is an improvement. They went from the garage to an easier life in the basement. Their old job is now being done by an HF 44", series 1 with the old sand finish. I hope I never have to touch that up.

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[bubinga]

The drawers definitely look correct, but the cabinet looks totally incorrect.

Yeah, mist be a "Frankinstien" craftsman Box.

 

[pop pop]

I'm a newbie on these old boxes, but can someone explain this box listed on the Facebook marketplace? Top is ok, but the roller baffles me!

See post 1259. That's the same bottom chest I bought, but no bottom drawers and electrical plug on the side. I can't find a date though. It is built differently from the norm. Even the drawer fabrication is different.

 

[taumac]

I'm a newbie on these old boxes, but can someone explain this box listed on the Facebook marketplace? Top is ok, but the roller baffles me!

It’s because the top chest is around a 72 and bottom roller is say 65 and earlier. The bar above the bottom storage area is give away it mid to early 60s roller.

 

[6PTsocket]

[emoji106]
Yeah, mist be a "Frankinstien" craftsman Box.

As I said, Waterloo made boxes in that period with the box frame on the inside. I have one. Whether they made one for Sears is another story. In any case, the Sears drawers fit in either style cabinet. I swapped drawers between both styles and they fit. You would need to check the Sears catalogs of the period to see if they were ever sold ar Sears. If not, somebody did some Waterloo swapping between different brand labels and maybe some repainting.

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[danyo492]

There's a nice combo on Craigslist in my area. 15 drawers total and he wants $250 for it. Trying to resist the urge.

 

[taumac]

The drawers definitely look correct, but the cabinet looks totally incorrect.

The cabinet is correct. The top corners where rounded not angled in the new boxes. The center bar above the storage is correct for early 1960’s boxes. The logo being on right side is correct. The handle on the side and also the punch out for electrical outlets is also there. Imo that’s a legit early 1960 to say 1965 bottom roller. You can verify the date in same location above the right wheel. This early boxes are stout and bigger than the later boxes that came later from this era box.

I’m still not clear would exactly built these early version. My thought and theory was they kept box from the heritage era and added different drawers. I off hand can’t remember the maker of the heritage boxes but I been told they weren’t the manufacture of these earlier versions. So that leaves Waterloo to be the manufacture.


Just remembered.... presteel was rumored to make these because of the simple fact that the early boxes have similar roller slides as them. I never confirmed this.

 

[pop pop]

I can vouch for the roller bottom I purchased as being from Sears. Guy I got it from said his Dad purchased it at Sears in California. Didn't remember when though. I still haven't found the date and I've sanded every square inch. Will check again inside above the right wheel.

 

[pop pop]

I have a red and gray and a red Dayton branded pair, also made by Waterloo, of around the same vintage.. The Dayton has the slab sides. They just reversed the sides so the box frame is on the inside instead of the outside. That means most of the drawer slide is floating, with only the front and back attached. It also means that the side handle has to stick out beyond the box, instead of just being a flush bar with room for your fingers in the recess. I think it was just for a different look. I also think the outside box frame is a better design. The drawers on the CM and the Dayton interchange. The Dayton also has grip drawer handles instead of the top edge grip. Waterloo made similar boxes for a lot of companies. Waterloo stocks touch up paint but I am not as tight with the Waterloo lady as the previous poster. When I asked for paint for the red and gray it was not sufficient info. I used the Rustoleum hammertone and the effect does not match that well for touchup and the Rustoleum red that everybody suggests is going to be a bit off but it is mostly inside the drawers. Just having them clean is an improvement. They went from the garage to an easier life in the basement. Their old job is now being done by an HF 44", series 1 with the old sand finish. I hope I never have to touch that up.

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I can't take credit for this as someone in a prior post used it first. The best color match for the red is Rust Oleum Tractor and Implement paint, Massey Fegurson Red.

 

[Rileysan]

The cabinet is correct. The top corners where rounded not angled in the new boxes. The center bar above the storage is correct for early 1960’s boxes. The logo being on right side is correct. The handle on the side and also the punch out for electrical outlets is also there. Imo that’s a legit early 1960 to say 1965 bottom roller. You can verify the date in same location above the right wheel. This early boxes are stout and bigger than the later boxes that came later from this era box.

