Help me choose a Vintage Toolchest

[toasterburn]

I'm moving, old house had a shed and I stored all of my tools on pegboard, new house has a garage so now I need a stylish toolchest to store all of my tools in. (Needs to have small drawers, because I tinker on things and have lots of small specialty hand tools.)

These are the only two for sale locally at the moment (both around $400), which would you choose? Or would you advise I hold out for something else? Never had a toolchest before, so I'm not sure what brands are desirable.

https://scontent-atl3-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/p720x720/156383142_4069588406398579_4484332652945802128_n.jpg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=843cd7&_nc_ohc=2bwXLk1bxKEAX9UNY44&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.**&tp=6&oh=63edade9e36f9b2ee01152c179bf9012&oe=60899DA4

Mac Tools Top Chest. MB Century bottom.

https://scontent-atl3-2.**.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/p720x720/150015296_1319342855111596_5676214207611228876_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=3b2858&_nc_ohc=1c-vTasP8QEAX9A_hZ4&_nc_ht=scontent-atl3-2.**&tp=6&oh=1b19b2d43a09dcde7efecfe61bd85d6c&oe=608C4C86

Kennedy top and bottom.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Sounds like the Kennedy if you like lots of small drawers

 

[FJ 432]

The MBC bottom roller is a solid cabinet. You can't go wrong. The upper MAC box is good, just beat up a bit.

The Kennedy's look in better shape but they will be a disappointment as a standard tool chest.

Personally, I would try for a lower price on your option 1.

 

[DD T/A]

There are folks on here that are true collectors--they set goals for themselve--and are willing to pay good money to achieve those goals. I understand that's just part of being a hobbyist.
However in my opinion you are "needing" a box more than "wanting" a box. If those boxes aren't some kind of specific goal(where you've been looking for such-and-such for years), I'd pass on both.

I hate to be brash but theres no way in hell I'd pay $400 for either of those. Maybe $150. Kennedy is far too little storage space for $400; the MAC might be worth that in better condition, and it has more space.,.......but, a guy who needs space shouldn't be wasting money on paying for the name, which is what you're doing.


If these boxes achieve a goal for you? Do it!

If these boxes give you needed storage space? .....Can you wait?

 

[thehorse13]

There are folks on here that are true collectors--they set goals for themselve--and are willing to pay good money to achieve those goals. I understand that's just part of being a hobbyist.
However in my opinion you are "needing" a box more than "wanting" a box. If those boxes aren't some kind of specific goal(where you've been looking for such-and-such for years), I'd pass on both.

I hate to be brash but theres no way in hell I'd pay $400 for either of those. Maybe $150. Kennedy is far too little storage space for $400; the MAC might be worth that in better condition, and it has more space.,.......but, a guy who needs space shouldn't be wasting money on paying for the name, which is what you're doing.


If these boxes achieve a goal for you? Do it!

If these boxes give you needed storage space? .....Can you wait?

This is the correct answer. They are both way overpriced. There are many nicer vintage boxes out there for far less money.

Search the usual online markets for "vintage tool box" and do it often. They go fast when in good shape and priced right.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

Great advice given thus far. I'll add that I'm in the southeast as well and both of the stacks you posted are overpriced. You can pick up a good vintage stack in the 200-300 range (or less if you're lucky and quick on the draw) if you're vigilant in your search. Good luck and let us know what you settle on.

 

[d42jeep]

I have a similar Kennedy stack in my garage. As others have said, they don’t hold as much volume of tools but they are excellent quality, in my opinion. If you could negotiate a slightly lower price on the Kennedy stack they might be a good starting point.
-Don

 

[WNYflyer]

As others have said, both overpriced so I would pass. Around me there seems to be decent turnover/availability so I'm never in a hurry so I bide my time. That being said I have found my best deals at family run garage/yard/estates sales but then again I am cheap. I have also seen decent deals at professional sales also as long as it doesn't say Snap-on, Mac, Kennedy and such. Not that I need any more tool boxes but I am always on the lookout for the brand names people don't think of as expensive/quality., i.e. MBC, Williams, Proto, JC Penney/Penncraft, RemLine, Wards Powr Kraft, Dayton and many more. More often than not those older boxes/brands were made by the same companies that made the the better known brands.

That being said a lot depends on your local area/market and how much availability there is.

