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

[Zeeman]

Look in the left side of the very top section of the box/the floor.

 

[Zeeman]

If I messed up this thread I apologize...


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Ummm, you mean because you posted a picture of hookers? I must be missing something.

 

[stylngle2003]

Hi all
Anyone able to provide a ballpark good price to pay for a clean-looking 6D top over 3D roller? Appears to be mid 70s, I found one similar in the 72-73 catalog.

I have not seen it in person yet. From my research, the top chest appears to be a #65262L and roller looks like model# 65033N. As a combo, they were listed in the catalog as #65294N2. Going to look Friday. Full of tools, though they look to be of dubious organization and quality. Hoping to pay about what they cost new, $150-ish. We will see, but I respect the opinions of those on this forum as to whether I'm being realistic.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Rileysan]

Hi all
Anyone able to provide a ballpark good price to pay for a clean-looking 6D top over 3D roller? Appears to be mid 70s, I found one similar in the 72-73 catalog.

I have not seen it in person yet. From my research, the top chest appears to be a #65262L and roller looks like model# 65033N. As a combo, they were listed in the catalog as #65294N2. Going to look Friday. Full of tools, though they look to be of dubious organization and quality. Hoping to pay about what they cost new, $150-ish. We will see, but I respect the opinions of those on this forum as to whether I'm being realistic.

Thanks in advance.

Both boxes are common - especially the 3d roller. $150 is about normal retail, though they often can be found for much less. If the seller is asking more that $150, or if the boxes are not in really good shape, I would encourage you to pass. Another will come along soon.

Brian

 

[Rileysan]

Ummm, you mean because you posted a picture of hookers? I must be missing something.

I'll try to be as delicate as I can.

The member in question previously posted some pix, which got no responses. The lack of responses must have made them feeling left out. So this was a cry for attention.

Being a dad of two (now adult) daughters, I had to contend with contrived drama. That is, creating drama when there is none. My youngest, in particular, loved to walk into an otherwise quiet room and yell "Love me!" when she felt left out. It was annoying then, though now I kind of miss it.

 

[stylngle2003]

Both boxes are common - especially the 3d roller. $150 is about normal retail, though they often can be found for much less. If the seller is asking more that $150, or if the boxes are not in really good shape, I would encourage you to pass. Another will come along soon.

Brian

Thanks much. I'll report back with my findings!

 

[Smokeshow69]

If I messed up this thread I apologize...


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

You didn’t mess it up, we just got sidetracked by something else[emoji23]I like that you left the store sticker! Nice clean up!


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Zeeman]

I'll try to be as delicate as I can.

The member in question previously posted some pix, which got no responses. The lack of responses must have made them feeling left out. So this was a cry for attention.

Being a dad of two (now adult) daughters, I had to contend with contrived drama. That is, creating drama when there is none. My youngest, in particular, loved to walk into an otherwise quiet room and yell "Love me!" when she felt left out. It was annoying then, though now I kind of miss it.

Oh, Thanks Riley. I guess I'm so used to ignoring stuff that I did not even realize what was happening. Anyway, let the Red and Gray treasure hunt continue!

 

[stylngle2003]

Thanks much. I'll report back with my findings!

Well, I bought the box (and all the contents). It was an estate sale from a gentleman who lived in the same house for the last 46 years. He was a pattern-maker and woodworker, and set up his home shop to support those passions. There was a very neat old workbench with moxon vise and lots of specialty (heavy) punches and stamps and such. Huge taps, etc. But that is (thankfully) being passed down to the deceased's family, who realize they're heirlooms.

Both the roller and the chest are 0576 date codes. I'm happy with the condition (roller has 1 small ding I should be able to hammer out). If I look this good when I turn 44, I'll be happy. It came "numbers matching" with the paperwork and even the security drawer card. Both sets of keys, too, though the lower has one half key broken off inside the lock. I'll tackle that this weekend.

Pictures to come when I can get them resized properly.

 

[stylngle2003]

I hit it with some detail spray and the vacuum to wipe off the dust/crud. Cleaned up very nicely.

 

[stylngle2003]

Wasn't able to make the deal at $150, but didn't spend much more than that. I don't see stuff this old very often around here, especially good old boxes. But TBH I haven't been in a position to go to a yard sale since we had kids, it feels like.

My wife mentioned that we needed a new hose and hose sprayer for the garden last weekend, so I made a deal to get those thrown in too (first picture). A 50' heavy duty hose is ~$30 here, and the sprayer probably another $5-10. Saves me a trip to the store, at least.

Got the cheapie 24" Stanley level too.

 

[stylngle2003]

An assortment of taps, punches, files, feeler gauges and thread checkers.
The Hazet 2760 "Oil Service Wrench" looks like it costs about $50 on Amazon.
I'll have you know, this is ~$19 worth of staples, adjusted for inflation (I estimated them to be from ~1987).
A pack of bulbs from Trak Auto brings back fond memories from my youth.
Pictured is the worst of the rust I've yet found on the whole pair of boxes.
And the dent near the front edge of the roller. Should be pretty easy to knock out from the backside with the drawers out.

