Metal Cabinets vintage or homemade and no name toolboxes. got any to show please do

Mark in Indiana · Mar 21, 2017

Squash & Drives,

If you know me, I try to buy only at wholesale prices. However, this deal is a good retail one. Slightly less than what I would charge if I was selling it. Plus, it's a little farther trip than I want to make for the price.

I hope that a fellow GJer gets it.

drivesitfar · Mar 21, 2017

Mark: i totally understand your situation and i know if it was $50 you'd probably be posting it with more pictures and showing us that it's yours. not that price is everything, but when you have a lot of choices and limited space you have to pick and choose.

ALL: i picked this up the other day JUST BECAUSE, but i don't really need it so a friend is getting it cause she has clients that store art and stuff in these. i already have 3 nicer Cole versions of this cabinet with 33 drawers each and i'm just about finished cleaning all the sawdust out of my 3 new AddressOGraphs.

i didn't see a brand name on this one so anybody recognize this one.

dmcintosh · Mar 27, 2017

Great cabinets. It's nice to know I'm not alone as I scoure CL and the local dumpsters for storage (and anything else that catches my eye). I have a two items to share, first is a pair of large lockers, each about ~18" x 18" x 6'. Picked these up when we were cleaning out a garage at work. I think they are Vietnam era military surplus. The second item is more interesting. I actually have four wall cabinets (no markings that I could find). Three are identical and the fourth is a close copy. They are probably 10" deep and maybe 24" wide and 36" tall. The tops are steeply angled front to back, and the sides and backs are perforated.

drivesitfar · Mar 31, 2017

DMC: nice looking cabinets yourself. i'm not sure which cabinets you liked on this thread, but there are more than a few cool ones that is for certain.

ALL: we need more pictures of your metal cabnets that you use for storage, toolboxes or just to have as a base for your machines so post them up. also if you can tell us the brand names and maybe the sizes too that would be helpful.

cheers and hope you all have a great weekend planned

-Brent- · Mar 31, 2017

This is a vintage Win-Holt OTE-78 cabinet. They are still made, however. They're just not at a price point where I would buy one new. I really do like it after a clean-up and repaint. It houses paint and shop related oils, sprays and chemicals.

dmcintosh · Mar 31, 2017

If I were to post some better pictures, do you guys think you might be able to help identify my cabinets?

drivesitfar · Mar 31, 2017

Brent: thanks for posting that tank of a cabinet that is strong enough to be a bench top too.

DMc: never know what some of these guys know about this kinda stuff. it wouldn't hurt to try and also maybe show us how you organized your stuff inside them for others to take note or maybe give you a couple ideas on what they do.

they look like Lyon but with battleship grey there were a lot of companies making those so if you see any #'s or partial names take close ups of those in your picture taking too and post them up.

still on the hunt for more??

dmcintosh · Mar 31, 2017

Here are a few shots of the lockers.

dmcintosh · Mar 31, 2017

And a few of the other cabinets. These were actually white (mostly) when I got them. The grey was my choice. There are no tags/markings that I could find. Haven't ever really seen anything like them.

dmcintosh · Mar 31, 2017

drivesitfar said:
Brent: thanks for posting that tank of a cabinet that is strong enough to be a bench top too.

DMc: never know what some of these guys know about this kinda stuff. it wouldn't hurt to try and also maybe show us how you organized your stuff inside them for others to take note or maybe give you a couple ideas on what they do.

they look like Lyon but with battleship grey there were a lot of companies making those so if you see any #'s or partial names take close ups of those in your picture taking too and post them up.

still on the hunt for more??

Not sure if I will get more cabinets or switch to a better workbench option. I have a bunch of irons in the fire (work on my chevelle wagon, finish my insulation and interior walls, etc.), so don't give that too much thought. Really thinking I will use what I have or can get cheap and go from there. I keep my eye open when I am out and about and things are tossed at work, though, so you really never know what will come my way.

drivesitfar · Mar 31, 2017

DMC: so you answered your first question with the lockers when you posted the LYON badge (one of my favorite brands BTW) and looks like it was made for Uncle Sam.

i'm not a buyer or user of regular hanging cabinets cause i have very little wall space so maybe somebody else can help you with those. they look like that they can hold a lot of STUFF so doing their job nicely.

thanks for the pictures and best of luck with the hunt for more.

dmcintosh · Apr 1, 2017

https://delaware.craigslist.org/tls/6069717191.html

In case anyone is in the market for a few cabinets.

