Old Toolbox

[Adamski]

Picked this up yesterday for $30 off of craigslist. He told me its made by Craftsman and he bought it used 20 years ago. I wouldn't think it would hold much value, but if it does, I'd hate to ruin it by painting it. Any insight is appreciated.

Thanks
Adam

 

[Lx460]

Go ahead and paint it if you want.

 

[1jeepfan]

I had one just like it. Bought it new, from Sears about 22 years ago. Gave it to my son a couple years ago. Great box, worked well, I just out grew it.

 

[lostmind]

not much value , can only increase if you paint it --correctly

 

[Zrexxer]

You've already established the value - it's worth $30. Paint it.

 

[Adamski]

Thanks guys

 

[zkling]

Common craftsman box from the late 80's on. If you needed a box it was a good value. They should be stamped year made. The top box in the top compartment left hand side. The bottom box on the lower front frame rail.

 

[CJ7VFR]

You should try to clean it up first before you go and paint it.

It might shine up pretty nicely, and you would not have to go thru
the hassle of taking it all apart, masking everything, and what-not.

If you do go the route of painting it, what color do you want to paint it?

Jim

 

[Rod N]

I'd just use some good cleaner and maybe a coat of wax.
You might surprised.

 

[aka rotten]

Adamski. Hope you don't get ill by asking ? on your thread about box but I dont know how to post pics. I have box similar to your and had can of battery cleaner on shelf above it. Can rusted thru at bottom and got on top of box rusting hinge so bad when you open it it,ll stay up by itself. gonna repaint top but wanna know how to get hinge pin out to clean and repaint. Its so tight now takes both hands to open box top. Do you just drive pin out or is there secret? Thanks and if i,ve broken rule, feel free to delete. Paul

 

[taumac]

Adamski. Hope you don't get ill by asking ? on your thread about box but I dont know how to post pics. I have box similar to your and had can of battery cleaner on shelf above it. Can rusted thru at bottom and got on top of box rusting hinge so bad when you open it it,ll stay up by itself. gonna repaint top but wanna know how to get hinge pin out to clean and repaint. Its so tight now takes both hands to open box top. Do you just drive pin out or is there secret? Thanks and if i,ve broken rule, feel free to delete. Paul

Those pins are impossible to get out. Best bet is to spray some penetrating oil on it and see if can work free. If not best thing is to replace hinge by drilling out spot welds and either welding or riviting on new hinge.


To the OP those are common boxes so doing nothing wrong by painting them. My suggestion is just to paint outside of box and drawer fronts. In this case if you want to return it to original it's less work.

 

[Adriel]

How come mine has no stampings at all?

Mine has the same layout, but red drawer fronts, flat sides, and no built in locks. The top box has a flip latch to put a padlock on and the bottom box has a bar you insert and padlock. Mine says it is home grade.

I can't believe you got the box for $30! I paid a good bit more than that but the boxes are in good condition except one sider acts a bit odd.

Man, if my box was really beat up and I had the time, I so would paint it British racing green!

 

[taumac]

How come mine has no stampings at all?

Mine has the same layout, but red drawer fronts, flat sides, and no built in locks. The top box has a flip latch to put a padlock on and the bottom box has a bar you insert and padlock. Mine says it is home grade.

I can't believe you got the box for $30! I paid a good bit more than that but the boxes are in good condition except one sider acts a bit odd.

Man, if my box was really beat up and I had the time, I so would paint it British racing green!

I pic would help but anytime you see a box without internal locks and a latch for a padlock generally the are entry level home owner grade boxes. At that level they where made for a lot of store each slapping there name on them.


Now on the same token it's not uncommon to see well made "carry" boxes with a latch for a padlock.