The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[Outlawmws]

Tom, looks like you nailed it! Thanks! 1909-26!

Every detail appears to match! Size, drawer count, brass corners, leather handle, even the round mortise lock!

 

[Outlawmws]

Hmmm, This may be my second from this company, I have a black leatherette covered box; same number of drawers, and I think may be the same size! It's a bit buried just now, but maybe tomorrow I'l pull it out and compare.

 

[leg17]

Here's a pic of the craftsman 11 drawer

As Arte Johnson would say, "very interesting......"

I will check when I get back in town next week, but I do not recall ever seeing this in any Sears catalog. I will check.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Two acquisitions this week.



First is a Ward's Powr Kraft 7 drawer cabinet that is in much better shape than the exterior paint indicates. Made by AMD/Remline.



The second is a Craftsman Commercial stack that I only found because of a lead by Smokeshow. I've been wanting this set for years and was barely able to get the seller to agree on a price. You see, it wasn't actually for sale. It was visible in the background of a picture in a Craigslist ad, and the seller intended to keep it. It now has a home with me.



Manufacturing dates are: April 1970 for the roller and February 1970 for the top chest. Since I'm a 1970 model as well, it's a perfect fit!



Brian

My silver tongue laid the ground work on that. I had to ask “what is your crazy number “ in order to get that on the sold list [emoji51] I saw that posting and was texting both the seller and rileysan at the same time! The only reason you got it and not me is that I am trying to keep the large purchases down to a minimum so I have money for other things made by amd [emoji51]


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Rileysan]

My silver tongue laid the ground work on that. I had to ask “what is your crazy number “ in order to get that on the sold list [emoji51] I saw that posting and was texting both the seller and rileysan at the same time! The only reason you got it and not me is that I am trying to keep the large purchases down to a minimum so I have money for other things made by amd [emoji51]


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Everyone needs a Smokeshow in their lives. It will teach you the meaning of "bargain hunting". It will also drain you of any and all discretionary income. But damn, my shop is cool!

Brian

 

[Spanner]

Welcome! Your SO cart looks good, nicely organized.

Thanks, would anyone know the model of this box or possibly the years this model was manufactured. I have looked on Snap-On website but I cannot see it listed.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Two acquisitions this week.

First is a Ward's Powr Kraft 7 drawer cabinet that is in much better shape than the exterior paint indicates. Made by AMD/Remline.

The second is a Craftsman Commercial stack that I only found because of a lead by Smokeshow. I've been wanting this set for years and was barely able to get the seller to agree on a price. You see, it wasn't actually for sale. It was visible in the background of a picture in a Craigslist ad, and the seller intended to keep it. It now has a home with me.

Manufacturing dates are: April 1970 for the roller and February 1970 for the top chest. Since I'm a 1970 model as well, it's a perfect fit!

Brian

That's a nice looking Commercial stack Brian. I didn't realize they were making them in the crown top era. I think they had a couple different drawer layouts on those boxes but I know you would know better. Those are well built and will definitely carry a load. Ed.

 

[drivesitfar]

Riley: when is the wall of Craftsman complete or with Smokeshow as your FRIEND maybe you'll need to just move and build a bigger shop/garage?

nice find and good teamwork guys!!

Outlaw: I think you found another gem of a toolbox that also looks like it's in great shape. WELL DONE!!

Tom: great assist on identifying Outlaw's wood toolbox maker.

also thanks for the confirmation about Union making wood boxes for Craftsman. If PondJumper comes back with more pictures and maybe more information on his maybe we'll find out that Sears had Gertsners making boxes for them too?

 

[bmwrd0]

Two acquisitions this week.

First is a Ward's Powr Kraft 7 drawer cabinet that is in much better shape than the exterior paint indicates. Made by AMD/Remline.

The second is a Craftsman Commercial stack that I only found because of a lead by Smokeshow. I've been wanting this set for years and was barely able to get the seller to agree on a price. You see, it wasn't actually for sale. It was visible in the background of a picture in a Craigslist ad, and the seller intended to keep it. It now has a home with me.

Manufacturing dates are: April 1970 for the roller and February 1970 for the top chest. Since I'm a 1970 model as well, it's a perfect fit!

Brian

Very nice Brian! I really need to get up your way and check out this plethora of stacks.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Very nice Brian! Can we get a close-up of the badge on the Craftsman Commercial? I'm sure I've seen them but my recall isn't what it used to be. Following Drives comment, when do you start the new wing on your shop/garage to house all these toolboxes?

