Help Date a Craftsman Box and Rivet Replacement Help

[demiandvm]

I picked up a Craftsman Heritage 2 drawer box that needs some TLC. When were these produced? I would like to remove the hardware to remove the rust and then remount after painting. I would prefer not to use pop rivets. Does anyone know of a method to use regular rivets to remount the hardware so that it looks more original? I was considering using stainless steel machine screws possibly. Interestingly, the drawer locking mechanism is activated by 2 slides on each side of the box instead of in the back like the grey/red boxes of the 60/70's. Note picture. Thanks for any help.

 

[bonneyman]

I use SS machine screws for my Craftsman box restos. Only thing you have to watch out for is how far in the screw penetrates. Sometimes there's interference issues with other parts.
I'm not personally familiar with that style of box, but I'm sure one of the experts on the forum can date the name plate.

 

[demiandvm]

Thank you for the pictures of your box. I think I will use SS screws too.

 

[ratcheted]

Correct rivets would be semi-tubular. I use a squeezer to install, but can use an air hammer.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Hardware store has those brass hollow stake rivets

 

[1982fxr]

Might be a date on the inside drawer where the logo is.

 

[LB-1911]

Based on logo 50's era

New Sears/Craftsman timeline chart

I know there is a thread for some of this info http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=84807, put up and maintained by Gary Lauver, but I made this up as a way to easily visualize both the Code on the hand tools for the first 50 years, as well as various non-Craftsman trademarks...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[MShaw]

I have used stainless steel button head socket screws. Look very nice. This is on a MW Powr Kraft box I did recently.

 

[demiandvm]

I have used stainless steel button head socket screws. Look very nice. This is on a MW Powr Kraft box I did recently.

Are these screws commonly carried by well supplied hardware stores? Should one ask for button head socket screws?

 

[RTM]

Are these screws commonly carried by well supplied hardware stores? Should one ask for button head socket screws?

My local Ace carries them.

I saw a toolbox resto where they used something that looked like binding post (Chicago bolts, *** bolts in different vernaculars), with super wide shallow heads, and very fine threads. But they were really small, much smaller than any I had seen before. Maybe they were tiny screw rivets for leather. No exposed threads on the back side.

 

[MShaw]

"Are these screws commonly carried by well supplied hardware stores? Should one ask for button head socket screws?"

I got mine at McMaster Carr. Yes they are called button head screws.

 

[demiandvm]

What size did you order for the tool box you restored?

 

[MShaw]

6-32 X 5/16 I seem to remember that on the narrow drawers where the hole was partially in the double thickness material at the corner the screw was barely long enough. If you don't mind the length inside the drawer 3/8 long would be a better choice. In my box one handle hole is elongated to allow for manufacturing errors. I used flat washers under the nuts.

 

[demiandvm]

Thanks. I will try the 3/8 and cut off any excess length with my dremel.

 

[demiandvm]

I hope you don't mind me asking MShaw. I see where the button screws are sold in packs of 100. I only need 15 for my box. Would you have left extra screws that you would want to sell 15-20?

 

[MShaw]

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