locks for "vintage" tool boxes

[posaune]

What do you do for lost keys? I have a couple Huot rollers and a Remline without keys. The lack of security doesn't bother me, but the Huots don't close correctly without a working lock.

Should I take the originals somewhere to try to get keys for them or should I look for replacements?

 

[Outlawmws]

It depends on the lock, Some are not easily replaced, others are a simple cylinder lock and are easily replaced at any decent hardware store.

Most use the standard "D" or double D (two flats, ) cylinder, and all you need do is match length, and re-use the hook/pawl from the old lock on the new one.

If it is not a match made in heaven, you can take the lock to a good locksmith and they can match the key pattern and cut a key from the number on the lock (expensive compared to a replacement Cylinder though).

 

[lilredex]

When security is not an issue, like around a home shop, I prefer a thumb latch (or "dime" operated) style, where one is needed to keep doors closed, etc.

We can find both these at Princess Auto for a couple of $$, and they fit the common tool box configuration.

 

[posaune]

When security is not an issue, like around a home shop, I prefer a thumb latch (or "dime" operated) style, where one is needed to keep doors closed, etc.

We can find both these at Princess Auto for a couple of $$, and they fit the common tool box configuration.

Wow- I think this would be perfect! I've never seen anything like it though - does anyone have a source in the US? If not, I'll just need to remember to pick up a few when I'm in Toronto in the fall (easier said than done...).

 

[Harwinton]

Look for somebody who collects old keys, and see if he's got one that fits. That's how I've gotten keys for the locks on my two toolboxes.

 

[Souljer]

Hi,

Long Answer:
I'm no expert at tools and toolboxes like you guys. I got lucky and the last old Snap-On tool chest I got (1980's vintage) came with a working key for the lock.

However decades ago, I found an old Yale padlock that I loved the look of. I have no idea how old it is except that it's at least 20 years old now...

Needless to say, there was no key and no one knew what to do. I think I found it at a swap meet. Somehow an extra cylinder fired up in my brain and I took it to a local locksmith shop. They said if it's not a block of rust inside, no problem. I came back a few days later and this ancient beauty now has a working key.

I just got another vintage tool chest (I think from the late 1940s - early 1950s) that does not have a key as I recall. It's being shipped and now I don't remember. If I keep that one I'll remove the lock and take it to a Snap-On dealer or the local locksmith to have a key made. Then sell the 1980s one.

Short Answer:
- If you don't go with that "thumb latch", which does seem like a good idea:
• Remove the locks and take them to a local locksmith shop to see if they can make new keys for them.
• Maybe you could also simply replace the locks with new locks & keys that fit the socket?

 

[lilredex]

Princess Auto has them in their "surplus" area, so when they are gone they are gone.

It is item #8430381....... $2 ea.

They came from (made in China),

Acar Industries Inc.
10325 State Rte. #43
Streetsboro, OH. 44241
800-732-7349

They could be outta biz.........web site no workee.

http://www.acar4hitches.com/


All is not lost, those latches appear to really be a luggage compartment latch on RV's. Amazon has them and lots here.....

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p4069.m570.l1313&_nkw=7/8"+thumb+lock&_sacat=0

 

[posaune]

All is not lost, those latches appear to really be a luggage compartment latch on RV's. Amazon has them and lots here.....

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p4069.m570.l1313&_nkw=7/8"+thumb+lock&_sacat=0

You rock. Thank you! Maybe I'll see if I can find one locally. If they work, it'll be great!

If I can get keys for the original locks, I might do that too just in case I ever want to lock them (or sell them).

 

[Souljer]

Hi,

The latches seem like a great idea.

However -

If I can get keys for the original locks, I might do that too just in case I ever want to lock them (or sell them).

- that's my main motivation for getting keys made;
• it works as it was designed to and tools can be secured if needed.
• if I ever want to sell, it sounds good to say, "locks work and I have keys".

If you do try to get keys made, please let us know what did or didn't work and how difficult that was.

 

[Brian_B_]

How about truck tool box latches? I got a set of them (keyed) pretty cheap at a local hardware store.

 

[JASTECH]

Out this way snappy 2-sidded key blanks are $3.00 each + whatever they want to cut. So I will have my Dad (retired lock picker) order the blanks cheaper if he orders bulk. Then get the chart for lock code to key tumblers then he or I can cut brand new keys for snappy locks and not copying warn keys to new blanks. Anybody interested post here or maybe a new thread for the snappy key code for all to use.
PDF file for download if you could.

 

[jabberwoki]

I posted a this before but here it is again courtesy of snapmom
https://www.ldvusa.com/parts-and-accessories-store/replacement-tool-box-keys/

 

[Souljer]

Wow-

That looks great. Can't wait to get my box.
I dare it to not have a key!

However I was the one that brought up Snap-On. The original poster is talking about other manufacturers. Although the Snap-On locks may fit, who knows?

 

[lilredex]

Here is a shot of other locks that could be used on tool boxes.

More secure locks, an Abloy and a P.O. box lock.

A slip ring adds security (from pipe wrenching) or can be used as a trim ring if desired.

No security needed here, just a thumb latch to keep the door closed

 

[rpenterics]

Best thread I've found using the search function here. Had an MBC box I bought with no keys and a pry bar rack that was annoying to get in using the keys...solution: thumb turn cam latch from Grainger - http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/COMPX-FORT-Thumb-turn-cam-lock-4LHR1 Made in the USA too!
Pry Bar Rack:


MBC bottom roller:

 

[j.c.whitney]

If the lock has a straight cam or one with a simple bend, no problem. At least on a KR53 that cam would take some fabrication to duplicate. I bought my KR53 with no key and a locksmith made one in under 10 minutes. LDV and Snap On didn't have records for the lock used on my KR53.

 

[rpenterics]

the pry bar rack had a hook cam, i just swapped it from the keyed lock I was replacing

 

[thedrivingman]

I picked up an old Proto (Kennedy made) machinest box with no key. I removed the lock and pulled out the pins. You can turn it with a screw driver to latch or unlatch the front cover. You could attach a finger lever.