Craftsman Toolbox Thread

[RTM]

Anyone know a source for replacement latches

I have not found anything that looks factory save for finding a donor box

Penn Elcom sells some nice looking stuff that might be close.

https://www.penn-elcom.com/us/catalogsearch/result/?q=latches+nickel

 

[INSP380]

The first mention I see of Crown is in this ‘60 catalog.
-Don

It’s in the 59…(edited) The aluminum handle ran from 59- 60 in the Crowntop. In 1961 they mention the plastic coated handle.

 

[d42jeep]

Does that mean that ’57 was the last year for the Heritage box or were they offering both at the same time?
-Don

 

[INSP380]

Does that mean that ’57 was the last year for the Heritage box or were they offering both at the same time?
-Don

Yep, as far as I can figure. Been doing a lot of digging for info on my 6512…3 different Heritage tags… Trying to figure out when the Craftsman labeled hardware and the change in the latch happened now. No clear cut info from the catalogs on these, although there are different versions. Down the rabbit hole I go…

Steve

 

[Smokeshow69]

1959 was the first year for crown top badge boxes so I would start in the 1959 catalog if I was researching this

 

[INSP380]

1959 was the first year for crown top badge boxes so I would start in the 1959 catalog if I was researching this

My bad, I thought the 58 catalog I was ref was actually 58, it’s 59… Thank you!!

Steve

 

[Smokeshow69]

My bad, I thought the 58 catalog I was ref was actually 58, it’s 59… Thank you!!

Steve

No worries . Glad to help!

 

[INSP380]

No worries . Glad to help!

Thank you…. The crazy historical files found in space aint always all they’re cracked up to be. A couple year gap makes all the diff. Love the history and the tale they tell. I spent 30 years in QC, I cant help digging for the truth…

 

[AntiqueBen]

I didn't even know where to post this one. I found it at an antique shop.
Really...a vintage Craftsman workbench light?? It even has that hammered paint finish just like the toolboxes.

Anyone ever seen one of these?

 

[Mintgrun]

I didn't even know where to post this one.

You could share it in the vintage work lights thread, or the Craftsman long-C thread.

I have that same lamp, but without the decal. I don't think mine has any sort of branding, but I'll look closer tomorrow and edit this post if it does.

 

[twistedstang]

Cross posted in the long C thread but she's worthy. Yesterdays find.

 

[Smokeshow69]

I didn't even know where to post this one. I found it at an antique shop.
Really...a vintage Craftsman workbench light?? It even has that hammered paint finish just like the toolboxes.

Anyone ever seen one of these?

It’s not a craftsman lamp. Cool lamp but not correct for the long c era.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Cross posted in the long C thread but she's worthy. Yesterdays find.

Dang this a great find! Very well done. I prefer the stamped tag emblem boxes as opposed to the water slide decal boxes personally myself

 

[KMinAF]

Market Place score

 

[d42jeep]

This box was at a moving sale in the Tahoe Keys on Saturday. It was a little newer than what I’m normally interested in but was in good condition. There was quite a high price tag on the lid and when I opened it up it was absolutely full of what looked to be unused US made Craftsman tools. The seller, a gentleman possibly even somewhat older than myself, proceeded to explain to me how US made Craftsman tools were no longer available and that everything now is coming from China. The top section was stuffed with a variety of non Craftsman tools as well. A brief negotiation took place and I ended up carrying several bags and boxes of tools out to my car until the box itself was light enough to carry.
Once home, I proceeded to empty the containers of Craftsman tools back into the box and set the extras off to the side.1/2”, 3/8” and 1/4” drive tools in their drawers. A mixture of Metric and Fractional in both 6 and 12 point, seemingly mostly unused.
Yesterday I started to put the sockets and drive tools together in some order and it seems that all of the original sets are complete.
1/2” drive Metric and Fractional
3/8” drive shallow and deep.
1/4” drive tools, more of the same.
Today I plan to try and figure out all of the various Craftsman tools in the top of the box. There were plenty of interesting non Craftsman tools included as well, some of which I’ve posted in other threads. I assume that the box and Craftsman tools were originally sold together as a set. I briefly checked some catalogs but haven’t spotted this exact set. Here are a couple of the tools in the top.
-Don

 

[d42jeep]

Here are the tools that were in the top of the box.
Nutdrivers.
Screwdrivers and related.
Metric and fractional hex key sets.
Metric and fractional wrench sets.
Pliers.
Big chisel.
Back in the box top.
-Don

 

[Tynee]

Nice find.

