The Pressteel company tool box thread

[Smokeshow69]

This thread is to discuss and show your pressteel made tool boxes or other storage containers! I do know for a fact that pressteel made tool boxes for plomb and their subsidiaries as well. I do know that they made steel desks and possibly file cabinets! If you have a pressteel made item, please post pictures! I did not find much info about them before I started to acquire them [emoji16] I currently have 5 pressteel tool boxes and will show them in the following months to come as I clean them up to use again! I currently own a plomb top box (thanks drives [emoji16]), plomb and p&c tool mobiles ( thanks rileysan), and also have 2 generic pressteel badged boxes! The plomb and p&c rollers are different from the base models in that they have lovers stamped into the sides and have drawer divider provisions the entry level boxes don't .

The thing that attracted me to pressteel was the plomb tool mobile ! I love it rounded edges and stamped drawer pulls ! They are just old school louvers stamped to create drawer pulls... I also really like their relative rarity... There are 10 old snap on tool boxes for every old pressteel box. I also really like their quality construction ! They weigh more than what they look like and the drawers have a nice roller system that I I wish many box manufacturers used today ! They are much more superior than friction slides. Unless your tool box has ball bearing slides these drawer rollers are the smoothest I have felt. They really are outstanding when you consider they were made in the 40's (at least my boxes) . If you have a pressteel made box, file cabinet , desk or other item , please post it up for the reference of others!


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[Smokeshow69]

This is my very clean generic pressteel lower roller. I don't know exactly when it was made but the castors are the tilted metal type so I am wondering if it early 40's? There are no date codes on these boxes which makes them hard to date exactly. It is so clean it is in my house and we use it to hold shoes and other belongings by the door in our entry way . My wife is super cool and likes old things and one of her decorative colors is red so it works out [emoji16] I made a wood top to fill in the metal are on the top out of some reclaimed wood from our roof when we replaced the wood! It is almost 90 years old from our craftsman bungalow. I stained it a nice dark color which matches our wood floors



This one has a cover which covers all the drawers ... None of my other boxes have this !


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[Smokeshow69]

This is my very clean generic pressteel lower roller. I don't know exactly when it was made but the castors are the tilted metal type so I am wondering if it early 40's? There are no date codes on these boxes which makes them hard to date exactly. It is so clean it is in my house and we use it to hold shoes and other belongings by the door in our entry way . My wife is super cool and likes old things and one of her decorative colors is red so it works out [emoji16] I made a wood top to fill in the metal are on the top out of some reclaimed wood from our roof when we replaced the wood! It is almost 90 years old from our craftsman bungalow. I stained it a nice dark color which matches our wood floors



This one has a cover which covers all the drawers ... None of my other boxes have this !


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I started cleaning up my plomb tool mobile so I can fix the broken spot welds and polish up the original paint as best as possible ! I will post more pictures tomorrow.


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[Rileysan]

I've been looking forward to this thread. The decal on that box is in amazing shape. Have you been able to figure out model numbers and dates?

Brian

 

[Smokeshow69]

I've been looking forward to this thread. The decal on that box is in amazing shape. Have you been able to figure out model numbers and dates?



Brian

No date codes or models stamped on these which makes them hard to identify if the sticker gets removed ! I would like to do more research to see if they can be dated by their physical characteristics.


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[SuperCat]

Are the silver drawers and black cover the original colors, or was it originally all red?
Super nice find, can't believe the condition of the sticker.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Are the silver drawers and black cover the original colors, or was it originally all red?

Super nice find, can't believe the condition of the sticker.

As far as I can tell the paint is all original ! I have checked behind the drawers , inside the roller, in the cracks and everything jives ! I just degreased it and put a good coat of wax on it before I put it inside ! No polishing needed on this one.

Check out this cool creeper I found tonight in my research! Wish it was near me because I would have bought it . It is in great shape !






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[Modern Garage]

Where does the black face cover store? Immediately below the three drawers or is there a space above the top drawer? I can't make it out in the pics.
I've never seen that style wheel on a cabinet before, although I've worn out plenty of them on creepers.
Joe

 

[Smokeshow69]

Where does the black face cover store? Immediately below the three drawers or is there a space above the top drawer? I can't make it out in the pics.
I've never seen that style wheel on a cabinet before, although I've worn out plenty of them on creepers.
Joe

The cover folds inward like a hot dog bun right below the 3rd drawer. All of my rollers have a cover track there but this is the only one with a full length cover to cover the whole 3 drawer front!



