Snap on Tool Cart KR-488 Restoration Help!

[Travisnd]

I'm restoring this Snap On tool cart I got from my Dad, KR-488 and am wondering if the sides are chrome or polished and the best way to make them looking good again. Also wondering if/how I can separate the wheels from the casters to help clean everything up better. Thanks all.

 

[zkling]

They were plated, use some fine steel wool and oil to clean them. If the rust has penetrated the plating, causing it to chip/flake, you don't have many options.

 

[Tim37]

Have you priced having them rechromed? It should be be that expensive and they will look new agian.

 

[Travisnd]

I may have to look into re-chroming them as they are pretty bad in some spots......Any benefit to painting them instead of having them chromed again? Any advice on the wheels?

 

[garthg]

I have a KR-42 that had some rust on it, but not as bad as yours.
I just used some fine steel wool, as previously suggested, and it did a pretty good job. A little WD-40 also. I gave everything a good wash with soap and water first.

 

[Travisnd]

Your really looks good Garth, nice job!

 

[469 runner]

The plating on those Snap On carts is terrible. I rechromed mine. I think it was about $200.00 The platers told me what was used originally was probably a process call flash chrome. Actually just nickel as originally manufactured. No copper or chrome. An inexpensive process. So real chroming should look much better and be far more durable. I can't stand rusty junk in my shop.

 

[garthg]

Your really looks good Garth, nice job!

I subsequently also glued some drawer liner on the top surface so I could use the work surface without scratching the paint.

I am puzzled by the lack of any kind of stay for the top. And it doesn't seem to have ever been fitted with one. I'd like to put a gas strut or struts on it but I don't want to drill any holes in it. I attached a Harbor Freight magnetic tool bar by drilling an extra hole in the bar and lining it up with the holes already in the top brace. I also added a Harbor Freight magnetic spray can rack which fits perfectly.

 

[Travisnd]

Any suggestions on cleaning the wheels? I can soak them in evaporust?

 

[garthg]

Any suggestions on cleaning the wheels? I can soak them in evaporust?

Wash them first with Simple Green (or similar) and water. Then clean the plated parts gently with steel wool. I didn't really bother cleaning the wheels on mine beyond just washing off the dirt.

 

[Travisnd]

Finally finished up the cart this past week.....


Before....





During...





After...

 

[bsg1]

tagged.

 

[bsg1]

I subsequently also glued some drawer liner on the top surface so I could use the work surface without scratching the paint.

I am puzzled by the lack of any kind of stay for the top. And it doesn't seem to have ever been fitted with one. I'd like to put a gas strut or struts on it but I don't want to drill any holes in it. I attached a Harbor Freight magnetic tool bar by drilling an extra hole in the bar and lining it up with the holes already in the top brace. I also added a Harbor Freight magnetic spray can rack which fits perfectly.

i have an example of this cart by Snap-on. your example is not unique with the absence of a bar(s) to hold the lid/cover in a vertical open position. the cart is designed for the cover to swing all the way to the rear until resting in a downward position when opening to access top storage compartment. the advantage to this design is easy access to the top storage compartment and it's contents from any angle/position around the cart when cover is open without having to contend with a cover that rests vertically from the rear. this is a nice feature for a cart whose primary intended application is mobile use.