Saving ANOTHER Craftsman Toolbox

[Zeeman]

I just finished my Craftsman chest yesterday, and I've now started on his baby brother. It's a two drawer toolbox that I got a pawn shop for 5 bucks. I couldn't let it sit there, so home it came.


This corner will need a spot weld, and I've already cut out the bottom front part and replaced it with a piece of 1/2" square tubing. It's not exactly like the original, but close. The bottom was rusted, so I had some blow outs. Plus, I'm not a good welder.

 

[930dreamer]

They all need a good home.

 

[Zeeman]

Here is the tubing part.

 

[Zeeman]

Yes, they do need homes. I hope this one will be happy with his brothers.

 

[tym]

I anoint thee patron saint of Craftsman toolboxes, Zeeman.

 

[thehorse13]

That little box will give you quite a bit of experience with your set of body hammers and dollies. It's actually in far better shape than the last box so you should be finished by the weekend.

 

[Zeeman]

I anoint thee patron saint of Craftsman toolboxes, Zeeman.

I don't know about the anointment thing. I did put some ointment on a cut I got a few minutes ago though.

 

[Zeeman]

That little box will give you quite a bit of experience with your set of body hammers and dollies. It's actually in far better shape than the last box so you should be finished by the weekend.

You know it. Just putthe second coat of wax on it a little while ago. "Now Biff, you know that's not the second coat..." (an approximate quote from Back to the Future).

 

[Zeeman]

A few more pictures.

 

[Zeeman]

Horse, still think I can get it by the weekend?


The bottom drawer slides in easily now. I noticed a slight difference in the "T" that the aluminum trim slips onto. This one seems more sturdy, and is not split in the middle like the other box I did. This is a 1970 box, and I'm not sure of the date on the 10 drawer because it was totally rusted out.

 

[thehorse13]

Horse, still think I can get it by the weekend?

If you don't have anything else to do with your time, then yes. If you're like the rest of us, that pesky full time job gets in the way of shop progress.

I ran into that very problem today.

 

[Zeeman]

Yep. I work full time teaching, and every Saturday at Harley-Davidson. Oh yeah, add every other Sunday to that. I work too much!

 

[Stuart in MN]

That one will be a piece of cake compared to the other one you just finished.

 

[smokeyburb]

Nice addition. Carry on sir.

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[txvwnut]

Well it definitely looks better than the last one you started with.

I second the anointing.

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks guys. I'm home sick today, so I probably won't feel like doing anything on it. I appreciate all the kind words.

 

[Farmer J.]

Hope your feeling better soon Zeeman. Don't rush to finish that box, i reckon best results are when you work at something steadily just when you feel like it. If time is the enemy it can take the pleasure away.. Looking forward to follow this next restoration, whenever you do it.

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks Farmer. We have had some really bad flu going around, but I think I just got the sinus infection version. I have been able to get a little done on it today, but like you say, it's best done when you have plenty of time.

 

[555]

I hope you are feeling better. This flu has been rough. The hospitals are full around here. I've tried to stay home and away from the public. This new box should be a piece of cake compared to the recently finished 10 drawer.
Regards,
John

 

[Zeeman]

Feeling better 555. Thanks. Felt good enough after work to really hit the box hard. Not literally. I did get enough paint off to be worthy of a few pictures. I'll call this first one Paint Removal Still Life.

 

[Zeeman]

Here's a few more.


This is the model number I guess. I did not even see it. It was covered up by the paint.

 

[A E Numan]

That's beautiful! I sure wish I had the skill it tackle projects like that. I have to content myself with tool boxes that are in better shape to begin with. My hat's off to you!

 

[ryan20021982]

Nice job so far and great job on the first combo, when your done I have this I'll sell you lol, not this exact one but same setup in pretty good shape

 

[Zeeman]

That's beautiful! I sure wish I had the skill it tackle projects like that. I have to content myself with tool boxes that are in better shape to begin with. My hat's off to you!

Hey A E, You don't really need much skill, just patience and determination. You really never know what you can do till you just jump in and try it. I had a few tiny tiny doubts about the big chest I just finished, but I finally got it done. I bought a mig welder and learned to weld all over again. Cutting metal is cutting metal, and it's not hard. Body work, I struggle with it just like I do drywall. It might take longer for someone that does not do it for a living, but it gets done in the end. I do admit to having plenty of rattle can painting experience. I started painting with cans as soon as I got my first minibike in the 7th grade. Practice on some metal, and then just go do it. It's not too hard. I'm definitely not an expert at any of this. Anyway, thanks for the complement.

 

[Zeeman]

Nice job so far and great job on the first combo, when your done I have this I'll sell you lol, not this exact one but same setup in pretty good shape

I actually have the roller like you pictured, but not the chest. That is a definite want of mine though. This small two drawer is going to look lost on the roller I have. Send me a pic of what you have, or feel free to post it here. Nice setup you have there.

 

[bonneyman]

They all need a good home.

That's what I keep telling myself - and my wife.

 

[Zeeman]

Is she buying it?

 

[383z]

You did a great job getting all the paint off.

How did you do it?

 

[Zeeman]

Thanks. If you look at post #20, you'll see what I used mostly.

 

[Zeeman]

I got a little more done today. Some polishing of handle parts, a little body work.
Both handle gizmos looked like the one on the left to start with. I think they will be OK like this.


Here is what I used to polish after much sanding.

 

[555]

Looking good! Are you going to rivet the handle parts back on the box?

 

[Zeeman]

Yes, I plan to rivet. I don't know if I can do the solid, rounded type with my rivet tool though. I'll have to look into that. Thanks.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Here's an idea for your garage name: Zeeman's home for wayward, rusted, and dented Craftsman tool boxes.

 

[Cruzan80]

Yes, I plan to rivet. I don't know if I can do the solid, rounded type with my rivet tool though. I'll have to look into that. Thanks.

For the solid ones, you need a hard backer (possibly with a divot if you want them to stay spheroid) and then a steel rod with a divot on the end. Cross/Ball pein hammer the end to start to mushroom out, and then finish by putting the rod on and smacking it several times.

 

[FadedGray]

Nice job with the resto. I prob would dumped it but nice job giving it new life.

 

[Zeeman]

Here's an idea for your garage name: Zeeman's home for wayward, rusted, and dented Craftsman tool boxes.

It's a little bit long, but I do like it. I think I'll use my router and make a sign. Thanks.

 

[Zeeman]

Cruzan, Thanks for the info. I figured it would not be as easy as using the rivet gun. This box might just get the easy ones.

 

[Zeeman]

Nice job with the resto. I prob would dumped it but nice job giving it new life.

Thanks. Several members mentioned that same thing about the last chest I did. I have fun doing it, and it gives me some satisfaction knowing I saved them. Another factor is: They are just so hard to find in my area for some reason. When I find one, I have to buy it.

 

[smokeyburb]

Yes, I plan to rivet. I don't know if I can do the solid, rounded type with my rivet tool though. I'll have to look into that. Thanks.

Is your rivet gun of the pneumatic, aircraft type? I've done stainless 5/32 rivets with a 4x gun but wished for a 5x to keep the rivet from work hardening too soon. There is no secret other than keep the pieces tight while driving, control your set, and use a heavy bucking bar.

FWIW: I reinstalled the handle on my beater Kennedy 5220 using 5/32 aluminum countersunk rivets.

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[Zeeman]

Burb, Negative on the pneumatic type. All I have is the hand held version that you squeeze. What does a countersunk rivet look like compared to what my squeeze gun will do? Or, is it the same?