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

[Rileysan]

Hello all, I'm new here but I have browsed through every page of this thread while waiting to post my set-ups. Here is the first tool box set I bought my husband about 20 years ago. I found them at a yard sale for $50. The top chest was made in 08-70 and I could not find a date for the roll cab. ( I looked where it should have been) It didn't have the cover when I got it so no idea if it was red or grey. It does have the roller bearing drawers, which I LOVE BTW! I have another set but it is outside getting all washed up, so pics will come soon.

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Great boxes Motochick!

This 3 drawer roller is early to mid 60s and does not have a date code.

Have you noticed the difference in the drawer slides between your two 3 drawer rollers? Also, the drawer pulls are centered differently, the locks are in different locations, and the sheet metal is flush on the older one whereas the one with the date code has recesses on each side.

All this to say the roller in your first post of this thread is the older and better of the two. I have 3 of the early style rollers and wouldn't part with them for a King's ransom.

Welcome to GJ!

Brian

 

[Motochick]

Yes! I do notice a huge difference in the drawer pulls. I wish all of our boxes had the same roller system, way smoother and super easy to take out!!! What is the drawback? Why didn't they make them all like this? I also noticed the handle location as I was waxing them. Subtle, but huge when trying to rub on the skinny parts!

I just found this little box under one of the shelves, also from my FIL, no date that I could find but must be from the same era. It has a little tray inside.

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[Rileysan]

Yes! I do notice a huge difference in the drawer pulls. I wish all of our boxes had the same roller system, way smoother and super easy to take out!!! What is the drawback? Why didn't they make them all like this? I also noticed the handle location as I was waxing them. Subtle, but huge when trying to rub on the skinny parts!

I just found this little box under one of the shelves, also from my FIL, no date that I could find but must be from the same era. It has a little tray inside.

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I can't say why the drawer slides changed but I suspect it was related to cost. The older style with built-in rollers had to be difficult to manufacture but are clearly superior. There were other Craftsman rollers from that era with the same setup but are quite rare. I own 10 of the gray & red rollers but have never seen any early rollers other than the 3 drawer configuration.

Brian

 

[smokeyburb]

Anyone else having trouble viewing Motochick's pics in tapatalk? I see everything else.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Jimthediyguy]

Anyone else having trouble viewing Motochick's pics in tapatalk? I see everything else.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

Yes. I cannot see them.

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[Motochick]

Can you see the little gray box? I just made it smaller. If that works I will adjust the others. Sorry, I **** at computer stuff.

 

[Rileysan]

Can you see the little gray box? I just made it smaller. If that works I will adjust the others. Sorry, I **** at computer stuff.

It's not your fault. There's an issue with the phone app "Tapatalk" - your links won't show in the app.

It's better to link images directly to the site using the attach photo icon.

Brian

 

[RHJO51]

Hello, I have one of these "garage door" style roller cabinets. Is there any easy way to disconnect the garage door locking mechanism so I don't have to open the door every time I want to open the drawers? Thanks - Jim

 

[taumac]

Hello, I have one of these "garage door" style roller cabinets. Is there any easy way to disconnect the garage door locking mechanism so I don't have to open the door every time I want to open the drawers? Thanks - Jim

There are 2 ways that can be done. One way and easier is to open the door pull drawers out slightly and lower the door. This will drop the locking bar but drawer will stick out more. The way I did it is more involved but worked for me. You remove bottom drawer above the door and separate the door from sliding panel that engages the locking bar. I push that panel back and that keeps locking bar up. Then install the door and drawer. This idea keeps drawers to be opened without opening bottom but to lock the cabinet you must reach in bottom and push or pull that panel to lock and unlock cabinet.


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[lawrenceinflorida]

Hello, I have one of these "garage door" style roller cabinets. Is there any easy way to disconnect the garage door locking mechanism so I don't have to open the door every time I want to open the drawers? Thanks - Jim

The lock mechanism is in the back of the cabinet right in the middle. When you push the door back, it lifts the lock mechanism and that disengages the locks on the drawers.

To defeat that, I simply cut a piece of 1/2" X 2" board long enough to hold the lock mechanism in the up position as if the door was open. Works fine.

-L

 

[RHJO51]

Thank you taumac and webeproducts, very helpful. You fixed my PIA. THanks!

 

[bubinga]

There are 2 ways that can be done. One way and easier is to open the door pull drawers out slightly and lower the door. This will drop the locking bar but drawer will stick out more. The way I did it is more involved but worked for me. You remove bottom drawer above the door and separate the door from sliding panel that engages the locking bar. I push that panel back and that keeps locking bar up. Then install the door and drawer. This idea keeps drawers to be opened without opening bottom but to lock the cabinet you must reach in bottom and push or pull that panel to lock and unlock cabinet.


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The lock mechanism is in the back of the cabinet right in the middle. When you push the door back, it lifts the lock mechanism and that disengages the locks on the drawers.