JackDiddly · Apr 6, 2017

Saw an ad for one of these 10 drawer cabinets on CL last night. Was lucky enough to be the first person to contact the seller. He responded that he actually had two available :rocker:

. He said he picked them up from a local high school about thirty years ago, they were from the drafting classroom. I am unsure of who may have manufactured these as I haven't seen any ID on them anywhere but they are very well built. $50-Each and about an hours drive each way. Thankfully, he was a stand-up guy and stood by his word to give me the opportunity to get them first; regardless of the numerous calls after me to offer more or tell him 'how much they were worth'. (They stand 39" tall * 25" wide * 30" deep, and each of the 10 friction slide drawers is approx. 21" *27" inside. They are no Lista or Vidmar cabinets but I am very happy to have them.

)

The other (not vintage) is a first aid cabinet my brother gave me today, when I stopped at his place to pick up some parts for a side-job we are working on together. He does facilities maintenance and this was likely just scrap from one of their current projects.

drivesitfar · Apr 6, 2017

JD: great looking cabinets that is for certain. sorry i haven't seen those before so maybe somebody else can tell you a possible maker. can you tell me (us) if your drawers are on rollers or do they just slide in and out on metal? more pictures of the drawers sides and maybe one or two pulled out to show the inside tracks might also help the others identify it. thanks

ALL: this shelving unit isn't really a metal cabinet, but OMG is it cool and STOUT. each section pushes with one finger to each side so you can get to any row with ease. there is also a breaking system. anybody else have any information about any shelving like this? i think the maker is PIP according to the buyer that bought them second hand.

fowldarr · Apr 8, 2017

Those racks are incredible drives. I had a chance to pick up some old medical records racks (similar idea, but enclosed shelves) a while back but for the life of me I couldn't figure out what I would do with them or where I would put them.

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dmcintosh · Apr 9, 2017

drivesitfar said:
JD: great looking cabinets that is for certain. sorry i haven't seen those before so maybe somebody else can tell you a possible maker. can you tell me (us) if your drawers are on rollers or do they just slide in and out on metal? more pictures of the drawers sides and maybe one or two pulled out to show the inside tracks might also help the others identify it. thanks

ALL: this shelving unit isn't really a metal cabinet, but OMG is it cool and STOUT. each section pushes with one finger to each side so you can get to any row with ease. there is also a breaking system. anybody else have any information about any shelving like this? i think the maker is PIP according to the buyer that bought them second hand.

These sort of look like the shelves in a research library. Those have closed sides generally, but the same sort of thing where they roll/slide to create isles. I think if I have these I would end up with too much stuff - if that's even possible.

Mark in Indiana · Apr 15, 2017

Look what followed me home!

Looks like a 24W x 36H.
A neighbor just set this cabinet on his sidewalk. He said he has more to be removed in the near future. I offered to haul them out when he's ready, and he accepted.
I can't believe that people just throw these metal cabinets away. :headscrat

Outlawmws · Apr 15, 2017

Nice score Mark! If I found a bunch of those I would replace the wood cabinets in the garage, and expand on the theme...

Mark in Indiana · Apr 15, 2017

Outlaw:
If your garage cabinets are of the old school type, you're well off. When I updated our kitchen, it had solid wood cabinets that my wife didn't want. Fine, but these cabinets aren't going anywhere! They were remounted in the unfinished part of the basement.

Mark in Indiana · Apr 15, 2017

All:

I have some questions for you cabinet enthusiasts:
1. Do you paint your cabinets or leave them as-is?
2. If you paint them, what's your favorite color?
In my case: if the cabinet looks good, I'll leave it alone. Otherwise, it will get painted Forest Green.

The reason I ask is that I plan to paint a couple of large cabinets for resale. When I told my wife that I plan to paint them Forest Green, she strongly disapproved. Personally, I like Forest Green, but she thinks it's a "crummy color".

BTW: I have 2 gallons of Forest Green and I don't want to sink more money into this project than I have to.

Here are a couple of pictures:
1st. picture are the cabinets that I plan to paint.
2nd. picture are a couple of cabinets hanging in my shop.

So, what are your thoughts?

Outlawmws · Apr 15, 2017

They are, but not nearly enough of them and It would be nice to have a row of nice matching cabs...

