Old Sturdibilt Toolbox - Latch Repair?

[Pexto]

I was given this old toolbox (or maybe it's a tackle box). It's a little beat up, but in cleaning it up it kind of grew on me, so I'd like to put it to use.

Although the decal on this one is illegible, I was able to find similar pictures of similar boxes and identify it as a Sturdibilt brand.

Unfortunately the latch is broken - part of the lower latch has broken off, so there's nothing for the top latch to engage. This makes the entire box somewhat useless, as you can't pick it up without spilling the entire contents. And I've already done that enough times in my life, thank you.

Does anybody know where I could source a replacement latch? Or ideas for repairing this one?

 

[The Cobbler]

is the latch riveted on? can you get it off the box & see what's involved with making a new one? it looks like it would be fairly straightforward.
maybe even tack weld a pc on to recreate the hook that's missing

 

[Pexto]

Each piece of the latch (top and bottom) has two little tabs holding it on the box. The tabs pass through small holes in the box and are bent over. It would be very easy to remove the latch entirely. In fact I'll plan on taking it off tomorrow - from the back I should be able to see more clearly whether it can be repaired.

It's not obvious in the pictures, but the entire lower half of the catch is brass, and the entire top half is steel. I checked with a magnet. I think that entire lower half is formed from one piece of brass, so it may be impractical to repair.

Thanks for the suggestions!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Just do what the oldtimers would do and lash some wire around both pieces that you have to wiggle off and on every time you use it!

Kidding.

FWIW, my go-to approach with parts like this, or handles, or even ratchet mechanisms, is to find another one that is in worse condition (rusted to hell, missing a handle, missing the logo etc) but it has the piece I need, buy it, and cannibalize it just for that piece. But I am never in a hurry and I live in a very good flea market area.

It is a nifty vintage tackle box with a nostalgic shape and a lot of character.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Just for sh*ts and grins, I googled Sturdibilt Tackle Box. It figures that some eBay ads came up in the results. There is a similar one for sale, with the decal, and the same or similar clasp for $29.99 OBO, linked here, and a different Sturdibilt model that appears to have the same or similar center clasp, starting at $5, linked here. EDIT: I'll keep an eye out for one on my jaunts.

 

[Pexto]

Unfortunately those ebay sellers want $20-30 to ship to me. That's the problem with living at (or slightly past) the edge of civilization.

Interesting that those ebay boxes have additional latches - almost like that single center latch became a known point of failure so Sturdibilt sturdied things up a little.

I pulled the latch off. I don't think this can really be repaired. But if I'm lucky maybe I can find a latch that fits the holes already there.

BTW that screwdriver was one of the tools in the box. Looks like it's been carefully ground to fit some particular screw. I'm tickled by the writing on the handle so I think 'll keep it around.

 

[The Cobbler]

What's the action of the latch, I assume that broken pc needs a hook on it to click in or something? even tho it's very thin metal ( probably) , someone with finesse should be able to weld & shape a new pc there

 

[Beerhippie]

Just add a couple of over-centering latches to either side of the original.

As for whether it's a tool box or a tackle box, in my book, it depends on what you put in it.

 

[Pexto]

What's the action of the latch, I assume that broken pc needs a hook on it to click in or something? even tho it's very thin metal ( probably) , someone with finesse should be able to weld & shape a new pc there

Yeah, I think there's supposed to be a hook there, and part of it broke off. But I haven't been able to find a pic of the original, so no idea what the hook should look like. And note that the brass hook has a lip on it, which complicates the situation even more.

Also please be aware that finesse is in very short supply 'round these parts!

 

[Pexto]

Just add a couple of over-centering latches to either side of the original.

As for whether it's a tool box or a tackle box, in my book, it depends on what you put in it.

Best suggestion yet, I think.

I've had difficulty finding out much about the company. But they made some pretty cool boxes, like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/124486742293.

 

[The Cobbler]

@Pexto I get it. I would love to tackle a repair like that . I imagine you're in USA?
shipping would be an issue probably