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

[Meursault74]

I read through this thread and received the inspiration and information to paint this tool box box. It's been in our family for a very long time. I painted the middle section (another brand) to match, as those middle ones seem hard to come by.

 

[billarch1960]

I picked up this really cool 70's box off of craigslist for $25. I cleaned it up, replaced some of the rivets, straightened out the bent sheet metal and gave her a paint job.

 

[Oregon rock crusher]

I read through this thread and received the inspiration and information to paint this tool box box. It's been in our family for a very long time. I painted the middle section (another brand) to match, as those middle ones seem hard to come by.

You're three drawer riser sure looks like it belongs with the Craftsman stack Meursault. Not a bad substitute at all. Ed.

 

[Meursault74]

You're three drawer riser sure looks like it belongs with the Craftsman stack Meursault. Not a bad substitute at all. Ed.

That three door riser was originally all black (Homak Professional). I have been using this set up to hold my tools for several years with the mismatched colors. I finally got tired of seeing it that way.

I came upon this website/thread while searching for the paint to use to try and match the original color scheme. I didn't know this era of tool boxes have such a following. I do like the original color scheme.

 

[6PTsocket]

I'm sure it is in the thread more than once but to avoid going through the now,1064 posts, can someone tell me the best color match they found for the red? The hammertone I used is acceptable but none of the reds I tried were very close Thanks.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[JRC3]

I'm sure it is in the thread more than once but to avoid going through the now,1064 posts, can someone tell me the best color match they found for the red? The hammertone I used is acceptable but none of the reds I tried were very close Thanks.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

^
*search this thread* (right below the page numbers)
type "color"
results=23

I don't know the answer, but that's how I find stuff in threads. Sometimes I prefer searching instead of someone telling me because you stumble onto other/more options.

 

[6PTsocket]

^

*search this thread* (right below the page numbers)

type "color"

results=23



I don't know the answer, but that's how I find stuff in threads. Sometimes I prefer searching instead of someone telling me because you stumble onto other/more options. [emoji106]

It flat out would not work for me. I hit SEARCH in the upper right three dots (there was nothing below the page numbers). It gave me several promising phrases to search, like "tool box red". Every one came up "nothing found". Dunno. Rustoleum, Regal, Sunrise, and Safety red and Massey Ferguson tractor red are sometimes mentioned. I went to HD a while back and got two. One was far too dark red and the one I kept was still too bluish. The craftsman red is a lot more orange. Maybe Safety Red? Since this thread is exclusively about the red and gray boxes and restoring them, I expected a bigger response. I want to touch up after spot rust cleanup, not repaint. Thanks for any help.

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[Meursault74]

It flat out would not work for me. I hit SEARCH in the upper right three dots (there was nothing below the page numbers). It gave me several promising phrases to search, like "tool box red". Every one came up "nothing found". Dunno. Rustoleum, Regal, Sunrise, and Safety red and Massey Ferguson tractor red are sometimes mentioned. I went to HD a while back and got two. One was far too dark red and the one I kept was still too bluish. The craftsman red is a lot more orange. Maybe Safety Red? Since this thread is exclusively about the red and gray boxes and restoring them, I expected a bigger response. I want to touch up after spot rust cleanup, not repaint. Thanks for any help.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

This may help you eliminate a choice.
I used "Poppy Red Satin" from Rustoleum that I purchased at HD. It is close and has some orange to it, but didn't match exactly the 50 year old red on my tool box. Since I painted all the faces it's look fine. I think you'll have a tough time matching the original red placed on there decades ago for a touch-up unless you get a custom blend made to color match what is on there now.