I got these as salvage from a friend's kitchen remodel, and there is one over the washer & half the dryer, one over part of my work bench, and one more I turned into a shallow workbench in my workroom and its full of ammo cans. (12" deep so perfect for that, and not going anywhere. I even topped it with a nice Oak top.)

So bits and pieces that I would love to have as a solid row...

Mark in Indiana said:
Outlaw:
If your garage cabinets are of the old school type, you're well off. When I updated our kitchen, it had solid wood cabinets that my wife didn't want. Fine, but these cabinets aren't going anywhere! They were remounted in the unfinished part of the basement.

Outlawmws · Apr 15, 2017

I like it Mark! you will get more for them, and if they don't like the color, its a rattle can away...

Mark in Indiana · Apr 15, 2017

The Forest Green is almost as soothing as Vista Green.

drivesitfar · Apr 15, 2017

Mark: good questions about the painting of these old cabinets. i'd say you'd get more for them if not rusted out with natural patina unless the client wants it a certain color.

since i don't have a heated shop or garage i can't really paint more than maybe 6 months a year with good results so i tend to pass on some great cabinets if too rusty.

that green paint you already have would probably be ok for painting those cabinets you get that are rusted up, but the free one you picked up with white exterior and red interior i'd just clean up and leave "AS IS". if the buyer wants to pay you to paint it a color of their choice give them that option if you have time.

ALL: my favorite color cabinets seem to be the drab ARMY GREEN and NAVY GREY. not sure what colors other members like, but i'd like to hear if there is time to post up and tell me (us).

Mark in Indiana · Apr 15, 2017

Drives:

The kitchen cabinet I picked up today is just getting cleaned up. Buyer can paint if he wants to. Very rarely do I paint anything that I resell, except vises.
BTW: I really like how you nave your cabinets arranged with the pallet racking. :thumbup:

rmalkow2 · Apr 16, 2017

Agree with Drives that original paint if in good condition is best for resale and then let the new owner decide. The one you plan to paint are in real need to the refresh and your green is a good color for garage cabinets.
I just sold an original GM Performance Parts cabinet with very little damage to original paint so I cleaned it and left that way. People responding definitely wanted that original look. For something generic maybe the original color would not matter so much. I also have some cabinets that I hope to restore to original paint scheme so the match to the original look. Go for it with the green until you use that up and then maybe pick a new color.

Jim_No_Garage · Apr 16, 2017

So last weekend we found this All-Steel 7 drawer card file in the basement at an Estate Sale. The bottom of the cabinet was mostly gone after sitting on damp concrete for probably 30+ years so I cut it off and built a wooden skid-type base for it out of some 4/4 Ash and plywood. In the pic the skid base is sitting on an appliance dolly I moved it around on while painting.

Since it's going to be a craft cabinet for Mrs No_Garage she got to pick the color - Rustoleum Sail Blue. I pulled all of the hardware are under all the paint was what appears to be stainless steel. A little soak in DNA took all the paint off a left bare SS.

I didn't do any bodywork - just paint and put it back together. Mrs No_Garage is thrilled with the outcome so I am too. Happy wife - happy life. It will live in her side of the basement once we find a home for it.

Cheers

Jim

drivesitfar · Apr 25, 2017

ALL: speaking of kitchen cabinets did any of you know LYON made cabinets for KOHLER? i do like these old metal cabinets with the sinks with the huge drainboards. this one isn't my favorite and it's not exactly a tool box, but i bet it would make a great tool box and shop sink so hope you all don't mind me posting it here.

cheers

Jim: nice save and i do like those small drawer file cabinets.

jeeper46 · Apr 25, 2017

Here's an old Jobsetter's cart from the Willow Run GM plant. At one time, there were hundreds of this same pattern of toolbox in the plant. If you were classified as a Jobsetter or a Diesetter, you were issued one of these. They had narrow legs at each corner, with little casters originally. Most guys cut the legs off, and welded them to a plate with larger, better wheels. This one belonged to a guy I worked with, and he gave it to me over the weekend. I'm going to have it stripped, and I'll repaint it as an exercise in nostalgia-I had one just like it when I was a Diesetter. I have no idea who made them, but they must date from at least the '50s or early '60s. The rod for locking it was a typical modification by just about everyone who had one.

dittle fart around · Apr 25, 2017

jeeper46 said:
Here's an old Jobsetter's cart from the Willow Run GM plant. At one time, there were hundreds of this same pattern of toolbox in the plant. If you were classified as a Jobsetter or a Diesetter, you were issued one of these. They had narrow legs at each corner, with little casters originally. Most guys cut the legs off, and welded them to a plate with larger, better wheels. This one belonged to a guy I worked with, and he gave it to me over the weekend. I'm going to have it stripped, and I'll repaint it as an exercise in nostalgia-I had one just like it when I was a Diesetter. I have no idea who made them, but they must date from at least the '50s or early '60s. The rod for locking it was a typical modification by just about everyone who had one.

