Old Matco roll cab

[cgrutt]

Bringing home and old Matco 26" roll cab (probably 1980s) that I had at a friend's house. There is a center drawer at top that is double deep. When I try to close it it springs back open. Probably has something to do with the lock but I'm not sure. Any ideas appreciated.



I have the matching top at home. May clean them up and repaint. Not sure yet I love the style of this box lol. Call me old school.

 

[Ricky Joe]

I had the same toolbox Mac in the early 1980s and liked it a lot.

 

[cgrutt]

I had the same toolbox Mac in the early 1980s and liked it a lot.

Do you know why the center drawer pops out when you try to close it? Something with locking mechanism?

 

[Ricky Joe]

Do you know why the center drawer pops out when you try to close it? Something with locking mechanism?

I could guess that the latch in the back is bent. Pull the drawer out and see does it line up.

 

[cgrutt]

Thanks I'll pull it apart when I get it back home.

 

[Kurt4440]

I still have the Mac version of that box, the problem is most likely the lock mechanism.

 

[crewchief888]

if memory serves me correct, those spring loaded drawers were meant to be a "lock box" for valuables, keys, wallet, handgun, 1/5 pf bourbon ect

 

[cgrutt]

if memory serves me correct, those spring loaded drawers were meant to be a "lock box" for valuables, keys, wallet, handgun, 1/5 pf bourbon ect

I don't think it's a spring loaded box and don't recall it ever acting this way. The lock locks the entire box not just center drawer. I'm not sure if it's the actual lock (tumbler) causing the problem or something in back of box that looks other drawers. I still have box in my truck and haven't looked at it yet.

 

[impactims]

Do you know why the center drawer pops out when you try to close it? Something with locking mechanism?

Yes, I do know.

You are supposed to push it in, put the key in, turn the key to the "lock" position then release the drawer. It will stay in and lock all the drawers in the process. That spring back that you notice is to allow all the other drawers to be engaged to the locking mechanism while holding the drawer in by hand, thus you have to push it in while turning the key.

I have a snap on box that is like this and I have had it apart.

 

[cgrutt]

Yes, I do know.

You are supposed to push it in, put the key in, turn the key to the "lock" position then release the drawer. It will stay in and lock all the drawers in the process. That spring back that you notice is to allow all the other drawers to be engaged to the locking mechanism while holding the drawer in by hand, thus you have to push it in while turning the key.

I have a snap on box that is like this and I have had it apart.

Thanks. I'll have a look but don't recall having to lock drawer to keep it shut. I'm not even sure if i have a key for it. Thanks for info though.

 

[RTM]

if memory serves me correct, those spring loaded drawers were meant to be a "lock box" for valuables, keys, wallet, handgun, 1/5 pf bourbon ect

What I recall from older days, a 1/4 turn of the key would open the chest and not the center drawer, 1/2 turn of the key opened all the drawers. Or vice versa. Been too long since I’ve seen that in a tool chest.

 

[cgrutt]

What I recall from older days, a 1/4 turn of the key would open the chest and not the center drawer, 1/2 turn of the key opened all the drawers. Or vice versa. Been too long since I’ve seen that in a tool chest.

Thanks! That may be the answer. I'm not sure if i even have a key for this box or how it got moved. Something in mechanism may have fallen off. As stated i don't recall it ever doing this believe all the drawers just opened and closed normally. I may not have even been aware the center drawer could be locked individually i can see why they would do that.

 

[cgrutt]

The top for this box has a key tumbler that just locks the top lid closed. There is a small lever inside back section of top that you need to manually slide to lock the drawers. So having the center drawer either lock individually or along with the rest of the drawers actually makes alot of sense to me now. Hopefully the key that I have for top matches the bottom. I did replace the tumbler on top section because I didn't have a key when I bought the box. Hopefully I replaced the bottom section with the same key but I don't remember. Appreciate the help!

 

[1982fxr]

There's not something stick behind that drawer is there?

 

[cgrutt]

There's not something stick behind that drawer is there?

I don't think so it was pretty much empty. It's still in my truck haven't had a chance to unload it yet.

 

[cgrutt]

So it does have a couple of bars that lock the other drawers about 3/4 the way back. The center drawer stays partially opened or drawers are locked. I honestly don't recall having to do this what a dumb design!