The rollers are the metal style and this one is also the only roller with metal casters. All the others have the upright rubber ones that are slightly more modern appearance


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[twertsy]

This thread, in my opinion, is simply intended to torment and raise the ire of East coast toolbox collectors and I for one propose it be deleted to avoid undue stress and uncontrollable blood pressure fluctuations.

Sweet box Smoke.........

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[Smokeshow69]

This thread, in my opinion, is simply intended to torment and raise the ire of East coast toolbox collectors and I for one propose it be deleted to avoid undue stress and uncontrollable blood pressure fluctuations.

Sweet box Smoke.........

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I can't help what your blood pressure does... Besides it is not like I created a Kennedy tool box thread [emoji38]


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[twertsy]

I can't help what your blood pressure does... Besides it is not like I created a Kennedy tool box thread [emoji38]


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Lol....

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[Packard V8]

IDK the manufacturer of this old jewel, but it's been a solid user for more than sixty years.

This Proto a Pressteel?

jack vines

 

[twertsy]

IDK the manufacturer of this old jewel, but it's been a solid user for more than sixty years.

This Proto a Pressteel?

jack vines

I love that old dark box. Pics of the other don't show up for me.

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[Packard V8]

Anyone else can[t see the two photos of the red Proto box? Strangely, it shows for me when you quoted my OP. Here's another.

jack vines

 

[Provincial]

I see both the photos of the Proto box. I believe it was made by Pressteel, and is the same as the earlier Plomb, but without the embossed lettering and with the Proto label.

 

[bmwrd0]

I have a Plomb version of that Proto I would be up to trade for a Pressteel roller.

Hint, hint.

 

[Packard V8]

The Proto box could be for sale, but shipping is a PITA.

jack vines

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Don't forget Pressweld, which seems to have been used to label more of the bench and desk stuff.

 

[Smokeshow69]

IDK the manufacturer of this old jewel, but it's been a solid user for more than sixty years.

This Proto a Pressteel?

jack vines

I am not sure of the manufacturer on the black box.... Unless it is a very early pressteel, I would say it is not based on the square corners. I would post it into the vintage tool box thread and I am sure someone will identify it no problem! The proto 9989 is a pressteel made box as far as I know ? I have the exact same box ! I have never seen one labeled with a pressteel sticker but since they made plomb / proto tool mobiles at the same time , it would make sense for them to make smaller boxes as well !


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[Smokeshow69]

Don't forget Pressweld, which seems to have been used to label more of the bench and desk stuff.

I was wondering how long it would take for someone to bring pressweld up [emoji16] yes they are the same company and yes, if someone has a bench or pictures , please post them !


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[FJ 432]

My contribution is a olive drab box that has plywood front doors, sides and back. The rest is metal.

 

[Smokeshow69]

My contribution is a olive drab box that has plywood front doors, sides and back. The rest is metal.

Nice cabinet ! I have not seen that style of cabinet before! Do you know if the wood is original ? The paint looks like it matches but I can't say for sure ?


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[drivesitfar]

Smoke: thanks for starting this thread and looking forward to more of yours and other member's pictures. WELL DONE!!

FJ: I'm guessing the plywood was a past owners fix to replace maybe some missing doors or cover up the opening?

Twertsy: i think i saw you posted that you own 85 tool boxes or is that just the bottom rollers? i feel bad for you that you don't own or can't find some PRESTEELS, but if I find more i don't think they will leave cause i love the look and the quality. BTW we all feel your PAIN (NOT).

maybe you can find a KENNEDY and paint it to look like a Pressteel?

 

[FJ 432]

Smoke:
FJ: I'm guessing the plywood was a past owners fix to replace maybe some missing doors or cover up the opening?

The wood I believe is original. The doors are plywood as well as the sides and the back of the cabinet.

The hardware (nuts and bolts) that keep the plywood in place all match.

 

[twertsy]

maybe you can find a KENNEDY and paint it to look like a Pressteel?

But you said you love quality of the PressSteel boxes, so that's not an option.

 

[drivesitfar]

FJ: the plywood still doesn't look original to me, but maybe it is and would love to see another one. i know if i was making plywood doors i'd find matching hinges or at least same vintage, but maybe in those days when WWII was cutting all the commercial public's steel wood could have maybe been the only option. I guess we'll have some more research to do.

Twertsy: I'd almost be willing to bet you'll find a PRESTEEL box on your side of the USA before I do cause if one shows up in a 5 state area Rileyson will most likely see it first and he doesn't even like them (as much as his Craftsmans). so find a super rare Craftsman and Riley will drive a presteel box to your door (maybe).

good luck on your search and how's the museum coming along? have you started to charge admission or maybe a free look for a few of us?

