MB8100/MB8200 questions

[Danneskjold]

Hi All,

I just picked up what I think is a MB8100/MB8200 combo and have some questions.

1. How can I disassemble, clean, and lubricate the slides? They are friction and definitely in need of it.

2. I'm missing a bottom key-do I just call up MAC or is there another source?

3. Boxes are both dirty and scratched. What do I clean them with and how can I improve the paint (without repainting it!)

4. How can I clean up the handles? Appear to be aluminum or maybe chrome.

Thanks!

See pics:

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Ragnar, good to see you!

I suggest using the search engine on here to look up the answers to your questions. There are plenty of threads that cover these topics.

As for the keys, there should be a number on the lock. You could call Mac, but I know a good seller on eBay that cuts keys for Mac, Snap On, etc. If you want his info, PM me. No affiliation with him, I just like his service. And you'll probably do better money wise by buying from him.

 

[Snaparxon]

Mac wants $10 for a key, but you have to fill out a paper saying you are the legal owner.
The service portion of Mac was very helpful determining what year of box I had to determine what key I needed. The sales portion of Mac had terrible communication They took so long to get back to me after I filled out the paperwork that I gave up and cancelled the order after several weeks..

 

[ianguilly]

I did a thread on restoring a similar vintage snap on side box a couple months ago. Should be about the same for a mac box.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=463413

 

[1982fxr]

If you post a pic of the slides we can help.

I've ordered keys for older boxes from the truck brands and never heard of having to do paperwork. I think I've ordered from Mac...

 

[Danneskjold]

Hi All,

Thanks for the replies. I previously did a search on a few topics and came up with a lot of conflicting information. The 8100/8200 came in both friction and ball bearing slides; this is apparently an early set, but I can't find any stampings.

The bottom box needs a lock/tumbler and the top needs the key. I'll contact MAC service tomorrow and see what they can do.

Lots of info out there on what to use for slide lube. After cleaning 2 sets of slides I tried Super Lube (used for ratchets in the past) and silicone. For this vintage of MAC box with friction slides Super Lube is the clear winner. I may try a couple other lubricants as I remove the slides for cleaning.

Will post pics of slides tomorrow when I take apart more of them.

Thanks!

 

[Danneskjold]

I did a thread on restoring a similar vintage snap on side box a couple months ago. Should be about the same for a mac box.

That answers a number of my questions-thank you for this!

 

[Wamsutta]

That's an MB9100/9200

When you said "friction slides" I knew something was up.

 

[tool_scrounge]

I follow Snap-On recommendations for friction slides and run on paraffin wax on the slides after I clean all dirt/oil/grease off of them. It is very smooth and dust /dirt does not stick to it like grease or oil.

 

[Mr_B]

I follow Snap-On recommendations for friction slides and run on paraffin wax on the slides after I clean all dirt/oil/grease off of them. It is very smooth and dust /dirt does not stick to it like grease or oil.

+1
bees wax or door ease also can be used .


as for locks try sourcing some keyed alike locks from hardware store or online .
I've done old mac stacks for 5 to 10bucks a lock .

 

[tool_scrounge]

+1
bees wax or door ease also can be used .

I have used Bees wax also. The bees wax I used had a little higher friction that paraffin wax. Later, I also noticed that the block of bees wax I have in a sealed plastic bag has shrunk to 1/2 its original size in the last 5 years and changed in consistency. The paraffin wax next to it in the same type of bag has not changed dimensionally.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Mac wants $10 for a key, but you have to fill out a paper saying you are the legal owner.
The service portion of Mac was very helpful determining what year of box I had to determine what key I needed. The sales portion of Mac had terrible communication They took so long to get back to me after I filled out the paperwork that I gave up and cancelled the order after several weeks..

I recently ordered slides from Mac for an MB 1100. When I asked about a key they told me the same thing about the paperwork.

 

[Danneskjold]

That's an MB9100/9200

When you said "friction slides" I knew something was up.

Whoops! Thanks for the correction. I have the box completely torn down now and no sticker on the inside, so we'll consider this a positive ID.

Slides have been soaked in diesel and are now clean-found 3 that are bent to some degree and will be replaced (haven't called MAC yet).

I'll pick up paraffin wax tomorrow and give it a try. Some of the instructions say to file away sharp edges on the slides-does that mean the rough edges on the edge of the slide (pictured) or is there another area that should be taken care of? Any special instructions are welcome here-otherwise I'll just get some small files from the hardware store and give it a shot.

 

[tool_scrounge]

Whoops! Thanks for the correction. I have the box completely torn down now and no sticker on the inside, so we'll consider this a positive ID.

Slides have been soaked in diesel and are now clean-found 3 that are bent to some degree and will be replaced (haven't called MAC yet).

I'll pick up paraffin wax tomorrow and give it a try. Some of the instructions say to file away sharp edges on the slides-does that mean the rough edges on the edge of the slide (pictured) or is there another area that should be taken care of? Any special instructions are welcome here-otherwise I'll just get some small files from the hardware store and give it a shot.

Here is a link to how I apply paraffin wax. Note Mac slides have similar geometry to Craftsman (Waterloo) slides.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=8255430&postc