Saving a Craftsman Tool Chest

[Zeeman]

OK. This is just not right. The primer has barely dried on this box I got because I never could even see one for sale, and this shows up on CL pretty near me.
https://images.craigslist.org/01111_3n4LblN01vR_1200x900.jpg
And only 20 bucks! I'm a little angry!

 

[thehorse13]

You've done a great job. Now it's time to sand some more. lol.

Once you get that primer sanded nicely and you lay down your first coat of paint, the box will come to life and all of this work will be worth it.

 

[thehorse13]

Go grab it! It's cheap insurance just in case this one doesn't work out...or in case you find another bottom box.

 

[Zeeman]

I know, I should go get the other box. I already have another bottom.

 

[Toothaker]

Go get it! You'll always know which is which, and you also know which one you'll take great pride in.

 

[taumac]

I know, I should go get the other box. I already have another bottom.

That's great! I know you said you can't find them. Can't beat that for $20.

 

[Zeeman]

I've tried to contact the guy, but no response yet. I'll get it if he still has it.

 

[Zeeman]

Go get it! You'll always know which is which, and you also know which one you'll take great pride in.

True. Plus it's a little different style.

 

[Tynee]

I might be tempted to go get that one for the drawers, instead of doing all the metal repair on the ones you've got. But having 2 is better than having 1, too.

 

[zigzagfrog]

Decades ago, my dad said, "Son, anything thats busted can be fixed. Just depends on if you're willing to put in the time." OK, maybe he was talking about my marriage, but it works for toolboxes too. Keep at it and you will be proud of your efforts. Really.

 

[CNGsaves]

+1 to snag the 2nd box.

Always good to have "spare" parts . . or an "extra" toolbox !!

 

[Zeeman]

Decades ago, my dad said, "Son, anything thats busted can be fixed. Just depends on if you're willing to put in the time." OK, maybe he was talking about my marriage, but it works for toolboxes too. Keep at it and you will be proud of your efforts. Really.

Now that's funny right there. The part about your marriage. Thanks for the post.

 

[Zeeman]

Still no response from the seller of the 2nd chest.

 

[wrenchr]

Might be out of town..

 

[Zeeman]

True, but I sent him a text to the number listed. I really want it now.

 

[thehorse13]

I had to call a guy for a box that I was after. He didn't respond to text or e-mail. He seemed unaware that I even tried to contact him. Sometimes a good old fashioned phone call is the best way to go.

 

[Zeeman]

Hey Horse, I did call him this morning, and he already sold it. He seemed pissed that I called him, so I politely said, "Have a nice day", and hung up. Oh well. I have an old Waterloo machinists chest I'll fix up next, and keep waiting. Got some gray paint on it this afternoon, and pics are on their way.

 

[thehorse13]

Yea, some people don't reply and assume that you can magically determine that they have sold an item. No worries. You'll pan out some gold if you keep at it.

 

[Tomthumb717]

Quite an undertaking my hats off to you

 

[Zeeman]

Yea, some people don't reply and assume that you can magically determine that they have sold an item. No worries. You'll pan out some gold if you keep at it.

You know it. That's what a guy at work always says instead of Yes, or I agree.

 

[Zeeman]

Here's the Rustoleum hammered Gray applied to the body. It's not perfect by any means, but I like it well enough considering where I started.

I didn't take too much time on the insides, but everything got a nice coat of primer and paint for protection.
The next picture is of the side with the bad rusted out top corner.

Hey, I can see part of my workbench again. Not for long though. I have to do the drawers next.

 

[thehorse13]

Outstanding.

This will be one of those legendary threads for people to reference when trying to decide if something really is too far gone to repair.

 

[Zeeman]

A few before and after shots.

 

[Zeeman]

Outstanding.

This will be one of those legendary threads for people to reference when trying to decide if something really is too far gone to repair.

I don't know about legendary, but thanks. I do hope it gives someone some inspiration. I agree, it was on the verge of being too far gone in some people's minds.

 

[dirt_dobber]

Standing applause here from bee cave Texas

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks dirt dobber. I appreciate it.

 

[Shootinok]

I'm on board with the gentleman from the cave.
Standing ovation from north of the red river too.

 

[taumac]

I don't know about legendary, but thanks. I do hope it gives someone some inspiration. I agree, it was on the verge of being too far gone in some people's minds.

Wow, you done good job there. I must admit I would have turn the other way on that particular chest. I always thought about making a 1970's Craftsman cart out of one sort of like what if craftsman made one. That chest is something I would have cut up or modify to make that project.

 

[FJ 432]

Reminds me of watching a heart monitor after the shock paddles get the heart restarted. IT'S ALIVE!

Great job.

 

[Zeeman]

Wow, you done good job there. I must admit I would have turn the other way on that particular chest. I always thought about making a 1970's Craftsman cart out of one sort of like what if craftsman made one. That chest is something I would have cut up or modify to make that project.

Thanks. It has been a fun project so far. I admit that I did bite off a little too much, but I think the hard part is done.

 

[Zeeman]

Reminds me of watching a heart monitor after the shock paddles get the heart restarted. IT'S ALIVE!

Great job.

It might not be totally breathing on its own just yet. After the drawers are done though. Thanks.

 

[Cruzan80]

No, it must be absolutely horrible. You should send it my way for disposal...

Seriously impressive job. And you know it will be cared for after the amount of work that went into it.

Also, because it is missing the left reinforcing rib on the top (should match right side). But it just makes it unique!

 

[Toothaker]

That is outstanding!

 

[Tynee]

That is outstanding!

That's exactly what I was about to say.

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks for all the complements guys. I really appreciate it, and it makes me want to get going on the drawers. A guy I work with at my part time job has the sandblaster, so I'll see when I can use it tomorrow. The drawers should be easier.

 

[thehorse13]

Be careful with that sandblaster. You can warp the metal with it if you use the wrong medium and/or go too aggressively in one spot for too long.

From the Craigslist fail files, just today I had a guy with a box that I wanted tell me he would hold it only to then say he isn't selling it now. lol. See? You're not alone with Craigslist adventures.

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks for reminding me about the warping. Yep, CL can get ya. Sorry it happened to you.

 

[tym]

I've had auto body guys recommend using walnut shells for blasting to prevent warpage, but I have zero personal experience.

 

[Tynee]

http://knoxville.craigslist.org/tls/5915162522.html?lang=en

http://knoxville.craigslist.org/tls/5927000628.html?lang=en

 

[wrenchr]

I bow to you Zeeman, outstanding!!!!!