I’m still not clear would exactly built these early version. My thought and theory was they kept box from the heritage era and added different drawers. I off hand can’t remember the maker of the heritage boxes but I been told they weren’t the manufacture of these earlier versions. So that leaves Waterloo to be the manufacture.


Just remembered.... presteel was rumored to make these because of the simple fact that the early boxes have similar roller slides as them. I never confirmed this.

AMD (Advertising Metal Display Co) made the bulk of the Heritage era boxes. They later turned into (or were purchased by) Remline, whom I opine made the transition boxes (those with the Crowntop logo, not the Chevron. I believe the first gray & red boxes with the Chevron logo were Waterloo). Pressteel was rumored to have made the early and pre-Heritage boxes, but I have owned both and see no similarities - not even close!

Brian

 

[thehorse13]

In case any of you are in the Harrisburg, PA area, a decent stack turned up. I'm not affiliated with the seller. I know that some of you guys are after the large top box.

https://harrisburg.craigslist.org/tls/d/craftsman-12-drawer-vintage/6557766261.html

 

[pop pop]

Ledman 70 did you ever find a date? My box similar to yours doesn’t appear to have any markings. It does have the plug on the right, not just the knockout. Has the same handle as yours and construction, but has a full stack of drawers rather than a door at the bottom. Almost finished paint and had three cans of Rustoleum not empty, so ran out and have to reorder as HD doesn’t stock��

 

[honza.vosalik]

I just picked up this little box. Goes well with the other big boxes

 

[6PTsocket]

I can't take credit for this as someone in a prior post used it first. The best color match for the red is Rust Oleum Tractor and Implement paint, Massey Fegurson Red.

Thanks. I haven't used the red yet. I'll look for the one you suggest.

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[6PTsocket]

Thanks. I haven't used the red yet. I'll look for the one you suggest.

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The only place I see the Rustoleum aerosol is HD and you have to buy a 6 pack. There are several other brands making Massey Fergussen red aerosol, Krylon, Majic, Sparex, Valspar
Do any of them match or is the paint any good? The only one easily available is TSC's Majic but the reviews are not so good.

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[Ledman_70]

It wasn't my box Pop, I just saw it listed and was curious about the roller cab. It's gone now anyway.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Nice little gray and red Honza! Looks to be in great condition.

 

[jeffmoss26]

spotted a 2 drawer silver and red rollaway at the ReStore last week for $25, should have snagged it!

 

[Cruzan80]

Posted in the Garage sale thread, figured it deserved a post here. I now have a matching set. First got the 10D top, then the 5D bottom, and now a 3D middle! 11/74, 08/75, and ? for dates (the 3D Middle was only offered from 72-75, so decent chance they are all within 12mo of each other). Family pictures below. Came with two Crowntop keys. Guy almost couldn't understand I was asking about it, wasn't sure anyone would want it. Price: $50

 

[Bockscar]

Posted in the Garage sale thread, figured it deserved a post here. I now have a matching set. First got the 10D top, then the 5D bottom, and now a 3D middle! 11/74, 08/75, and ? for dates (the 3D Middle was only offered from 72-75, so decent chance they are all within 12mo of each other). Family pictures below. Came with two Crowntop keys. Guy almost couldn't understand I was asking about it, wasn't sure anyone would want it. Price: $50

Jealous....I want that middle

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[bubinga]

Jealous....I want that middle

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yeah, you don't see the middles too often.

 

[bubinga]

newer one,But I just missed this for $175.00.
didn't have the $$$$ in time.
naw, deleted the picture, No, here it is,
i wanted it badly.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I recently went to a company that we liquidating some of their equipment. What was not listed was an older Craftsman tool box sitting in the corner. I usually prefer tool boxes with more drawers and no bottom compartment, but on a complete whim I made an offer and picked it up. They also had a Craftsman 05191 vise but that is a different posting. What I was oblivious to at the time was that the tool box had roller not friction slides. I was a bit surprised when they opened so easily. Unfortunately the previous owners have tried to pry some of the drawers open, probably not realizing they needed to open the bottom door to release the locking mechanism. You can kind of see it on the right side of the middle drawer. I see this listed in the 1964 thru 1968 Craftsman tool catalogs (see ad below) as part number 65302. Unlike other Craftsman tool boxes I cannot find a part number or date code stamped on it.

