Dad wasn't a tool guy...

[lakeroadster]

I inherited my dad's tool box after he passed away in 2012.

I'll bet I was told 1000 times "John, get the tool box". It road on the floor board of every daily driver truck Dad ever owned.

So once I got the tool box home I did a visual inventory of what was in it.

The only consistency is the "Wizard" ratchet, sockets, extensions, etc. The tool box was a "Wizard" tool box, and from what I have researched dates back to the late 1950's. Mom guesstimates they bought it in 1958. Every socket is still there, truly quality made.

 

[creativecars]

Compared to my FIL he was a master mechanic.
It looks like he had a very good assortment of good quality US tools that he needed to get the job done.
Do them proud and use them well, they will last another generation.

 

[Wakefield]

Looks like a DIU repair on the breaker bar hinge pin

 

[Lassen Forge]

That is WAY too cool... everything you need, none of the fluff! Of course, the hard part is figuring out how to get everything back in there!

 

[Infinia]

They cleaned up real nicely. It's amazing the amount and variety of tools he fit in that medium tool box. I reckon there at least 20 lbs in there all fairly decent enough quality.

I d rather have the right tool for the job rather than matching names or handles. I would say your dad was lacking screwdrivers, but saying "he wasn't a tool guy" cuts him way short of the mark, esp. compared to mine.

 

[Roberts210]

I'd say your dad was one heck of a tool guy! You are fortunate to have gotten that great box and set of tools.

 

[1950mercury]

Great story. Use them and remember the good times

 

[malibu101]

I bet the fasteners on the 99 Blazer that he used the 19/32 socket were actually 15MM.
19MM is just +.003" than 19/32.

Great memories for you!

 

[woody 73]

Great Story as I was reading it I was thinking it looks just like the tool box that my Dad had. I just did a story two days back on the Metcoid wrench in your dad's box.

 

[turbowoodworker]

I would say your dad WAS a tool guy. That set looks a lot like what my dad had in his truck. Being a tool guy does not mean collecting a wall full of Craftsman boxes (me), rather knowing how to use what you have and need. By the look of those tools, your dad knew how to use them. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Sonorous]

Compared to my FIL he was a master mechanic.

Speaking of FILs, when my ex and I separated, I had to spend about half and hour and a few cold ones to convince him to take back some of his father's old tools and ancient tool box that had been in my possession for many years to keep them "in the family" (thankfully we hadn't yet started a family of our own). It was nearly as comprehensive as the OP's box, only much older and probably less useful.

The grandfather was a machinist, so in some ways my then-FIL had too many inherited tools, including a bandsaw made from scratch. FIL had himself been a Cat mechanic in the 60's/70's and was not short on tools either - he's been trying to get rid of stuff since I met him!

In the end I convinced him to tuck these into a back corner on the off chance that someone in the next generation wants them, because they'll mean far more to that person than anyone else. Seeing this thread made me happy I persevered.

And don't worry, I put together a very comprehensive and well thought out tool kit for the ex. She even got some Knipex stuff and real big jaw Peterson vise-grips. FIL still sends me thank-you messages every time he visits and uses them. We've all helped someone using crappy or inadequate tools - the rare times that the person in need of help has a decent tool box it's usually been inherited! With a small tool box like that, the sentimental and practical value is almost more about the thought that went into selecting the tools than it is about the tools themselves.

 

[dkroth]

The only consistency is the "Wizard" ratchet, sockets, extensions, etc. The tool box was a "Wizard" tool box, and from what I have researched dates back to the late 1950's. Mom guesstimates they bought it in 1958. Every socket is still there, truly quality made.

Wizard stuff is feckin' awesome. Tough as hell.

That kit you have there is sweet. Don't ever give that up, even if you just keep it on the shelf and look at it from time to time.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

I'd say your dad was one heck of a tool guy! You are fortunate to have gotten that great box and set of tools.

Agreed. ^

It doesn't look like the tools of a tool collector type of tool guy, but a "get the job done" type of tool guy. Tools that are there to do the work. Tools with experience.

 

[Derek420]

He was a tool guy it just didn't take as many tool back then to fix a car like it does today. My dad was a factory maintenance man and raced motorcycles in 70's? And my grandpa drag raced back in the day with big daddy Don Garlets and passed away and my dad got everything. He gave me a cheap setup when I first got in to DIY auto repair like HF and well don't remember as it all got stolen but I'd say 80 pounds worth, a ton of sockets but don't remember a single 1 as they all got stolen and it was 10 yrs and 6 kids ago lol.I to this day have not a single clue what my dad has in his tool box but he is brand savey so id say he has a few gems. I havent talked to him in a year and he lives 2 hrs away we kinda had a falling out over nothing.I'm dying to know what he's got as I love old tools and I'd say my grandpa left some cool stuff. I've used tools out of his box a decade ago and don't recall anything in there because back then a brand didn't matter to me as all I cared about was getting job done, I was blind when it comes to brands but he taught me a little. It would be cheaper if I was still like that... Anyways OP you got a nice wizard set right there and I happen to love that brand I just bought a couple tools by them yesterday and I'd be proud to have those specially if they we're my dads and I doubt I get his tools as I got 2 older brothers.

 

[8comm13]

Like others have said, it looks like he was a tool guy. It looks like he only bought what he needed and good stuff at that. You didn't need at much back then. I remember my dads tool box and it wasn't all that big and I remember him doing 2 motor swaps when I was younger.