 

[taumac]

It flat out would not work for me. I hit SEARCH in the upper right three dots (there was nothing below the page numbers). It gave me several promising phrases to search, like "tool box red". Every one came up "nothing found". Dunno. Rustoleum, Regal, Sunrise, and Safety red and Massey Ferguson tractor red are sometimes mentioned. I went to HD a while back and got two. One was far too dark red and the one I kept was still too bluish. The craftsman red is a lot more orange. Maybe Safety Red? Since this thread is exclusively about the red and gray boxes and restoring them, I expected a bigger response. I want to touch up after spot rust cleanup, not repaint. Thanks for any help.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Best way then is to take a drawer to the store with you to match it up. Use the underside since it didn’t see any sun.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

^
*search this thread* (right below the page numbers)
type "color"
results=23

I don't know the answer, but that's how I find stuff in threads. Sometimes I prefer searching instead of someone telling me because you stumble onto other/more options.

Interesting. I type in color under 'Search this thread' and I get 81 hits.

 

[6PTsocket]

Interesting. I type in color under 'Search this thread' and I get 81 hits.

Mine says "search in this topic" and comes up zip no matter what I type. It actually suggests possible searches, like tool box color. I typed in Craftsman and that brought up nothing. However, the main Tapatalk search seems to be working. Maybe I'll try searching another thread to see what happens.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[honza.vosalik]

Well... this was sitting at FB market place for about a month, so I picked it up for $85. Came with original keys and very clean!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Well... this was sitting at FB market place for about a month, so I picked it up for $85. Came with original keys and very clean!

And with a 3-drawer middie to boot?!!! You ****!

 

[honza.vosalik]

And with a 3-drawer middie to boot?!!! You ****!

That was the only reason I went to get it!

 

[WagonHo!]

That was the only reason I went to get it!

A very good reason and a handsome chest to go with it.
Have you checked for date stamp?

PS please **** at your leisure.

 

[maxcarp709]

Great Score!

 

[honza.vosalik]

A very good reason and a handsome chest to go with it.
Have you checked for date stamp?

PS please **** at your leisure.

11-68 on the top chest.

 

[SAA44-40]

This box is local to me. Can one of you Craftsman experts provide a rough manufacture date or model #. I’m outa my comfort zone on these, so some idea of price would be appreciated as well.

 

[WagonHo!]

Dear Gus,
Those date stamps are readily found as follows: Roller cab on lower right bottom,
Top chest lift the lid look in the left corner front.
Beautiful set, if that mid chest is an original and complete with drawers, lid, emblem you could ask and receive someone’s first born but like so ???. I’m guessing 73 thereabouts maybe 450.00 with the mid chest complete and 1/2 that without and that’s high estimate very good condition.
Oh not an expert just a rabid fan.

 

[Cruzan80]

This is what I am seeing. The top box is a transitional if not repainted, so 76/77 with the square logo but grey/red. The bottom looks to be later as well, but not as late as top. The mid box looks odd, both because the gray doesnt match, and can see logo/drawers. If it is original grey cover, it makes it an early mid. If repaint, probably later to match the rest of timeline. IIRC, 3/4 drawer mids were offered from 72-76. I would start at about 250, maybe up to 400 depending on desire.

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[SAA44-40]

Thanks fellas. That’s a lot of knowledge. Seems like I need to pay close attention to the mid box.

 

[honza.vosalik]

Has anyone tried top modify a top box in a middle box? What everything needs to be done?

 

[WagonHo!]

Has anyone tried top modify a top box in a middle box? What everything needs to be done?

Are u asking if anyone has tried to modify a top chest INTO a mid box?
I suppose this 2 drawer chest that’s missing the lid, would be a good candidate as any.

 

[honza.vosalik]

Are u asking if anyone has tried to modify a top chest INTO a mid box?
I suppose this 2 drawer chest that’s missing the lid, would be a good candidate as any.

Yes. I have an extra top chest, but only limited space.

 

[SAA44-40]

Fella has other boxes as well

 

[gpw_42]

Have an opportunity to check out this set, posted online. Seller lists as Craftsman, but states no CM badge. Cues I see to guess age are the pulls on the drawers and the metal handle on top of the top box. Pulls don't look like anything I can find in the grey/red era catalogs, and the missing (?) CM badge is a shortcoming.

