The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[JoCoSawdust]

Friend of mine got himself a new Kobalt 41" tool chest and wanted to get rid of his old Craftsman toolbox. Since I expressed interest in his old Craftsman toolbox in the past he said I can just take it!

I know there's lots of grey/red Craftsman box here but just figured I'd add to the collection.

I think it will go well with my other Craftsman tool chest i have in use already.

Man the price was right on that!

 

[madison069]

Man the price was right on that!

Forgot to add, it has the keys also! So I'll simply put them on a magnet and place it on the inside so I don't loose them.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Went to pick up an old socket set from a MP seller, got to talking with the 80+ year old gentleman. He mentioned he had "a load of ****" in his shed, which I talked him into letting me dig through. I didn't come out empty handed once I found this. Catalog clip is from 1961

 

[beatcad]

these are the things I scored this summer.
the early/mid 50s Gerstner is my 1st that is walnut..i think..

the Snap-on I drove 2 hours to get and was $400 full of tools..some great, some junk...
the guy listed it on CL as 1955 but it's 1960(top & bottom).

 

[DD T/A]

^^That SO setup you got is gorgeous. I am a junk guy and would rather use my POS beat-to-hell Craftsman from the swap meet, but sometimes I think of myself having a nice little set like you got.

 

[madison069]

Went to pick up an old socket set from a MP seller, got to talking with the 80+ year old gentleman. He mentioned he had "a load of ****" in his shed, which I talked him into letting me dig through. I didn't come out empty handed once I found this. Catalog clip is from 1961

I see there is what looks like an item list on the door? Got a close up of that list?

 

[davethorik]

I see there is what looks like an item list on the door? Got a close up of that list?

Looks like a decimal/fractional inch conversion chart or tap/tap drill chart, but the characters get blurry when I zoom in. Makes sense it would be in a machinist chest.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Yup. It’s a conversion chart. Box is loaded in my truck but I’ll snap a clear pic of it when I get home. Great condition for a 50+ year old piece of paper.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Found my first Craftsman heritage-badged rolling cabinet in the wild this morning. Got some rust corrosion issues at the bottom. Hopefully they'll clean up okay. Has it been repainted black? I'm assuming the color of the two bottom drawers is original and what the rest of the cabinet would have looked like back in the day. Anyone know for sure? Also, do these older boxes have dates on them? Who made 'em for Sears?

 

[A E Numan]

Yes the whole box would have been gray like the bottom 2 drawers.

 

[madison069]

Found my first Craftsman heritage-badged rolling cabinet in the wild this morning. Got some rust corrosion issues at the bottom. Hopefully they'll clean up okay. Has it been repainted black? I'm assuming the color of the two bottom drawers is original and what the rest of the cabinet would have looked like back in the day. Anyone know for sure? Also, do these older boxes have dates on them? Who made 'em for Sears?

Yea it was like the bottom two drawer gray. Closest color match I found was Rustoleum Hammer Grey.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Yea it was like the bottom two drawer gray. Closest color match I found was Rustoleum Hammer Grey.

Thanks mad69!

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Yes the whole box would have been gray like the bottom 2 drawers.

Found my first Craftsman heritage-badged rolling cabinet in the wild this morning. Got some rust corrosion issues at the bottom. Hopefully they'll clean up okay. Has it been repainted black? I'm assuming the color of the two bottom drawers is original and what the rest of the cabinet would have looked like back in the day. Anyone know for sure? Also, do these older boxes have dates on them? Who made 'em for Sears?

Nice find! There should be the AMD embossing behind the Heritage logo if you look inside the drawer. My box like that has a factory divider there unfortunately obscuring the date.

 

[Farleyfan]

Friend of mine got himself a new Kobalt 41" tool chest and wanted to get rid of his old Craftsman toolbox. Since I expressed interest in his old Craftsman toolbox in the past he said I can just take it!

I know there's lots of grey/red Craftsman box here but just figured I'd add to the collection.

I think it will go well with my other Craftsman tool chest i have in use already.