Does anyone know who made these tool boxes for Sears? Also, any suggestions on how to flatten the damage sheet metal on the front of the drawers without damaging the paint too much?

 

[txlonghorn1989]

...

Does anyone know who made these tool boxes for Sears? Also, any suggestions on how to flatten the damage sheet metal on the front of the drawers without damaging the paint too much?

I'd guess Waterloo Industries but someone will be along soon enough and will be able to say definitively who the maker was. Nice cabinet by the way!

 

[tool_scrounge]

txlonghorn1989 - I think you are right that it is Waterloo. I am just more accustom to seeing the 70's vintage ones with the hollow sides.

So I unbent the drawers and repaired the drawer locking clips. With the drawer rollers cleaned and oiled, you really want to lock the drawers when moving the tool box. They come open quite easily. It is clear that the designers copied a file cabinet roller system for the drawer rollers, but it works fine.

I took off the wooden top. The paint on top is as-new, but there are a lot of holes from mounting the wood top, vises, etc.

The 3" casters look factory, but they are all swivel. Two with locks and two without. Usually two are fixed. I may upgrade to better quality 4" casters if I can find some at a good price.

Now to find a key for it. It has a lock number in the 67XX range, for which I do not see listed sources online. I do see companies saying they have every key, but no specifics. Does anyone have suggestions? I hear Waterloo may still sell them.

Overall I am pretty happy with it. After some clean up I think it looks pretty good. I am not sure I overpaid at $50, but it is a nice vintage tool box.

 

[Rileysan]

txlonghorn1989 - I think you are right that it is Waterloo. I am just more accustom to seeing the 70's vintage ones with the hollow sides.

So I unbent the drawers and repaired the drawer locking clips. With the drawer rollers cleaned and oiled, you really want to lock the drawers when moving the tool box. They come open quite easily. It is clear that the designers copied a file cabinet roller system for the drawer rollers, but it works fine.

I took off the wooden top. The paint on top is as-new, but there are a lot of holes from mounting the wood top, vises, etc.

The 3" casters look factory, but they are all swivel. Two with locks and two without. Usually two are fixed. I may upgrade to better quality 4" casters if I can find some at a good price.

Now to find a key for it. It has a lock number in the 67XX range, for which I do not see listed sources online. I do see companies saying they have every key, but no specifics. Does anyone have suggestions? I hear Waterloo may still sell them.

Overall I am pretty happy with it. After some clean up I think it looks pretty good. I am not sure I overpaid at $50, but it is a nice vintage tool box.

$50 seems to be the going rate for the 3 drawer cabinets like yours, but I would buy every cabinet I see at that price if they have the roller slides (I have 2 of them already). They are the best made cabinets Sears ever offered IMO.

Brian

 

[bubinga]

txlonghorn1989 - I think you are right that it is Waterloo. I am just more accustom to seeing the 70's vintage ones with the hollow sides.

So I unbent the drawers and repaired the drawer locking clips. With the drawer rollers cleaned and oiled, you really want to lock the drawers when moving the tool box. They come open quite easily. It is clear that the designers copied a file cabinet roller system for the drawer rollers, but it works fine.

I took off the wooden top. The paint on top is as-new, but there are a lot of holes from mounting the wood top, vises, etc.

The 3" casters look factory, but they are all swivel. Two with locks and two without. Usually two are fixed. I may upgrade to better quality 4" casters if I can find some at a good price.

Now to find a key for it. It has a lock number in the 67XX range, for which I do not see listed sources online. I do see companies saying they have every key, but no specifics. Does anyone have suggestions? I hear Waterloo may still sell them.

Overall I am pretty happy with it. After some clean up I think it looks pretty good. I am not sure I overpaid at $50, but it is a nice vintage tool box.

