My Amazing Inheritance

[Bluerex0521]

Hello people of Garage journal!
This is my first time to post so I'll try to make it interesting. Just recently For my birthday my father gave me my grandfather's toolbox. From what I can remember he was the old fashioned kind of person who would fix anything if it broke, not just buy a new one. My dad isn't that great of a tool guy, but I've always loved making whatever I needed. Well, the tool boxes are both craftsman, ( one being a 4' tall base and a 1' top chest I think) and were once part of the shop in the oil business he owned, ( until some stupid secretary somehow forgot to pay the taxes for 5 years). Well, since It was now mine, and I plan on making good use of it, I decided to clean and organize everything. This led me here, where I got quite a few good tips and ideas that I will definitely use. Anyways, I took some pictures while i was pulling everything out. Hope you like.
This is the top chest after I took all the tools out.

Here's some of the drawers in the bottom box before I pulled everything out.

Here are the tools that came out of the box, and are ready to be organized, cleaned, and stored. with the exception of the crate of chemicals

I'm going to clean the boxes up tomorrow, then start putting everything back! can't wait. I will keep adding pictures as I go. Thanks for the support. Oh yeah, I'm 18, just in case somebody asks.

 

[NinetyTwoFifty]

Wow, that's quite a collection you've got there!

Welcome to GJ! Keep adding photos, we love them here.

BTW, what kind of drill is that green cordless one?

 

[kams1973]

I think that old top box is sweet.

 

[sscustom]

sweet all those tools look great ,are you goin to re arrange everything in that box?

 

[sscustom]

Wow, that's quite a collection you've got there!

Welcome to GJ! Keep adding photos, we love them here.

BTW, what kind of drill is that green cordless one?

could be a older model hitachi

 

[balane]

Very nice. Keep them in good shape so your grandchildren can enjoy them.

 

[jeepfan93]

I just got done restoring my Cman boxes, I have the same 10 drawer top on you have. Great for small things. Congrats on the inheritance.

 

[Jim C.]

Looks like you're off to a great start!!

Jim C.

 

[930dreamer]

It doesn't get any better that.

 

[lbgradwell]

It's excellent that your grandfather's tools have made it to someone who appreciates them!

Enjoy!

 

[W650Mike]

Hang on to those older C-man boxes; they're much better than the new ones.

I wish I had just one of my Grandfathers tools (either side) even if it was broken.

 

[Bluerex0521]

Today I plan on cleaning the box, then re-greasing all the drawers. There are quite a few old specialty tools I've never hear of. I will post pics at around lunch.

 

[RedVise]

Blue, congrats on the nice box! and a word of advise!

If you are a young guy, some of those "old" tools may not be what you wish to have in your box, but are desired by many here on the forum.
List them in the classifieds and buy what you wish.

Brian L.

 

[sumner52000]

Blue, congrats on the nice box! and a word of advise!

If you are a young guy, some of those "old" tools may not be what you wish to have in your box, but are desired by many here on the forum.
List them in the classifieds and buy what you wish.

Brian L.

Don't listen to him. Keep all family tools. If you sell any you will regret it later in life. I have been good at keeping the family tools but have sold a few other items such as vintage fishing lures. I deeply regret selling those. If i could get them back i would pay twice as much as i sold them for.

Nice stuff, get them cleaned up and organized and show us more pics.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Congratulations! Nice tools and those old Craftsman boxes are BUILT.
I too am curious about the old cordless drill. It's obsolete, but I would like to see more pictures of it out of curiosity. You don't see very many early cordless tools like that these days.

 

[american lockpicker]

Don't listen to him. Keep all family tools. If you sell any you will regret it later in life. I have been good at keeping the family tools but have sold a few other items such as vintage fishing lures. I deeply regret selling those. If i could get them back i would pay twice as much as i sold them for.

Nice stuff, get them cleaned up and organized and show us more pics.

Good post.

 

[bc'z]

Blue,
as mentioned above, hold off on selling the "family jewels". Take the time to get to know, research & appreciate why your Gfather acquired them. This is like going from 0-100 in a sportscar if you haven't been a tool guy before - above all else, enjoy the family connection & have fun with the clean up.

 

[csmitty]

Hang on to those older C-man boxes; they're much better than the new ones.

I wish I had just one of my Grandfathers tools (either side) even if it was broken.

Same here, granted I do still have one, but I don't think he has any now that I think of it.

 

[Crizzle]

I will third or fourth the advise. The majority of my tools were collected, used, and passed on to me by my grandfather. It is an awesome feeling.

