Advice please

[JeremyBurke]

I am new here and just getting started setting up a shop/garage. I am looking at buying this box and just wanted to know if someone could give me any advice if it was a good deal and would meet the needs of a weekend warrior restomod driver mechanic. I only have half a 2.5 car garage so I am worried this might be too big to manage in my space. But it seems like a good deal. Even though I know nothing about these boxes. Thanks for any help. I should note this is all I have saved for a box right now but don't have an issue waiting if someone has a better option. Here is a pic.



http://portland.craigslist.org/clk/tls/4265911559.html

Also please don't steal my box .

Edit: I missed it. The search goes on.

To buy or not to buy.

 

[Zeke]

I'd only be concerned a bout the "fair" condition. Price seems good enough. That's not the kind you usually park against a wall unless you don't need the back side bins and work shelf.

BTW, welcome to the GJ!

 

[JeremyBurke]

I'd only be concerned a bout the "fair" condition. Price seems good enough. That's not the kind you usually park against a wall unless you don't need the back side bins and work shelf.

BTW, welcome to the GJ!

Thanks for the greeting and advice.
You pretty much nailed my number one concern with the storage in the back. Although I though it might come in handy for storing seldom used/dangerous stuff since I have very small kids that are sometimes in the shop with me. That might just be me trying to justify the purchase too though.

 

[wornoutoldman]

That is a really nice box at a really good price. Better get over there now!

 

[scarney1988]

That box is not the most volumetrically efficient for pushing up against a wall, but its a good box in general. I would personally enjoy having those back bins for cans of chemicals (PB blaster, silicone past, etc...) as well as consumables.

Maybe you could park the box between the your to cars so you would have access to both sides? Just a thought.

 

[JeremyBurke]

Thanks wornoutoldman. I should note for you all as well. I have spoken to the seller and he reports it is all working. Only flaws are the rust you can see and that the lock needs to be adjusted. You have the hold the key to open the drawers. Also one of the lower drawers has a bunch of extra friction guides in it.

 

[Boog]

If it were local, I'd be on that like white on rice!! I may even consider trading one of my kids for that... If you do get it, please post pics and details on the vintage toolbox thread. Zkling is compiling a database for those style of Matco boxes. Don't hesitate!!

 

[JeremyBurke]

That box is not the most volumetrically efficient for pushing up against a wall, but its a good box in general. I would personally enjoy having those back bins for cans of chemicals (PB blaster, silicone past, etc...) as well as consumables.

Maybe you could park the box between the your to cars so you would have access to both sides? Just a thought.

That's pretty much what I was thinking of using the back for. Especially since my three sons 6,4,2 are sometimes in the shop with me and having the chemicals completely out of reach seemed like a good idea. I am a little concerned though. The poll shows at least 2 people might have already beaten me too it.

 

[JeremyBurke]

If it were local, I'd be on that like white on rice!! I may even consider trading one of my kids for that... If you do get it, please post pics and details on the vintage toolbox thread. Zkling is compiling a database for those style of Matco boxes. Don't hesitate!!

It's starting to sound like if I don't buy this box I will have some 'splainin' to do.

 

[alinc100]

I'd be concerned about the back storage area and being able to access that.
Also as others have said with that back area your drawers are not as deep as some other boxes in the same footprint.

I personally think the most bang for the buck currently is the Harbor Freight 44" box on sale for $369. If I was needing a box in a short time frame I'd be all over one.

I currently have a 41" Waterloo Top and Bottom I purchased over the summer via CL( in two separate deals) for $100 less than the HF combo would have been. But in my instance I was not in immediate need and have the ability/desire to check CL/Estate Sales,etc. and could wait for a deal to pop up.

I also,like many others here enjoy the hunting for tools.

 

[kd3pc]

good quality box at a fair price, even in the condition shown....especially if you are going to use it...and can handle the back side storage or loss of it, should you place it against a wall...if your 2.5 has a wide space between bays (mine does) this type of box works well in that area..

 

[PCO6]

First, welcome to GJ. I'm not sure what your bench situation is but that box being as wide as it is might be able to do double duty. A wood or rubber top would allow you to use it as a mobile light service bench. That's a nice box ... good luck.

 

[JeremyBurke]

good quality box at a fair price, even in the condition shown....especially if you are going to use it...and can handle the back side storage or loss of it, should you place it against a wall...if your 2.5 has a wide space between bays (mine does) this type of box works well in that area..