I think I did OK. Happy to be in the R/G Craftsman club and a member of this site.
Happy father's day to me (and all of you!)

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Nice snag

 

[jeffmoss26]

nice haul!!

 

[Zeeman]

Wow 2003. That's the biggest red/gray combo I've seen in a while for that kind of money. You did very well and it cleaned up great. The red/gray Craftsman boxes seem to be a little hard to find around here too.

 

[Jc2043]

I'll try to be as delicate as I can.



The member in question previously posted some pix, which got no responses. The lack of responses must have made them feeling left out. So this was a cry for attention.



Being a dad of two (now adult) daughters, I had to contend with contrived drama. That is, creating drama when there is none. My youngest, in particular, loved to walk into an otherwise quiet room and yell "Love me!" when she felt left out. It was annoying then, though now I kind of miss it.

Rileysan let me be as delicate as possible. I’m fairly new to this site and I replied with some pictures and it appeared to replace the original posters thread. I too am the father of three teenagers and could really give a **** if anybody responds to my post or not. I was trying to apologize for not following the site norms and overwriting a post.

Now your inference that I was behaving like a teenage girl is insulting and we have a problem.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Zeeman]

Rileysan let me be as delicate as possible. I’m fairly new to this site and I replied with some pictures and it appeared to replace the original posters thread. I too am the father of three teenagers and could really give a **** if anybody responds to my post or not. I was trying to apologize for not following the site norms and overwriting a post.

Now your inference that I was behaving like a teenage girl is insulting and we have a problem.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Well shoot! When I get a notification that there has been another post in this thread I get all excited, but the notification was for naught. I'll post my latest find though.

This little guy has roller drawers that sure are smooth compared to the other Craftsman gray/reds I have. I think it was used to store some nasty, corrosive items because the bottom and one side are really rusted. I will probably use it for a small drill press to sit on but I'm not sure.

What do you guys use this short version for? Thanks.

 

[jeffmoss26]

nice stuff!

 

[RubiconJK]

I hit it with some detail spray and the vacuum to wipe off the dust/crud. Cleaned up very nicely.

Looking good.

This little guy has roller drawers that sure are smooth compared to the other Craftsman gray/reds I have. I think it was used to store some nasty, corrosive items because the bottom and one side are really rusted. I will probably use it for a small drill press to sit on but I'm not sure.
What do you guys use this short version for? Thanks.

I've not added a short roller to my wall yet and not sure that I will. Drill press or bench grinder stand would make sense.

 

[stylngle2003]

Well shoot! When I get a notification that there has been another post in this thread I get all excited, but the notification was for naught. I'll post my latest find though.

This little guy has roller drawers that sure are smooth compared to the other Craftsman gray/reds I have. I think it was used to store some nasty, corrosive items because the bottom and one side are really rusted. I will probably use it for a small drill press to sit on but I'm not sure.

What do you guys use this short version for? Thanks.

I'd be more willing to bet it was near where a mop with chemicals was used. Almost looks like splatter up from the floor.

 

[Zeeman]

Could be. I didn't think about that. I've cleaned the whole thing well and hope to put some paint on today. I hope it sticks!

 

[Rileysan]

Rileysan let me be as delicate as possible. I’m fairly new to this site and I replied with some pictures and it appeared to replace the original posters thread. I too am the father of three teenagers and could really give a **** if anybody responds to my post or not. I was trying to apologize for not following the site norms and overwriting a post.

Now your inference that I was behaving like a teenage girl is insulting and we have a problem.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

No problem, JC. Your previous post lacked any context, so I responded to the question "what was that all about" with what made the most sense at the time. I clearly misunderstood your intent so I apologize. Cheers!

Brian

 

[Car hobby]

Could be. I didn't think about that. I've cleaned the whole thing well and hope to put some paint on today. I hope it sticks!

I bet the box turns out nice.

 

[bargainhuntingking]

I hit it with some detail spray and the vacuum to wipe off the dust/crud. Cleaned up very nicely.

Something that I’ve been curious about: The bars across the top lid are designed for what exactly? Holding manuals like this? Or holding certain tools?

 

[stylngle2003]

Something that I’ve been curious about: The bars across the top lid are designed for what exactly? Holding manuals like this? Or holding certain tools?

beats me....maybe a calendar holder?

 

[Zeeman]

I stuff all kinds of things in there to the point it starts falling on what's in the top tray. Mostly Manuals, papers, small paintbrushes, etc. I think they were for manuals.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I stuff all kinds of things in there to the point it starts falling on what's in the top tray. Mostly Manuals, papers, small paintbrushes, etc. I think they were for manuals.

I use close pins to clip pictures of family, etc to the inside of the lid. I believe that is what it is for


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Stuart in MN]

The bars are for paperwork, manuals, etc. or whatever you want to put in there.

