Snap On KRA 58B back in service!

[Alienbaby17]

A little over a week ago I bought this vintage Snap On KRA 58B tool chest. I found it locally on Craigslist. The date code on the back indicates it is from 1965.

When I was doing some research on it prior to buying it I didn't find much information so that was part of my decision to me post this thread. Maybe this can be a resource for someone in the future looking for info on one of these boxes.

I like old things. I don't know why. Maybe it's because I don't have a ton of money and old things tend to be more affordable than new things. Maybe it's because old things tend to be built better and have more character. Maybe it's because my mom dragged me to all of those garage sales as a kid. I really don't know why but I do bring home a lot of rusty junk.

I have been collecting and working on old cars for the last 20 years. I had always thought it'd be neat to have an old tool box and tools in the garage to go with the old cars. Recently I found myself in need of another tool chest so I picked this up.

The night I brought it home I posted some pictures in the vintage tool box thread so forgive me if you've seen these before.

My initial plan was to do a full restoration. However as part of the deal the seller threw in the small portable Snap On box seen on top in the uppermost photo. I decided to start with restoring that one and, wow, it is a lot of work. So I decided just to clean this one up and put it back into use.

I spent the better part of a couple of afternoons cleaning this up. First I went at it with a scraper, some Goo Gone and a heat gun. Then I hit it with the buffer and some rubbing compound and polish. Finally I sprayed and wiped it down liberally with some PB Blaster. It's far from a show-piece but I'm happy with it. It is an old tool box after all.

Here are some 'After' photos.

I am really impressed with the overall quality of this box. It definitely feels like the materials and construction are way nicer than most of the modern boxes I see today. Yes, it lacks ball bearing slides but the existing slides move very well.

A lot of the limited research I did prior to buying this was done on the Collecting Snap On website, specifically the 'catalog' section. Along with this site it was a very good resource regarding options, and information on this chest.

Here is a picture of the box with some information on it from the Collecting Snap on site.

Overall, I think it's going to be a nice addition to my tool collection and I look forward to using it for many more years to come.

 

[Bruce57]

Nice job on the clean up. Looks like you ended up with a really nice box. What was the price on Craigslist?

 

[Alienbaby17]

Nice job on the clean up. Looks like you ended up with a really nice box. What was the price on Craigslist?

I was afraid someone would ask me that question...I'm pretty sure I paid more than I should have but at that moment I REALLY wanted it. The seller was a mechanic and motorcycle builder so he knew what it was worth. He also was selling it on behalf of an older fellow that had a stroke and couldn't wrench anymore but needed money. He was asking $200 for it.

Given the back story and because he was a nice guy I didn't want to really beat him up on the price too badly. I made him an offer and he countered by throwing in the smaller portable Snap On box for his $200 asking price. I had been watching ones like the portable box on Ebay and it looks like it should hopefully be worth $50-$100 depending on its condition. The plan is to restore the small one and sell it to offset some of what I paid for the top chest. That should put the KRA 58 purchase price in the $100-$150 range depending on what I can get for the small one once it's done.

The price wasn't a steal by any means but I think it was fair. I don't think I would have been nearly as happy with paying $200-$250 for a new Craftsman top chest that would be of lesser quality IMO.

 

[Catamount]

Very nice! I have a similar box, a '76 58C that I did a similar clean-up on. I paid a little less than you, but would have paid more. It's amazing how heavy these boxes are when empty! I love looking at when I go into the shop.

Before:

After:

 

[Alienbaby17]

That's a neat box/ piece of American history with the Bicentennial tie in. Turned out nicely!

 

[Packard V8]

You were right to go for it. Price was a bit high, but they don't come along every day. I did the same deal in a KRA59 and a KRA61. Both are now working boxes and friction slides are just fine.

jack vines

 

[SweetD]

Nice job. I have the same exact box sitting in my garage just waiting for me to do the same thing to it that you just did...

I paid $75 for reference, but I watched it on c-list for a long time listed at $150 and finally talked the kid down after almost a year. I think you did ok with the smaller carry box thrown in.

Dave

 

[kodiackid]

Nice box. I got the same on from an uncle that passed. I recently moved and lost key. I sent away for a key to be made from a company LDV. They said they make snap on toolboxs now and make old keys as a service to snap on customers. The lock is #1266 and when i ordered the key it didnt work. They suggested i drill out and replace the lock but i was told if not done correctly i could ruin the box and never get it open. Any help on picking lock or drilling out lock or another way to open would be appreciated thanks in advance [email protected] .

 

[Souljer]

Hi KodiacKid,

I had a similar issue with a Snap On box I bought on eBay. A lock but no key for the 1940's something box.

I took the lock out of the lid and took it to a locksmith. He then made a new key for it. It was so old that the locksmith had to take a key blank that was close and then cut the shoulder back further to make it work. Now I have an old Snap On box with a key for the original lock.

If the box is simply locked now and you can't get in, that's another problem.
One thing I've found with old locks is that sometimes you have to be gentle and patient. Try a few things; first put the key all the way in and try it, then pull the key out a millimeter and try again, then pull it out another millimeter and try again, shaking/vibrating the key when all the way in and just almost all the way, etc. If the pins, and parts inside the lock are rusted or stuck from just sitting there for decades, the key may be correct but the parts need a little motivation to turn again.

If nothing is working and you don't want to drill or destroy anything yet. I would try picking the lock. There are quite a few YouTube videos on the subject. Watch a few, make a few small tools and go for it. You have nothing to loose and a great story if you succeed.

Good luck!