Craftsman lower box: what's it worth?

[77thor]

I'm interested in this Craftsman lower tool box...

http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/tls/3684570851.html

The guy is asking $150


What do you experts think? good deal or no?

 

[nine4gmc]

It's in pretty good condition. Around here it would be $100-200 so that's a fair asking price imo. Would I pay it, probably not but I would offer $100 for sure.

 

[crewchief888]

looks to be in pretty good shape for it's age, i'd guess '70's

$100 tops, only because it's a 5 drawer, with the open lower compartment.


all depends on the "market" in your area.

around here they'd be asking $500 for it, and wonder why it never sells

 

[zkling]

If it truly is in like new condition (ie. no scratches inside the drawer, NO rust or paint missing). I don't think $150 is bad. However I would feel better in the $120 range.

 

[wornoutoldman]

That is a sweet vintage box that will last a lifetime, myself I'd try to get it for a C-note.

 

[Fordman7795]

I want that box. I need that box. I have the matching top and have been looking for that bottom for awhile. If it was closer to me I would already own it. But I would try to get it for 125 first

 

[RCStocker]

In the past 6 months I picked up a HF 42" with 2 side hang on boxes for $400 and one 9 drawer ball berring Husky for $74 All 4 boxes were as new as you can get. Not a scratch anywhere. That is a well made box and I have sold them for $150 in my second had store that did not look as nice as the one in your photo. $75 great deal. Good deal $100 Fair price $125 to $150. If you need it fine. The drawers are deep and do not really make good mechanics box. It is better for woodworking or power tools. I like the thinner drawers because I can find things and not dig through the pile.

 

[Zeke]

Once roller bearing guides became the norm, I hate the old boxes. I've got that style of box and I wish I had better. I do have 4 drawers split at the middle on top and drawers all the way to the bottom. Load those big drawers up and they are hard to open.

Don't tell me to lube them. They are dripping with grease.

 

[Polski-Chevy]

looks to be in pretty good shape for it's age, i'd guess '70's

$100 tops, only because it's a 5 drawer, with the open lower compartment.


all depends on the "market" in your area.

around here they'd be asking $500 for it, and wonder why it never sells

Agreed, on all counts

To the OP, IIRC the lock on that box only secures the lower compartment not the drawers.

 

[NY_treeguy]

Agreed, on all counts

To the OP, IIRC the lock on that box only secures the lower compartment not the drawers.

Once you drop the lower panel, the drawers lock. Have this one and the 3 drawer version.

 

[77thor]

... The drawers are deep and do not really make good mechanics box. It is better for woodworking or power tools. I like the thinner drawers because I can find things and not dig through the pile.

Very good point that I have not considered... Thanks.

I called the number today and found out that it is a local business (that is closed today), so I'm doubtful that he will be willing to deal at all. We'll see when he calls me back.

 

[Outlawmws]

For that much $$ I'd be watching for a 8-10 drawer (or more) Kennedy or Craftsman. Ditto on the deep drawers not being attractive to me.

 

[zkling]

I don't think the drawers are that deep, barring the bottom one. The top 4 are ~3" deep. Usually when you see a 5 drawer bottom cabinet the drawers are usually deeper than that as they have to stretch and fill the space where the open compartment is on that one. Hence I only look at 6 drawer or 5+space minimums for bottom cabinets. I like the open bottom storage as you can load it with heavy stuff that would otherwise disable he drawers.

 

[emeraldcoupe]

I paid $150 for my whole set w/ keys

 

[Kevin54]

I wouldn't go more than a hundred for it. It's not a huge box and it only has 5 drawers. I bought a Kennedy Machinist roller for $125 a while back that was like new.

BUT....if you need a box, chances are you won't find any better, any cheaper. Low ball him and go from there. Just do a little research, and when you go look at it, make sure you look like you know what you are looking at. Check for any rust, look at the guides, look at the insides thoroughly. Offer him a hundred, but be prepared for $125. You won't be hurt any at that price.

 

[bluebolt]

Since I collect that style of box if it was truly in very nice shape I would pay $150 for it in a heartbeat. I would still try to bargain down to $100 though LOL.

 

[nine4gmc]

I just sold a workbench with those center style drawer pulls bluebolt, I'll keep an eye out for that style for you, maybe we can get some barter items together and meet up one day? I collect the crown top and looking for a few more box styles.

 

[bluebolt]

I just sold a workbench with those center style drawer pulls bluebolt, I'll keep an eye out for that style for you, maybe we can get some barter items together and meet up one day? I collect the crown top and looking for a few more box styles.

Aargh I have been looking for one of those!

 

[77thor]

I stopped to take a look at the box and what a disappointment.

Ad said "like new"... Yeah right!

The guy had to bang on it to get one of the drawers to open. He also removed the tumblers for the lock years ago, so there was no working lock/no keys, a few small dents, and some stickers on the back that he got half removed.

Plus, he would not go below $140 for it.

I walked.

 

[zkling]

Don't you love that. It seems that tool boxes are the #1 over estimated condition item out there. I have went to look at a few that were "in great condition" some of them you couldn't even pull the drawers out with both hands

Good choice. I am sure something better will come along for you, just be patient. The seller will probably be owning that box for quite a while

 

[shephd]

it used to be that milwaukee was full of that kind of stuff so supply was more than demand. been 15 years since I spent much time there tho

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I stopped to take a look at the box and what a disappointment.

Ad said "like new"... Yeah right!

The guy had to bang on it to get one of the drawers to open. He also removed the tumblers for the lock years ago, so there was no working lock/no keys, a few small dents, and some stickers on the back that he got half removed.

Plus, he would not go below $140 for it.

I walked.

He'll find out he's going to have to deal when he can't sell it for anything close to what he's asking. If it was in nice shape, $100 would be a very fair price.

 

[bluebolt]

I would happily pay $150 for a truly like new box, I have to many projects right now to buy an overpriced beat up box. Sounds more like a $40 box at best!