info about this snap-on kr 531 tool chest

[jmcolumbus]

hello. i am new to the forum, mainly joined because this is one of the only places i saw online with a fellow who had one of these boxes that he restored. i picked this one up at an auction, and can find really nothing online about it. it appears to be the full sized version of the mini boxes that are quite collectible. it is stamped KR 531, and i think it was manufactured in '71, but kind of a guess. i have no key for the lock, but i understand those can be gotten. the little lever for propping up the lid is broken and bent, i assume i would need to cut or drill out the rivets to weld it and straighten it if i were to go so far with this. lid stays open when box is on a level surface just fine without it. there is some surface rust in the top drawer, which has starting some pitting, but still solid in these spots with no through holes. i have a few good tool boxes, so mainly i guess i am after a fair value for resale. if not worth much more than what i paid, will probably keep it for personal use, but i know there are those collectors out there who love snap-on products. any thoughts?

 

[jmcolumbus]

some additional pictures of the same box

 

[zkling]

Yes it was made in '71, hence the 71 at the end of the made in USA line.
You can order the lid support pieces from snap on, same parts were used on the KR537, 637 and others.
You can order a key from snap on's lock company or through Ebay if it is a Y series lock for ~$7 a pair.
What did you pay for it? What do you think it is worth?

Thoughts? It's nice to follow a period with a capital letter.

 

[jmcolumbus]

not really sure on value, hence my coming on here. was thinking probably in the $80-$100 range due to condition. i got it for $40 full of stuff, mostly a bunch of old nuts bolts, washers, etc. got a few usable tools from it, a 6" snap on ruler, a nice snap-on box emblem which i currently have up for auction on ebay ( current bid is $22.50, photos included of it), a few tootsie toy metal trucks, some feeler gauges, a vintage arm patch from the local sportman's club ( evans city) other assorted odds and ends.

 

[crewchief888]

i'm sure someone would give ya $75-$100 for it, if not more....


all depends on your local area and pricing....

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I'm going to assume I'm the fella you were referring to who restored the 531. I would put the value on yours between $50-100. I really like mine, it's a very well built box. I think you're better off keeping it and restoring it. Even with minimal work and a respray it would look nice.