Nice score madison069 !
coming from a friend makes it even more special.
ive got the same top box but no roller yet. (still lookin for one)

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Friend of mine got himself a new Kobalt 41" tool chest and wanted to get rid of his old Craftsman toolbox. Since I expressed interest in his old Craftsman toolbox in the past he said I can just take it!

I know there's lots of grey/red Craftsman box here but just figured I'd add to the collection.

I think it will go well with my other Craftsman tool chest i have in use already.

Nice!

 

[davethorik]

Got this vintage Tru-Test carpenter's box today. It's kinda beat up, but neat. It only has one side handle, like you're supposed to carry it standing up. It was free, and it even had the tray.

 

[Jc2043]

Hey Folks, This is my first post so forgive me if I mess it up. I have a Kennedy roller 270-8439 missing the badge. I contacted Kennedy and they said they could send a newer vintage one for about $46. I can get that one but would prefer a vintage one. Any suggestions.

Note: apparently I need 4 more posts before I can attach pictures.

 

[Outlawmws]

Eprey is your best shot. Play with the search til you get reasonable results, then save it and let them email you what they find when they find it...

 

[The_General]

Best 5 bucks I’ve ever spent


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Outlawmws]

Nice find on the Box!

and in the background: what size is your DeWalt RAS? I have three, I should thin the herd...

 

[The_General]

I have 3 myself. My first one my sister gave me for free when she bought her house. It was sitting in the garage she didn’t want it. I just pick up another one, but I only wanted the cart. Got that thing for 55 bucks. Both of those are the MBF models 56. Then yesterday when I grabbed 2 baldor grinders I found a almost complete GW1 with table for 40. Motor turns but missing 2 knobs. So I have lots of projects to finish lol

 

[The_General]

I was thinking about driving 2hours round trip for a complete GW1 but the difference is it comes with a MR sawdust book. She wants 50:for the saw and book. Only metal base, no table. I tried to buy the book for 20 but she won’t separate the package deal

 

[Prichman38]

Trying to cross link this old Craftsman tool box that I could find any examples of.

2019 Garage Sale Thread
https://r.tapatalk.com/shareLink?sh...m/forum/showthread.php?p=8090908&share_type=t


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Old Radar]

My Kennedy Kits Mystery Cart

I picked up this Kennedy Kits 6-drawer roller cabinet yesterday at an estate sale after watching it go unbought for three days. They wanted $250 for the cabinet alone—which explains why everyone passed it up. Thirty minutes before they rolled up their tents, I offered $40 to include all the tools left in it, and they took it.

I’m really happy with the purchase and there are some interesting things inside including the keys and three unused standard blades for my ratcheting screwdrivers, but I cannot find any information on the model number or the manufacture date. The Kennedy Kits label is completely pristine where the model number should be printed—it’s not faded away—I’ve check under magnification and there was never a model number printed on the label. I’ve found only a couple of pictures of this model on the web—none of which give a model number or any info on the case. I’ve seen a few more of a similar 8-drawer version with no bottom bin, but again, no model number or info.

I’m hoping a GJ Kennedy aficionado can clue me in on at least the model number and hopefully a date range of manufacture.

Here are some pics:

 

[Outlawmws]

I have the same box in the all drawers version. Mine is style 278 and was made in the 50's best as I've been able to ascertain.

Actually I have two of them - one the std wrinkle brown, the other is smooth red (mechanics box vs. Machinist)Since Mine is an 8 drawer I'll guess that yours is style 276 (for 6 drawers)

The red one IS marked with the style number, the brown one's tag is MIA (still some glue where it was)

 

[JoCoSawdust]

I see there is what looks like an item list on the door? Got a close up of that list?

Better shot of the decimal conversion chart.

 

[madison069]

Better shot of the decimal conversion chart.

Thanks for the picture! I wasn't sure when looking on the phone but now I can make it out.

 

[cag]

Just picked this one up for a coupla' bucks!
Whatcha' think?

