Gray Tool Chest. Drawers won't open when lid is closed?

[Mr_Pacman]

I recently purchased a Gray Tools Pro Series tool chest (along with a cabinet).

When the top lid of the tool chest is closed, the drawers won't open. It's supposed to be this way according to the manual.

My problem is, I have wall mounted storage cabinets that sit a few inches above the lid on the tool chest, which won't allow it to open more than an inch or so. Unfortunately, the lid needs to be wide open for the drawers to unlock.

The manual isn't overly descriptive. Has anyone ever found a way to remove the locking system so the drawers will open when the lid is closed?

Thanks
James

 

[The Cobbler]

there must be a mechanical rod that activates with the lid. look for a way to disable it or remove it

 

[srmofo]

you can also try opening the lid, opening all drawers, then shutting lid, then closing drawers.

Although with this method the drawers might stick out a little.

 

[Mr_Pacman]

you can also try opening the lid, opening all drawers, then shutting lid, then closing drawers.

Although with this method the drawers might stick out a little.

I tried that and it didn't work.

I think I'm going to have to try and remove the rod as Cobbler suggested.

If anyone has ever done this before, I would appreciate some guidance as I'll probably end up wrecking something if I try myself.

Thanks,
James

 

[softailgarage]

I agree with Cobbler, theres a rod thats either at the rear or both sides. I have a Napa cart like that, doesn't bother me cause I know why it was made like that, keeps it from dumping over cause too many drawers are open or out.

 

[Super Sport]

I've pulled the lock rod out of my Craftsman chests. They just had a hinge pin that I punched out, and then pulled the lock rod up and out. Not sure if yours will be the same design or not...

 

[top drive]

remove all the drawers and look at whats doing the locking at the back - remove by any means.

Ive got a pair of cheapo 5 drawer units in my workbenches i keep meaning to do this too.... they only let one drawer at a time open to stop it tipping.

if it can tip my workbench without what evers in it falling through the bottom of the drawer ill eat my workbench.

 

[Mr_Pacman]

Thanks for all of the replies.

I'm not overly concerning about the top chest tipping over as the drawers are friction slides, not ball bearing, and it requires a bit of effort to pull them open. So I don't think there is much chance of one drawer opening on it's own, and that shifts weight, causing the other drawers to open (I've read a few threads on here where that has happened).

I'll pull out some of the drawers and have a look. Perhaps I can simply disconnect the locking rod.

Thanks
James

 

[Cword]

Remove the lid.
If it only lifts an inch you can't use the top tray anyway. Removing it will allow use of the top tray and drawers.

 

[Mr_Pacman]

Remove the lid.
If it only lifts an inch you can't use the top tray anyway. Removing it will allow use of the top tray and drawers.

I guess I never thought about that option, but you are right, it would give me access to the top tray as well.

I'll have a look at everything this weekend and see what I can come up with.

Speaking of chests toppling over, is it ok just to have the top chest sitting on the cabinet or it is best to try to bolt them together?

Thanks
James

 

[MackMan]

I've always just set the top box on the bottom... As far as I know that's the normal way to do it.