My garage is a little wide 24' not the current standard 20'. But most of the extra space is in the depth 28' which I hope to one day be able to increase. I have the space to go out another 12-15' and hope to someday.

 

[JeremyBurke]

First, welcome to GJ. I'm not sure what your bench situation is but that box being as wide as it is might be able to do double duty. A wood or rubber top would allow you to use it as a mobile light service bench. That's a nice box ... good luck.

Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

I do have a work bench just a craftsman sheet metal 2 drawer that this would replace. The craftsman's storage/space ratio is terrible compared to a box like this.

I'm just hopeful the box lasts until I can get there to get it. I have been in contact with the seller and it looks like the sonnets we can get together is Friday night Saturday morning. Even with the holiday hangover for most that is a long time for a good deal to last.

 

[the gypsy]

I like the box and think that putting the box perpendicular to the wall you can use the top as a bench for your repairs. Instead of turning your project to work on the far side with this box you just walk around it. I think all box designs are good you just have to see the merits of the design.

 

[4xdog]

I...please don't steal my box ...

Sounds like you've made your decision. Go get it!

 

[PCO6]

... I do have a work bench just a craftsman sheet metal 2 drawer that this would replace. The craftsman's storage/space ratio is terrible compared to a box like this...

Those Craftsman benches seem to be in demand. If you're getting rid of it I'm sure if you advertised it on Kijiji you'd get some interest. It would help offset the cost of the box.

 

[the gypsy]

Another advantage to this box is that the drawers not being as deep and having the extra weight on the opposite edge, I figure it makes it more stable.

 

[JeremyBurke]

I just heard back from the seller he's got a guy coming to see it. I hope one of you guys didn't beat me too it.

 

[JeremyBurke]

Thanks for every thing guys. I gotta run for a bit, my kids are getting up and I'm on duty. I guess if I miss it the one advantage is I get to keep looking for the perfect deal. I promise if I get it to post pictures in detail.

 

[Zeke]

You always hear that from sellers. Tell him that you're serious and if anyone comes a lowbalin' that you're serious enough to step up. If you miss this box don't sweat, there are more to come especially this time of year and up until tax time.

Also that was a good idea to take a good look at the HF 44" box for the same money. It's damn good box for the home garage.

 

[drivesitfar]

I've been looking for a few nice tool boxes in your area for a while now and you rarely see this style for sale at a decent price. I don't need one quite this big because I have shelving to put smaller tool boxes and tools on, but if I was just looking for a home version I would have bought this one.

I've seen many amazing restorations of old tool boxes on GJ. i'm guessing you are pretty handy or will soon be handier with all those little ones eating you out of your house and garage. the key issues doesn't sound like it will be a big deal to fix yourself or have fixed. Removing the rust and repainting it as you have time will give you an amazing old tool box. also since you have a 2.5 car garage maybe parking it in between the cars might work or at least when you need to use it you should be able to access it from both sides. locking stuff up and getting it out of reach will help to keep the kids alive, but remember not to let them know where you hide the key and keep one or both eyes on them all the time as much as possible.

good of you to share your hot buys on Craigslist and I won't be the one to beat you to this deal, but there are 2 on your poll that might have. or let it be known that Google has sent me to Garage Journal more times than I can count to look up a tool or a process to make one better and you don't have to be a member to see these threads.

i'd probably buy an older tool or toolbox over a new one almost every time and if you are a little handy this looks like a winner.

 

[the gypsy]

good of you to share your hot buys on Craigslist and I won't be the one to beat you to this deal, but there are 2 on your poll that might have.

So this is the point to the thread "show us your Craiglist finds."

 

[JeremyBurke]

....i'd probably buy an older tool or toolbox over a new one almost every time and if you are a little handy this looks like a winner.

This sums up my attitude on most tools I have found and also why I have 2 ford Fairlanes in my garage. 1963 to keep and a 1962 for parts.

 

[zkling]

I think I'd pass personally, and probably go for the HF or even a different box. And don't get me wrong I love the older boxes, I really do, but that one....

Couple reasons
-As said, it is basically Matco's taco wagon, unless you have it in the middle of the floor or as an island you loose valuable space. Otherwise the additional depth of 24" over 18" is really wasted on the back shelves and you get no more drawer storage than you do in a 18" deep box.

-The twin drawer pulls on that with friction slides are really a pain in the rear end to use on a constant basis. Really they should be opened with both handles otherwise it puts undo stress on the slides by canting which.....

-The fair condition, if it has been used much I bet the slides are pretty well worn. Slides for that box are going to be pretty hard to find. You can get the clips all day long, but once a slide or worse the channel wears through you are SOL.

