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

[Chris321]

s
Here is my only vintage Craftsman Box.

 

[Car hobby]

s
Here is my only vintage Craftsman Box.

That's nice. Those are neat boxes. I just redid one just like it.

 

[taumac]

Hey Taumac,

I'm back after about a year absence, possibly more. I'm in the middle of reading all the posts I've missed about Craftsman gray and red boxes.

Do you happen to know when the chevron style badges were produced with the smaller pin spacing? I need two badges with the shorter distance between the mounting pins.

Sorry just seen this post. Hmmmm I didn’t know of badges with smaller pin spacing or at least I didn’t come across that issue. I did have some bottom rollers with bigger holes in drawer where badges went. Rileysan might have some imput on that.

 

[taumac]

I needed two of these little clips to finish installing my bottom bay door. I couldn't find any on the internet, so I quickly fabricated one. Still have another clip to make, but the first one worked in my other cabinet.

That’s great idea. People been looking for those and glad to see someone posted making one.

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks. I'll contact him. Hope you are well!

 

[damon18]

I may have a chance to join the Red/Grey Craftsman Club and have some questions.

I have a Craftsman stack now that is pretty lightweight and several of the bigger drawers on the bottom are bent up, bought it used in the condition of first photo. Second photo is the stack next to my Snap On KR557/537 set.

The third photo is the style grey/red I'm looking at.

Question, what are the dimensions of the grey/red like the picture? Wondering if the three drawer middle box from my existing set would work with it to end up with more drawers?

Are the grey/red boxes this thread is about heavy steel like the Snap On or more like my newer Craftsman stack? Never seen a grey/red in person to compare.

I can see from this thread that the grey boxes have many fans, just trying to understand why.

 

[taumac]

Top chest is 12” deep 26” width and approx 20 tall. The bottom is 18” deep 26.5 ish wide and that bottom roller approx 40” tall.

There are way better than the Craftsman but not at good as those Snap On. They aren’t that fall off. Any that has a locking bar means it was a lower end box. Home owner grade light duty. IIRC those craftsman’s don’t have full length drawer slides inside the box. There are 4 taps and can get bent pretty easy. Ask me how I know. The R/G have full length drawer guides front to back and is way better then those craftsman’s you got. Once to see in person you’ll see why people collect them.

I started out being gifted just one then it needed a matching one..... this went on until I built the WOC (Wall of Craftsman). Honestly I cant tell you why but it becomes a obsession. In my opinion It’s just plain *** cool with color combination and drawer configuration.

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[damon18]

Thanks for the info Taumac.

Dimensions are the same as the three piece Craftsman set I have.

If I get the two piece grey stack I might be able to use my middle box until I can find a matching grey one.

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[taumac]

Thanks for the info Taumac.

Dimensions are the same as the three piece Craftsman set I have.

If I get the two piece grey stack I might be able to use my middle box until I can find a matching grey one.

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No problem. Those mid boxes are somewhat hard to come by. I would keep R/G the was it is and maybe use yours for extra storage. It can get pretty tall adding that mid box to that stack.

 

[damon18]

I would keep R/G the was it is and maybe use yours for extra storage. It can get pretty tall adding that mid box to that stack.

I don't have much problem with tall toolboxes, since I'm 6' 7".


Before I started reading Garage Journal, all my tools were in a couple of carry boxes. Now I need all the drawers I can fit in the garage! Main issue with stacks is I can't afford much depth, 18" is about the limit.


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[DanSolo]

I recently acquired a refurbished Craftsman 03-77 (If my discernment on the top shelf, left side). It's was repainted a copper tone and included one key with its working lock. It has a casket drop down lid. As soon as I get home, I will include pics.

Does anyone have a catalog reference for this model? It is approximately 26" wide and 12" deep. It has 6 drawers, 3 are small.

"whew"

 

[Cruzan80]

Looks like the copper may be original paint. Listed as brown wrinkle finish. Middle of page 72, from 76-77 catalog. On phone or I would post a screensho.

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[DanSolo]

Still at work . . . .

I think the logo on mine differs greatly than those models.

the title Craftsman is preceded by "Sears" with a different color in background than the one behind "Craftsman".

 

[DanSolo]

I found it, I think, in the 1981 Craftsman Power and Hand Tools Catalog PDF. held at vintagemachinery.org, page 81, item 5.

 

[Cruzan80]

Right around 77 was when they were switching from the chevron to the rectangular badge. Some examples show grey/reds with this badge, even though the catalogs show grey/red with chevrons and red/black with rectangular.

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[DanSolo]

Oh, you're right, Cruzan80, I see it now.