Outlaw,
That is a heck of a find with the oak toolbox! What great condition! I'm definitely envious on that box. You really come across some interesting finds.

 

[454ragtop]

Old Cornwell box for $25. on CL https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/tls/d/tool-box/6772955874.html

 

[paulm12]

I picked up a new to me smaller vintage oak machinist chest today - 16-1/2 X10-1/2 X 8 deep. Pid $40 which included a coupl eoif the bigger drawer full of moatly homeowner tools. (He also threw in a Bausch and Lomb magnifier on a stand - Circa 1942)

No clue about the box maker...Where is Beatcad?

Overall, this is in nice shape! No structural damage, the drawer are all in great shape and still have original(?) leatherette, drawer liners. (never seen that done but I like it!)

The lock is missing, and someone added a common brass hasp. I'll see if i can find the right mortise lock... the bottom drawer was apparently missing a pull knob, so someone move the remaining one to center position...

Bacc to the ID: Not a single mark, inside or out. the corners are bound with brass corners, and is seems solid!

These are after cleaning the top layers of nicotine off, more to go! (possibly a LOT more...)



I love that box Outlaw. Will clean up to a great patina. And I have never seen the leatherette on the drawer bottom either, I wonder how it would hold up over time.
.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Everyone needs a Smokeshow in their lives. It will teach you the meaning of "bargain hunting". It will also drain you of any and all discretionary income. But damn, my shop is cool!



Brian

Garage journaler’s should also have a rileysan in their lives [emoji51] this helps enable you to be able to start your own pressteel thread [emoji16]

In all seriousness, I saw the stack and wanted it but really wanted a 50’s craftsman stack. I figured if it was not me to get it, I might as well place it in the shop of someone who will appreciate it. The seller had purchased it out of storage unit auction and simply viewed it as a tool box and nothing more. Hopefully when rileysan gets it home, he can take more pictures of it as I would like to see it as well !


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[davethorik]

Just picked this up today off Letgo. Pics were poor, but I was thinking Kennedy. No markings. Looks like there used to be a sticker on lid. Leather handle. It's decently large and heavy, in the trunk opening of my Accord for scale. I don't think I did bad for $20.

Edit: 18"×10"×12.5"

 

[Outlawmws]

Thanks Drives, TX, and Paul!

On the Leatherette, it's clearly been there a LONG time, and its all in good to very good condition.

I did get the other chest dug out. It's in use for my archery tools/parts. Very similar to the new to me Pilliod, but it not that brand. the size is 16W x 10-3/4 tall X 9-1/4 deep and has many other subtle differences:

• Steel corners, not brass
• The Drawer front bead is bottom not top - Pilliod had top beads no whre else; This is close to a Baker-Case, but no samples with this layout, and the overall dimensions are different.
• Locks are different (this one is again similar to the Baker-case)
• Front panel has a recess for felt on the inside- Pilliod panels are flat, no recesses
• Leatherette cases came with "imitation Mahogany" drawer fronts - these are oak.

Drawer front Joinery:

 

[d42jeep]

Just picked this up today off Letgo. Pics were poor, but I was thinking Kennedy. No markings. Looks like there used to be a sticker on lid. Leather handle. It's decently large and heavy, in the trunk opening of my Accord for scale. I don't think I did bad for $20.

Edit: 18"×10"×12.5"

I think you may have found the fourth known example of the mystery Navy cantilever box although yours seems to be missing the smaller circle on the end panel. In the last year or so three very similar cantilever toolboxes have surfaced without any indication of Manufacturer. It has pretty much been established that they are not Kennedy, Simonsen or Hamilton. Two have Navy markings and the third (mine) has indications of where a possible Navy sticker has been. The first one was discovered by Notlob in the San Francisco Bay Area and was posted on G503.com by Lugz. The second was purchased in the U.K. by G503.com member Len Jones. I found the third one this summer at an estate sale in western Nevada. Although similar to Kennedy boxes there are clear differences. Here are some pictures of the boxes. The first three are Notlob’s box, the next two are the U.K. box and the last two are mine. I’m hoping that a GJ member might be able to offer up some idea of who made them. You might want to check this link.
https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=215765&start=120
-Don

 

[Outlawmws]

D42, those circular stiffeners on the inside should pin it down. I'm trying to remember but someone had those "fingerprinted" to one company, and the triangular stiffener pockets to another. (I usually note this stuff down, but if I did its not in the "obvious place"...)

