The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[drivesitfar]

TEX: I remember when I first joined GJ there was a SNAP ON toolbox restoration almost weekly so check threads in GENERAL TOOLS SECTION cause Vintage Tools section wasn't alive then.

one way i've been able to find old thread is do a GOOGLE SEARCH of SNAP ON TOOLBOX on Garage Journal might get you the links.

or maybe one of the members that did some of those amazing restorations will see your posts and give you a little help.

good luck

Moto: any pics of the WOOD MACHINIST BOXES to share? only if you have time but I (we) all love those old wood boxes. thanks in advance and nice work on spiffing up your Snappys too.

 

[Outlawmws]

Thanks Outlaw! You some how managed to forget to leave the address where we send our old boogered up nippers to you in order to get back a new toolbox sheet metal tool! Great job on those tools.

Just another reason I wish I could weld.

Ditto, can't weld.....YET. That is next on my to do list. Those would have made my job so much easier and quicker, but I got to learn what crescent wrenches were really made for! (of course, you gotta put a piece of bar stock on the metal to be straightened so it doesn't leave a mark)

TX, those boxes are cool! Have fun getting them all usable and pretty.

Once upon a time I didn't weld either. (many MANY moons ago...)

Find a friend that does!

While in High school and building a sting ray 5 speed into a motor driven bike, (B&S lawn mower engine...) I needed a large sprocket on the hub of a three speed wheel, I took the prefabbed pieces to a friend's dad who did weld, and had him arc weld the sprocket to the drive part of the hub. "It's going to warp those bearing races" he says. "I'll risk it!" I replied. it worked fine! All I had to do was re string that hub from a 26" bike to a 20" wheel and voila! a three speed for the Moto!


But DO take that friend the ready to weld pieces.

 

[Outlawmws]

Thanks MC. The new slides should arrive late next week from Snap-On. Next I'll try to figure out how the old slides come off. A quick google search wasn't quite as helpful as I expected based on the search to remove the drawer slides.

Slightly curve the tip of a hack saw blade (grind the teeth off for this, and taper/round the end) and after opening all the way; close it slightly and slip that tool in under the slide and then push the slide in and it will "ramp" the slide past the keeper/catch.

The key is to have that tool slightly curved to get behind where you need to be.

 

[RagTopTA]

So I'm on a mini vacation the last few days and start looking around. LetGo had an old toolbox full of stuff that had been on there for several months. I contact the guy and he still has it . Its 20 miles out of my way on the way home, but I took it for a bargain price. Got there and its a hell of a lot bigger box than I thought. Its HEAVY. the lid closes so nice and tight. But I have no clue who made this box or how old it is. Anyone seen one of these?

 

[Smokeshow69]

So I'm on a mini vacation the last few days and start looking around. LetGo had an old toolbox full of stuff that had been on there for several months. I contact the guy and he still has it . Its 20 miles out of my way on the way home, but I took it for a bargain price. Got there and its a hell of a lot bigger box than I thought. Its HEAVY. the lid closes so nice and tight. But I have no clue who made this box or how old it is. Anyone seen one of these?

I see some plomb/ proto empire in there ! You did well!


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[Motochick]

Tex, the slides come off the rails the same way the drawers come off the slides. You just gotta put the removal tool in from the back. If you look at the slide where the drawer used to be you’ll see the little metal tang, now look at the drawer and see the little bump on it that caught the tang. The same set up is in the box. If you can’t get it I’ll make a little video for you.

Drives, I’m not sure how the rumor started that I have many wooden chests. LOL I have just one, and it is too full, which is why I bought the Kennedy. It’s a Gerstner and as soon as I have somewhere to photograph it, I will. My garage is being reorganized and there is barely any room to walk let alone enough room on a bench-top right now!! Progress is coming, but I need a break, so no work today or tomorrow.

 

[BlueHeart]

I picked up this Duplex recently for $10. Guy said he bought it about 45 years ago at an estate sale in Florida. He then used it as his daily toolbox in the garage.

 

[RagTopTA]

I see some plomb/ proto empire in there ! You did well!


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The wood handled driver is what caught my attention than the wrenches... not bad for $20. He was asking $35 to start with. I picked out the good stuff post them with my other hauls from this week end since Im off!

 

[compunaut]

Moto and TX - for the bent/kinked edges you always seem to see on tool boxes, here is an easy way to fix that:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2368853&postcount=859

My brother & I were working on a roof flashing project last week; he had a set of Vise-grips for sheet metal. They worked quite well and are available from A_azon for < $20.

 

[ConductorChris]

I picked up this Duplex recently for $10. Guy said he bought it about 45 years ago at an estate sale in Florida. He then used it as his daily toolbox in the garage.

I think I have that same box in my garage. I'll have to pull it out. Is this a box many are looking for?

 

[Outlawmws]

Comp I have those also, and for bending sheet metal they are handy, but for flattening it they really don't have the leverage out at the tips. Keep in mind this is to replace pounding on the metal, so you need LOTS of pressure.

I've folded a seam on the edge of metal using those Vise grips to start it, and get most of the way there. I use a hammer or these tongs I made to flatted the seam down tight.

