Beach Industries Tool Cheat

[pracydna]

Beach Industries Tool Chest

Hello everyone, I’m new here and wanted to get some insight on a purchase I made at an online auction. I didn’t really need it but found it interesting and unique at how the drawer layout was and how extremely well-built it was, so decided to bid on it. Ended up paying 400.00 for it. Can anyone give me any insight into this box? Never heard of this company but man is it very well made. I own 2 snap on boxes and I have to say, this is built better than both of my snap ons. I’ve attached some photos for reference and any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Beach of Smith Falls, Ontario .Very common in Canada, either as a Beach, Gray, or Canadian Craftsman.The earlier ones were indestructible, later ones got thinner gauge . The biggest compliant was they only used half a dozen patterns for the keys.

 

[pracydna]

Beach of Smith Falls, Ontario .Very common in Canada, either as a Beach, Gray, or Canadian Craftsman.The earlier ones were indestructible, later ones got thinner gauge . The biggest compliant was they only used half a dozen patterns for the keys.

The keys were actually in it, along with some random misc tools. Looks like it belonged to a machinist or something. I'd say it's more than likely one of the old ones because the drawers are extremely heavy and well-built. The chest itself has to weight 150lbs or more.

 

[Dave455]

I’ve got a Beach box as well, bit smaller than yours but I suspect similar vintage.

Yes, well built and nicely finished. I’d never heard of Beach when I bought it, but it was obviously decent so I went for it.

Mine was dead reasonably priced as few here have heard of Beach!

If I ever saw another for sale I’d grab it straight away!

Like the pattern of the one you found. Very usable!

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Naw, it's a double with square corners. Stanley/Proto bought out Beach, so it could be from that time.

 

[pracydna]

Guys, looks like I may need a little help. The keys I found do not fit the locks. They slide in easily but do not turn the tumbler. The number code on the lock itself is 1474. Seems to be a nicer lock system than most, but I can't figure out what company made it. Would any of you have some advice for me as far as finding a key for it?

 

[pracydna]

I’ve got a Beach box as well, bit smaller than yours but I suspect similar vintage.

Yes, well built and nicely finished. I’d never heard of Beach when I bought it, but it was obviously decent so I went for it.

Mine was dead reasonably priced as few here have heard of Beach!

If I ever saw another for sale I’d grab it straight away!

Like the pattern of the one you found. Very usable!

Thanks Dave and yes, that's what intrigued me about it when I saw it online. I was drawn to it lol. I'm with you though, If I ever find another Beach toolbox I'll buy it whether I need it or not.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

I've lost my keys a few times, I have a couple of Beach toolboxes, the locks come out easily, and the hooks bolt on the back. A locksmith will sell you new tumblers, and maybe you can even get modern double cut keys.

 

[lilredex]

That is one of the most desirable Beach boxes, a B97.

More of the Beach story here:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272670

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=176405

 

[Farleyfan]

Very nice Beach you have, I really like the drawer layout !
And Welcome to GJ. What a great way to start out here !

 

[landrover bodger]

i also have a beach box i think its the B89 model i have had it since the mid 80s . its a good strong box . sadly beach are no more they closed down a few years ago

 

[pracydna]

I've lost my keys a few times, I have a couple of Beach toolboxes, the locks come out easily, and the hooks bolt on the back. A locksmith will sell you new tumblers, and maybe you can even get modern double cut keys.

Thank you for the information Downwindtracker!

 

[pracydna]

That is one of the most desirable Beach boxes, a B97.

More of the Beach story here:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272670

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=176405

Ok, this is a pretty amazing find then. Wow, totally wasn't expecting this. So glad I found this forum. Thank you guys so much!

 

[pracydna]

Very nice Beach you have, I really like the drawer layout !
And Welcome to GJ. What a great way to start out here !

Farleyfan, thank you and Chris Farley is a common name brought up on our household. We're all diehard Farley fans may he RIP! There will never be another like him.

Thank you for your greeting!

 

[lilredex]

i also have a beach box i think its the b89 model i have had it since the mid 80s . Its a good strong box . Sadly beach are no more they closed down a few years ago

Here are the B89 specs......

