Help with Identifying Maker of Old Toolbox

[GregsRetroGarage]

I found this old toolbox kicked to the curb and wondered if someone could identify who made this? Is it worth saving??? It is missing paint and rusty but fairly straight and the drawers function well also. Thanks for any help!

 

[Packard V8]

Looks sorta like a Snap-on KR-53 from here. Did you look on the back for the stamped date code and model number?

I'd scrub it down with Scotchbrite and WD40 and put it to work.

jack vines

 

[LB-1911]

Compare what you have to the various photo's @
Snap On box resto KRA-53 *finished*


Thanks for the lead Jack.

 

[GregsRetroGarage]

Looks sorta like a Snap-on KR-53 from here. Did you look on the back for the stamped date code and model number?

I'd scrub it down with Scotchbrite and WD40 and put it to work.

jack vines

Jack...I will check the back for a stamped date code/model number. Seems like it would have rivet holes on the front for the badge if it were Snap On but I am not an expert. I will check it out in more detail and let you know. Thanks!

 

[GregsRetroGarage]

I checked the box and it does not scream Snap On like they usually do. Not stamp mark, serial # or anything. There is a oval shaped indention on the front left cover panel that looks like a badge of some sort was there at some point...no rivet holes. You can see the indention of the oval from the rear of the panel as well. The box is definitely well made but I do not think it is a Snap On. Granted it does look like a version of the KRA-53 but that oval area has me wondering...Craftsman???

 

[Cope]

KRA-53 has a different top till arrangement. That looks like a Duplex, or maybe the logo was Dayton.

 

[ganymede]

That one handle on the lid looks Waterloo but the drawer pulls do not.
Weird.
Any markings inside the top compartment esp the left side ?

 

[thehorse13]

What you have there is a 1960s Williams (Snap-On) box. I have the same one.

 

[GregsRetroGarage]

What you have there is a 1960s Williams (Snap-On) box. I have the same one.

Now that is cool!!! Do you have any other info about this toolbox?? Did Snap on make it for Williams or were they one and the same. I have never heard of Williams. Thanks again for your help!!

 

[thehorse13]

Now that is cool!!! Do you have any other info about this toolbox?? Did Snap on make it for Williams or were they one and the same. I have never heard of Williams. Thanks again for your help!!

Williams is a Snap-On brand. Snap-On outsourced tool box manufacturing to sub contractors who then simply pasted on the brand emblems. A lot of times, you'll see identical boxes and tools with the only difference being the name stamped on the item. Sometimes there are minor finish differences, etc.

Bluepoint and CDI are other Snap-On brands. We have experts here on the site who can provide you much more information than I have.

You have a great box. If you decide to restore it, you'll discover that the decal is no longer available. I had a local sign shop make me a set of identical factory Williams decals using the originals. They kept the template under my account so they can make more. I will gladly pass that info to you in a PM should you want it. The decals cost around 6 bucks.

 

[Cope]

Williams is a Snap-On brand.

But not when that box was made.

 

[thehorse13]

Yea, I know. Even so, one of the large box manufacturers made the box, not the brand name on the label.

 

[Cope]

Yea, I know. Even so, one of the large box manufacturers made the box, not the brand name on the label.

Agreed.

 

[GregsRetroGarage]

Williams is a Snap-On brand. Snap-On outsourced tool box manufacturing to sub contractors who then simply pasted on the brand emblems. A lot of times, you'll see identical boxes and tools with the only difference being the name stamped on the item. Sometimes there are minor finish differences, etc.

Bluepoint and CDI are other Snap-On brands. We have experts here on the site who can provide you much more information than I have.

You have a great box. If you decide to restore it, you'll discover that the decal is no longer available. I had a local sign shop make me a set of identical factory Williams decals using the originals. They kept the template under my account so they can make more. I will gladly pass that info to you in a PM should you want it. The decals cost around 6 bucks.

Thank you for all the info! I am going to knock off the dobber nests, sand what is left of the paint smooth and hit it with some matte clear. I will post pics as I move along. Thanks again!

 

[MShaw]

It looks similar to an MBC box I bought new in 1962. MBC had made Snap on boxes until about 1960 per the Snap on dealer I bought it from. Snap on had just started making their own boxes and he liked the MBC quality better.

At least that was the story I got.

 

[thehorse13]

Here is an actual MBC branded box. You'll notice that the box looks almost the same as yours. They made boxes for a lot of different brands, including the Williams box that you and I box have.

 

[Toothaker]

Everyone else is too nice. Here's your "you ****" for finding such a nice toolbox that was kicked to the curb.

 

[ALLFAST]

Yes, one fools junk is definitely treasure in this case....that's in good shape from where I sit !

 

[RStewart]

Is that the Huot oval on the cover? Or did I miss the definitive answer?
Yes I did.

 

[GregsRetroGarage]

Everyone else is too nice. Here's your "you ****" for finding such a nice toolbox that was kicked to the curb.

Ha!

 

[snowpro90]

Heres a before and after pics of my similar 1965 Williams tool box.