The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[JMacD92]

 

[JMacD92]

 

[Rickster55]

Interesting. $164 in 2019 dollars, according to one online inflation calculator.

Very cool!

 

[Outlawmws]

JM, doesn't the side box have a hook lip bent into the top side edge? Most do...

 

[beatcad]

JMac-in the first pic of the stack it looks like the side box is hanging just fine...it's been forever since I've seen one that bolts on.
do you mean hang it so it doesn't scratch the roll cab?
it takes 2 guys..hook the side box and one guy pull it away from the big box. the other guy put a wood paint stick/stirrer between them and slowly set the sidebox down. you can tape the paint stick on but you don't need to; the weight will old it.

also..damn! was the previous owner a bodyman?
judging by the dust on that side box i'd say yes. body dust gets into the slides and all over.

 

[drivesitfar]

TISH: good for you restoring your hubby's old HUOT toolbox. I know there were several threads where guys documented their Huot toolbox restoration, but sadly I don't have the links saved to give you. sometimes GOOGLE'S search works better finding old threads on here than GJ's search for old ones so best of luck.

I personally liked the original Huot labels and i'm usually not a label or sticker guy, but as with all restorations you (or in your case your hubby) has to look at it so making it a color and look you like is more important.

here's a few pics of my old Huot box that might be like yours. i actually like their blue and grey boxes more than the red ones I own so you might paint the drawers grey like this other box if you think your hubby likes it better.

good luck and welcome to GJ!!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I ran into a machinists' box at the flea market this morning of a type I had not seen before. It was cantilevered, like typical Simonsen or Kennedy type boxes, but it was much smaller, and structurally, the outer case was separated from the drawers. The drawers un-folded out and folded in. Then you close the lids over top of that, basically. If you can follow that. See the pic. The entire thing was made of wood, but clad in that black mottled vinyl. I forgot to take a photo of it closed. I was distracted by a few things I pulled out of it!

 

[RubiconJK]

I posted this over on the S-K thread also, but wanted to run by this group also. I found this box on a local listing. I've not gone to look at it yet, but wondering if someone can confirm that S-K did indeed make a stack like this or did someone just place a sticker on it? Any info about the maker would be appreciated.

 

[d42jeep]

I’ve never seen an S-K stack like that. It’s interesting that the only S-K marking is on the roller, not the upper box. If S-K made one I would like to have one, that’s for sure.
-Don

 

[RubiconJK]

Don, Since posting this a couple minutes ago, I found some S-K catalogs online and found this in the 1970 Supplemental catalog 91513. Looks like this box or one very similar was offered by S-K, even though there are logos on the catalog listing that I can't read or recognize?

 

[406Rich]

Don, I believe Rubicon`s image is accurate as this was my father in laws box he bought in the early seventies..

 

[406Rich]

Can anyone ID this box as a drill index....only pic I have..

 

[brolysgaming]

I recently purchased a tool cabinet that came with this 2 drawer snap on box. Can someone tell me what year it is and how much could I sell it for?

 

[d42jeep]

Don, Since posting this a couple minutes ago, I found some S-K catalogs online and found this in the 1970 Supplemental catalog 91513. Looks like this box or one very similar was offered by S-K, even though there are logos on the catalog listing that I can't read or recognize?

Don, I believe Rubicon`s image is accurate as this was my father in laws box he bought in the early seventies..

Very cool, guys. I’ll be on the lookout for one of those. I’m not sure where I’ll put it though.
-Don

 

[RubiconJK]

Very cool, guys. I’ll be on the lookout for one of those. I’m not sure where I’ll put it though.
-Don

I'll let you guys know if I get the deal done. I've got leads on too many tool boxes I'd like to have right now!

 

[454ragtop]

Can anyone ID this box as a drill index....only pic I have..

Yes, Huot drill cabinets.

 

[Outlawmws]

Yes, Huot drill cabinets.

Yep, fractional and numbered drills. I'd be all over those, esp. the numbered box.

 

[RubiconJK]

I'll let you guys know if I get the deal done. I've got leads on too many tool boxes I'd like to have right now!

I wound up passing on it after seeing it. Bottom was stamped 1981, so a little later than I wanted and the top had some issues that I didn't want to tackle right now. Holding out for some other boxes I'm chasing.

 

[davethorik]

Just found this neat Simonsen cantilever box for $10. It was a "junk box"- full of misc. hardware, screws, etc. There were only a few items worth keeping.

vintage 3M Scotch 33+ white fabric electrical tape (2/3 roll, looks useable)
DoAll hacksaw blade, looks unused
Qty. 3 electrical lead clamps- all made by Mueller Electric Cleveland, Ohio
Chicaco-Latrobe USA 1/4 drill bit, unused
unmarked file
Bridgeport #2 Philips screwdriver
Enderes center punch
chunk of plastic

 

[Dusty.Tools]

Hi all,

I picked up this Craftsman Commercial 65141 toolbox recently. I’m kind of worried it’s not that old because the condition is amazing.

Does anyone know when these where in production ?

Cheers

Ben




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dusty.tools

 

[d42jeep]

Check post #9758 in this thread. Apparently made in the early ‘70s according to Rileysan. Here is mine found in 2016 at a garage sale in equally nice condition.
-Don

 

[jeffmoss26]

wow, beautiful!!

 

[Dusty.Tools]

Check post #9758 in this thread. Apparently made in the early ‘70s according to Rileysan. Here is mine found in 2016 at a garage sale in equally nice condition.
-Don

Thanks Don!


