Snap On Tool Box Drawers Stuck on One Side Only

[sam spear]

We moved a KRL1032 from one shop to another and somehow one of the drop down lock bars at the rear of the box shifted. The box is locked, but the left side drop down bar is 'locked' but not on the rear hooks of each drawer. The other drop down bars are closed normally. The smaller, right side drawers have the typical play when locked so I think it must be the left hand drop bar.

Snap On tried to advise steps to fix this, but none have worked. Before I resort to cutting a nice toolbox, I'd be grateful if anyone has advice.

Thanks1

 

[rsanter]

Will any drawers open?
If even one will open pull it out and remove the drawer.
Reach in and lift the lock bar then pull out more drawers to fix the issue

Is the box full?
If it is not full then flip it on its back or even tip it upside down a bit to get the bar to move.

It's been a few years but I had that happen with a box, during the move the lock mechanism came apart (clip came off that allowed the rod to come free). Turning the lock did nothing.
I ended up drilling a hole righ above the rear lock rail. Reached in with needle nose pliers and pull the thing up and the drawers opened. Was an easy fix, SO send a new clip for free regardless of age.
Once the top box went on you never knew

Depending on the generation of box. If it's a box that you can close the drawers with it locked and it will latch the drawer. For a while it was known you could slide a piece of sheet metal in on top of the drawer and back to hit the 'ramp' of the lock bar. That would lift the bar and you could open the drawer

 

[sam spear]

Thanks for the quick response. To your questions:

1. No drawers open
2. The box is full. The lift gate strained getting it into the truck.

I think that your solution of drilling a hole is the likely answer. Do you remember where you drilled? I've searched for schematics of these boxes, but only found general, patent diagrams.

Thanks again for you help.

 

[RTM]

What did SO suggest?

Do you have the key? Assuming it’s supposed to be locked.

If the key won’t turn, it’s possible the tension from the partially open drawers is keeping the mechanism bound up, pressing against the lock bars.

When flipping the key you may hear some motion in the left side, as they appear not to be engaged. Pushing in on the right side May release the tension on the mechanism. You may just have one drawer binding, but I’d guess the entire right side of the main bank needs to be pressed in, and no clue about the smaller bank.

The bottom main drawer seems to be sticking out furthest, or poor perspective. I’d start there.

 

[Zewnten]

Use your key to pull the lock and stick a heavy duty flat blade screw driver in to twist the lock bar.

 

[Wamsutta]

That's right! I forgot! You can remove the lock by pushing in on it with the key and turning it a certain way.