Restoring a Toolbox

[jeremyboudrot]

Hello,

Not sure if this is the right place to post this one, but I'm new here, so excuse my ignorance.

Anyways, am going to restore this old Craftsman beauty.

I won't post the website/plans, as I don't know all the rules here. Anyways, any one know the best way to get the hinges/latches to a nice chrome shine? I dont really want to paint them with the rest, as I would like for them to pop.

Really I'm looking for the best way so they don't look completely scratched.

Thanks!
Jeremy

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Hi can the admin move this to where they deem appropriate?

TIA!

 

[Boyd]

The best way would be removing them by drilling out the rivets, then have them chromed.

Otherwise, you could clean and polish them with a Dremel tool, then shoot them with clear.

 

[ZRX61]

You could go for a satin finish by masking around them, then beadblasting the latches.

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Thanks for the responses guys. Lot of that is wayyy above my level lol. if I use a really high high # sandpaper will it look like ****? Otherwise, how about a metal polish?

thanks again for all the help!

 

[aggierailroad]

You "can" do this by hand with sandpaper, but the results will probably not look like what you have planned in your head. Use some naval jelly or muriatic acid - use caution here - to clean them after first drilling the rivets. The acid will strip them if you don't have a good mechanical means to do so.

Barring a buffing machine, which would also be hard due to the small size, rub them out by hand with the polishing compound...

Easiest/cheapest method: buy some new ones from McMaster Carr. I'm sure they carry some new shiny ones for a few bucks apiece.

 

[fullthrottle24]

That doesn't look to bad. Try giving the box a good cleaning with degreaser. If you can't live with that finish go ahead and scuff it and repaint with a nice hammered finish. Use search function here, you will see the results some of the members have posted. The latches should polish out fairly well with a soft wire wheel or polishing compound. If chrome is peeling, I'd opt for painting as mentioned above. Have fun with it.

 

[Dan in Pasadena]

I've got the exact same box and it is in almost the same condition.

I'm going to drill out the rivets that hold the clasps on and give it a light sanding. Then paint it with Rustoleum hammer finish in gray with a small foam roller inside and out. I've already used it on some steel in my garage and it dries hard as a rock and levels (well, with the obvious exception that it's SUPPOSED to look pebbled) extremely well.

Then I'm going to use the wire wheel on my bench grinder to clean up the clasps and coat them with Gibbs oil and re pop rivet them. I THINK it'll look like new!

 

[jeremyboudrot]

I've got the exact same box and it is in almost the same condition.

I'm going to drill out the rivets that hold the clasps on and give it a light sanding. Then paint it with Rustoleum hammer finish in gray with a small foam roller inside and out. I've already used it on some steel in my garage and it dries hard as a rock and levels (well, with the obvious exception that it's SUPPOSED to look pebbled) extremely well.

Then I'm going to use the wire wheel on my bench grinder to clean up the clasps and coat them with Gibbs oil and re pop rivet them. I THINK it'll look like new!

When you say drill out the rivets, I know what you mean...however, how do you get them back in. Think this job may be above my head...I was thinking dremel attachment and a little elbow grease

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Also, what do you think hand painting vs. spray?

 

[aggierailroad]

When you say drill out the rivets, I know what you mean...however, how do you get them back in. Think this job may be above my head...I was thinking dremel attachment and a little elbow grease

When you drill out a rivet you will effectively ruin it. You will NOT be able to reuse it. To put it all back together you would need to purchase a pop (or blind) rivet gun and the proper sized rivets. I suggest a kit/multi-pack so that you can have more for use at a later time.

http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-riveters.html is a good example. No endorsements here!

If you want to go *********, talk to the Aerodrome Studio guy about real rivets...

You could also use a small machine screw and nut to put it back together if you have sufficient clearance.

As far as paint goes... spray it by all means. Original Craftsman colors are easy enough to match. Use a good primer and the same brand color. To knock the rust off, my recommendation, due to your lack of tools, is to use a red scotch brite pad, available at any auto parts store in their "auto body" section. Scrub it well, no need to remove all the paint. Clean it with soapy water and or a grease cutting detergent/spray. Dry it thoroughly before it has a chance to rust up on you again! Prime and paint according to manufacturers recommendations on the can.

Finally - post some pictures when you're done!

Remember what Van Gogh says: “Success is sometimes the outcome of a whole string of failures.” You've got to start somewhere!

 

[bonneyman]

I have the same box, and I cleaned it up and repainted it (not a complete restore) for use in my work truck. Holds my socket set, several specialty tools, and odds and ends. Great box - worth fixing up and using!

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Progress.

Going to make

and

my best friends.

Excited.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Also, what do you think hand painting vs. spray?

Spray painting is the only option. If you spend the time and money to paint it with a brush, you are going to be pissed at yourself.

Rustoleum hammered spray is an excellent choice if you are going for the original look.

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Alright, just need a little more touch up sanding, and I'm ready to prime!

 

[nonhog]

Looking good! Picked one up (little rougher than yours) for $4.00
Not sure if I'll restore or use as is. Yard box.
Looking forward to more post on yours!

 

[jeremyboudrot]

nh,

I saw one fully restored go on eBay for 95$! Not looking to flip this, so to speak, actually was my father in law's dads. Was going to restore it and give it back to him. He's not big into sentimental ****, but this'd be a nice piece, IMO.

That rust will knock right off!

I was surprised how well the latches look with just sanding. Think I'll leave them as is, maybe run a quick polishing wheel on it.

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Primed:

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Painted. Cuz I'm an ahole, I have some drips, need to resand and spray, but overall am happy with it so far.

 

[FJ 432]

This is one I did as a project and I had it powdercoated.

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Alright.

The big reveal.

Learned a lot from this one project.

Also pretty proud of how it came out considering

A: First time doing something like this
B: Not a pro
C: Many of the "sins" I feel are small enough that I'd have to point them out...obviously I can see them.

Watch out Rick Dale, I'm coming for you!

 

[softailgarage]

If you have a Dremel, polish up the hinges with either white or red rouge (surprisingly the white works better for me). It takes a little time, but will look good

 

[aggierailroad]

Looks good! What's next?

 

[sam03]

nice work!

 

[firecracker]

Great" practice makes perfect, keep at it Jeremy.

 

[77thor]

I've also got that exact same box, although mine is in very good shape.

Have fun.

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Looks good! What's next?

Continuing on my custom wood signs. Hate the Red Sox but people eat that **** up around here.

 

[aggierailroad]

Looks nice. Old crates?

 

[jeremyboudrot]

Pallet wood!

 

[Florida_Surveyor]

That looks good. I have the same tool box and was thinking about restoring it. It was my Dad's. Hopefully it turns out as good.

 

[Bigplum]

does the powercoating mess the hinges up or do you need to prep them?