Kennedy box...worth it?

[b7labelle]

http://swmi.craigslist.org/tls/3462200678.html

Seller claims 450 new...looks a little rough but ok.

Thoughts before I go blow 45?

 

[joshdc91]

MY dad had a kennedy box growing up. It was a nice enough box, only bummer was all of the smaller drawers. I think they are designed for machinist applications. probably not too bad of a deal for $45 depending on condition.

 

[ScorpionKing5.7]

Thats one sweet box, especially for the money. They go for 100+ on craigslist over here in Chicago. Ive been looking for one. I say go for it try 35 lol

 

[b7labelle]

Thats one sweet box, especially for the money. They go for 100+ on craigslist over here in Chicago. Ive been looking for one. I say go for it try 35 lol

I'm a cheep ***, so my offer will probably be along those lines

 

[b7labelle]

I'm also looking at this other older CM box...its in the first pic on the list

http://kalamazoo.craigslist.org/tls/3466401805.html

 

[hickmlg09]

That looks like a nice box. Kenndy's are nice. What do you think it is worth?

 

[b7labelle]

I really dont know. Does anyone know if these boxes come with ball bearings?

 

[Zrexxer]

I've got a 526 and its a nice box, but be aware that it *is* a machinist's chest and its only 9" deep.

 

[b7labelle]

9" is pretty narrow..........guess I'll pass.

 

[crewchief888]

i'd guesstimate the CM top box is a '70's vintage.

depending on the depth, (12" or 18") and "tools included" it might be worth taking a look at.

 

[helterskelter]

They're friction slides. And the box is meant for end mills, lathe bits and some measuring tools. It's not meant for mechanics tools. And you can put your machinist handbook in the boxy middle drawer. Yes it is worth 45$, I'd buy it.

 

[zkling]

I think it depends on what you want to use the box for...

The kennedys are kinda the gold standard in machinists boxes. I have one of the smaller ones and it is great for cutting tools and the like. The drawers are rather shallow. They are a very well built box though. Only thing I don't like is the small drawer pulls. I replaced mine with standard "loop" handles.

If all the drawers slide good I think it would definitely be worth the asking price.

The craftsman is a nice box, but IMOH a bit over priced. Used tool boxes are kind of a hit and miss thing. I would keep looking unless you need it now. Then again I have been looking for a nice vintage snap on setup for a few years now

May want to go in person and check out the craftsman. See what the in person, cash in sight price is.

 

[Man of Many Vices]

$40 is a steal. Buy it. All those narrow drawers are great for smaller, flatter tools. I use one top and bottom for measuring tools and inspection tools (magnifying glasses, stethoscope, dental picks and medical tools adapted for garage use. A second top and bottom is my "threading" set -- taps, dies, thread gauges, thread files, reamers, heli-coil and thread-sert sets, and cutting tools and bits, etc.

They also make great boxes for hobby tools, Dremel grinders and bits, X-acto knives, scissors, just to name a few.

Kennedy boxes are, however, unsuitable for mechanic hand tools, other than 1/4 inch drive, hex keys, ignition wrenches, etc. It will not stand up to frequent and less than gentle access for wrenches, sockets, ratchets, pliers, etc.

 

[davesnothere]

Id go for the cman over the kennedy. Would want to get it for much closer to $50 though.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I'd be all over it. Lasting quality and not beat. yea.

 

[91bronc300]

40 bucks is probably a decent price for that Kennedy. I would pass on it myself because of the surface rust you can see on it. Redo the felt though and it's a great box for punches and small screwdrivers and the like. I would consider Gerstner the gold standard for machinist boxes over Kennedy but that's just me. Kennedy makes very nice boxes.

The craftsman box is pretty cool but ****-freaking-ugly painted like that. If you can get it a little cheaper and repaint it it would be a sweet box.

 

[Matt018]

I wish i could find a kennedy like that around Philly for that kinda price!

 

[oldtools]

Where I am, I usually get Kennedy tool box for around $15 to $20. Bought four of them for around that price.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I'd buy it!

 

[2oolhound]

Those Kennedys are so rare in these parts this is what I went through to get one (see post #1040 at the bottom, I would have loved that one for that price):

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49743&highlight=kennedy+restore&page=52

 

[91bronc300]

Those Kennedys are so rare in these parts this is what I went through to get one (see post #1040 at the bottom, I would have loved that one for that price):

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=49743&highlight=kennedy+restore&page=52

Dude, great job! But what a rusty mess to start with. I really dig the look of copper against the Kennedy crinkle brown. You did a great job.

I guess I'm spoiled because around here a major employer gets Kennedy boxes for their employees and so older, used Kennedy's show up here kind of regularly. Of course most people still overprice them.

 

[Vegaman_Dan]

Got one at an estate sale for $15 and repainted it (original finish had been ruined with various paint colors applied), set it up for hobby tools in model railroading instead. It won't hold sockets or wrenches, but it's great for needle files, picks, modeling knives, scale rulers, jigs, and other small tools.

 

[Slip_Kid]

I have the same box with the Craftsman logo, great for small tools and drill bits.
I paid about $50.00, well worth it.

 

[uniballer]

Not worth it, 20 max! Those here in pawn shops sell for 20-25, without rust!

 

[Eric Commarato]

definately buy it NOW!!!

 

[NWphotog]

Both of those look ROUGH. I'd hold out for something in better condition.