 

[Zeeman]

Anyone know the history/dates for the different 'chevron' badges? I'm talking about the metal vs plastic, wider pin/mount spacing.

 

[Zeeman]

https://nextluxury.com/wp-content/uploads/dream-man-cave-garage-ideas.jpg

Check out the red and gray Craftsman in the middle of all that modern stuff. Looks good to me!

 

[Car hobby]

I finally finished assembling the 10D Top and 9D Roller. Now my 12D Top and 9D Roller has an almost twin. All the slides were cleaned-greased and the drawers were lined. They are ready to be filled. I really like the Diamond Plate mat that I used between the upper and lower. I got it at Lowes. It really saves the top. A roll will do 4 bottom rollers

Altogether, I have collected 4 rollers and uppers from the 60s/70s Gray Red Era. They all didn’t have the same insignias. Some had the Chevron insignia, a few had the rectangle Sears/Craftsman, and a couple didn’t have any. I wanted them to all match.

I was able to draw up a 3D model in Sketch Up that is very similar to the Chevron insignia. I had a friend print a few of them on his 3D printer. For the most part, I am happy with them. I included a photo with the original, one that is freshly printed , and one that is painted. I wish I could make the letters a little taller. I couldn’t make it happen. Maybe in version 2.

The boxes are great for what I need and I don’t have a lot of cash ******* in them. I’ve inherited many mechanic tools from my late father, grandfathers, and other family members over the last few years. I needed a classy way to consolidate and store them. I also use a couple of the rollers as stands for my woodworking tools and grinding station. I’m still looking for 2 more 9D bottoms. One for my radial arm saw and the other for my drill press. All in good time. Now it’s time to get all of the tools organized.

 

[RubiconJK]

I finally finished assembling the 10D Top and 9D Roller. Now my 12D Top and 9D Roller has an almost twin. All the slides were cleaned-greased and the drawers were lined. They are ready to be filled. I really like the Diamond Plate mat that I used between the upper and lower. I got it at Lowes. It really saves the top. A roll will do 4 bottom rollers

Altogether, I have collected 4 rollers and uppers from the 60s/70s Gray Red Era. They all didn’t have the same insignias. Some had the Chevron insignia, a few had the rectangle Sears/Craftsman, and a couple didn’t have any. I wanted them to all match.

I was able to draw up a 3D model in Sketch Up that is very similar to the Chevron insignia. I had a friend print a few of them on his 3D printer. For the most part, I am happy with them. I included a photo with the original, one that is freshly printed , and one that is painted. I wish I could make the letters a little taller. I couldn’t make it happen. Maybe in version 2.

The boxes are great for what I need and I don’t have a lot of cash ******* in them. I’ve inherited many mechanic tools from my late father, grandfathers, and other family members over the last few years. I needed a classy way to consolidate and store them. I also use a couple of the rollers as stands for my woodworking tools and grinding station. I’m still looking for 2 more 9D bottoms. One for my radial arm saw and the other for my drill press. All in good time. Now it’s time to get all of the tools organized.

Really nice job. Those look great and I like your diamond plate idea.

 

[Zeeman]

Hey Car Hobby,
Your collection looks great. You don't have your location in listed, but here in GA the red and gray stuff is hard to come by. I have three rollers and three top chests. I have had to scrounge all over to find badges. All of mine don't match either.

I have found that Craftsman used a plastic version and a metal version. The spacing for the mounts is also different for the badges. If I find a badge and the spacing is wrong, I just cut the pins off and glue small bolts to the back in their place.

I'm still looking for at least one badge for a new top box I hope to get tomorrow.
If anyone has original extras of either type, please let me know.

 

[Car hobby]

Hey Car Hobby,
Your collection looks great. You don't have your location in listed, but here in GA the red and gray stuff is hard to come by. I have three rollers and three top chests. I have had to scrounge all over to find badges. All of mine don't match either.

I have found that Craftsman used a plastic version and a metal version. The spacing for the mounts is also different for the badges. If I find a badge and the spacing is wrong, I just cut the pins off and glue small bolts to the back in their place.

I'm still looking for at least one badge for a new top box I hope to get tomorrow.
If anyone has original extras of either type, please let me know.

Thank you. I'm in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. They show up every couple of months around here. Some are cheap and some are priced way too high. The only actual Chevron badge that I have is plastic. It's off of a 1975 roller.

 

[Cruzan80]

Was browsing eBay, and saw an ad listed. Waiting and shot an offer at about 2/3 asking price with about 12hrs left, and was accepted. Looked like guy was cleaning out NOS in his shop of various makers. So now, I have more than enough blanks for me and my buddies to have matching keys for any boxes we have.

