Need to Refurbish my New To Me Mac Toolbox

[OverkillYJ]

So I got this Mac Toolbox yesterday. I got a pretty good deal on it, but it needs work. I need to replace some of the drawer retaining clips that stop them from sliding past the end of the drawer sliders when the drawer is pulled out all the way. I also need to replace some of the drawers sliders themselves and want to use good heavy duty parts. I have never bought those parts by themselves, so if anyone knows which ones I should buy that aren't garbage, that would be appreciated.

I also want to rekey the locks. I am not sure if there is a kit from Mac I should get, or it I just get generic locks like other things.

Once I get this all nice and operating perfectly, I will clean it up and give it a proper painting.

I got all three parts that say Mac for $500, then I threw on my Snap On Cabinet

 

[Htscheg]

Nice box

 

[FMB4]

You should be able to locate the 'retaining' clips on the Net. As for the lock sets, they're usually available in many hardware stores or online. As for sliders, that could be, or not be, an issue.

Note; I'd reconsider painting those boxes. I say this because they look darn good to me. And yes, that's a great find.

 

[OverkillYJ]

Well for the locks, after thinking about it, I would like it if I could get original Mac locks with Keys that say Mac, just because I like my Keys that say Snap On and they are better quality than generic replacements.

Also, I found these sliders, and a bunch of others just like them from different companies. I just am not sure if there is a certain style I should buy that matches the other sliders. I'm also not sure if someone is selling superior sliders under some generic name on eBay that I would otherwise overlook.

As for the paint, I probably wont paint it for a year or more, but it has paint separated from the steel in a couple of spots. If I paint it, it will be a custom job with proper automotive paint that will make it look as good or better than new. I will also polish all the chrome Mac parts when I do that. I really just need it working perfectly first though.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

That box has friction slides, not ball bearing. I'd look on eBay for the slides and the locks and see what you can find. You can also check with Mac Tools.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Since the paint is separating from the metal, it's going to need more than a scuff and repaint, which I am sure you already know.

Has anyone ever had a tool box soda blasted ?

 

[Ricky Joe]

My 2 cents: find a donor box, if possible. Mac used the same slides forever. The last one I did was a Matco (same slides) and I found a busted up road box by Mac. Clips are available on eBay for $32 per dozen. You can probably find a donor box for not much more, and get slides, clips, a lock, etc. My local locksmith charges $10 to make a key to your lock. Usually I just take the lock off and take it to him. Craftsman and other boxes use the same clips. Check length. They may use the same slides. Slides are different top box and bottom. Hope that is helpful. Good luck! My preference Mac is a better box than Snap-On.

 

[Hammer1963]

That is going to be a nice set up once you are finished!

 

[Mallen]

So I got this Mac Toolbox yesterday. I got a pretty good deal on it, but it needs work. I need to replace some of the drawer retaining clips that stop them from sliding past the end of the drawer sliders when the drawer is pulled out all the way. I also need to replace some of the drawers sliders themselves and want to use good heavy duty parts. I have never bought those parts by themselves, so if anyone knows which ones I should buy that aren't garbage, that would be appreciated.

I also want to rekey the locks. I am not sure if there is a kit from Mac I should get, or it I just get generic locks like other things.

Once I get this all nice and operating perfectly, I will clean it up and give it a proper painting.

I got all three parts that say Mac for $500, then I threw on my Snap On Cabinet

Call Mac tools. Some of these (all??? I don't know??) have a lifetime warranty. Some parts are covered. Some are not. On mine, the drawer sliders were and they send me a new one for free. The support for the lid was not, not were the locks. A lock smith can make you a key for a lock for about 20 bucks either from the code on the cylinder or by impressioning. I had a worn out key but it was cheaper on mine to change the bad lock than to get a new key.

The new keys did. Not say Mac. :-( They also had a slightly different key,and use a different blank. The grooves are different. They usually quite you for key 8100 but there are different ones you can order. I'd order something other than 8100 because lost price probably order that one.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

My 2 cents: find a donor box, if possible. Mac used the same slides forever. The last one I did was a Matco (same slides) and I found a busted up road box by Mac. Clips are available on eBay for $32 per dozen. You can probably find a donor box for not much more, and get slides, clips, a lock, etc.

Personally, I've rarely, if ever, seen a Mac donor box around here to begin with, let alone next to nothing price wise. $32 for a dozen new slide clips is reasonable IMO. Clips off a Craftsman friction slide box will work as well.

 

[Mallen]

I'd call Mac first. If I had go to eBay first. I'd never have found that the drawer slides on mine were warranty items they would send for free.

 

[OverkillYJ]

Personally, I've rarely, if ever, seen a Mac donor box around here to begin with, let alone next to nothing price wise. $32 for a dozen new slide clips is reasonable IMO. Clips off a Craftsman friction slide box will work as well.

Well I agreed with you, then I found this! I scored nice on this one! This side hanger extension is the exact same one I got last week, but this one has the correct handles to match the rest of the box, all the sliders and clips are there also, but in perfect condition. I already mixed and matched it onto my box.

I found it about 1.5 miles from my house by chance, not listed as a Mac Box, but just a toolbox extension. Went over there. The guy used to be a mechanic, and set it down in his barn 30 years ago. Now he is selling the property. The bottom was rusted apart from being in the dirt, but nothing else is wrong besides a rough finish. So now the plan is, bend a new bottom for it, paint it, buy more clips, the correct handles, and put together an even bigger box with two matching hangers.


BTW, the guy was asking $50, I paid $40. I didnt even feel bad because his house was worth over $1 million. I was trying to pay $25.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Nice deal. Those boxes in good condition can go for $200+!