 

[Machobuck]

Dude that is a killer box! Cool of your old man to pass things down to you.

 

[2oolhound]

Once you get everything clean you should buy some drawer liner to lay in the bottom of each drawer. It keeps things from sliding around. It's rubberized and usually comes in a roll you can cut to an exact fit.

You're off to a great start. You can tell by the pics your grandfather USED his tools. Be proud!

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

surgically clean or just kitchen clean ?

 

[Doxhog]

Nice set of tools. I have the same top box. Been using it since my dad gave in to me about 25 years ago. Hang on to everything and pass it down to your kids.

 

[Alfa Ron]

New tools are cool, but there's nothing like tools passed on to you by your dad, grandad, etc. Every time you use tools like that, you can think about the people that went before you, how much they knew about using those tools, and how they influenced your life - even if it was indirectly.

 

[Bluerex0521]

Sorry about being so late. After not having rain since September, we had a huge thunderstorm that knocked out our internet on my desktop. Im on my smartphone now. I spent all day cleaning everything with a sponge with 3m pad on one side, then degreased all the runners. I pulled off the aluminium handles to get them polished, and I started to buff off the rust spots so I can treat them. I plan to repaint the box to original colors with rustoleum. Then I will clean up the tools and repaint them black and inset white into the letters. I plan to shadow as much as I can and make a socket holder. I had a great idea on how to make a socket organizer that will save room and look great. When I can I will post pictures. Oh and the drill is an old hitachi that my grandfather bought when they first came out with cordless drills. It doesn't work. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement battery?

 

[Gooman24]

Sorry about being so late. After not having rain since September, we had a huge thunderstorm that knocked out our internet on my desktop. Im on my smartphone now. I spent all day cleaning everything with a sponge with 3m pad on one side, then degreased all the runners. I pulled off the aluminium handles to get them polished, and I started to buff off the rust spots so I can treat them. I plan to repaint the box to original colors with rustoleum. Then I will clean up the tools and repaint them black and inset white into the letters. I plan to shadow as much as I can and make a socket holder. I had a great idea on how to make a socket organizer that will save room and look great. When I can I will post pictures. Oh and the drill is an old hitachi that my grandfather bought when they first came out with cordless drills. It doesn't work. Does anyone know where I can get a replacement battery?

If you can't find a replacement a local electronics repair shop may be able to refurbish it. There are also some online companies that do this.

 

[iajonesy]

That's better than money. Cherish them and remember Grandpa every time you use them. Congrats.

Mike

 

[78Bird]

All the old modertly rusty things, get a couple gallons of cheap 5% vinegar at the grocery store, add a splash of degreaser, and soak for a couple days... It'll all come off like butter.

Rinse the newly clean tools in a baking soda bath, then rinse, dry, and oil for storage.

No cheaper or easier way to bulk clean rusty things.

Good haul, cherish it.

 

[Bluerex0521]

I just got the internet back, but I've got to go to work, so I'll post pics after work of yesterday and today.

 

[Bluerex0521]

Yesterdays pics showing the top runners getting de-greased, the top box drying, then the whole lot after it all dried.

That is purple power in an antifreeze jug, and note the rust in the drawers.
Today, I took care of the rust, lubricated the casters, and put the top box together. I plan to prep and paint soon. Here are today's pics.

That White lithium grease is amazing! Those casters are like brand new.

Here's what we used to get the rust off. It worked dang good.

These are the drawers about halfway through. nearly all the rust is gone now.

here are the pics of the old Hitachi y'all asked for.I will look into getting it refurbed though.

Here is the large box upside down showing some of the spots we cleaned off today. Didn't have the time to finish though.

And finally, this is the top box after we finished.

I've gotten Some black and red rustoleum, some regular primer, some rubberized primer, and a can of flat white. I will be going on a trip tomorrow and Friday, and have work till Sunday so I won't be able to work any more till Monday. Until then I might throw some of my ideas out on stuff I want to do. Be back Monday. Oh, and I will never sell any of these awesome tools. I just found out I have a Yankee drill, and it works, and has all the bits as well. That will never voluntarily leave my possession now.

 

[Rickstir]

I envy your journey. What a treasure. And it is very nice that you want to do the restorations.

 

[Bluerex0521]

Little bump. Had alot of unexpected things came up, so I haven't had time to update. Was able to get most of the chisels, punches, and such cleaned up, and got some of the large drawers cleaned and primed. i will have some pics soon. For now, here are some pics of the hammers and the handles of the drawers that I also cleaned up.

Those hammers are the same ones pictured I promise.

 

[sscustom]

looking good i wanna see more !!!

