Let's see your toolbox.

[Maexle]

Well, I'm not terribly creative or talented either. But everybody's got to start from something!

What I like about a lot of these wrenches, though, is that they got convenient sizes on each end. My 3/8 x 1/2 open-end wrench is almost like my right hand when working on anything small. But then there's the oddballs like the old hex cap stuff and seldom-used 32nd's-sizes that I keep just because I know I'd end up needing them for something if I threw them out.

What I've got my eyes out for now is some US-size box wrenches and some metric stuff. I can get a lot of stuff on my Jeep with these, but every once in a while, I'll have to use a few of my dad's metric wrenches and sockets to get at some things.

One thing I'd like to do, once I get my hands on a table saw, is take some oak and make an organizer for all my sockets. My ratchet acts as a good divider for now, but I'd still like to have a neat way to keep them so they don't get mixed up. None of them are labeled either, so it's real easy to mix up the small ones when they get jumbled around in the tool box.

Beautiful vintage boxes, i love them, as far as it goes with the tools, they are probably still around when the "cheap china ****" is gone....anti-slip liner is the way to go ( at least for me)

 

[jeffmoss26]

Outlaw, awesome post as always!
Harwinton, those tools and boxes are awesome!!!

 

[Maexle]

whats the trick to finding those blueprint cabinates? i rarely have ever seen them forsale

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/for/2968653640.html

 

[Outlawmws]

Outlaw, awesome post as always!
Harwinton, those tools and boxes are awesome!!!

Thanks Jeff,

You know I thought about it later, but the Tap and Die box moving from a somewhat jumbled mess in 3 drawers, to everything easy to find in the 7, (5-1/2 full width equivalent) in the exact same overall envelope is a good poster child for my argument that square inches of drawers is more important than cubic inches of box.

For cubic inches, the 7 has to have a few less CI than the 3 of usable drawer volume, but did the job of storing all the taps and dies much more efficiently, AND has room for additions... and I added those two boxes new boxed sets to the mix while making the change over...

I should have done a "before" pic...

 

[Zaylor]

Buy or make you some wrench rolls. The store easily and keep the wrenches organized. When you are ready to use them just roll it out and the wrenches are in order. I use them in my truck box and wouldn't be without them.

I made these because I needed a way to keep the wrenches organized. That fabric was what I had; I would use a different fabric next time.

 

[Harwinton]

That fabric wrench holder looks like something convenient to have handy! I think the main problem I would have, though, is fitting those old-fashioned snakey wrenches in one of those. But I bet it would work great for straight open-ends and combo wrenches.

One thing I've been planning to do, though, is to make an organizer for my sockets. None of my sockets are labeled, so keeping them in the right order is important when it comes to selecting the correct size. All those little 1/4" drive sockets often get jumbled up when I move my tools around, making me have to pick through them all to find the right one. I figured I'd make a tray out of oak, and then drill holes in it to fit the sockets.

 

[Harwinton]

Beautiful vintage boxes, i love them, as far as it goes with the tools, they are probably still around when the "cheap china ****" is gone....anti-slip liner is the way to go ( at least for me)

Thanks! My uncle's grandfather originally had that oak box with the old wrenches and sockets. I think he made the box in the early 1920's, back when he got a lot of those wrenches and sockets.

 

[cderalow]

the only drawer I feel is organized enough at the moment to post is my wrench drawer.

still need to fill it with a 12 piece non-ratcheting metric set, and a couple of the larger SAE sizes.

 

[balane]

Is that the new gloss red painted cart from HF? It looks nice. Wrenches look nice too. Getting ready to put my new box up here too.

 

[cderalow]

Is that the new gloss red painted cart from HF? It looks nice. Wrenches look nice too. Getting ready to put my new box up here too.

Yes. I've had it a couple of months. eventually want to get the gloss 42" roll cab and use the cart for rolling to the car.

