I picked up this junked out toolbox from a garage sale for $20. The guy told me that it was an old craftsman box. All I could tell was that the toolbox was older and therefore likely USA made. Needing a toolbox to stack on top of my kobalt branded box (clearance from lowes) this was a bit of a no brainer.
Shortly after purchasing it I decided to attempt a restoration. I was able to inspire myself by the other restorations found on this forum. I knew this would be a bit of work since the box was dirty and had paint-brushed black over the original red paint… oh and painted words so you know where to put your tools. I'm not a professional mechanic nor have I ever tried a restoration on metal quite like this. I hoped that the box would turn out to be something that was worth the time invested into it.
I began by pulling out all of the drawers and slides. I believe these are friction slides (no ballbearings)? I noticed that two of the slips were missing and the previous owner tack-welded part of the slide so it’s somewhat functional. I would really like to find a couple replacement clips so that the drawers slide correctly.
On a side note, I did find a 17mm S-K wrench in the bottom of the box... along with an old hornets nest!
Time to strip the old paint off. I’m using a combination of abrasion and chemicals. The lid has a pretty good layer of rust that needed to be grinded off down to the metal.
Upon stripping the paint off even further I was able to determine that this was indeed a Blackhawk toolbox rather than a craftsman. This box was made in 1978.
I shot a coat of primer on the lid first. This made me feel like I actually accomplished something. This picture was taken after I did a little wet sanding on the primer. Another coat of primer followed.
I shot a coat of primer on the outside of the box after stripping the rest of the paint.
Now this is how the box sits today. I need to clean all of the drawers, prime, and paint. I also need to clean the top of the toolbox and paint. I'll try to post pictures as I get closer to finishing the box.
Shortly after purchasing it I decided to attempt a restoration. I was able to inspire myself by the other restorations found on this forum. I knew this would be a bit of work since the box was dirty and had paint-brushed black over the original red paint… oh and painted words so you know where to put your tools. I'm not a professional mechanic nor have I ever tried a restoration on metal quite like this. I hoped that the box would turn out to be something that was worth the time invested into it.
I began by pulling out all of the drawers and slides. I believe these are friction slides (no ballbearings)? I noticed that two of the slips were missing and the previous owner tack-welded part of the slide so it’s somewhat functional. I would really like to find a couple replacement clips so that the drawers slide correctly.
On a side note, I did find a 17mm S-K wrench in the bottom of the box... along with an old hornets nest!
Time to strip the old paint off. I’m using a combination of abrasion and chemicals. The lid has a pretty good layer of rust that needed to be grinded off down to the metal.
Upon stripping the paint off even further I was able to determine that this was indeed a Blackhawk toolbox rather than a craftsman. This box was made in 1978.
I shot a coat of primer on the lid first. This made me feel like I actually accomplished something. This picture was taken after I did a little wet sanding on the primer. Another coat of primer followed.
I shot a coat of primer on the outside of the box after stripping the rest of the paint.
Now this is how the box sits today. I need to clean all of the drawers, prime, and paint. I also need to clean the top of the toolbox and paint. I'll try to post pictures as I get closer to finishing the box.
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