Kennedy versa cart drawer fix

[RJSenn]

I recently won a Kennedy versa cart from a local auction and when I picked it up the ball bearing drawers were opening on their own. I searched many places and didn’t find a solution. I pulled a few drawers off their rails and noticed black rubber chunks in some of the drawers and in the bottom of the box. After searching on Kennedy’s site I discovered these were rubber detents that the drawer slides slip into to secure the drawers. Ordered about 20 and popped them on. Instant fix! Also had to remove the lock to get the code which was a PITA. But a cheap fix through easy keys. Unfortunately both boxes do not use the same key !!! So I get to take that one off as well

 

[1982fxr]

Don't see many of those with ball bearing slides, nice score.

Some guys put magnets on the back of the drawers and the inside back of the box when replacement parts aren't available.

 

[RJSenn]

yes, I agree. I had been looking for a brown kennedy roller to use with my small machinest chest. This one came up and although I didn't need both boxes, it was local and looked to be in good shape. To be honest, I didn't see it in person until I picked it up. I was pleasantly surprised it had ball bearing slides. While looking for a fix to the slides, I saw the thread on the magnet use. Hopefully the new detents are enough. They are tight enough that you have to close the drawers with some decent force to engage the rubber detents.

 

[ching0n]

3d print?

 

[RJSenn]

3d print?

It's hard rubber - I don't know enough about 3d to know if you can print that type of material. They were $5 and change for 4 of them from Kennedy.

 

[hans109h]

Nice auction score. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to me to fix up a pre-1950's Kennedy Bighorn line 20" chest. It's been in the family a number of generations now and is showing it's age. It's one of the rare green ones. Estimate for powder coating is $200, which isn't bad, but not sure of how much time on want to spend on it.

 

[RJSenn]

Nice auction score. I'm trying to decide if it's worth it to me to fix up a pre-1950's Kennedy Bighorn line 20" chest. It's been in the family a number of generations now and is showing it's age. It's one of the rare green ones. Estimate for powder coating is $200, which isn't bad, but not sure of how much time on want to spend on it.

Ya, that's a tough call. I have a Kennedy red 5 drawer roller, that is in great shape but the paint is faded and if I paint it, I'll do it myself with Rustoleum thru my LVLP set up. I Picked that up for a steal $30. Your green kennedy would be cooI to freshen up. I spent a bit more than I wanted on the versa cart, $400 + tax and auction fees. But it was local and I may split the two boxes up.

 

[hans109h]

I just picked up a 7 drawer 27" at auction for $275, so I think you did well, even if it was more than you wanted. If my chest was the right size for the top of my new cabinet it would be a no brainier, but as much as I love the history it just isn't quite what I need right now.

 

[RTM]

The Bighorn series doesn’t seem to get the respect of the regular brown Kennedy’s. I’ve bought three cheap so far. I will just freshen up the felt, not the paint, just to keep them in use.

 

[RJSenn]

Hans, post a pic when you can- I’d like to see it.

 

[Schurkey]

Are those Accuride drawer slides? If so, there's likely other plastic parts that need to be replaced, and a felt bumper also.

 

[RJSenn]

Are those Accuride drawer slides? If so, there's likely other plastic parts that need to be replaced, and a felt bumper also.

no Idea - I'd have to ck and get back to ya. I didn't see any other plastic parts, except the small levers that you have to push up/down to remove the drawers.