Is this really a CM set?
Is asking price of $50 reasonable?

Thanks!

 

[emeraldcoupe]

Have an opportunity to check out this set, posted online. Seller lists as Craftsman, but states no CM badge. Cues I see to guess age are the pulls on the drawers and the metal handle on top of the top box. Pulls don't look like anything I can find in the grey/red era catalogs, and the missing (?) CM badge is a shortcoming.

Is this really a CM set?
Is asking price of $50 reasonable?

Thanks!

you couldn't pay me $50 to take that. not craftsman

 

[Cruzan80]

Tool-rite storage. Maybe $20-25. They move super slow around here.

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[gpw_42]

Thanks, guys.

 

[WagonHo!]

Just watched “The Graduate” there’s a scene where Benjamin-Dustin Hoffman stops in an Chevron station. On the work bench is a six drawer Grey Red chest with the old style lift handles.
It looks just wuner-full. The movie was made in 1967. Here’s mine made in Dec 1964

 

[406Rich]

Yes. I have an extra top chest, but only limited space.

You need a bigger garage....

 

[406Rich]

Well... this was sitting at FB market place for about a month, so I picked it up for $85. Came with original keys and very clean!

LOL, I debated on that chest for a month...don`t really need it but you know, glad you picked it up Honza..great price

 

[Ecosta777]

Hope this is OK to post here, I figured more people who would be interested would see this here than the classifieds.

I just made up several more Craftsman Chevron badges for Craftsman tool boxes and I wanted to offer them up here before I put them on Ebay.

They are made of Aluminum and hand painted, then clear coated for protection. There are no clips on the back so they must be affixed with epoxy or double sided tape. I have made batches of these before and sold them to several members on here, and everyone seems to like them a lot. The first picture of the three badges, the bottom one is an original plastic one for comparison.

I have 8 available, they are $35 which includes shipping. Please PM me if you're interested.

 

[rickhigginshtbr]

Those are awesome!

 

[1982fxr]

Fella has other boxes as well

So the set up on the right would have been the biggest baddest set they offered out of that style right?

 

[zkling]

Hope this is OK to post here, I figured more people who would be interested would see this here than the classifieds.

I just made up several more Craftsman Chevron badges for Craftsman tool boxes and I wanted to offer them up here before I put them on Ebay.

They are made of Aluminum and hand painted, then clear coated for protection. There are no clips on the back so they must be affixed with epoxy or double sided tape. I have made batches of these before and sold them to several members on here, and everyone seems to like them a lot. The first picture of the three badges, the bottom one is an original plastic one for comparison.

I have 8 available, they are $35 which includes shipping. Please PM me if you're interested.

I take it you are machining or even routing these from a flat plate of aluminum, not much thicker than the final thickness, hence the lack of mounting studs? I think you would get more interest if you had the studs integrated. Would add a 2nd op, but wouldn't be that difficult if you are running a mill.

 

[zkling]

So the set up on the right would have been the biggest baddest set they offered out of that style right?

No, they made a 12 drawer bottom and a 12 drawer top.

 

[taumac]

So the set up on the right would have been the biggest baddest set they offered out of that style right?

Well, that would be a matter of opinion. IMO the 10D chest was always the top chest to have. I also preferred the taller bottom rollers myself. I never owned I R/G middle chest because it was too tall to see in top box with 10D chest middle and tall bottom roller. As Zkling said that did make a 12D top and bottom.

Myself my favorite was my 5D tall bottom roller with a 10D chest.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

No, they made a 12 drawer bottom and a 12 drawer top.

That would be this one I believe...

 

[zkling]

That would be this one I believe...

Yep, I have/had the same set, actually ended up replacing the top box with a little snap on chest. Those craftsman top boxes aren't made near as well as the bottom boxes and mine had the same drawer sag problem that many, including yours, has.