 

[srode]

Man, you are making me feel old - I have that exact same box purchased when I was in my early 20's. I've run out of room in it and getting ready to put it on Craig's list after I get my new box delivered this week and every thing moved over to the new one. They are great boxes - mine's lasted me 30 years and still very good condition - just to small now.

 

[eborcim]

You've got some gems in there...congrats on getting your grandpa's tools!

 

[Thumper]

What you have is a bunch of old time Made In the USA tools ! The fact that they are family heirlooms makes it even better..

 

[mlittle29]

I miss my Dad EVERYDAY. But Thanks Dad for leaving me tools that you used to make a living and buying ones that could be passed down to me and my two brothers! The cool part is, it motivated me to buy a KRL7022. I wanted something I could pass down to my son too! My dad loved his Snap On, Klein, and Channellock and Milwaukee. love you DAD! I could never afford Snap on, nor do i make a living with my tools. BUT it is great to have the opportunity to own some of the best!

Here is my List:


Snap On Set, Wrench, Combination, Midget, 6-Point (9 pcs.) (1/8" to 3/8")
Snap On Set, Wrench, Flare Nut/Open End, 6-Point (5 pcs.) + 3 addt'l (5/16" to 3/4")
Snap On Flare Nut Double End Wrench 1/4"-5/16"
Snap On Set, Wrench, Hi-Performance, Box, 15° Offset, 12-Point, 10 pcs.
Snap on Set, Wrench, Combination, 12-Point (10 pcs. In tray) (5/16" to 7/8")
Snap On Wrench, Combination, Standard Length, 15/16", 12-Point
Snap On Wrench, Combination, Standard Length, 1", 12-Point
Snap On Wrench, Combination, Standard Length, 1 1/16", 12-Point
Snap On Wrench, Combination, Standard Length, 1 1/8", 12-Point
Snap On Wrench, Combination, Standard Length, 1 3/16", 12-Point
Snap On Set, Wrench, Combination, Short, 12-Point ( 9 pcs.) (5/16" to 3/4")
Snap on Plastic Tip Hammer
Snap on Metric and SAE Low Profile Wrench Set
Snap on 1/4 Torque Wrench
Snap On 8 Piece Punch Chisel Set
Snap On Torque Wrench, 1/4" Click-type, Fixed 10-50 in. lb.
Snap On Torque Wrench, Click Type, U.S., Fixed, 40-200 in. lb., 1/4" drive
Snap On Low Profile Socket Set Metric and SAE 20 Pc Set
Snap On Speeder, 17 27/32"
Snap On Socket, Spark Plug, Ball Joint Swivel, 5/8", 6-Point
Snap On Socket, Spark Plug, Ball Joint Swivel, 13/16", 6-Point
Snap On Ratchet, Stubby Handle, 3/8" drive, 4 1/8"
Snap On Set, Socket, Universal, Shallow, 6-Point (6 pcs.) (7/16" to 3/4")
Snap On 1/4" Drive Socet Set w/ Extensions
Snap On Ratchet, Long, Flex-Head, 3/8" drive
Snap On Ratchet, Quick Release,Standard Handle, 3/8" drive
Snap On Driver, Stubby Shank, Plastic Handle, 5 15/16", 3/8" drive

Snap On Screwdriver, Flat Tip, Instinct Hard Handle, Blue, .055"
Snap On Screwdriver, off set, flat tip
Snap On Screwdriver, Flat Tip, Pocket, Clear Handle .025" tip, 4 3/4"
Milwaukee 18-Volt CordlessV18 Litium-Ion 4-Tool Combo Kit

 

[Bluerex0521]

Huge bump today. Finally got some pics in of what I've been doing recently. I was able to get some of the lower drawers primed. I first used some car undercoating for durability, then followed with regular primer. I also got the large box primed. The drawers have already been wet-sanded and are ready for their next coat. I also have gotten most of the chisels and punches back home from cleaning. They don't look anything like what they did before. next step is to sand the top drawers and prime everything. I will have the files cleaned up soon, and I will get some paint stripper for the other tools. Also on another good note, I was able to find a battery for the old Hitachi, and will be buying it soon (I hope)! Anyways, without further adieu, here are the pics.

Here's most of those chisels. A few are still unfinished. Next I'll get the files cleaned, and those drawers sanded and primed. Painting is on the horizon. Woo!

 

[ksd]

Congrats! Hope you get as much use as your Grandfather did from these treasures. I've got that same top box, had it for about 35 years!

 

[jeffmoss26]

Awesome post! keep posting pictures!