 

[Jc2043]

No problem, JC. Your previous post lacked any context, so I responded to the question "what was that all about" with what made the most sense at the time. I clearly misunderstood your intent so I apologize. Cheers!



Brian

Brian, Thank you for your response. I try to live my life as drama-free as possible but for some reason this just tweaked me the wrong way. I see you’re out of Portland. We have a Portland office and pre-Covid I visit about 3 times a year. Next time I’m up there maybe I can buy you a craft beer and talk some vintage tools. John


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Rileysan]

Brian, Thank you for your response. I try to live my life as drama-free as possible but for some reason this just tweaked me the wrong way. I see you’re out of Portland. We have a Portland office and pre-Covid I visit about 3 times a year. Next time I’m up there maybe I can buy you a craft beer and talk some vintage tools. John


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

It would be my pleasure!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Hit my first estate sale of the 2020 Pandemic. Kind of. Was there early enough to be #2 on the list. Item I was interested in was in the detached garage. The #1 guy was interested in the house stuff. As I waited for the 9am opening I could see there were way too many people for me to feel comfortable doing this. At 8:40 the owner of the estate sale company walked past my car where I was waiting away from the crowd. I thought no harm in asking. I stopped him and said I was not feeling comfortable to do the sale but the item I wanted was in the garage, what it was, etc. Before I could finish he said we'll bring it out and set it aside so that when we open you just come in an pay and leave. Everyone was wearing a mask but after Austin had over 700 new covid cases yesterday I wasn't feeling like it was worth the risk. Glad he was willing to work with me. My first red & gray middie!!! I'll be taking it down to metal and repainting. It's got a bit of rust but no serious pitting and no structural damage. It will be joining by 12-drawer roller and 12-drawer chest. Chevron is on the left side like those boxes. Stoked to get it. Now IF I make it through the next 14 days with no covid symptoms it'll be even better.

I didn't spot a date anywhere. IIRC these middies are mostly not date stamped is that correct?

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Nice find Tex! You’re correct, no dates on the mid chests.

 

[Jc2043]

Picked up this at the swap meet this morning. It looks like the bottom cabinet is dated 0969. I can’t find the date on the top box but there’s a bit of rust where the Made in USA is stamped. I was thinking this would be a complete restore but the insides of the cabinets are pretty solid...


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Zeeman]

That's a very nice find in my opinion. Congratulations!

 

[txlonghorn1989]

Nice find Tex! You’re correct, no dates on the mid chests.

Thanks JoCo! Been hoping to find one of these for a few years.

All, is the Rustoleum Hammered Gray going to be the paint that comes closest to matching the old color? What's the best match for the red - Rustoleium Sunrise Red?

 

[Zeeman]

I used Sunrise red on all of my restorations. I used Hammered gray also, but the first two were a darker gray than the rest of the ones I did. I'm almost positive I used H. gray on all of them.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

NC find JC. I picked up this early 10/9 a couple of days ago. Both boxes dated 1965. All of the full width drawers in the roller have roller bearing drawer slides. An interesting feature of the top chest is that you can fit an entire saw in one of the small drawers.

 

[txlonghorn1989]

I used Sunrise red on all of my restorations. I used Hammered gray also, but the first two were a darker gray than the rest of the ones I did. I'm almost positive I used H. gray on all of them.

Thanks for the reply Zee! That'll be what I'm gonna go with.

 

[Jc2043]

NC find JC. I picked up this early 10/9 a couple of days ago. Both boxes dated 1965. All of the full width drawers in the roller have roller bearing drawer slides. An interesting feature of the top chest is that you can fit an entire saw in one of the small drawers.

Those full width drawers are so nice! Beautiful box!


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Jc2043]

Hit my first estate sale of the 2020 Pandemic. Kind of. Was there early enough to be #2 on the list. Item I was interested in was in the detached garage. The #1 guy was interested in the house stuff. As I waited for the 9am opening I could see there were way too many people for me to feel comfortable doing this. At 8:40 the owner of the estate sale company walked past my car where I was waiting away from the crowd. I thought no harm in asking. I stopped him and said I was not feeling comfortable to do the sale but the item I wanted was in the garage, what it was, etc. Before I could finish he said we'll bring it out and set it aside so that when we open you just come in an pay and leave. Everyone was wearing a mask but after Austin had over 700 new covid cases yesterday I wasn't feeling like it was worth the risk. Glad he was willing to work with me. My first red & gray middie!!! I'll be taking it down to metal and repainting. It's got a bit of rust but no serious pitting and no structural damage. It will be joining by 12-drawer roller and 12-drawer chest. Chevron is on the left side like those boxes. Stoked to get it. Now IF I make it through the next 14 days with no covid symptoms it'll be even better.



I didn't spot a date anywhere. IIRC these middies are mostly not date stamped is that correct?

Those middle boxes are so cool! Hopefully one day I’ll find one.

Sounds like you had limited exposure to the virus, but now you have a project to keep you occupied.


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app