 

[balane]

New box, new post. Got the box for $500 and sold my HF 42" for $325 so not a bad deal. I did have to replace the drawer liners and the locks but they weren't too bad. After a thorough inside and out cleaning (It was really scummy with decades of neglect when I brought it home.) & slide lubing I find it to be in great shape and everything works 100%. I couldn't be happier. It's a KR660B with roller bearings on all drawers. I love having my tools this nice after a move, cleaning and reorganization. Now, the trick is keep them this way.

Originally I wanted the 56" Harbor Freight box as an upgrade but I'm glad I found this one instead. I did the math and this has over 1000 square inches of more storage area than the big US General box thanks to the 16 drawers. It's a box that can hold a ton of tools and I have some space to grow which is nice.

.

 

[balane]

Couple of more drawers and that's all that's worth showing. Plus a few of the whole shop.

.

 

[Lowridermig]

^^^ Very nice and great score

 

[lennoxlennox]

well done... nice score.... US General vs Snapon....pssssshhhhh and you got 325 for your old box? go buy a lottery ticket... keep the winning going

 

[Outlawmws]

That fabric wrench holder looks like something convenient to have handy! I think the main problem I would have, though, is fitting those old-fashioned snakey wrenches in one of those. But I bet it would work great for straight open-ends and combo wrenches.
SNIP.

Here is a thought for the "S wrenches:

Two stacks stack of round magnets to keep the stack from moving around. Most of the magnetic pull is not to the wrenches, but it would work. here is a demo pic (not what I'm using for these, as they are in my "vintage tools" box, and don't get used much...

these could be screws in place in the wood box, or you can simply glue/screw in some wood dowels to do the same. In the right spot in the box, one pin/dowel might do it...

 

[bissonj]

New to me

OK have to remember just starting to rebuild a garage shop, so this is a new to me toolbox. It came from the back of a very dirty messy auto shop. It was used (read that abused) by everyone in the shop. Snap On KR637 and 657. surprisingly good shape under all the dirt grease and oil. Probably part of what saved it. Only real problem is it needs new BB draw slides. Paid 300 for it.

 

[crewchief888]

Re: New to me

OK have to remember just starting to rebuild a garage shop, so this is a new to me toolbox. It came from the back of a very dirty messy auto shop. It was used (read that abused) by everyone in the shop. Snap On KR637 and 657. surprisingly good shape under all the dirt grease and oil. Probably part of what saved it. Only real problem is it needs new BB draw slides. Paid 300 for it.

nice boxes for $300

 

[jeffmoss26]

Balane, and bissonj, I am very jealous!!

 

[Harwinton]

Here is a thought for the "S wrenches:

Two stacks stack of round magnets to keep the stack from moving around. Most of the magnetic pull is not to the wrenches, but it would work. here is a demo pic (not what I'm using for these, as they are in my "vintage tools" box, and don't get used much...

these could be screws in place in the wood box, or you can simply glue/screw in some wood dowels to do the same. In the right spot in the box, one pin/dowel might do it...

That's an interesting idea!

Those are also some nice looking wrenches you got there. There's hardly a trace of rust on them, and the ends are in nice shape. How many of the old "S"-shaped wrenches do you have?

 

[Outlawmws]

That's an interesting idea!

Those are also some nice looking wrenches you got there. There's hardly a trace of rust on them, and the ends are in nice shape. How many of the old "S"-shaped wrenches do you have?

Thanks, I have one more than I used in the pic, so 4.

 

[ryanx0r]

I've posted my other box in this thread before, but here is my new beast. KRL7022, I can't believe how big this thing is compared to my other boxes. Sorry for the crappy cell phone picture quality.

 

[mdbeck1]

Buy or make you some wrench rolls. The store easily and keep the wrenches organized. When you are ready to use them just roll it out and the wrenches are in order. I use them in my truck box and wouldn't be without them.

I made these because I needed a way to keep the wrenches organized. That fabric was what I had; I would use a different fabric next time.