 

[Private Lugnutz]

D42, those circular stiffeners on the inside should pin it down. I'm trying to remember but someone had those "fingerprinted" to one company, and the triangular stiffener pockets to another. (I usually note this stuff down, but if I did its not in the "obvious place"...)

It was me. Triangular is Kennedy, Circular is Simonsen. But the Simonsen's have one circle, not two, and the shape of the side is different.

 

[Outlawmws]

Duly noted! (this time!) Thanks Lugz!

 

[Rileysan]

That's a nice looking Commercial stack Brian. I didn't realize they were making them in the crown top era. I think they had a couple different drawer layouts on those boxes but I know you would know better. Those are well built and will definitely carry a load. Ed.

I'll comment on your last assumption (about me) first. Until this moment, I did not know there were multiple drawer layouts. Thank you!

Here's what I've learned.
Marketing names and years:

In 1968, Sears first offered this set under the name "Craftsman Super Duty". That name was changed to "Craftsman Commercial" in 1969 and retained that name through 1976. In 1977, Sears removed the "Commercial" label and went with the same rectangular badge used on all the other Craftsman boxes. They marketed that box as "Sears Best" and affixed a paper decal to these boxes.

Drawer configuration and dimensions:

From 1968 to 1975, the dimensions and number of drawers remained the same; the rolling cabinet had 8 drawers and top chest had 10 drawers. The shipping weight of the two boxes was 359lbs.

In 1976, the drawer configuration was changed. The rolling cabinet had 10 drawers and the top chest had 12 drawers. The shipping weight of the two boxes was reduced to 316lbs, even though the rolling cabinet was 2" taller (41" instead of 39"). One has to wonder if that weight reduction was the packaging or the tool boxes themselves?

The width (33 1/4") and depth (18" for the cabinet and 15 3/4" for the top chest) remained the same throughout its life (1968-1982). Sears introduced the "Pro Set" series of boxes in 1983, which had slightly different dimensions.

Tx, I snapped a photo of the badge on my hand carry "Craftsman Commercial" box for you.

Drives, I doubt very much the "Wall of Craftsman" will ever be finished. Perhaps I will need to expand the shop or maybe reduce the number of duplicate boxes in my possession. Time will tell!

Brian

 

[davethorik]

I think you may have found the fourth known example of the mystery Navy cantilever box although yours seems to be missing the smaller circle on the end panel. In the last year or so three very similar cantilever toolboxes have surfaced without any indication of Manufacturer. It has pretty much been established that they are not Kennedy, Simonsen or Hamilton. Two have Navy markings and the third (mine) has indications of where a possible Navy sticker has been. The first one was discovered by Notlob in the San Francisco Bay Area and was posted on G503.com by Lugz. The second was purchased in the U.K. by G503.com member Len Jones. I found the third one this summer at an estate sale in western Nevada. Although similar to Kennedy boxes there are clear differences. Here are some pictures of the boxes. The first three are Notlob’s box, the next two are the U.K. box and the last two are mine. I’m hoping that a GJ member might be able to offer up some idea of who made them. You might want to check this link.
https://forums.g503.com/viewtopic.php?f=48&t=215765&start=120
-Don

Thanks Don I will look into that. I noticed mine has a lid on one top tray, but not the other. The one you showed doesn't have any. Or it does and I'm blind lol.

 

[drivesitfar]

Riley: you can text or email me anytime if you are missing a Craftsman Crowntop box cause i'm a fan of the HERITAGE and i'm almost learning that you CAN'T OR SHOULDN'T BUY THEM ALL.

keep up the great work finding these in all the corners of Oregon cause i'm sure it makes you smile when you put another one in the back of your Camry.

ALL: well i'm not 100% satisfied with the RUBBING ALCOHOL method of removing sharpie, but this sharpie might have been put on this Duplex hand carry toolbox 40 years ago. I put some RA on a paper towel and rubbed a layer off the sharpie. then I soaked a paper towel and let it sit on the sharpie name for about a half hour before rubbing hard and here's where i'm at.

I wonder if putting a buffing wheel on it with some rubbing alcohol might make it disappear? or maybe I need to do one of the other methods?

THOUGHTS?

thanks again for all the comments and help guys!!