Total of 36 Crowntop blanks, 4 ELGIN (same size/shape), 5 ford keys (two different shapes) and a Harley Davidson. Auction originally listed 37 CM (no mention of others), but not going to complain too much over one blank.

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[jeffmoss26]

sweeeet

 

[Zeeman]

Seems like you need to go out and find 36 red and gray cabinets/boxes to go with those keys. Nice find!

I'll be putting my next top box restoration in a thread soon in case anyone wants to check it out.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Was browsing eBay, and saw an ad listed. Waiting and shot an offer at about 2/3 asking price with about 12hrs left, and was accepted. Looked like guy was cleaning out NOS in his shop of various makers. So now, I have more than enough blanks for me and my buddies to have matching keys for any boxes we have.

Total of 36 Crowntop blanks, 4 ELGIN (same size/shape), 5 ford keys (two different shapes) and a Harley Davidson. Auction originally listed 37 CM (no mention of others), but not going to complain too much over one blank.

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I saw that listing. Glad they went to somebody in here!

 

[JoCoSawdust]

The haul from the past 48 hours. Less than 200 invested in the boxes not counting the fuel to get them. Still the most expensive tool buy I've done as my transfer case went **** up in Atlanta GA. No Suburbans available to rent so add the humiliation of having to drive back to NC in a Ford. Did a small test with WD40 and steel wool on the Heritage tool cart, it's going to clean up well. I'll move the 2 over 3 stack along. Need to find a 9d roller for the 10d top and mid chest, that'll complete my goal of putting together 2 each 10 over 9s and one 12 over 12, all with mid chests so I can sell my late model 56" stack. The older 3d roller is interesting. Pre-date stamp but I'm thinking 61 or 62 as it has a combo lock and roller bearing drawer slides along with the handle on the left. Was approaching 300K on my truck so not worth fixing, truck shopping begins tomorrow.

 

[RubiconJK]

The haul from the past 48 hours. Less than 200 invested in the boxes not counting the fuel to get them. Still the most expensive tool buy I've done as my transfer case went **** up in Atlanta GA. No Suburbans available to rent so add the humiliation of having to drive back to NC in a Ford. Did a small test with WD40 and steel wool on the Heritage tool cart, it's going to clean up well. I'll move the 2 over 3 stack along. Need to find a 9d roller for the 10d top and mid chest, that'll complete my goal of putting together 2 each 10 over 9s and one 12 over 12, all with mid chests so I can sell my late model 56" stack. The older 3d roller is interesting. Pre-date stamp but I'm thinking 61 or 62 as it has a combo lock and roller bearing drawer slides along with the handle on the left. Was approaching 300K on my truck so not worth fixing, truck shopping begins tomorrow.

Great find....congrats! Good luck on the truck shopping!

 

[Zeeman]

Hey JoCo,
My wife and I travel to Bryson City to see relatives. It is a lovely part of this country. How far did you have to travel, you mentioned Atlanta. We live north of the big A.

You did well with those, especially for 200.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Hey JoCo,
My wife and I travel to Bryson City to see relatives. It is a lovely part of this country. How far did you have to travel, you mentioned Atlanta. We live north of the big A.

You did well with those, especially for 200.

The plan was to meet a buddy of mine that lives in NOLA in Montgomery AL. He had the Heritage cart that he gave me for bringing his trailer down to him. Truck took a dump in Norcross so he pushed on up and we swapped trailer for tool box there. My truck was towed with all the gray and reds in it till I could get a rental. Fun times!! I used to be stationed in Dahlonega GA just north of Atlanta years ago. Beautiful country, miss the mountains.

 

[Jc2043]

I keep getting sucked into these collectible areas because I see cool stuff here and then find something reasonably priced in the wild. I picked this 6 drawer chest up for $25 and now I guess I got to go find the whole wall... got most of the stickers off but I think I’ll leave the STP one on the inside.


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[Jc2043]

I keep getting sucked into these collectible areas because I see cool stuff here and then find something reasonably priced in the wild. I picked this 6 drawer chest up for $25 and now I guess I got to go find the whole wall... got most of the stickers off but I think I’ll leave the STP one on the inside.


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[Smokeshow69]

The plan was to meet a buddy of mine that lives in NOLA in Montgomery AL. He had the Heritage cart that he gave me for bringing his trailer down to him. Truck took a dump in Norcross so he pushed on up and we swapped trailer for tool box there. My truck was towed with all the gray and reds in it till I could get a rental. Fun times!! I used to be stationed in Dahlonega GA just north of Atlanta years ago. Beautiful country, miss the mountains.