I talked my wfe into making some for me. One is for SAE and one is for Metric. I keep two of each size wrench (combination only).

 

[mdbeck1]

Well, I'm not terribly creative or talented either. But everybody's got to start from something!

...

One thing I'd like to do, once I get my hands on a table saw, is take some oak and make an organizer for all my sockets. My ratchet acts as a good divider for now, but I'd still like to have a neat way to keep them so they don't get mixed up. None of them are labeled either, so it's real easy to mix up the small ones when they get jumbled around in the tool box.

You can also get a small box (like a socket box) to keep the sockets organized. I keep mine in a plastic box I got from HF and use socket clips for the sockets.

That box always seeems to end up with extra suff in it. Note the water pump pliers.

 

[Pro-Painter]

Re: New to me

OK have to remember just starting to rebuild a garage shop, so this is a new to me toolbox. It came from the back of a very dirty messy auto shop. It was used (read that abused) by everyone in the shop. Snap On KR637 and 657. surprisingly good shape under all the dirt grease and oil. Probably part of what saved it. Only real problem is it needs new BB draw slides. Paid 300 for it.

I want that box SOOOO bad. It was the box my dad had when I was a kid. I remember it being huge! Now I look at it and it looks small.
I want to find one JUST like that to restore for my dad, and pass down to my son(s).
His was just like that except with a black 80's stock car decal across the entire lid.


BTW: My dad also had a large MAC or snap-on box that had a 70's indy car on the lid. It was his big, special box that I could not touch. Ive yet to ID this box after years of looking. Anyone know of this box? All I remember was it was large, red, and had two indy cars on it that looked like they where from the 70's.

 

[Harwinton]

Thanks, I have one more than I used in the pic, so 4.

I think you could use some more!

Here in my box, I've got a total of 10 (counting the one with the mangled end). Most are in good shape, although a couple are a little pitted from some surface rust. But that's not too bad for 90-year-old wrenches!

You can also get a small box (like a socket box) to keep the sockets organized. I keep mine in a plastic box I got from HF and use socket clips for the sockets.

That box always seeems to end up with extra suff in it. Note the water pump pliers.

I've always liked those socket clips. They work great on square-drive sockets! But I'm afraid my sockets are hex drive, and they had trouble staying on the clips. The smaller ones use 1/4" hex, while the larger ones are the real oddballs: they use 7/16" hex drive! I figured what I would do is make a box with some wooden trays with holes in them where I can put the sockets, so they'll stay in order. I've always liked woodworking, so that'll be a good rainy day project for me. And it'll go well with the oak tool box too!

 

[jeffmoss26]

Wow, hex drive sockets! What kinds of things do you work on?

 

[metalhead212121]

Re: New to me

BTW: My dad also had a large MAC or snap-on box that had a 70's indy car on the lid. It was his big, special box that I could not touch. Ive yet to ID this box after years of looking. Anyone know of this box? All I remember was it was large, red, and had two indy cars on it that looked like they where from the 70's.

The box that comes to mind is this one.... but it was made in the late 80's I believe..

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38758&highlight=rick+mears

 

[jeffmoss26]

Got this cabinet last weekend at a garage sale. It had some bits, dremel stuff, hobby knives, and other misc. I decided to use it for my old tool collection! I also moved my utility knives and some random stuff from the Craftsman top chest into a drawer. I wanted a way to separate the drawer, so I took a piece of 3/4 EMT and some one hole straps and secured the piece with self tapping screws. In order for it to close, I had to cut the ends of the screws off.

 

[Outlawmws]

Cool looking box Jeff! I like the latching pulls!

 

[Outlawmws]

I think you could use some more!

Here in my box, I've got a total of 10 (counting the one with the mangled end). Most are in good shape, although a couple are a little pitted from some surface rust. But that's not too bad for 90-year-old wrenches!

I got one more, today, but it's only a half "S"...