Now that's nice. :rocker:

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GaryM909 · Apr 26, 2017

I grabbed a couple lockers used for coveralls from a company I worked for about 15 years ago. 10 doors with 10 combination locks on each unit. I just remember one combination lock, open it and use a key to open the master door. Anyone that comes in the garage figures I need to remember all the locks. good for a chuckle

-Brent- · Apr 26, 2017

drivesitfar said:
Brent: thanks for posting that tank of a cabinet that is strong enough to be a bench top too.

Actually, the slanted top is made to be a surface to write on. As well, there's a lip to prevent items from rolling/sliding off. The interior shelving is made for binders, files, etc., so it can handle weight well. Certainly it can handle a lot more than I'm tossing at it.

Mark in Indiana · Apr 29, 2017

All:
Here's a custom made roll-around that's for sale in my area, for your review.

https://evansville.craigslist.org/tls/6109532624.html

Not mine, nor do I know the seller, I guess one could call it "Frankin-Cabinet".

z1kzonly · Apr 30, 2017

Here is an old "GP" Ignition parts cabinet. Was my Dad's as far back as I can remember. mid 1960's I still use it. I'm 60

Marty in Buffalo

drivesitfar · Apr 30, 2017

Z1: i for one always like to see where a son or grandson makes use of a tool or cabinet passed down for him to use and enjoy. :thumbup:

Mark: i like those FRANKENSTEIN or home made toolbox carts. i've had to sell a few i wish i could have had more room to keep and here's one that looks a bit similar to the one you posted that i no longer own. not sure i'd buy the one you posted, but it's interesting.

ALL: anybody else have some metal cabinets to post up and tell us how you use them please do!!

Outlander · May 6, 2017

Oh ... I think I need these to replace my old saggy shelves with oil and grease.

http://www.kijiji.ca/v-view-details.html?adId=1261599340

$125 (Canadian) 15 minutes from the cottage.

drivesitfar · May 6, 2017

Outlander: if you need permission you have my vote cause i want to see more pictures.

good luck

PCO6 · May 6, 2017

I have a few.

An old Lista cabinet that is waiting to be built into a welding bench I have started ...
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A pair of card file cabinets that came out of a hospital autopsy room

...
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Basic 2 drawer file cabinets under each end of my bench for power tools ...
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An old Autolite cabinet over my desk that I added onto and have since put wood doors on ...
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An old office cabinet that I'm converting into a powder coating oven ...
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drivesitfar · May 6, 2017

PC: so you have file cabinets that have the spirits of some souls in your area to keep you awake in your shop. just kidding and nice finds.

quite a selection and i'd like to see more pictures and hear more details about your re purpose of the old server cabinet into a shop oven for powder coating.

have a great weekend!!

PCO6 · May 6, 2017

drivesitfar - That hospital cabinet was quite interesting. It came with several paper card files in it. No names but data re blood, tissue, bones, etc. It had special built in metal separators for the cards in all 16 drawers (8 per cabinet). They were hard as hell to remove but they cut the overall weight in half.

Peterborough Civic Hospital ...
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My "oven" wasn't a server cabinet but more of a personal cabinet that someone would use in an office cubicle. I wish I'd taken a picture of it before I took it apart. It had a small single door locker, a couple of drawers and open shelves. It's the same size as a 4 drawer file cabinet but access is from the side vs. the front. This will be much better for use as an oven - easier and wider access.. I dismantled an in wall kitchen oven and am installing, rearranging, adding to, etc. the pieces into the oven. The whole thing will be enclosed in metal studs with Roxul insulation and a galvanized sheet metal exterior skin. I'm making a metal door for it and will use the original oven window. It's one of those "when I have time" projects. I'm acquiring parts and pretty much know where I'm heading with it so it should come together quickly.

Metal Cabinets vintage or homemade and no name toolboxes. got any to show please do

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