Oh, that's a nice Looking Box buddy.
Cleaned up nice.

 

[bubinga]

I recently went to a company that we liquidating some of their equipment. What was not listed was an older Craftsman tool box sitting in the corner. I usually prefer tool boxes with more drawers and no bottom compartment, but on a complete whim I made an offer and picked it up. They also had a Craftsman 05191 vise but that is a different posting. What I was oblivious to at the time was that the tool box had roller not friction slides. I was a bit surprised when they opened so easily. Unfortunately the previous owners have tried to pry some of the drawers open, probably not realizing they needed to open the bottom door to release the locking mechanism. You can kind of see it on the right side of the middle drawer. I see this listed in the 1964 thru 1968 Craftsman tool catalogs (see ad below) as part number 65302. Unlike other Craftsman tool boxes I cannot find a part number or date code stamped on it.

Does anyone know who made these tool boxes for Sears? Also, any suggestions on how to flatten the damage sheet metal on the front of the drawers without damaging the paint too much?

"I usually prefer tool boxes with more drawers and no bottom compartment,"
Couldn't agree with you more on that note. Albeit, i happen to have two older style ,not gray and red, older that that I think, (rounded corners)?
Now, as another poster noted, he usually finds use for the Bin storage, as do I. But I also prefer more drawers, even be it a deep drawer. (Almost consider the bin storage wasted space. )

 

[txlonghorn1989]

txlonghorn1989 - I think you are right that it is Waterloo. I am just more accustom to seeing the 70's vintage ones with the hollow sides.

So I unbent the drawers and repaired the drawer locking clips. With the drawer rollers cleaned and oiled, you really want to lock the drawers when moving the tool box. They come open quite easily. It is clear that the designers copied a file cabinet roller system for the drawer rollers, but it works fine.

I took off the wooden top. The paint on top is as-new, but there are a lot of holes from mounting the wood top, vises, etc.

The 3" casters look factory, but they are all swivel. Two with locks and two without. Usually two are fixed. I may upgrade to better quality 4" casters if I can find some at a good price.

Now to find a key for it. It has a lock number in the 67XX range, for which I do not see listed sources online. I do see companies saying they have every key, but no specifics. Does anyone have suggestions? I hear Waterloo may still sell them.

Overall I am pretty happy with it. After some clean up I think it looks pretty good. I am not sure I overpaid at $50, but it is a nice vintage tool box.

Waterloo Industries has replacement keys and their prices combined with shipping were the lowest I could find. I've probably bought half a dozen over the last year from them with good results.

 

[jeffmoss26]

PM me with the code you need and I will see what I can do.

 

[jimxwill]

1971, side of the road freebie!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

1971, side of the road freebie!

And the coveted 9-drawer to boot. Nice find! That's worthy of a YOU ****!

 

[Rileysan]

And the coveted 9-drawer to boot. Nice find! That's worthy of a YOU ****!

Oh yeah ... He defintely *****!

Did I mention I picked up my fourth 9d roller a couple weeks ago? I have no idea where to put it!

 

[tool_scrounge]

1971, side of the road freebie!

That is a nice tool box! I do like the heavier metal these tool boxes are made with. Recently I looked at a recent lower tier Mac tool box and was surprised just how much better built is my 1970's craftsman tool box comparatively.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Oh yeah ... He defintely *****!

Did I mention I picked up my fourth 9d roller a couple weeks ago? I have no idea where to put it!

You do realize that is NOT really gonna get you any sympathy right?

 

[bubinga]

You do realize that is NOT really gonna get you any sympathy right?

Here's a pretty nice top in the Pittsburgh area for $40.00.
I can't do nothing right now.
https://pittsburgh.craigslist.org/tls/6570363002.html


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[Ledman_70]

Found my last 6d over 9d last month for $50, so I didn't mind paying $125 for this 9d last night. That's a little high, but they rarely come up for sale in central Ohio so I grabbed it. It even has they key. Dated 1969.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

1971, side of the road freebie!

you ****!!

 

[JRC3]

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=762471&d=1525057141

What are the hasps even doing?

Luckily it looks like a mat will cover up the holes.