 

[soon a beach]

Guys, looks like I may need a little help. The keys I found do not fit the locks. They slide in easily but do not turn the tumbler. The number code on the lock itself is 1474. Seems to be a nicer lock system than most, but I can't figure out what company made it. Would any of you have some advice for me as far as finding a key for it?

if you can take just the lock down to a lock smith I am sure they will make you one that fits good luck

 

[Splitfuse]

That is one of the most desirable Beach boxes, a B97.

More of the Beach story here:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272670

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=176405

Newbie here. I have a B97 with a 26" wide top (model # ???) and smaller cantilevered box on the left side (model # ???). I would really like to know what era or year these 3 pcs are from if there’s any way to tell. Are there any distinguishing features for the B97, top box and side box that couple help narrow down the year?

I have studied this forum and every conversation about the B97 including the B97 product brochure but don’t see too much clarity on model year ranges. I’m guessing they’re from the 80s at the oldest and most likely newer (90s?) as the stamped ridges in the cover are straight, not rolled down. Another observation is that the slides are lighter duty (see pic) than my fathers Beach from the 70s. There’s also paper Beach decals on all three pcs plus the Made in Canada stickers that I’m unsure would have survived 40yrs even in the best of conditions. Casters are Faultless if that helps.

Anyhow, any help on narrowing down the year or year range would be much appreciated.

 

[mikedodge]

Wow they look like new.
There's no real way that I know of to tell the age. The keys changed at some point but the locks could easily be changed too. They all had the sticker on the bottom. The older ones don't have the made in Canada sticker.

 

[lilredex]

Welcome to the forum.

That side box is a B-64, a rather rare item. I have one after many years or searching. Beach made boxes for at least 30 years maybe starting in the sixties, I believe. They all look pretty much the same, so no help here.

Bargain**Beach Hanging Side Box B64 in Victoria

Any Beach fans in Victoria need to jump on this bargain.....a B64 for $20. http://www.usedvictoria.com/ReportSelectUsedAdPhoto2?used_ad_id=29207501&position=2&hb=1 Ad picture first, and my file picture second....sure looks like a B64.

www.garagejournal.com

 

[matthew]

I have a Summers Mfg. hand box. When I searched for info I found that Russ Beach bought Summers in the ‘40’s or early ‘50’s.

Don’t know when they started making the B series roller boxes, but they made them for many years. I can’t say with certainty, but I think the ones with decals are older than the ones with riveted on logo, on the basis of comparing my dad’s box with my grandfathers. I’d have to guess gramps box was late ‘60’s or early ‘70’s, and dads is likely early ‘80’s.

I haven’t seen them in person, but later boxes sold under the Beach brand show up in local classifieds every once in a while. They don’t look the same, and I suspect they’re just Stanley or Proto. Better off getting a real Beach.

 

[lilredex]

More info on Beach history.

People of Smiths Falls –Russ Beach

Russ Beach saw his steel- box factory in Smiths Falls in the 1952 burn to a shambles in a $150,000 fire. When the fire struck he wasn’t sure whether he should rebuild in Smiths…

lindaseccaspina.wordpress.com

 

[Splitfuse]

Thanks guys! Glad to be part of the Beach family after working out of my dad’s Beach boxes for years growing up.

What would the correct model # be for that 26" top? Thanks for confirming the smaller B-64 as it’s nice to know exactly what I’ve got here.

 

[mikedodge]

B29. I have the same but the Craftsman version.

 

[Splitfuse]

Does anyone know if the B29 and B97’s were ever painted with water based paint? Based on the vintage I’d expect oil based but looking to confirm as I had a slight red tinge to my water after gently wiping down w soap (mothers car soap) and water.

 

[rancherbill]

Beach of Smith Falls, Ontario .Very common in Canada, either as a Beach, Gray, or Canadian Craftsman.The earlier ones were indestructible, later ones got thinner gauge . The biggest compliant was they only used half a dozen patterns for the keys.

They were also private labeled for Canadian Tire as Mastercraft.