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Just picked this one up for a coupla' bucks!
Whatcha' think?

Very cool and unique box! Question for the brain trust (I believe it's been covered upthread but not sure): Did Advertising Metal Display evolve into Remline?

 

[Old Radar]

I have the same box in the all drawers version. Mine is style 278 and was made in the 50's best as I've been able to ascertain.

Actually I have two of them - one the std wrinkle brown, the other is smooth red (mechanics box vs. Machinist)Since Mine is an 8 drawer I'll guess that yours is style 276 (for 6 drawers)

I think you're correct Outlaw.
Checking Google for "Kennedy "276" Tool Box" results in an "archive.org" page with the text (only) of a 1970 Kennedy catalog. It describes both the 276 and 278 but has no pictures. Damn few examples of this roller with the short plain strap handles on the web. Wonder why. If you think yours is from the '50s and the 1970 catalog describes them, you'd think they would be common.

I've emailed Kennedy to see if they can give me a date range for when it was manufactured.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Very cool and unique box! Question for the brain trust (I believe it's been covered upthread but not sure): Did Advertising Metal Display evolve into Remline?

Looks like Remington metal products (tag on the front) eventually was acquired by amd ?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Outlawmws]

I think you're correct Outlaw.
Checking Google for "Kennedy "276" Tool Box" results in an "archive.org" page with the text (only) of a 1970 Kennedy catalog. It describes both the 276 and 278 but has no pictures. Damn few examples of this roller with the short plain strap handles on the web. Wonder why. If you think yours is from the '50s and the 1970 catalog describes them, you'd think they would be common.

I've emailed Kennedy to see if they can give me a date range for when it was manufactured.

Best of luck on the Email I do't recall anyone getting much out of them but I do recall someone visiting their HQ and they had a museum area...

I bought my mid and top in the mid 70's and they have the extruded aluminum pulls.

Can you post the text?

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Looks like Remington metal products (tag on the front) eventually was acquired by amd ?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Not sure Smoke but hopefully somebody that does will come along. When I first found GJ I read every post in this thread and I seem to recall it being discussed. That box here looks entirely too much like a Heritage chest for it to be a coincidence.

 

[Outlawmws]

IIR AMD used Remline for marketing at first, then changed their name to the same.

 

[ktmorimoto]

Hello,

This is my first post and wanted to show my uncle's toolbox and ask a question.

I have his Powr Kraft 7-Drawer machinist's toolbox that uses an Excelsior lock (Key KY78) Interestingly, the key I have is stamped "BOSS" and does lock/unlock properly. This toolbox was c1950's. Has anyone seen a key stamped like this?

Thank you for your time and expertise.

Regards,
K.T. Morimoto

 

[JoCoSawdust]

IIR AMD used Remline for marketing at first, then changed their name to the same.

Thanks Outlaw

 

[Old Radar]

Best of luck on the Email I do't recall anyone getting much out of them but I do recall someone visiting their HQ and they had a museum area...

I bought my mid and top in the mid 70's and they have the extruded aluminum pulls.

Can you post the text?

Can you post a pic of yours?

Here's the site:
https://archive.org/stream/KennedyM...g/Kennedy Manufacturing 1970 Catalog_djvu.txt

It has a text scan of the 1970 catalog. The scan goes kind of wonky with the inside drawer dimensions but otherwise is readable.

Here are the excerpts for the 276 & 278:

Style No. 276 Six Drawer Roller Cabinet

Style No. 276 heavy-duty roller cabinet is especially suited to the needs of auto-
motive and aviation mechanics. No. 276 is a six drawer unit with a drawer storage
capacity of 4058 cu. in. The lower compartment offers a usable area of 5,700 cu. in.
No. 276 as well as No’s. 270 and 278, may be used alone or combined with Ken-
nedy No. 240, 260, 526, 265 or 2851 mechanics’ chests to form either a two or three
unit high combination tool center. Like all other Kennedy heavy-duty roller cabinets,
the drawers all operate on super compound slides, with half the drawer being
sturdily supported by the male slide when drawer is fully extended. Adjustable
drawer dividers are provided for all roller cabinets for the orderly separation of
tools and instruments. Full front panel, self-storing when cabinet is open, com-
pletely secures the entire cabinet front and locks with a quality multiple key change
cylinder type lock. Has 2 fixed and 2 locked-stop 5" hard rubber swivel casters. No.
276 is available in either dark red ripple or dark brown ripple finish baked enamel.
One only heavily plated end handle can be placed on either end of cabinet to suit
user's convenience. Overall size, 27" L, x 18" W, x 34 3 /4" H. Shipping weight, 132 lbs. {Note: Mine is 33-3/4"H, I think they started using larger wheels in later years.}
When ordering, specify color wanted.

Style No. 278 Eight Drawer Roller Cabinet

Style No. 278 is a fully drawered heavy-duty roller cabinet with a self-storing front
panel that secures all drawers with one high quality multiple key change cylinder
type lock. The eight drawers provide 6914 cu. in. of tool storage space. Four adjust-
able drawer dividers standard equipment. This unit, like all other Kennedy roller cabi-
nets is built from the best materials obtainable. The cabinet is constructed sturdily,
with all component parts electrically welded into one integral unit. Body is welded
to inside of bottom pan for increased strength and safety — an exclusive feature
with KENNEDY. Drawers are fabricated from high quality steel and operate on Ken-
nedy’s super compound slides. Drawers are strongly supported when in extended
position, and with positive drawer stops, they cannot be pulled out to spill contents.
Cabinet is mounted on 5" easy running hard rubber casters, 2 swivel with locks and
2 stationary. Available in dark red ripple or dark brown ripple baked enamel finish.
One only heavily plated handle can be placed on either end of cabinet to suit user’s
convenience. Overall size, 27" L, x 18" W, x 34%" H. Shipping weight, 155 lbs.
When ordering, specify color wanted.

 

[bagged89s10]

any sk toolbox collectors out there? picked this up just to grab some vintage craftsman sockets. haven’t even cleaned out the rest of the misc tools.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Nice find! There should be the AMD embossing behind the Heritage logo if you look inside the drawer. My box like that has a factory divider there unfortunately obscuring the date.

Thanks JCS. Found the AMD embossing where you said it would be but no sign of a date. Where exactly would the date be if there? Any thoughts on the period where AMD made these boxes for Sears?

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Thanks JCS. Found the AMD embossing where you said it would be but no sign of a date. Where exactly would the date be if there? Any thoughts on the period where AMD made these boxes for Sears?

Well damn. No date. If it were date stamped there would be a two digit number over on the left side of the "oval" as you're reading it right side up. Initially the AMD boxes weren't date stamped. The earliest dated AMD product I've seen (or know of) is 55. The first time your eight drawer chest shows up in a catalog is 55. The box itself ran through 59 however in 59 the catalog shows it with a Crown logo. I've found that whenever there's a change from one year to the next, the change generally happens sometime in the year previous to the catalog update. For instance, I know of a AMD top chest that has the Crown logo but it's dated 58 (contrary to the 58 catalog image showing a Heritage logo). I have a gray and red top chest that falls into that same category, box has a 69 catalog characteristic yet it's dated June of 68. I'm interested to know if anyone else on this thread has an 8d bottom chest that DOES have a date stamp. As I said previously, the embossing on mine is covered up by the flange of a factory drawer divider. I think rileysan and Smokeshow both have 8ds? Your chest positively falls between 55 and 58, If we can find a dated box like that I'd tend to believe yours falls early-55 and at some point during that year they started in with the date stamps. Of course if anyone ever shows up with a 54 AMD date stamp, that theory is blown to hell. On a side note, that 8d roller seems to have replaced the 5d Pressteel(??)-made DeLuxe roller cabinet (of which Outlaw as a fine example of) as Sears' premier bottom chest. Please forgive my long-windedness, I tend to overthink this stuff.

1955 catalog image