 

[outofbounds]

For Utility, Value and all around good looks in a semi-vintage tool chest stack, you might keep your eyes out for a 1970s Craftsman "Gray/Red" combination. The 9 drawer roller coupled with a 6 drawer top chest (like the one pictured) can usually be found together and are well less expensive than the 10 or 12 drawer top chests which are usually in demand. Where in Alabama are you? If you're not far from Jackson, MS I might have a lead on one for you. Pictures were borrowed from the interwebs for reference.

 

[larry_g]

As a machinist having a lot of small tools and needing small drawers I would go with the Kennedy box. They are made for the small precious tools. Price wise I would suggest that you get on some of the tool vendors sites that cater to the machinists and keep an eye out for Kennedy's that come on sale frequently. You may find that you can go new for a bit more than what you are seeing.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a 7 drawer roller in good condition that was $50.00 at a Nevada estate sale a few years back. Just be patient and look around if you have the time.
-Don

 

[outofbounds]

Here is a 7 drawer roller in good condition that was $50.00 at a Nevada estate sale a few years back. Just be patient and look around if you have the time.
-Don

That's a peach Don! For squeaks and giggles, I just searched up in the OPs area for tools chests, and I have to admit, there really isn't a lot posted at present. Sometimes I take it for granted that everyplace is like Detroit (probably 30-40 Kennedy stacks listed at any particular point in time) but having the industrial heritage here is truly something different than can be seen in other places.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Yes prices vary with availability. Those are both 200 or less around here

 

[drivesitfar]

I’ve seen some amazing vintage toolboxes on here in the last 8 years and if I had space for a roller I’d probably buy that white Blackhawk a member posted that was fully restored. Might be well over $400 but restoring a toolbox not only takes skills it can eat up a bunch of time.

I’d still wait a bit and see if I could find a nicer proto/Mac box cause I’ve seen several in the $600 range occasionally when I’m looking for some tools.

I’m turning this old general fireproofing flat file cabinet into a toolbox cause I like the deep wide drawers so keep your eyes snd options open to other ideas.

 

[bmwrd0]

The Kennedy stack is miles away the better choice in my opinion.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

From his op it sounds like a machinist type set up is what he needs.

 

[65Val]

I like the top one.

 

[drivesitfar]

I also like Kennedy quality cause they do and did make great boxes. that said I can't say i've liked using a machinist box, but i wouldn't turn down a GERTSNER.

another place to look for other options for tools storage is the metal cabinet thread if you haven't seen it and here's the link:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=305350

there is also an ongoing vintage toolbox thread that has a lot of good comments, pictures and choices.

if you've waited this long for a toolbox wait a bit longer and get one you love unless you find a screaming deal that you can sell and get your investment back when the one you love shows up.

 

[ALLFAST]

All great advice and as always, be patient and find a good deal for yourself.

I recently picked up this MBC lower unit for 100 dollars , and it’s missing its bottom drawer/cover. It’s former USAF inventor and its last inventory control sticker was 1974. Its built like an armored car and I LOVE it. Numerous people passed on it (from a multi month CL ad) as it was an ugly duckling and had the missing bottom drawer.

I actually blew it off myself initially. I picked up another toolbox from the seller and the MBC was in the corner of the shop...I went over and checked it out and I was blown away by the quality and size. The photo didn’t do it any justice, and I couldn’t resist it. And I love those style of drawer pulls without the trim.

These are difficult to locate in my area and it suits my needs nicely. I’m debating how to freshen it up. The Waterloo/Lumidor top box I paid $80 for and it’s a great mate to the MBC. For me they were a good buy as I dig the style and era.

As all the veterans have said, just be patient and don’t overpay.

Happy Hunting,

Shawn

 

[Stuart in MN]

Even if they were $10, some people here would say they're overpriced...
I suppose it's location dependent, but either one would be much more than $400 in my area.

 

[toasterburn]

For what it's worth, I'm in the Tuscaloosa, Alabama area. I'm jealous of everyone who has lots of options to choose from; there really isn't a huge second-hand market here for anything interesting. And they usually want a ton of money if you do find what you're looking for. Sometimes I'll drive several hours to a neighboring state if I want something bad enough, but that gets old fast.

 

[slowtwitch73]

I'm in similar boat as you.. goods far and few between and prices generally nuts. Once in a blue moon a real deal comes along.