Snap-on box... How did I do?

[blacksuit99]

Found a listing on craigslist advertising a snap-on toolbox. Ad gave description but did not include any pictures. I called the guy and told him i wanted it. He asked how I would know that without lookin at it... I just told h it sounded like what I was looking for. I didn't really want to tell him that I was really thinking... $25 for a snap on box, how can I not buy it! I'm attaching some pics of it. Can someone point me where I can find out where the model number is? Also it's missing the front handle, guess I'll have to find one or try and make one... Gonna need a lock too. Haven't decided if I'm going to restore it or clean it up and use it as is... With the name on the box and the Boeing sticker, my detective skills tell me it was used at Boeing! Hahaha

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[matt351]

I can't wait to see it restored!

 

[kblazer87]

Nice score.

 

[toddacimer]

Nice box. Good deal

 

[skippy24]

That deserves a You ****!

 

[davethorik]

looks a lot like a machinist's box. very cool!

 

[ol'Red]

nice box

 

[zkling]

Ugh, damn, I've been looking for that exact box. YOU ****. I'd be VERY happy to pay $25 for that. It is a early to mid 1940's K-55R with tray.

http://collectingsnapon.com/catalogs/catalogs.php?loggedin=0&catalogPage=849

Do with it as you like, but I personally wouldn't do more than a good cleaning. It will only be original once and the condition is not that bad IMHO.

looks a lot like a machinist's box. very cool!

It's not that small. It was like the standard mechanics box of the 40's. Predecessor to the KRA-56 and KR-56 boxes. 26" wide, 12" deep. Drawer slides, stops and all

 

[blacksuit99]

Thanks for the info guys! I looked all over it and can only find a " made in USA"... Couldn't Find the model number. But wow, this thing is heavy and built like a tank. I'm kind of leaning towards a good cleaning... Guess we will see.


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[zkling]

Thanks for the info guys! I looked all over it and can only find a " made in USA"... Couldn't Find the model number. But wow, this thing is heavy and built like a tank. I'm kind of leaning towards a good cleaning... Guess we will see.

Yea, boxes that old were not stamped model number. O and just FYI, there is no front handle that is missing. If you are talking about the holes in the drawer cover, those are finger holes. Barring the lock cylinder, that looks 100% complete. Tray and all.

 

[blacksuit99]

Finger holes huh? I wouldn't have guessed that, but I sure was wondering why the holes were so big. I got a few of the slides cleaned and greased. When I pulled the bottom drawer out I found the original sales receipt. Unfortunately if it did have a price written on it, you can no longer read it.


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[k p]

I say just clean it up and use it, those stenciled names are so freakin cool!

 

[jeffmoss26]

That is beautiful!!

 

[blacksuit99]

I think the stenciled name is cool as hell too, I wish the Boeing sticker was in better shape... Kind of cool to know this was made in the 1940's and was more than likely used at Boeing... I bet the original owner worked on some stuff that was flown in ww2. Of course who knows but sounds cool!


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[iajonesy]

If I'm not mistaken,that mirror is out of a WWII fighter plane. Nice buy on a rare old box.

Mike

 

[oldldh]

How come it ain't restored, yet???

Ya dun gud, Bubba...

 

[fatfillup]

Great find!!

 

[Flatintoone]

awesome box for a great price!

 

[blacksuit99]

Got the old girl cleaned up and some fresh grease on the slides. Also got some of my tools moved over. Am I the only one who gets older well made stuff and feels like they are helping pass on good stuff to the next generation? I am sure I'll get another 60 years out of this box, then my son will get it.

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[zkling]

Looks great. The inside is in really good condition considering it is ~70 years old, they must have had drawer liners in it. One tip, I find it better to clean and wax the slides compared to grease. Grease will work for a while, then drastically decline into a gummy mess, if it gets anything abrasive in it, you will be basically lapping the slides. I use a product called door ease, super cheap and works for a number of applications.

Out of curiosity how do those drawers open with just one hand/handle? As in do you have to use both hands and handles to open the drawer smoothly or can it be done with one side without the drawer hanging? Fun fact they continued to make that drawer layout for the following ~50 years but changed to a full length drawer pull.

 

[blacksuit99]

The drawers open up fairly easy using just one hand. I am new to snap on stuff, where can I find a lock mechanism for this box? Is it a "snap on lock" fits all or am I looking for something specific?

 

[zkling]

You'd have to measure the distance between the flats, but I would be willing to bet it is the same lock they used from 1950's-1990. The lock itself is not going to be the hard part, the locking mechanism itself may though. I'm not sure what the exact cam needs to look like for that box. Even a newer tube style lock may fit, but it wouldn't look period correct, that is for sure.

 

[Rag Roc]

First I'm not an expert, but this may help. The big box hardware stores sell the tube locks with several interchangeable "blades" that might work or be modified to fit your box. This would work for security, but obviously not be technically correct for the box. I would strongly advise NOT to modify the box to make the lock work.

BTW........nice score!