 

[twertsy]

FJ: the plywood still doesn't look original to me, but maybe it is and would love to see another one. i know if i was making plywood doors i'd find matching hinges or at least same vintage, but maybe in those days when WWII was cutting all the commercial public's steel wood could have maybe been the only option. I guess we'll have some more research to do.

Twertsy: I'd almost be willing to bet you'll find a PRESTEEL box on your side of the USA before I do cause if one shows up in a 5 state area Rileyson will most likely see it first and he doesn't even like them (as much as his Craftsmans). so find a super rare Craftsman and Riley will drive a presteel box to your door (maybe).

good luck on your search and how's the museum coming along? have you started to charge admission or maybe a free look for a few of us?

Been thinking about another video, maybe this spring.

 

[Smokeshow69]

My contribution is a olive drab box that has plywood front doors, sides and back. The rest is metal.

I believe you have a cart that someone turned into a cabinet... I attached a poor image of what it looked like... A cart made for medical or office use that someone put wood sides on to make more useful in a shop ? Either way it is a cool roller and one that not slot of pictures come up of when trying to find them !



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[Rileysan]

Twertsy: I'd almost be willing to bet you'll find a PRESTEEL box on your side of the USA before I do cause if one shows up in a 5 state area Rileyson will most likely see it first and he doesn't even like them (as much as his Craftsmans). so find a super rare Craftsman and Riley will drive a presteel box to your door (maybe).

It's not that I don't like Pressteel, Drives, it's that I had to choose - vintage Craftsman or everything else. Since this journey began with the desire to duplicate my neighbor's setup, I decided to stick with vintage Craftsman boxes (and my Huot stack which is too cool to get rid of).

I may very well be the only GJ member (if not the whole collecting community) to acquire Plomb and P&C Toolmobiles as well as matching top chests in the wild. And that is a distinction I can be proud of even though I've passed them on to Smokeshow without regard for profit.

I'm sorry about the Heritage boxes, Drives. I'm just a stingy old miser when it comes to giving those up!

Edit: I went back to work last week (after four months) so I won't have as much free time. That should give you a sporting chance!


Brian

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[drivesitfar]

Riley: at least you know who you can sell your Heritage boxes too if you decide to go red and grey. i probably should have said i wanted all PRESSTEEL cabinets cause i do like them, but they are a bit small for my stuff so happy Smoke asked you first.

check your email cause i might make it halfway to your place this weekend if you might have a reason to come up my way to pick up your heavy thing i'm holding for you.

Twertsy: sounds AWESOME and i'm sure it's got bigger and maybe even more ORGANIZED since the one you made for us last year. maybe post 2 for those of us with poor memories so maybe you can TEST US?

SMOKE: yep FJ's plywood just didn't fit the PRESSTEEL look and thanks for the cart picture. do you maybe have some catalog pages to post?

 

[FJ 432]

I believe you have a cart that someone turned into a cabinet... I attached a poor image of what it looked like... A cart made for medical or office use that someone put wood sides on to make more useful in a shop ? Either way it is a cool roller and one that not slot of pictures come up of when trying to find them !



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Bingo. You are correct sir!!! Thanks. When you set something heavy on the top it makes the drawer hard to open. I thought it was a poor design because it does not have the rigidity that a bottom roller has with metal sides.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Bingo. You are correct sir!!! Thanks. When you set something heavy on the top it makes the drawer hard to open. I thought it was a poor design because it does not have the rigidity that a bottom roller has with metal sides.

By something heavy do you mean a craftsman drill press [emoji16]?


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[Smokeshow69]

So here are some progress shots of my plomb toolmobile ! I keep it real in my small garage and was worried something may happen to it to damage it and have been thinking about bringing it into the house for additional storage! In a few years it may go out to the garage when i have more room but for now it is going in the house... Again I have a super cool wife who likes old stuff and since it is red, it was given the green light [emoji16]
Here is a before shot from when rileysan made the original Craigslist purchase!


Rileysan paid $50 for this and was awarded much deserved suckage for it ! I purchased it from him for more than that but for less than street value! He is a first rate guy for getting me a huge unicorn!

Here is a shot of it prior to clean up





I started by pulling the drawers out. It took me a bit to figure out you must take the lowest drawer out first and then work your way up! If you just pull the drawers out, they will not pull out on your feet which is a feature my entry rollers don't have! If you pull the lowest drawer out all the way and then gently tilt it down, that drawer will come out !
I then proceeded to degrease it with a mixture of dawn dish soap and gunk degreaser... Here is a few shots to show the drawer slide system. This is the cleaned side . You can see the drawer tracks have a roller on them and the drawers them selves also have a roller on the lower back edge... This way as you pull the drawer open, the weight of your tools pushes the rollers into contact with the bottoms of the drawers and each other! This system is very smooth and was light years ahead of its time!


