Duplex tool box
- Thread starter Cucvnut
- Start date
They are respectable boxes, a subsidiary of Proto tools. Take a picture of the boxes open and I can probably track down a catalog scan for you.
As for the keys, if you have a local friendly and knowledgeable lock smith it shouldn't be a problem. There is also a member on here that is the resident lock expert if locally can't help. Nice boxes BTW
As for the keys, if you have a local friendly and knowledgeable lock smith it shouldn't be a problem. There is also a member on here that is the resident lock expert if locally can't help. Nice boxes BTW
The 60's catalog I have shows both integrated and bolt on drawer pulls.
alwaysFlOoReD
Well-known member
Remove the dirt
I would start by taking out all the drawers and pressure washing all the nooks and crannies that are behind the drawers. Even just a regular wash with a rag would help.
Scout Driver
Well-known member
Old rust does have an odor, especially in a closed space, but what exactly is the smell? Mold? Mildew? Old grease?
Mold and mildew odors are extremely difficult to remove. Start by killing the source of the odor with Lysol or Tilex or similar products containing bleach. Simple Green and other spray-and-wipe products won't do it.
Whatever you do, you'll have to remove all the drawers and clean them inside and out, and clean the inside of the cabinet. Then leave it all apart for a while in a warm dry place to air out.
When you put it back together, put an open box or tray of baking soda in one or more of the drawers to soak up any remaining odor.
Cope
Well-known member
OP, Years ago I had a Duplex 3 drawer center box, but mine had the rolled over front handles. They're nice boxes.
The front drawer handles look pretty good to me; I'd just go over them with chrome polish or wax. The side handles look like they might have some pitting and tarnish. You could try soaking them in Evaporust, but first make sure Evaporust doesn't eat chrome plating (I don't think it does, but can't remember for sure). Otherwise, I usually just use 4/0 steel wool or a fine (gray or white) Scotchbrite pad, then chrome polish or was after that.
When I get my garage back together I will start the cleaning out of the dirt/grease, Also whats a good recommendation for tool trays for storage with in the drawers ?senlow
Well-known member
Evaporust does not eat chrome. However, it can eat rust that may be underneath the chrome, causing some chrome to peel.
Cucvnut
I'm not sure if you did a search but here you can download an electronic copy of my 1966 Duplex Catalog, you'll find your boxes (1225 and 1216) in the cat along with a price of $133.90 on April 15, 1966 price sheet:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/fqs97bg7jan2zcz/Duplex+1966+Catalogue.pdf
I'm not sure if you did a search but here you can download an electronic copy of my 1966 Duplex Catalog, you'll find your boxes (1225 and 1216) in the cat along with a price of $133.90 on April 15, 1966 price sheet:
http://www.mediafire.com/download/fqs97bg7jan2zcz/Duplex+1966+Catalogue.pdf
Last edited:
The box was indeed made by Duplex Tool out of Fort Smith Arkansas back in the 60's....the company was located on 32nd Street. They went out of business in the early 70's...I know this because I live in the Fort Smith area and my dad worked for Duplex. I have long since lost my tool box from the company but the best I remember, and I was 8 at the time, those boxes had a lock that could be removed by turning a lock washer on the backside of the lock. We replaced ours with one from an office supply store that carried locks...a lock smith might be able to rekey it.