 

[d42jeep]

Thanks. The seller included a padlock and key.
I was disappointed to see this Sears adjustable wrench made in China!
Another item I won’t be keeping is this abused knife.
-Don

 

[FSS56]

it’s been a good week wouldn’t you say. The only problem is they are the only ones of these styles I have. Now I’m on the hunt for more of the same. It goes on and on and on…

 

[rust in the eye]

Bought this refugee from the Nixon administration in a weak moment.
This was called "Competition Chest" in the catalog and has a checkered flags badge to prove it.
I'm trying to decide if it merits a paint job. Too bad the Craftsman badge is broken.
EDIT: A boredom induced project. Cleaned all the slides, sanded and painted the exterior and top compartment floor.

 

[LanceMc]

Wow! What a score!

Here are the tools that were in the top of the box.
Nutdrivers.
Screwdrivers and related.
Metric and fractional hex key sets.
Metric and fractional wrench sets.
Pliers.
Big chisel.
Back in the box top.
-Don

 

[LanceMc]

I was working on cleaning up my Craftsman tool chest (box) and found this sales flyer in it.
I could use a 40" intermediate drawer if anyone has one.

 

[Skellyii]

Wow! Nice find!

There is a GJ member who has a 40" Intermediate, that was the first time I knew of anyone that had one.

If I remember correctly, there was one posted on eBay within the last few months, but they wanted crazy money for it.

 

[LanceMc]

Thank you.
I know a member here that has one but he’s not wanting to part with it and I can’t blame him for that.

Wow! Nice find!

There is a GJ member who has a 40" Intermediate, that was the first time I knew of anyone that had one.

If I remember correctly, there was one posted on eBay within the last few months, but they wanted crazy money for it.

 

[genog]

I found this one last summer
Lots of character.......
....and patina



It's since been cleaned up and houses vintage wrench and socket sets

 

[genog]

Another beat up Craftsman toolbox, also kinda ugly and full of patina.....
It too has been cleaned up, and is back to work as my electrical odds-n-ends box

 

[thehorse13]

If anyone is after a 4 drawer intermediate, this guy has one for sale on FB Marketplace in Sterling, VA.

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[2001ZR2]

Cross posted to the Red and Gray thread but here are a couple of stacks I've picked up recently.
From an estate sale and seem to be in good shape. Think I'll clean up and keep the patina. Have the keys but needs a clip for one of the drawer slides.

Love this one with the 12 drawer lower. No keys but a severe mouse infestation so I call this stack the Hanta Hilton. I've removed most of the debris but the previous owner glued Red carpet to the drawers. I've got to remove the glue and carpet fibers that remain as there is still an odor. No keys so I'll need to source them and several clips are missing from the slides. I'm thinking I'll wind up stripping the drawers and repainting.

Top cleaned up but bottom is as found. Since cleaned up. Did also figure out the top two small drawers on the bottom were switched since swapped.

 

[2001ZR2]

Mouse fouled adhesive and carpet remnants before I cleaned the drawer.

About 10 minutes later after acetone, a scraper, and steel wool applied.

Acetone works the best vs Goo Gone or WD-40.

I think the previous owner may have used 3M weatherstrip adhesive. If the adhesive is partial removed its mustard yellow.

But it becoming more and more apparent that a total restore is needed.

Sunset Red for the drawers but which is better for gray?

Hammered Antique Pewter or Hammered Gray?

I understand Hammered Siver is too blue.

 

[BeerSponge]

I picked this set up right after New Years...65262 & 65033 prod. date 1973. Loaded with mechanics tools..Lots of pullers and testers and such... Guessing it lived most of its life in SoCal by the magnets on it. Very little rust on it, all the drawers had liners and work great(and not bent up in the back), minimal scratches but no keys. Was missing the bottom door, though. Still debating if I want to keep it or flip it. I really need some tool storage in my basement. Plus, I love the gray with red drawers.

 

[INSP380]

Started cleaning up this 1957 box. Really great bones on it once I cut thru all the oil and grime. The color has more blue in it then I would have expected… Resto to follow once I finish cleaning… I think…

Steve