Hers is a shot of a dirty side which has since been cleaned!


While cleaning the box I found it has about 6 broken spot welds on the slides system and one on a lower support. If you look carefully at the castors you can see the corners of the box are black... I think at some point it had a rough life and was hurt and had to be rewelded... It is was not damaged enough to make the box "not plumb" (pun intended [emoji38]) but i will be fixing the welds before I continue on so the box is structurally sound and not not get further weakened !

My plan for the box is to fix the welds, remove the paint drips and lightly polish the paint and then build another wood top like is on my other one and then bring it in the house for a while! Stay tuned this weekend as I get my weld on while hiding the welds !

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[Smokeshow69]

I have a Plomb version of that Proto I would be up to trade for a Pressteel roller.

Hint, hint.

Bmw... I did send you a pm and a text message( it was to the number you had this summer ?) hint hint


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[Rileysan]

So here are some progress shots of my plomb toolmobile ! I keep it real in my small garage and was worried something may happen to it to damage it and have been thinking about bringing it into the house for additional storage! In a few years it may go out to the garage when i have more room but for now it is going in the house... Again I have a super cool wife who likes old stuff and since it is red, it was given the green light [emoji16]
Here is a before shot from when rileysan made the original Craigslist purchase!


Rileysan paid $50 for this and was awarded much deserved suckage for it ! I purchased it from him for more than that but for less than street value! He is a first rate guy for getting me a huge unicorn!

Here is a shot of it prior to clean up





I started by pulling the drawers out. It took me a bit to figure out you must take the lowest drawer out first and then work your way up! If you just pull the drawers out, they will not pull out on your feet which is a feature my entry rollers don't have! If you pull the lowest drawer out all the way and then gently tilt it down, that drawer will come out !
I then proceeded to degrease it with a mixture of dawn dish soap and gunk degreaser... Here is a few shots to show the drawer slide system. This is the cleaned side . You can see the drawer tracks have a roller on them and the drawers them selves also have a roller on the lower back edge... This way as you pull the drawer open, the weight of your tools pushes the rollers into contact with the bottoms of the drawers and each other! This system is very smooth and was light years ahead of its time!


Hers is a shot of a dirty side which has since been cleaned!


While cleaning the box I found it has about 6 broken spot welds on the slides system and one on a lower support. If you look carefully at the castors you can see the corners of the box are black... I think at some point it had a rough life and was hurt and had to be rewelded... It is was not damaged enough to make the box "not plumb" (pun intended [emoji38]) but i will be fixing the welds before I continue on so the box is structurally sound and not not get further weakened !

My plan for the box is to fix the welds, remove the paint drips and lightly polish the paint and then build another wood top like is on my other one and then bring it in the house for a while! Stay tuned this weekend as I get my weld on while hiding the welds !

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You included the obligatory Camry shots! I can't say enough about the seller. She held to the $50 price (I gave her $60) even though there were many calls and offers. That, and it was only 5 days after my shoulder surgery so I needed help loading. It sat in the car for more than a week before I got help unloading it!

Brian



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[drivesitfar]

Smoke: loving the pictures and stories so post up more when you have time to.

Riley: I hope your shoulder is getting better and i hope all the toolbox and tool buying and lifting and moving didn't hurt your rehab.

ALL: i'm wondering if Blackhawk boxes were made by Pressteel cause i've got one or two of them that are built easily as well as the Plvmb 9998 box Smoke now owns that i found years ago.

 

[Smokeshow69]

Smoke: loving the pictures and stories so post up more when you have time to.

Riley: I hope your shoulder is getting better and i hope all the toolbox and tool buying and lifting and moving didn't hurt your rehab.

ALL: i'm wondering if Blackhawk boxes were made by Pressteel cause i've got one or two of them that are built easily as well as the Plvmb 9998 box Smoke now owns that i found years ago.

Very good question drives ! I do not know the answer to that but maybe someone else does ?


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[FJ 432]

Very good question drives ! I do not know the answer to that but maybe someone else does ?


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I have a Blackhawk bottom roller and a Plomb Los Angeles bottom roller. My first guess would be no but I will look them over closely.

 

[drivesitfar]

SMOKE & FJ: i'll try to find that Blackhawk cause now that I remember i own it i think it might hold my Blackhawk tools nicer than my huge 49x38 flat file drawer does.

stay tuned for my search results and always want to see more PRESSTEEL and see what others have to post here about the company's history and products.