 

[d42jeep]

Brian,
My carry box logo looks just like yours.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks Don I will look into that. I noticed mine has a lid on one top tray, but not the other. The one you showed doesn't have any. Or it does and I'm blind lol.

Notlob’s has two tray covers and mine, below, has one. I’m not sure about Len’s in the U.K. I’ll have to double check the pictures.
-Don
Edit... The U.K. box has a single tray cover as well as can be seen in the second picture.

 

[Outlawmws]

Drives, I'm noticing you used 70% Alcohol. you want to keep 91% around for shop use. the 30% they cut it with water, and weakens it as a solvent. (also makes it near useless as a fuel. I can remember trying to use the little alcohol lamps in Chemistry sets as a kid, - with 65 or 70% - useless! Tried an alcohol lamp recently with 91% and they actually work!

You can also give denatured alcohol a try. That is an even better fuel/solvent IMO.

 

[drivesitfar]

Outlaw: i'm happy I posted a picture of the bottle of Rubbing Alcohol I used just for this lesson. THANK YOU

I have a few cans of coleman white fuel that I think you or somebody else mentioned or I might just pick up some pure rubbing alcohol (anyplace you know carry it if it might be hard to find?).

 

[Outlawmws]

Denatured will be in any hardware/paint dept

Most drug stores carry 91% Isoprop

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I'll comment on your last assumption (about me) first. Until this moment, I did not know there were multiple drawer layouts. Thank you!

Here's what I've learned.
Marketing names and years:

In 1968, Sears first offered this set under the name "Craftsman Super Duty". That name was changed to "Craftsman Commercial" in 1969 and retained that name through 1976. In 1977, Sears removed the "Commercial" label and went with the same rectangular badge used on all the other Craftsman boxes. They marketed that box as "Sears Best" and affixed a paper decal to these boxes.

Drawer configuration and dimensions:

From 1968 to 1975, the dimensions and number of drawers remained the same; the rolling cabinet had 8 drawers and top chest had 10 drawers. The shipping weight of the two boxes was 359lbs.

In 1976, the drawer configuration was changed. The rolling cabinet had 10 drawers and the top chest had 12 drawers. The shipping weight of the two boxes was reduced to 316lbs, even though the rolling cabinet was 2" taller (41" instead of 39"). One has to wonder if that weight reduction was the packaging or the tool boxes themselves?

The width (33 1/4") and depth (18" for the cabinet and 15 3/4" for the top chest) remained the same throughout its life (1968-1982). Sears introduced the "Pro Set" series of boxes in 1983, which had slightly different dimensions.

Brian

Sounds like you've got it sorted out now Brian. I've been using one of these Sears Best 10 x 12 drawer stacks for about 30 years now. I picked it up used and abused and sitting in a very old gen set trailer. I knocked out a few dents, painted it green, and replaced a few drawer slides way back then. I'm sure it was new in the late 70's or very early 80's but I don't think I ever found a date stamp....haven't really looked either though. Ed.

 

[Rileysan]

Sounds like you've got it sorted out now Brian. I've been using one of these Sears Best 10 x 12 drawer stacks for about 30 years now. I picked it up used and abused and sitting in a very old gen set trailer. I knocked out a few dents, painted it green, and replaced a few drawer slides way back then. I'm sure it was new in the late 70's or very early 80's but I don't think I ever found a date stamp....haven't really looked either though. Ed.

Very nice!

Date codes can be found in the same locations as all Waterloo made boxes. On the roller cabinet, look on the bottom/front rail, just below the bottom drawer and above the right/front wheel. On the top chest, with the lid open, look down into the left/front corner.

Brian

 

[kanaida27]

 

[drivesitfar]

Kan: looks like your handle says CANADA and you live in California. in any case welcome to GJ.

nice looking box that could have been made by several makers, but i bet it would look even better if you painted it green and yellow.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I've been using one of these Sears Best 10 x 12 drawer stacks for about 30 years now.

Do my eyes deceive me or is that a French horn on the top of that rack? Is that for quittin' time? Love the round pry bars holder. I need one of those!

 

[Smokeshow69]

I'll comment on your last assumption (about me) first. Until this moment, I did not know there were multiple drawer layouts. Thank you!



Here's what I've learned.