To defeat that, I simply cut a piece of 1/2" X 2" board long enough to hold the lock mechanism in the up position as if the door was open. Works fine.

-L

Thank you taumac and webeproducts, very helpful. You fixed my PIA. Thanks!

Good to Know If I ever get one Thank You!!
While I don't Have the garage door, I have a newer 41" Craftsman Top and bottom, (Griplatch) And it was A PITB to have to open the top, in order to
open the drawers, As the Box stays in one spot.



(Nice box's BTY.
Almost sold it when I moved, But was granted the grace, to have Not needed the money for Deposit on the new rental!
Listed it on The "High side" Money wise, ............LOL, Like when SWMBO says I need to downsize)....................
I defeated the latching system on that one too.

(Short person here too)
(Single person here though, Why I have a Vise on my Bakers rack in the kitchen......................LOL................)

 

[taumac]

The lock mechanism is in the back of the cabinet right in the middle. When you push the door back, it lifts the lock mechanism and that disengages the locks on the drawers.



To defeat that, I simply cut a piece of 1/2" X 2" board long enough to hold the lock mechanism in the up position as if the door was open. Works fine.



-L

That’s even better idea then mine. Is it easy to lock and unlocked drawers? The way I did mine it wasn’t to bad to reach in and push or pull the panel to move locking bar.

 

[Hiatt1991]

Picked up this stack today for $150. Everything is in perfect shape. Even came with two sets of original keys for each box. The guy was also selling that black and red box for the same price but I passed on it. It was in just as nice shape. The sellers listing is on the Prescott, AZ craigslist tool section. This will be my 2nd mid box, my second 10 drawer box and my 3rd 3 drawer lower box. I think I have about 10 of these grey/red boxes total! Love them!

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/XiJYw5x' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/XiJYw5x.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Picked up this stack today for $150. Everything is in perfect shape. Even came with two sets of original keys for each box. The guy was also selling that black and red box for the same price but I passed on it. It was in just as nice shape. The sellers listing is on the Prescott, AZ craigslist tool section. This will be my 2nd mid box, my second 10 drawer box and my 3rd 3 drawer lower box. I think I have about 10 of these grey/red boxes total! Love them!

Real nice Hiatt! I'm hoping to find another gray & red Craftsman roller and top box.

 

[bubinga]

Picked up this stack today for $150. Everything is in perfect shape. Even came with two sets of original keys for each box. The guy was also selling that black and red box for the same price but I passed on it. It was in just as nice shape. The sellers listing is on the Prescott, AZ craigslist tool section. This will be my 2nd mid box, my second 10 drawer box and my 3rd 3 drawer lower box. I think I have about 10 of these grey/red boxes total! Love them!

Nice Hiatt1991!
Love the Middle especially!

EDIT:
Great Price $$$$$ too!

 

[Hiatt1991]

Thanks guys. Yah the guy lived right down the street from me. He bought a newer Kobalt box and wanted to replace the craftsman boxes. I feel very fortunate to have them. I love those midboxes.

 

[Motochick]

The sellers listing is on the Prescott, AZ craigslist tool section.

<a href='http://i.imgur.com/XiJYw5x' title=''><img src='http://i.imgur.com/XiJYw5x.jpg' alt='' title='Hosted by imgur.com' /></a>

Lucky you! I saw this the day he posted it and almost snagged it myself but I ran out room in my garage!! Looks amazing

 

[Hiatt1991]

Lucky you! I saw this the day he posted it and almost snagged it myself but I ran out room in my garage!! Looks amazing

Yah this is probably the last one I’ll be able to fit in the garage. I already have 3 other matching stacks but when I saw this, I knew I had to get it.

 

[bubinga]

Lucky you! I saw this the day he posted it and almost snagged it myself but I ran out room in my garage!! Looks amazing

That really Is Clean Looking!

 

[Hiatt1991]

That really Is Clean Looking!

It looks almost brand new. The guy I bought it from was the original owner and he even bothered to make felt drawer liners the day he got it. I think he may have waxed it before I bought it.

 

[torqueman2002]

Nice grab Hiatt!


Here's one in Detroit CL.

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/d/craftsman-tool-box/6655902701.html

 

[taumac]

Nice grab Hiatt!


Here's one in Detroit CL.

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/tls/d/craftsman-tool-box/6655902701.html

Too bad it’s a fake. That’s a cheap homeowner 1990’s boxes. IMO not even worth the $75. The slides outright **** it those.

 

[torqueman2002]

Too bad it’s a fake. That’s a cheap homeowner 1990’s boxes. IMO not even worth the $75. The slides outright **** it those.

Really?

I own 2 stacks similar, not exact, to that one. Sure fooled my old eyes.

Anyway, it's gone.

 

[taumac]

Really?

I own 2 stacks similar, not exact, to that one. Sure fooled my old eyes.

Anyway, it's gone.