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dusty.tools

 

[Rileysan]

Check post #9758 in this thread. Apparently made in the early ‘70s according to Rileysan. Here is mine found in 2016 at a garage sale in equally nice condition.
-Don

Just a follow-up. These were introduced in the 1968 Craftsman tool catalog as Craftsman "Super Duty" (One year only with that name) then changed to "Craftsman Commercial" in 1969. They retained the "Craftsman Commercial" name through 1976 (in the catalogs, that is) then given the familiar rectangular "Craftsman" badge, along with a simple "Sears Best" decal in 1977.

I have 2 "Craftsman Commercial" and 1 "Sears Best" carry boxes now. Am still looking for the 1968 "Craftsman Super Duty" version.

Brian

 

[d42jeep]

I almost feel bad admitting that I use mine to keep tools in because it was so pristine when I got it.
-Don

 

[Dusty.Tools]

Just a follow-up. These were introduced in the 1968 Craftsman tool catalog as Craftsman "Super Duty" (One year only with that name) then changed to "Craftsman Commercial" in 1969. They retained the "Craftsman Commercial" name through 1976 (in the catalogs, that is) then given the familiar rectangular "Craftsman" badge, along with a simple "Sears Best" decal in 1977.



I have 2 "Craftsman Commercial" and 1 "Sears Best" carry boxes now. Am still looking for the 1968 "Craftsman Super Duty" version.



Brian

Awesome thanks for those specifics.

Given I was born in 74, I think I’ll claim that’s when it was made


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dusty.tools

 

[cag]

=Craftsman= Round Top

I have an old Craftsman I'd like to know more about. Looks like a mail box actually, with a round top and tray. Has one of the old logos. Not sure how old it is...I'd like to know. And of it's proper name if possible.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Cool score Cag!

 

[bargainhuntingking]

This was the box for a US Army 1/2” socket set. The gauge of the steel was thicker and heavier duty than a modern store bought equivalent, so I bought it from the ReStore, scrubbed it with some dilute simple green, dropped it in a tub of Evaporust overnight with an occasional brushing, then sanded it with a dollar store sanding sponge, wiped it clean, primered it then topcoated it with some hammered paint. It should outlast my lifetime.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Re: =Craftsman= Round Top

I have an old Craftsman I'd like to know more about. Looks like a mail box actually, with a round top and tray. Has one of the old logos. Not sure how old it is...I'd like to know. And of it's proper name if possible.

That box was sold in 1946 cag. The most common term I've heard for them is "dome boxes" although I also hear them referred to as "long handles" and "lunch boxes". They were available in two sizes, yours is the larger of the two. I have both sizes but wouldn't mind having another. I saw your listing online. Personally I think you're aiming a bit high. If it doesn't sell there please shoot me a private message here and I'll make you an offer.
EDIT: Available in two sizes with that integral lock in the tray handle. They offered two other sizes of long handles that year as well.

 

[cag]

JoCoSawdust thanks, I appreciate your taking the time. Might I ask your sources? Could you pass along a link if available online?

Maybe it is high. I'm not sure yet. The model I'm offering differed from all the rest plus, the key is present. We'll see...60 views w/ 8 watchers for what that's worth.

Anyway, I thank you and I'll keep you in mind.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

No worries cag. Here's one of mine along with a catalog clip from 46. Best of luck in your sale.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Re: =Craftsman= Round Top

Nice box, cag. I have to avert my eyes and forget I saw that. One of my worst flea market foibles ever. The old 'I don't like the price I'm going to look around and circle back and talk him down at the end of the day nobody else will want that thing' story. I even rubbed the grime off a corner of the logo so the eventual buyer could identify it with more ease. Haha. Still haunts me.

That box was sold in 1946 cag.

It's in the 48, too, and perhaps later.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Lugz, I've got a few foibles like that myself. The domes ran from 46-57 but 46 was the only year for the lock integrated into the carrying handle of the tray. I suspect they (the locks) were left overs from the long handle hip roof box the amber handles came in before the war. I've become a bit of a dome box freak and have identified at least 10 different variants of them so I'm always on the hunt for them.

 

[cag]

Holy ****! Am I glad I found this place! Thanks for those pics JoCo and Lugnutz, let that be a lesson to ya'!
Thanks guys. Thanks alot!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Good to know, JoCo. When I fix my old mistake and find another one I know who to come to to date it!

 

[d42jeep]

This was the box for a US Army 1/2” socket set. The gauge of the steel was thicker and heavier duty than a modern store bought equivalent, so I bought it from the ReStore, scrubbed it with some dilute simple green, dropped it in a tub of Evaporust overnight with an occasional brushing, then sanded it with a dollar store sanding sponge, wiped it clean, primered it then topcoated it with some hammered paint. It should outlast my lifetime.

That reminds me of my military Thorsen deep socket set. The second picture and third picture are more recent.
-Don

 

[bargainhuntingking]

That reminds me of my military Thorsen deep socket set.

-Don

I was wondering who made the tools. Thanks for posting that tidbit. There’s a good chance that Thorsen made my original kit as well back when Thorsen still had a reputation for quality (pre-late 1960’s) and made its tools in the US, before outsourcing production overseas. Sound familiar?

Does anyone know if the later Thorsen tools, which have the reputation as severely lesser quality/crappy tools, can be distinguished by the LACK of “(made in) USA” printed on them? Is that a reliable indicator?

 

[d42jeep]

I have never heard of any particular problem with any US made Thorsen, Action or Giller tools whether they were made in Emeryville or Dallas. Perhaps the chrome plating wasn’t quite up to the standards of some other manufacturers but the early ratchets are quite robust. It’s my understanding that many of the Giller marked tools were sold to the US military. I try to avoid any Thorsen, TAT or Allied tools sourced offshore because with a few exceptions they are generally of quite poor quality, in my opinion.
-Don

 

[bargainhuntingking]

Amazing collection Don! Wow!