Marketing names and years:



In 1968, Sears first offered this set under the name "Craftsman Super Duty". That name was changed to "Craftsman Commercial" in 1969 and retained that name through 1976. In 1977, Sears removed the "Commercial" label and went with the same rectangular badge used on all the other Craftsman boxes. They marketed that box as "Sears Best" and affixed a paper decal to these boxes.



Drawer configuration and dimensions:



From 1968 to 1975, the dimensions and number of drawers remained the same; the rolling cabinet had 8 drawers and top chest had 10 drawers. The shipping weight of the two boxes was 359lbs.



In 1976, the drawer configuration was changed. The rolling cabinet had 10 drawers and the top chest had 12 drawers. The shipping weight of the two boxes was reduced to 316lbs, even though the rolling cabinet was 2" taller (41" instead of 39"). One has to wonder if that weight reduction was the packaging or the tool boxes themselves?



The width (33 1/4") and depth (18" for the cabinet and 15 3/4" for the top chest) remained the same throughout its life (1968-1982). Sears introduced the "Pro Set" series of boxes in 1983, which had slightly different dimensions.



Tx, I snapped a photo of the badge on my hand carry "Craftsman Commercial" box for you.



Drives, I doubt very much the "Wall of Craftsman" will ever be finished. Perhaps I will need to expand the shop or maybe reduce the number of duplicate boxes in my possession. Time will tell!



Brian

The wall of craftsman will likely never be complete as long as I am around [emoji23] but I am seriously very excited for you ! I know that was a pipe dream/ unicorn set up for you and am glad to have alerted you to it !


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Posted these in the red & gray thread but cross-posting here. Picked them up late yesterday off CL. They are both in really good working condition. Asian replacement wheels though. Still I love the old Craftsman red & gray toolboxes. Birth dates: Top - 03-76, Bottom - 10-75.

 

[garthg]

Old Cornwell box for $25. on CL https://boston.craigslist.org/sob/tls/d/tool-box/6772955874.html

I've got the same box. Plymouth is a little far for another one. This is what it looks like freshened up and in use:

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

Do my eyes deceive me or is that a French horn on the top of that rack? Is that for quittin' time? Love the round pry bars holder. I need one of those!

You are close Lugz. It is one of those side mount horns from the open coach days where you just reach out and squeeze the bulb. That air tool rack-shelf collects a few hard to categorize items like that until I find better places for them. The pry bar rack made a big difference in keeping big bars and things organized. They used to just lean up against the box and fall over when I went to grab one. I had a thread from when I made it in the fab forum here. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=342004&highlight=Bar*rack Also on edit: I meant to add the dates for the green Craftsman stack which were right where you said Brian. 11-78 on the top box and 4-78 on the roller. Ed.

 

[454ragtop]

I've got the same box. Plymouth is a little far for another one. This is what it looks like freshened up and in use:

Wow, yours looks great! I wonder what the difference in the emblems means, older - newer?

 

[davethorik]

Notlob’s has two tray covers and mine, below, has one. I’m not sure about Len’s in the U.K. I’ll have to double check the pictures.
-Don
Edit... The U.K. box has a single tray cover as well as can be seen in the second picture.

I read through that thread...wow! Had no idea that many types existed. Mine has the round dimple like Simonsen on the inner sides however the Simonsen should have a metal handle. Yours show 2 dimples. Interesting reading.

How can you differentiate civilian from military issue?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

YI had a thread from when I made it in the fab forum here.

Thanks for the link, Ed. I was going to ask if it was salvaged from something or made. As you may or may not recall from the Garage Sale thread, I was pretty close to buying a vintage TRUE TEMPER hardware store rack this summer. Sort of similar. I would've used it for storage of big bars and irons and axes and even sledges but it was designed for rakes (and therefore too tall), would've needed some mods, and the guy wanted more than I was willing to spend. Link here.

 

[d42jeep]

I read through that thread...wow! Had no idea that many types existed. Mine has the round dimple like Simonsen on the inner sides however the Simonsen should have a metal handle. Yours show 2 dimples. Interesting reading.

How can you differentiate civilian from military issue?

It’s difficult to tell, most of the time. If the Kennedys are brown it’s very unlikely that they were military. Ones with original olive paint are much more likely. Yours does have the single circle like the Simonsen boxes but the shape of the end towers exactly matches our mystery Navy boxes. My Kennedy Navy NAF box was painted grey on the interior. Kennedy boxes with metal handles were made after 1949.
-Don