Small Craftsman Tool box latch repair

[Rummel]

Hello Everyone!

I recently inherited a little metal black Craftsman toolbox. it just has a simple locking latch up front and it is so loose it won't lock down any way I can repair it without drilling new holes for pop rivets?

Can Get Pictures If Need Be!

 

[Onefastgsx]

Pictures would help. Does the latch look bent? Or is the lid out of square and not allowing the latch to line up to hook?

 

[B17E1943]

Photos are always a plus.

 

[Rummel]

Alright, I will take some pictures today!
The lid was out of square but I got it back in pretty close, there is a part of the latch that you can put a little pad lock on that was bent, but I straightened that up.

Just seems like the latch is weak. I get it to lock down a little over halfway, but when I pick it up it pops unlocked!

 

[Rummel]

Here's some pictures!

<a href="http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/TS_Rummel/media/CraftsmanToolBox_zps2988b09f.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t375/TS_Rummel/CraftsmanToolBox_zps2988b09f.jpeg" border="0" alt=" photo CraftsmanToolBox_zps2988b09f.jpeg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/TS_Rummel/media/CraftsmanToolBox2_zpsb4834f67.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t375/TS_Rummel/CraftsmanToolBox2_zpsb4834f67.jpeg" border="0" alt=" photo CraftsmanToolBox2_zpsb4834f67.jpeg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/TS_Rummel/media/CraftsmanToolBox4_zpscd30a9b9.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t375/TS_Rummel/CraftsmanToolBox4_zpscd30a9b9.jpeg" border="0" alt=" photo CraftsmanToolBox4_zpscd30a9b9.jpeg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1056.photobucket.com/user/TS_Rummel/media/CraftsmanToolBox4_zps7f090872.jpeg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1056.photobucket.com/albums/t375/TS_Rummel/CraftsmanToolBox4_zps7f090872.jpeg" border="0" alt=" photo CraftsmanToolBox4_zps7f090872.jpeg"/></a>

 

[Harrison2]

looks bent, id imagine you could get a nice repro latch to fit it if you was to restore it. if not beat it all back straight

 

[Rummel]

That sounds good, any idea about where I could get a reproduction latch?

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I'd just find a generic replacement. That box isn't worth much. Maybe $20-25 in perfect shape.

I have one as well.

 

[Rummel]

Well, I was asked to spiff it up so I figure a new latch could make it spiffy enough, I don't want to change a lot.

 

[The Cobbler]

look for draw catches or chest latches in any hardware store

http://www.stanleyhardware.com/type/draw-catches-supports-catches-latches

 

[SweetD]

I ordered my draw latches from McMaster Carr. I had to buy a pack of 5 but they were still pretty cheap.

That being said, I agree you should look at a local hardware store first for something that would work.

Don't be afraid to drill a new hole or two to fit. By the way, my project gave me a great excuse to buy a nice (used, but in great condition) pop-riveter hand tool off of eBay.



Dave

 

[Rummel]

I have a pretty good little pop rivet gun, I was just hoping not to change up the hardware very much... guess I don't have much of a choice.

 

[NKlamerus]

I literally JUST bought a 2 drawer sears crafstman box tonight for 15 bucks....One of these latches is broken! Glad I found this!

 

[NKlamerus]

It's this same model, he didn't have a key either. He bought 2 new when he was 17. and he sold me the better one! Deal!

Instead of rivets why not do mini stainless nuts/bolts? I think it'd look cleaner IMO

 

[Rummel]

It looks to me that we have the same latches, I just commented on this sucker over in the vintage tool box thread!
I went to the McMaster Carr website that SweetD mentioned up there and found them, but they only come in a ten pack!!

http://www.mcmaster.com/#1766a61/=rlscp4http://www.mcmaster.com/#1766a61/=rlscp4

 

[NKlamerus]

It looks to me that we have the same latches, I just commented on this sucker over in the vintage tool box thread!
I went to the McMaster Carr website that SweetD mentioned up there and found them, but they only come in a ten pack!!

http://www.mcmaster.com/#1766a61/=rlscp4http://www.mcmaster.com/#1766a61/=rlscp4

Im debating replacing it with actual original latches. If I can find something close I'll go with it, and instead of rivets use small nuts/bolts

 

[Rummel]

Im debating replacing it with actual original latches. If I can find something close I'll go with it, and instead of rivets use small nuts/bolts

Yeah, the small nuts and bolts idea is good I was thinking about that myself. But I looked around and this latch was the closest thing I could get to my original.

 

[NKlamerus]

I think I'll HAVE to order originals.

Did you order a full set of 10?

If I replace the latch it'll have to be with something that "seals" (no play) otherwise when you go to carry the box the lid won't be tight against the body.

 

[NKlamerus]

 

[mailpup]

It looks to me that we have the same latches, I just commented on this sucker over in the vintage tool box thread!
I went to the McMaster Carr website that SweetD mentioned up there and found them, but they only come in a ten pack!!

http://www.mcmaster.com/#1766a61/=rlscp4http://www.mcmaster.com/#1766a61/=rlscp4

Check Amazon and Ebay. I saw a few at each site that you can buy individually. You'd have to look at them to determine if they are close enough to be satisfactory for your needs. They are more expensive individually than a single one from McMaster Carr but since you can't buy a single latch from MC, you end up paying less overall.

Here is one sample from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004Z0SA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Here is another from Ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-DRAW-PULL...393?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4864fab591

Just trying to increase your options.

 

[NKlamerus]

The only difference is the lock. You have a lock tab in the handle part of your latch. I do not. But amazon has both! In 2 packs! For 7 bucks I think I'll go for it

 

[Rummel]

No I haven't bought them yet, I was still looking at other options. If I can find it I'm not to worried on price, I just want it to look right. Can You put the link to the Amazon one? I saw the other links but my computer won't open them from some reason.