 

[BlueHeart]

I think I have that same box in my garage. I'll have to pull it out. Is this a box many are looking for?

I'm not sure on collectability, but I like how well built and heavy it is. I'm sure that's what attracts most everyone to the older boxes besides personal memories and a longing for yesteryear.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Outlaw, MC,
Thanks for the heads up on the slides. I'll try later this weekend to remove 'em.

Anyone have any thoughts about the chest lock not working? The lock and the key match with J374.

 

[RagTopTA]

Found this Kennedy Kit today looks brand new inside for $10 at an estate sale of an old car lot in town!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

That's nice RT! You are on a roll lately!

 

[RagTopTA]

That's nice RT! You are on a roll lately!

thanks! I keep finding some good stuff! but... I am completely running out of room!

 

[Outlawmws]

Outlaw, MC,
Thanks for the heads up on the slides. I'll try later this weekend to remove 'em.

Anyone have any thoughts about the chest lock not working? The lock and the key match with J374.

Try taking the pawl off; sometimes people clock them so they won't work.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

thanks! I keep finding some good stuff! but... I am completely running out of room!

Sounds like it's time to reevaluate what's worth keeping and sell some gear.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Try taking the pawl off; sometimes people clock them so they won't work.

I took a look at the lock and started to back this screw off and after loosening it a tad the lock works fine. Tightened it back and the lock won't turn. Is that working as it should?

 

[RagTopTA]

Sounds like it's time to reevaluate what's worth keeping and sell some gear.

may just have a booth at the flea sometime soon.... I'm gonna get reorganized this week and do some sorting its insane in my garage

 

[Outlawmws]

I suspect that red washer is locking things up? It should turn freely.

 

[Provincial]

A Prior Owner may have added the plastic washer to bind up the lock because it was working it's way into the lock position as the drawers were opened and closed.

 

[Outlawmws]

If they take the key out that should not happen...

 

[txlonghorn1989]

A Prior Owner may have added the plastic washer to bind up the lock because it was working it's way into the lock position as the drawers were opened and closed.

If they take the key out that should not happen...

Good to know guys. I'll remove the red piece and keep the key somewhere else while not using it.

 

[TRSRHNTR]

Huot...more like hu-ray!

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I need a stack like that to contrast my red one.

 

[Motochick]

I want that^^^^^^^

 

[Username already in use]

Nice looking Hout stack. I like the drawer configuration on the top box.

 

[6pony6]

I almost pulled the trigger on this today for $35. It would have been my first Blackhawk box, but in the end I passed as I don’t really have the room.

Will probably kick myself later. Anyone have a guess as to year?



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[ReggieR]

1977-ish

 

[why worry]

Found this at an estate sale for $25 bucks with an assortment of old tools and files. Anybody have an idea as to who manufactured it? It appears to be either a very old Kennedy or maybe SK by the color. The rounded corners on top along with the doors that cover the drawers are rather unusual. Thanks in advance for any and all help.
Dave

 

[Oldtuleguy]

It's not sk green. Very cool. Nice.

 

[E430Driver]

Picked up a nice little KRA 155 today. Cheap as chips too. $25


Pulled out the foam liner and its immaculate inside. Outside has a little wear but its a survivor. Need to source a rubber matte to replace the foam pad.

Even found a little history on it when researching the Model #

Vintage Snap On KRA-155 Metal Top Handle Utility Case
It has a two inch wide partition for separation of tools.
Dimensions: 12" x 9" x 2-1/2" (with 1" top)
378 cubic inches
108 Square inches.
This Model KRA-155 Metal Case was manufactured between 1965-1973 by SNAP-ON TOOLS CORP. in KENOSHA , WISC. USA - 66, according to (unknown)

 

[smschriefer]

Why Worry, I'm going to say it is a Beach based on the pulls.

 

[d42jeep]

As I posted here on the grey and red Craftsman box thread,
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7262588&postcount=1338
my neighbor and I split a stack we found at a Nevada garage sale. I’ve installed liners and labels on my roller (shown in the first picture) and took a shot of what I think is his Waterloo upper chest (the second picture). His is sitting on a nice Craftsman roller (the third picture) that he’s had for a while.
-Don

 

[Stuart in MN]

my neighbor and I split a stack we found at a Nevada garage sale.

Looks like you two need to swap around boxes, so one guy has all red drawers and the other guy has all black drawers.

 

[d42jeep]

That would work for me but his would still not match perfectly. Besides, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t go for it! We were partners in an auto repair shop in the 70s and early 80s and already had to divide up our tools back then. I still find tools in my boxes with his name on them.
-Don

 

[TRSRHNTR]

Why Worry, I'm going to say it is a Beach based on the pulls.

Looks like Beach to me. Does anyone know if Beach ever built for Proto? The green is pretty similar to this one from Pinterest.

 

[Shelbylex]

E430Driver, Nice catch!

TRSRHNTR - nice box, never saw one of those... Can you share more pics? (closed, sides, etc?)

Great boxes, guys!

 

[Motochick]

The Gerstner.

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