Not a bad way to spend $30

[iron dragon]

I got this Kennedy 7 drawer machinist tool chest from craigslist today. It's in great shape for what I guess is a mid 1950's box.

Later, David

 

[Dale B]

Don't hold us in suspense , how much ??

 

[Bull]

That's definitely a good price for that IMO. Looks to be in very nice condition.

 

[tw33k2514]

I absolutely love that box. And thirty dollars to boot...

 

[Toolhorder]

I'm not really a fan of Kennedy boxes myself but that's a good deal for what I see them sold for.

 

[iron dragon]

Don't hold us in suspense , how much ??

$30 see title

 

[apong23]

What a deal.

 

[colt zantop]

wow..nice snag!

 

[Tool Pants]

That style has been around for decades. In the past 2 months I bought a 520 and 526 at the local flea market.

Your 520 is older than mine because the middle latch has a key. Looks like yours also has the older Kennedy Kits sticker.

Some time ago I did a search to see if there was a way to date these machinist boxes. I don't remember the details, but I think those brown plastic drawer pulls has something to do with it.

I can date the 526 more or less, because I found a 1991 receipt for some hardware items in the box after I removed the drawers. So it was made prior to 1991. How long prior, I have no clue. It has the Kits logo.

 

[iron dragon]

Should I restore it , modify it, or just leave it alone?

 

[Bull]

It's all up to you and your tastes.

To me it screams " leave me the hell alone and put tools in me!"

 

[Joe B.]

Every once in a while I see Kennedy stuff at a good price. People don't know what it is worth.

 

[GDA]

Cool toolbox. Post up some pics once you get it all cleaned up and filled with tools

 

[hcs1947]

Any pointers on how to clean the crinkle finish? I have one that really needs cleaning, I don't want to ruin the finish if I can help it. Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[Bull]

Any pointers on how to clean the crinkle finish? I have one that really needs cleaning, I don't want to ruin the finish if I can help it. Thanks for any suggestions.

It's just dirty? How about WD40 and a cotton cloth or bristle brush to start?

 

[Tool Pants]

Mine were not really dirty. Remove the drawers and blow everything out with air. Fix any dings or bent metal. Wash the case with soap and water and a brush. Watch out for harsh stuff like simple green, because it can dull the finish. Treat any rust. If the finish is dull try WD-40. It is like armor all for metal. Glue any gaps in the felt. On mine I can fully remove the slides. Inspect, clean, and grease if you like.

I like these because the sheet metal is thick. I wish there was something better than those little plastic drawer pulls. I think on the old ones they were bakelite.

Look for a hole in the bottom of the top middle drawer if it is a 526.