PARK Machinist Box Info

[MadeByMiller]

I picked up this Park brand machinist box at an estate sale the other day, not knowing the brand name, but it was heavy and the price was right so I brought it home. I tried searching for some history of the brand, and I've come up with nothing. I can't even find another picture of the box I bought online. Does anyone have any info? I'll attach a picture of the box, I can get more detailed pictures as well if necessary.

 

[DadsTools]

I have a virtually identical box, but no markings at all. Same story, at a 75% estate sale, had absolutely no use for it, but at the price they made me take it home. Mine is like a dark steel grey.

I'm thinking they were made for independent retailers and chains who put their own sticky case badges on it to make it their house brand. Hopefully someone will recognize the maker by the configuration alone.

 

[Stuart in MN]

I don't know if it's the same company, but Park Tools manufactures bicycle tools and repair equipment. https://www.parktool.com/ They currently list some small toolboxes but I don't see any like that one on their website.


It could be another brand that someone stuck a Park label on. It does look similar to an old Craftsman machinist's chest I have.

 

[MadeByMiller]

I can find enough evidence to know that Park was indeed it's own brand. I can find several examples of this 10 drawer machinist box, with a script Park logo. The most common box I'm seeing is a green hammertone box with a carry handle and 2 drawers. This picture was taken from the vintage tool box thread here on the forum.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, I've had several Park boxes. They were a second step down for those who couldn't afford the Kennedy.

FWIW, I have an urban legend of a salesman who hung out at a bar in Fairfield, AL and would buy a beer for the US Steel millwright who would buy a Park machinist's chest for $1 a week.

jack vines

 

[ken w.]

I have some Park tool boxes. There 2 drawer carry boxes. They are made nice and have drawer slides. I can post pics tomorrow.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I see them around here (phoenix). No idea who sold them but they seem to pop up at estate sales.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I don't know if it's the same company, but Park Tools manufactures bicycle tools and repair equipment. https://www.parktool.com/ They currently list some small toolboxes but I don't see any like that one on their website.


It could be another brand that someone stuck a Park label on. It does look similar to an old Craftsman machinist's chest I have.

You may be onto something

 

[ken w.]

I think it was called Park Metal Works ??

 

[Oldtuleguy]

There was park metalware, later xcelite.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

After a bit of googling apparently park manufacturing is still in business in grant park illinois, the town listed on the label of these tool boxes

 

[Bob-B]

Back in the early '70's, I worked with a machinist who had a Park chest like yours, as well as a 3 drawer base. The base had a panel that covered the drawers to secure them, similar to the panel on the chest. IIRC, Park may have supplied the chests sold by J.C. Penney under the Penncraft name.

 

[ken w.]

Here are some pics of my 2 drawer Park tool box. This is my road box. It's unorganized right now. I have 3 of these boxes. I like them. The only week thing on these is the hasp. The lock hole bent a few times banging into things in the back of the truck. After bending it straight a few time , it broke off.