Post before and after pictures of said heritage cart in the appropriate thread! Those are rare


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[Rileysan]

The haul from the past 48 hours. Less than 200 invested in the boxes not counting the fuel to get them. Still the most expensive tool buy I've done as my transfer case went **** up in Atlanta GA. No Suburbans available to rent so add the humiliation of having to drive back to NC in a Ford. Did a small test with WD40 and steel wool on the Heritage tool cart, it's going to clean up well. I'll move the 2 over 3 stack along. Need to find a 9d roller for the 10d top and mid chest, that'll complete my goal of putting together 2 each 10 over 9s and one 12 over 12, all with mid chests so I can sell my late model 56" stack. The older 3d roller is interesting. Pre-date stamp but I'm thinking 61 or 62 as it has a combo lock and roller bearing drawer slides along with the handle on the left. Was approaching 300K on my truck so not worth fixing, truck shopping begins tomorrow.

You have something I've never seen before - a combo lock on your 3d roller. The location is even more fascinating to me - on the rail above the cabinet door. Up to this point, I've only observed them on the rail below the cabinet door, or in the cabinet door itself. Judging by the handle on the side, I take it it has roller slides on the drawers?

Please take more photos when you get a chance!

Oh, and might I recommend a 3/4 ton Camry?!?

 

[d42jeep]

Oh, and might I recommend a 3/4 ton Camry?!?

My tool hauler is low mileage. My current regular upper box came home from an Oakland estate sale in the backseat of a Camry.
-Don

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Man why didn't I think of a Camry!! After driving nothing but Chevys for 42 years I ended up getting a Tacoma. Love it so far but I've yet to confirm how many tool boxes I can fit in the smaller bed.

What initially caught my eye in that group of gray and reds was the intermediate chest as I was one short of my goal. As soon as I saw the combo lock on the 3d roller, that one immediately became the belle of the ball for me.

My catalog research has yielded this: I believe this chest is a 60-61. Looking at the catalog images for those years, you can see the oddball pull on the door to the bulk storage. The position of the drawers in the image obscures the position of the lock BUT there's no lock on the bulk storage drawer as there is in later years. Most details are obscured in the 62 catalog image but it mentions that it has the Power Panel knock out, my box does not. In the 63 image the side handle has been moved over to the right side (mine is on the left) and you can clearly see the keyed lock on the bulk storage door.

Something unique about the way this thing operates is that you have to remove the bulk storage door completely to open it. You pull down on the handle to clear the "teeth" of the door, remove it, then store it in the provided rails. To close it, you insert the bottom of the door into the lower track, pushing down on 2 spring loaded pins (similar to a machinists chest), then rotate the teeth up to nest with the lock mechanism. The pins hold it up there while you rotate the tumbler. I'll take this to my grumpy old man locksmith so he can set the combination.

And yes, all three drawers are roller bearings.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Post before and after pictures of said heritage cart in the appropriate thread! Those are rare


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Started cleaning it last night. Much of the original wrinkle textured paint is alive and well under the surface rust but there are spots are pretty far gone. I'll just clean and wax it and enjoy the patina. I'll post pics when it's done showing the unique locking system and drawer stops. They really built that thing as cheaply as possible but that in itself makes it a pretty cool addition to the Craftsonian.

 

[Rileysan]

Man why didn't I think of a Camry!! After driving nothing but Chevys for 42 years I ended up getting a Tacoma. Love it so far but I've yet to confirm how many tool boxes I can fit in the smaller bed.

What initially caught my eye in that group of gray and reds was the intermediate chest as I was one short of my goal. As soon as I saw the combo lock on the 3d roller, that one immediately became the belle of the ball for me.

My catalog research has yielded this: I believe this chest is a 60-61. Looking at the catalog images for those years, you can see the oddball pull on the door to the bulk storage. The position of the drawers in the image obscures the position of the lock BUT there's no lock on the bulk storage drawer as there is in later years. Most details are obscured in the 62 catalog image but it mentions that it has the Power Panel knock out, my box does not. In the 63 image the side handle has been moved over to the right side (mine is on the left) and you can clearly see the keyed lock on the bulk storage door.

Something unique about the way this thing operates is that you have to remove the bulk storage door completely to open it. You pull down on the handle to clear the "teeth" of the door, remove it, then store it in the provided rails. To close it, you insert the bottom of the door into the lower track, pushing down on 2 spring loaded pins (similar to a machinists chest), then rotate the teeth up to nest with the lock mechanism. The pins hold it up there while you rotate the tumbler. I'll take this to my grumpy old man locksmith so he can set the combination.

And yes, all three drawers are roller bearings.

That is fantastic! I love seeing new variants. Grats on your discovery!!

 

[Jc2043]

If I messed up this thread I apologize...


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[WordMan]

My father's first tool box.

It's from the early 60s I'm guessing, is there a way to date it?