Identify This Craftsman Box?
- Thread starter tlowery04
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Outlawmws
Well-known member
I'm pretty sure that is mid to late 70's, possibly later, and also pretty sure it is the direct descendant of this set, from '73. 33" wide basically, and yes, if you can find a set jump on it. Pro level construction and probably can't be beat by much of anything less than a good grade of truck box...
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VinDSL
Well-known member
Now, that's funny!
I have that exact same set of boxes at my house... complete with the little lift-out tray.
Actually, I have 4 rollers at the house, but that's one of them.
Sears doesn't sell boxes like that any more. Probably the closest thing are the boxes they sell at Lowes (whatever they call them - Kolbalt I think). They're made by Waterloo (last I checked) and are about the same quality and price as the old Sears tool boxes.
VinDSL
Well-known member
Well, isn't that curious?!?!? Just did a little checking...
SOURCE: http://www.google.com/finance?cid=1180269 (Google Finance)
Guess that's the source of the similarity, eh what?
SOURCE: http://www.google.com/finance?cid=1180269 (Google Finance)
Guess that's the source of the similarity, eh what?
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Similarity in the past. Not sure how true that statement still is, but If Waterloo is still involved (With either Sears or Kobalt) , They have outsourced and the box quality has dropped substantially. I have a Waterloo built Husky, and apparently it was one of the last reasonably well built boxes in the big box three of Lowes, HD and Sears.
The ONLY box I saw on a recent (last Dec) tour of all three, the best of the bunch was a 27" top/bottom Gladiator at sears. I wouldn't consider any of the others, including the "Pro" boxes on display. Sears shows the Montezuma boxes in their website, but I did not see any at my Sears, (and truthfully that was exactly why I went) So that may be an exception.
I also stopped at HF and I had to admit the HF pro level box was impressive. My main gripe with their extra wide boxes is shared wit nearly all the maker/sellers of extra wide boxes. The drawers are too deep, and there are not enough of them for the size.
Square inches matters more than cubic inches for tool storage.
The stack on the OP of this thread is an great example of a good box. look at the bottom box in particular. 9 drawer deep. do you know how rare that is? My husky is 9 deep (11 total count, the top two are half width drawers), and I looked EVERYWHERE to find it. (I was not yet doing much on line shopping then)
Even at that, I'd be happier if the bottom deep drawer were two at half that height...
The ONLY box I saw on a recent (last Dec) tour of all three, the best of the bunch was a 27" top/bottom Gladiator at sears. I wouldn't consider any of the others, including the "Pro" boxes on display. Sears shows the Montezuma boxes in their website, but I did not see any at my Sears, (and truthfully that was exactly why I went) So that may be an exception.
I also stopped at HF and I had to admit the HF pro level box was impressive. My main gripe with their extra wide boxes is shared wit nearly all the maker/sellers of extra wide boxes. The drawers are too deep, and there are not enough of them for the size.
Square inches matters more than cubic inches for tool storage.
The stack on the OP of this thread is an great example of a good box. look at the bottom box in particular. 9 drawer deep. do you know how rare that is? My husky is 9 deep (11 total count, the top two are half width drawers), and I looked EVERYWHERE to find it. (I was not yet doing much on line shopping then)
Even at that, I'd be happier if the bottom deep drawer were two at half that height...
VinDSL
Well-known member
Depends on what you're using it for, I suppose.
I *need* at least one really deep drawer for storing aerosol cans upright (spray bottles, etc) and air hoses, bundles of rags, and so forth.
One way I judge the quality of a tool box is if the drawers allow you to install a second set of rollers (for additional weight). The number of drawers is incidental to me.
Different strokes, eh what?
I *need* at least one really deep drawer for storing aerosol cans upright (spray bottles, etc) and air hoses, bundles of rags, and so forth.
One way I judge the quality of a tool box is if the drawers allow you to install a second set of rollers (for additional weight). The number of drawers is incidental to me.
Different strokes, eh what?
VinDSL
Well-known member
Picked this at random, to show you what I'm talking about (dual ball bearing sliders)...
Good quality boxes will either have dual ball bearing sliders on the big drawers already installed, or at least have the cutouts to accept them, if you want to install them at a later time.
Good quality boxes will either have dual ball bearing sliders on the big drawers already installed, or at least have the cutouts to accept them, if you want to install them at a later time.
dodge610
Well-known member
I use to have that same set of sears boxes years back traded them in for my Matco triple bay. Wished many times I would of kept them and paid the extra money on my matco box. loved them boxes.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Depends on what you're using it for, I suppose.