 

[heavychevy1]

Well here's mine, I just paid $150 off of CL. Not sure of the manufacturer but there is a badge that say's "steel glide" in the top left. The box is pretty heavy and the drawers are smooth as butter. Only bad thing is it takes up most of my shed at 42" wide.

I don't have all the fancy brand new snap-on tools like most here, but what I do have has uhh character! Most of my tools were handed down from my grand dad so they are bent/dirty/rusty but they all still work great and do everything I need. I couldn't get shots of all the drawers, maybe pics of ratchets and what not later.

 

[heavychevy1]

And the big shiny box

 

[Mugen AP1]

I've posted my other box in this thread before, but here is my new beast. KRL7022, I can't believe how big this thing is compared to my other boxes. Sorry for the crappy cell phone picture quality.

Yah the KRLs are brutes!

 

[flashman]

I have been looking for a new, larger tool box and this one just popped up in my area. Ignoring the special tattoo decal, $2200 firm for a classic 78 is fair?

http://wichita.craigslist.org/tls/2983579860.html

 

[biscuit141]

And the big shiny box

WOW! Great box for $150. I wish I could score a deal like this.

 

[pacsguy]

I have been looking for a new, larger tool box and this one just popped up in my area. Ignoring the special tattoo decal, $2200 firm for a classic 78 is fair?

http://wichita.craigslist.org/tls/2983579860.html

Too much money... Get a Krl 722 at that price.

 

[flashman]

Too much money... Get a Krl 722 at that price.

There are no KRL 722 anywhere in my area. This from what I have seen was cheap compared to some others. There is a Matco 6s going for $4500 and this is comparable for size, just not drawer layout. I guess the search continues until my wife decides she wants to buy the box for me... with my approval of course.

 

[Harwinton]

Wow, hex drive sockets! What kinds of things do you work on?

I use those old sockets all the time for everyday stuff. Just used them today to put a bolt in my Jeep to fix the crossmember that holds up the transmission and to take apart a fence in my yard. The 7/16" hex drive sockets are all 6-point and fit 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", and 7/8" nuts. The 1/4" hex drive ones fit nuts from 1/4" to 1/2" (They're all 6-point too).

I've also got the ratchet that came with the 7/16" drive sockets, which still works great after the 90+ years it has been in existence. It's a real dinosaur: a non-reversible, 12-tooth female ratchet with a plug for the sockets. Not the fanciest thing out there, but it gets the job done for most things. The main problem with the 7/16" drive is, though, that it's obscure and I can't find any decent extensions for it, which I would like.

The 1/4" drive sockets don't have a ratchet, but I would like to get one some time. A lot of screwdrivers use 1/4" hex drive, so I might be able to find something one of these days.

 

[Dillithium]

Hey, that is a really nifty looking brass hammer!
Where did you get that?

 

[Outlawmws]

I use those old sockets all the time for everyday stuff. Just used them today to put a bolt in my Jeep to fix the crossmember that holds up the transmission and to take apart a fence in my yard. The 7/16" hex drive sockets are all 6-point and fit 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", and 7/8" nuts. The 1/4" hex drive ones fit nuts from 1/4" to 1/2" (They're all 6-point too).

I've also got the ratchet that came with the 7/16" drive sockets, which still works great after the 90+ years it has been in existence. It's a real dinosaur: a non-reversible, 12-tooth female ratchet with a plug for the sockets. Not the fanciest thing out there, but it gets the job done for most things. The main problem with the 7/16" drive is, though, that it's obscure and I can't find any decent extensions for it, which I would like.

The 1/4" drive sockets don't have a ratchet, but I would like to get one some time. A lot of screwdrivers use 1/4" hex drive, so I might be able to find something one of these days.

Get a long Allen wrench, cut off the long leg, and drill small holes through the shaft near the tips. then drill slightly larger, but leaving a lip so a suitable ball will protrude. add a small spring, drill /tap the next size up screw for a shot distance, and seat in a set screw. the set screw keeps the spring in tension, and that keeps the ball detent in place...