Did Beech Canada make tool boxes for Proto?

[tool_scrounge]

I have been looking for another intermediate tool chest to put on a bench at work to hold hold misc small tools. I ran into a Proto 44106 intermediate (middle) 4 drawer tool box for sale today. I was surprised to see it stamped on the back "Made in Canada". I did find that model in an undated older Proto catalog online. I also saw an Amazon listing now showing it discontinued, but it was first listed there in 2004. In searching around, I did find a listing for a 2 drawer Beech with similar appearance and outer dimensions, so I presume this tool box was made by Beech? I cannot find a late Beech tool box catalogs online for researching it further. Any thoughts?

Overall it is pretty nice. It has friction sliders but they are surprisingly smooth. For small tool storage they should work fine as load capacity is not much of an issue. It still has the chrome handles covered in the factory protective plastic and is in nice condition. So it was never used much. The metal is a little thicker than my vintage Craftsman middle tool box, but not as thick as older Snap-On tool chests.

 

[CGarage]

I thought Waterloo made the boxes for Proto in the past.

 

[matthew]

It’s spelled Beach - named for Russ Beach, not the tree

Stanley did buy Beach. I think commenters have said later boxes are good but not to the (bulletproof) standard of real (pre-Stanley) Beach. But Proto has kept their standards fairly well and would have dictated the spec, so whether Beach or Waterloo built I’m sure it’s good.

 

[mikedodge]

It doesn't look like a beach but could have been made by whoever took them over.
The later Beach ones aren't as good. The metal is thin and the drawers are flimsy compared to the classic ones.

 

[tool_scrounge]

To summarize what I have found:

it looks like Beach Industries built this tool box when they were owned by Stanley (1987-2008) for Stanley's Proto industrial line. It was probably made in the 2004-2008 time range, possibly earlier. Does anyone know if the Proto logo narrows down when it was made?

The outer sheet metal is 19 gauge (odd I know) except for the back which is 22 gauge. The drawers are 22 gauge. Adequate for low profile drawers like this. Of course, sheet metal thickness is only part of what makes up a sturdy tool box. See the 1980s Snap-On top chests for an example of how design effects the stiffness even with thin sheet metal.

I would sure like to see an early pre-Stanley Beach tool box as a comparison, but they are not common in Southern California.

So I cleaned all the components, lubricated the slides with paraffin wax, and waxed the panted surfaces. Overall it turned out pretty nice. I am pleased. It should work well for my not too demanding application.

Thanks everyone for the input.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Looks like a great box!
How much did you have to pay if you do not mind me asking ?
Mid boxes seem more difficult to find and are often $.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Looks like a great box!
How much did you have to pay if you do not mind me asking ?
Mid boxes seem more difficult to find and are often $.

I paid $125 for the Proto mid box. A little more than I wanted to pay, but as you stated middle boxes are not very common forsale by themselves on the used market.

 

[lilredex]

This is the early Beach riser that I always keep an eye out for. Had a lead on one as good as in the picture, but someone got there first. Was ready to offer upwards of $100, as stated they are fairly rare, especially in the 18" depth variety. A B22 is a little easier to find.

 

[JunkNstuf]

To summarize what I have found:

it looks like Beach Industries built this tool box when they were owned by Stanley (1987-2008) for Stanley's Proto industrial line. It was probably made in the 2004-2008 time range, possibly earlier. Does anyone know if the Proto logo narrows down when it was made?

The outer sheet metal is 19 gauge (odd I know) except for the back which is 22 gauge. The drawers are 22 gauge. Adequate for low profile drawers like this. Of course, sheet metal thickness is only part of what makes up a sturdy tool box. See the 1980s Snap-On top chests for an example of how design effects the stiffness even with thin sheet metal.

I would sure like to see an early pre-Stanley Beach tool box as a comparison, but they are not common in Southern California.

So I cleaned all the components, lubricated the slides with paraffin wax, and waxed the panted surfaces. Overall it turned out pretty nice. I am pleased. It should work well for my not too demanding application.

Thanks everyone for the input.

I can’t say when your Proto box was made but I know for sure that the Proto logo was used at the Beach / Stanley plant shortly after Stanley acquired Beach in 1987.
The Proto boxes I’ve seen were not built any better than others with different logos.
The tooling and materials were the same.

 

[JunkNstuf]

)

I can’t say when your Proto box was made but I know for sure that the Proto logo was used at the Beach / Stanley plant shortly after Stanley acquired Beach in 1987.
The Proto boxes I’ve seen were not built any better than others with different logos.
The tooling and materials were the same.