I *need* at least one really deep drawer for storing aerosol cans upright (spray bottles, etc) and air hoses, bundles of rags, and so forth.
One way I judge the quality of a tool box is if the drawers allow you to install a second set of rollers (for additional weight). The number of drawers is incidental to me.
Different strokes, eh what?
Yep, different strokes, however, considering the cost of tool box space, I'd rather use much cheaper alternatives for consumables, and bulk items. A cabinet on the side of the box (if you absolutely need it to stay with the roller) seems to me to be a much more economical storage solution than expensive drawer space. Maybe even a hook or spool on the side for the air hose. For non tool items I try to...
Wait for it...
"think outside the box"
(Pun intended! 
)blueflame6
Well-known member
blueflame6
Well-known member
Yes, hammered grey, the paint is original except for the top. When I got it about 32 years ago it needed TLC.......nice box.....
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Blueflame, that was my first "real" tool box. It finally got too heavy for taking to the race track, and I replaced it with a Kennedy 2 drawer intermediate, and 6 drawer top. much more manageable in and out of the back of a PU.
I hated how the wrenches were always scattered all over after a trip in the truck, so I made pins from, progressively larger stuff, from metal rod drilled on one end and pop riveted in place, all the way through segments of hard wood dowels and broom stick screwed and glued with "Gorilla Snot" 3M adhesive. Problem solved.
I wound up giving to to my buddy, who still has it and still uses the pins in the wrench drawer.
I hated how the wrenches were always scattered all over after a trip in the truck, so I made pins from, progressively larger stuff, from metal rod drilled on one end and pop riveted in place, all the way through segments of hard wood dowels and broom stick screwed and glued with "Gorilla Snot" 3M adhesive. Problem solved.
I wound up giving to to my buddy, who still has it and still uses the pins in the wrench drawer.
racerbob4
Well-known member
We have two of the top boxes and one of the bottom boxes all were bought at different times. One of my top boxes was purchased more than 35 years ago and the bottom box purchased about 30 years ago.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Compare the pics and catalog pics (catalog was 73) and the pic of Blueflame's 10 drawer. The 10 drawer was from their standard lineup. The others were "sears best" and probably were drawn on for later designs of their std lineup but without the extra beef and width...
You guys are making me show my age here.
I have the bottom chest in the pic the OP posted.
I've had it since 1980, bought it from a Sears store that was moving to a new building
It cost a small fortune in 1980 $$ and it is still in 100% working condition. I've kept it loaded heavy since I bought it.
One of the best purchase I've ever made in my tool life and I can't express how disappointed I was when I went to buy another from Sears. They still have the same box (catalog number only), it's thinner metal, it's a ton lighter and feels like it's made from beer cans... chinese beer cans.
I have the bottom chest in the pic the OP posted.
I've had it since 1980, bought it from a Sears store that was moving to a new building
It cost a small fortune in 1980 $$ and it is still in 100% working condition. I've kept it loaded heavy since I bought it.
One of the best purchase I've ever made in my tool life and I can't express how disappointed I was when I went to buy another from Sears. They still have the same box (catalog number only), it's thinner metal, it's a ton lighter and feels like it's made from beer cans... chinese beer cans.
cruiser808
Well-known member
cbacres
Well-known member
So apparently they don't make a box like this anymore, but it has to be one of my favorite craftsman boxes I have seen. Does anyone know anything about it or possibly someone who makes something similar?
This is the exact box (less the center section) that I started with. I want say I bought it in 86 or so. I'll look to see if I canfind a model #
Been a good box, it's slam full, overloaded on some drawers.
It's being handed down to my son as I'm upgrading to my MAC Tech 1000.
My favorite thing about it is the multible drawers that allows separation of screwdrivers, pliers etc. Sometimes it's just nice to fling open smaller drawers looking for a tool.
Like Outlaw said, its the area that I think matters, not how deep a hole you have to fill.
I get the best use of space with more shallower drawers.
You do need so depth and cabinets for bigger things though.
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BigAl62
Well-known member
Scratch that, I bought a cheap roller and s work station last weekend and my dad wanted to know if I had 10 of everything yet. Still looking for a new box but have these two overflowing right now
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bobcatdan
Well-known member
I would agree early to mid 90's. The new 26" are in general pretty junky. Pro's don't use them much and the flood of cheap imported bigger box has hit the home market. Most 26" are going to be waterloo no mater what the name tag says. If I wanted a new 26" box, Kennedy would be the only place I would look. SO still has 26", but I'm not paying new SO price for a 26". Proto and SPG International make 26" boxes. Thats about it for something decent new. Keep looking, something uesd will come along.