-I did the whole tool box upgrade last year, decided between the new HF 44" bottom or the used route. Went the used route. Ended up with a lot more storage for the $, but it took quite a bit of time looking cleaning, fixing, etc. Knowing what I know now. If I was in the position you were in. I'd probably lean towards the HF44" bottom over that box, at the price point. Or look for another used box.

Just my 2¢

O and one other thing, tis wise to not post live CL ads on the open forum. Sadly there are alot of "snakes" on here. Lived and learned on that one.

 

[JeremyBurke]

Well thanks for all the advice guys. But the seller just wrote. Somebody else just bought it. The search continues. If you have good leads let me know.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[zkling]

I think that worked out for the better honestly

 

[JeremyBurke]

Ok guys I have another one. This time a deal is already struck and I just wanted to confirm before I buy. Is $100 fair for this little proto combo.

Thanks in advance.


My dream is to one day be as funny as I think I am.

 

[drivesitfar]

Jeremy,
your pictures are actually so big you might want to just do an attachment instead of the link. anyway I was able to see your find and good for you for stepping up and buying it before asking about GJ member's thoughts.

if the drawers move in and out ok and are not rusted too bad, I would have paid $100 just for the top box and the bottom box on wheels looks like a winner too.

I hope your tools fit in there or at that price you'll have some money left to go buy another one just like it. you might also post it on the old toolbox thread that has been ongoing for a while now and take a gander at some of the finds the other members have come up with.

 

[Flatland Dave]

Pick up some rollers on the way home after you pick those boxes up.

 

[JeremyBurke]

Pick up some rollers on the way home after you pick those boxes up.

Is there a place or type that you guys would recommend for rollers? I know HF sells them and so does my local woodcraft but I haven't bought those from either place.

Also here are the pics again attached this time.


My dream is to one day be as funny as I think I am.

 

[JeremyBurke]

.....I hope your tools fit in there or at that price you'll have some money left to go buy another one just like it. you might also post it on the old toolbox thread that has been ongoing for a while now and take a gander at some of the finds the other members have come up with.

For now they all should or at least it's close. Plus I like the smaller boxes better since I have a smallish shop now, they are easier too move. Two other pluses. 1)This way I have money left if another deal comes along. 2) I have three boys, I think I need three sets like this one to pass down someday. Heck they can each help me rehab one and get it after graduation from college or trade school or something.



My dream is to one day be as funny as I think I am.

 

[zkling]

I think that is a good deal, considering condition and amount of storage. Hope you got it If so can you take a picture of the drawer slides on the upper box? I think it is a Waterloo built box. The bottom looks like a well built box. Quite a bit of storage with 7 drawers, helps to make up the only "4" drawers on the top box, which still isn't that small of a box.

Agree with you on the 27"x18" being good for a small garage. They are easy to move by yourself without a trailer or low ramp.

Pick up some rollers on the way home after you pick those boxes up.

What do you mean by rollers?

 

[JeremyBurke]

Just picked it up so here are a few more pictures. The bottom is a proto and the top is a NAPA badged box I don't know where to find any serial numbers or how to get the drawers out yet. Literally just got home and had to feed some grumpy adventure-kateers.
The socket holders are in the top chest and the model number is in the top drawer of the bottom box.


My dream is to one day be as funny as I think I am.

 

[JeremyBurke]

A couple more more of the upper box slides.


My dream is to one day be as funny as I think I am.

 

[zkling]

Congrats on the boxes. As usual looks like the sellers pics were a bit flattering to say the least. They should clean up well. Both look well built.

 

[NUTTSGT]

For a hundred bucks, it's a good box to start with or it'll be fine for somebody that doesn't use it often. If you ever sell it, I think you will get your money back out of it.

 

[JeremyBurke]

Thanks for the help guys. I started cleaning it up last night. Will probably finish sometime later in the week. Promise to post pictures as soon as I have it all cleaned up.

Cheers,
Jeremy

 

[JeremyBurke]

Just wanted to give a little update to those that helped me with this.

Here is what the box looks like now after a good cleaning.
013ffb3eb04e6014eafdcaff139edca5a22e74e269 by jeremyjburke, on Flickr

And I got a little friend for it. That looks a little like this.

Vintage Craftsman Front open by jeremyjburke, on Flickr

Vintage Craftsman 3/4 by jeremyjburke, on Flickr

 

[uniballer]

Nice craftsman! Give you 50 bucks if you ship it to me!