 

[Sonorous]

... a "get the job done" type of tool guy.

+1. Case in point: using a 19/32 socket to remove that newfangled 15mm oil drain plug on the 99 Blazer (19/32 is 15.08mm, making it one of the 'better' crossovers/matches).

 

[Bobf]

I didn't see it mentioned but didn't Western Auto sell Wizard tools? When I first moved where I am now there was a Western Auto store and I recall buying several items there.
One was a plastic cased TV for my young daughter (she's 51 now) and the TV still works.

 

[M6erfan]

Looks to me like your dad was a "tool guy". Awesome set there...

 

[jakemac]

Love the story.
My grandfather had a box as well. It was a 1960 Craftsman that was stuffed similarly to your dad's. We always knew when we were going on a trip because that toolbox was the first thing loaded into the trunk of the car every time. No toolbox, no trip. Now, that box is the first thing loaded into my truck when I go to camp.

Keep it just as it is, and carry on the tradition.

 

[dkroth]

I didn't see it mentioned but didn't Western Auto sell Wizard tools? When I first moved where I am now there was a Western Auto store and I recall buying several items there.
One was a plastic cased TV for my young daughter (she's 51 now) and the TV still works.

Yes. It's my understanding Wizard was the house brand for Western Auto made by Indestro. Similar styles, same quality. No doubt they kept millions of cars running all over the US during the '50's, '60's and '70's.

I use the Wizard I've collected from garage sales and auctions on my modern cars all the time.

 

[3baygarage]

Nice setup. on the Wizard.

 

[DSLTRK]

Thanks for sharing. I'm sure you will guard that box with your life! It truly is a memento worth saving.

 

[555]

My Dad was in the hardware business and was not a "tool guy" either. I don't remember him ever working on a car, motorcycle or other equipment. We didn't have a tool box at home until I got interested in fixing my own junk. I remember borrowing a wrench from a neighbor once, after I returned it he told me he bought it from my Dad. LOL!

 

[jd_1138]

That's a nice concise assortment of the main stuff a guy needs to fix 95% or more of the things on a car or around the house.

 

[jd_1138]

My Dad was in the hardware business and was not a "tool guy" either. I don't remember him ever working on a car, motorcycle or other equipment. We didn't have a tool box at home until I got interested in fixing my own junk. I remember borrowing a wrench from a neighbor once, after I returned it he told me he bought it from my Dad. LOL!

Wow, that's unusual. Most hardware store owners are probably tool hounds and would have a full assortment of tools at home.

 

[Tim37]

Funny I have the exact same wizard box that I got out of my grandfather's truck I carry it in the trunk of my car.

 

[toolmutt]

I, too, got some of my dad's tools when he passed away. And I cherish the memories that well up every time I use them. I'm sure you'll do the same.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I have a little 10" maybe 12" long box my Dad kept onthe floor of his trucksthorughthe years. The box got water in it at some point in the past and the tools got fairly heavily rusted. I need to clean them up and this thread motivates me.

 

[Cope]

I didn't see it mentioned but didn't Western Auto sell Wizard tools? When I first moved where I am now there was a Western Auto store and I recall buying several items there.
One was a plastic cased TV for my young daughter (she's 51 now) and the TV still works.

Yes, and they were made by Indestro.

 

[four.cycle]

Pretty fabulous collection there.
I have one of those "Holo-Krome" hex key sets. Pretty slick.

Yes. It's my understanding Wizard was the house brand for Western Auto made by Indestro. Similar styles, same quality.

Correct. Only difference was that the Wizard used the "flat" handle (on the ratchet and breaker bar) and the Indestro (or Duro-Chrome) would have had a knurled round handle (except for some early 1950's models of the 1/2" drive RHFT ratchet and breaker.) Otherwise all exactly the same as Indestro "Super".

 

[Sonorous]

Wow, that's unusual. Most hardware store owners are probably tool hounds and would have a full assortment of tools at home.

I suspect some are tool hounds, but many would treat it like any other business. And just like any business, when that's how you spend your day it's probably the last thing you want to do when you get home.

 

[Pho20]

Wow, that's unusual. Most hardware store owners are probably tool hounds and would have a full assortment of tools at home.

Most(all) of the ones I met will use a screwdriver or socket and put it back on the shelf lol

 

[sberry]

I would say that is pretty good minus a few small sockets. A guy could remove or do engine work to a car and he might not keep a few taps and dies in this box? I am in agreement its a pretty nice set.

 

[Widgeon]

Keep in mind it was a different generation and mindset. Further things were simpler and you made it work with what you. You couldn't go on amazon and order a new set.
Pretty neat set.

 

[amlv20]

That's real cool,my dad is the same way.has an old craftsman 256 piece tool box he bought at Sears long before I was born and added small things over the years.it always has been and still is in the back of his f150,it's the only tools he owns and the only tools in his house.

 

[joel63]

Nice collection.

Use it in good health.

 

[MikeF2316]

I'll agree with the others. Dad was a tool guy. He had what he needed, and in a great little package.

 

[T_Roze]

What a great set. Just the case alone looks like could tell story's of every trip it went on.

Keep it. Use it. And pass it on!


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[Empty Pockets]

Nice tools, reminds me of the tools I inherited from my dad.

Indestrpo Select socket set, with an open gear ratchet, assorted Indestro wrenches, misc CM USA, Mac, SO, and a smattering of HF.

He wasn't a collector, but could fix almost anything.

Think of your dad when you use those tools and enjoy them