Yep, wrong paint, not even painted the returns to the drawers, drawer pulls, badging, and biggest give away is the slots in the bottom roller and slots in top chest for removable locking bars. A decent toolbox even if not a Craftsman has built in locking bars.

 

[taumac]

The slots in bottom box are for a locking bar like these.





You can even see it on my old stack I had before started collection red and grays. Wow it’s hard to believe that was the only stack I had at one time. That’s scary!!!! LOL

 

[taumac]

The slots in bottom box are for a locking bar like these.





You can even see it on my old stack I had before started collection red and grays.

For anybody collecting craftsman’s I would definitely stay away for anything that has external locking bars. Actually it’s really it’s not the boxes that really **** but it’s the slides. They do not have full glides front to back and only have about 2in tabs they ride on and can be bent super easy. Trust me I bent and fixed these many times over the years I had my first Craftsman boxes. Now the box and drawers themselves aren’t too bad and would be decent if did B.B. slides. I would only do this if and only if you really love the box or has sentimental valve. This is because cost of redoing slides will way put cost price of box.

 

[dkroth]

Decent deal on CL in Syracuse, NY. $60.


https://syracuse.craigslist.org/tls/d/craftsman-10-drawer-top-tool/6640361580.html

.

 

[azdustdevil]

Just inherited a rolling Craftsman rolling toolbox combo! Top chest is a ten drawer 65282, middle chest is 65212 four drawer, and bottom chest is a 3393951, all purchased originally in 1970. It is in super excellent condition and it's a keeper!

 

[Rileysan]

Just inherited a rolling Craftsman rolling toolbox combo! Top chest is a ten drawer 65282, middle chest is 65212 four drawer, and bottom chest is a 3393951, all purchased originally in 1970. It is in super excellent condition and it's a keeper!

Stop teasing us and post some photos!

Brian

 

[Jaydb07]

Just spent the last several hours putting new casters on both these, cleaning and waxing them, then getting them down into my basement shop. Once keys arrive I will be installing all new drawer liners. And then filling them!


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[Jaydb07]

I’ve given up trying to find the manufactured dates. In the top box they are simply not at front left as people say; and on the bottom boxes I really don’t understand where to look. But let’s call them 60s or 70s.


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[txlonghorn1989]

I’ve given up trying to find the manufactured dates. In the top box they are simply not at front left as people say; and on the bottom boxes I really don’t understand where to look. But let’s call them 60s or 70s.


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The dates on the rolling cabinet is lower right. It's on the face. Get down on your hands and knees and look at the right corner. Now look left on the gray face of the cabinet probably within 6-8 inches you should see the date stamp.

I've got 3 gray & red tops all have the date stamp there in the top left corner as you look down at the inside tray (not the removable tray) with the lid open. Show us a pic of the area you're looking at and we can verify you're looking in the right spot.

Mike

 

[d42jeep]

Here is the date code I found on my roller right where Mike describes, very close to the wheel.
-Don

 

[Zrxrunner]

Online auction deal...$33.00!! The obvious bad...missing 1 drawer, also some slide retaining clips. Gonna do some basic tin work n some wd-40 n pile in the vintage craftsman collection!

 

[Jaydb07]

Here is the date code I found on my roller right where Mike describes, very close to the wheel.
-Don

Box 1:


Top left of top box - nothing there:


Bottom right of bottom box - “0271”


Box 2, seems newer, sides of bottom box are not inset:


Left front corner of top box - zilch:


Right bottom front of bottom box - “U871”:


Box 3...




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[Jaydb07]

Box 1:


Top left of top box - nothing there:


Bottom right of bottom box - “0271”


Box 2, seems newer, sides of bottom box are not inset:


Left front corner of top box - zilch:


Right bottom front of bottom box - “U871”:


Box 3...




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Box 3:


Front left of upper box - “0871”


Front bottom right of bottom box - “0871:


Box 4 upper only


Front left corner - nothing:



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[txlonghorn1989]

Looks like you're looking in the correct places. Nice boxes!

 

[Rileysan]

I’ve given up trying to find the manufactured dates. In the top box they are simply not at front left as people say; and on the bottom boxes I really don’t understand where to look. But let’s call them 60s or 70s.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Jaydb, You have pre date code gray/red boxes (ca. 1962-1966).

The giveaway on the years of manufacture for the top chest is the position of the drawer pull on the middle "whiskey" drawer. The 3 drawer roller has the lock located on the cabinet door (as opposed to the bottom frame rail) which identifies it as early. Your roller also has the best drawer slides ever used on Craftsman boxes - I wish all of them used that style!

I'm interested in your middle chest. Is it a 2 drawer box? I own a 2 drawer middle box myself, and the only obvious thing that sets it apart is the color of the cabinet door (gray instead of red).

Brian

 

[taumac]

Just spent the last several hours putting new casters on both these, cleaning and waxing them, then getting them down into my basement shop. Once keys arrive I will be installing all new drawer liners. And then filling them!


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That’s a sweet stack. I especially like the gray door on middle chest and bottom roller.