The VINTAGE toolboxes of Garage Journal!

[truebyrne]

Tool Chest
Stock#: KRA59D

Ok so the top two drawers need new - Offset Runners. I have removed the drawers and can not get the runners out, any advise would be welcomed be welcomed.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Tool Chest
Stock#: KRA59D

Ok so the top two drawers need new - Offset Runners. I have removed the drawers and can not get the runners out, any advise would be welcomed be welcomed.

Have you been using the special tool from Snap On to try and remove them?

 

[truebyrne]

Thanks for the reply.
No I made a tool from a piece of scrap metal, sniped it down so it slides in on the track and popped out the drawers. I the took the same fabricated tool slid in on the inside of the track but can't get it to release.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Hmmm...sounds like there might be something stuck back in there causing this. I've bought a lot of toolboxes where all sorts of stuff was stuck behind and around the drawers that was only visible when the drawers were removed. Keep at it, I'm sure you'll figure it out.

 

[truebyrne]

Yes Sir, I will get it.
What's making more difficult is the tracks that need to be replaced are all chewed up.

 

[spotco2]

the squared handle style was around in the early-mid 80's, as well as that style of logo. i believe they also used that handle style in the late 70's as well.

top box with the curved handles and different logo must be earlier boxes.

Thanks. I was figuring late 70's or early 80's at best.

You know, I had never even noticed that the handles and logo's were different!

 

[DWise]

The first picture is my first tool box, received as a Christmas present about 1955. All the toy tools are gone and it now holds my BernzOmatic torch stuff.

The second picture is my winter in Florida Craftsman tool box, nothing fancy but it works for me. Bottom box is 1995, middle and top 2010.

My summer in Ohio tool box is an early 1970's Proto bottom and top that I will post pictures of next month when I get back up north.

 

[snapmom]

I picked up this Snap-On box at a swap meet today. I had seen it at the same swap meet back in December, but did not make an offer on it at that time, and of course I thought about it for the last 3 months.
Anyway, it's a KR-100 (or 100A) according to the old catalogs I found online. It's for holding a valve seat grinding set. I also believe the logo dates it to the early 50's, is that correct?
It's 21" wide, 11" deep, 10" tall. I can not find a part number stamping on it anywhere. I'll probably end up using it as an odds-and-ends tool box.

Yes, somewhere close to 1950

 

[Laro13]

I was actually looking for a Snap-on tool chest/top box, to restore, when I found this for sale. It was only 75 euro's($97.50), so I had to buy it.

It's a Snap-on KRA-379A from 1977. It is in a bit of a rough state. A lot of nasty re-welds, bigger castors are welded on. An extra handle was welded on. The runners are in a bad state, so they also need sorting out.

Sadly, the Snap-on Badge is missing, but the seller will have another look for me.
So if anyone has a spare one.

I was thinking to paint it an old Land Rover colour; "Deep Bronze Green".

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

I think that would look good with that color.

 

[Wisers]

Could anyone tell me what make of box this is? It needs a paint job but seems in ok shape. I cant find anything stamped in it. It had a snap on emblem on it but im not sure thats original. Thanks in advance.

 

[nine4gmc]

Pretty sure that's a Snap On, check the left side panel for stamped info, sometimes it's there.

 

[Cjreyes0101]

Found this at a the Pomona Car show/ Swapmeet today. Not bad for only $5. Can anyone tell me an approximate year this thing was made?

 

[nine4gmc]

The leather handle means 30's-40's maybe? Someone will chime in shortly.

 

[Wisers]

Pretty sure that's a Snap On, check the left side panel for stamped info, sometimes it's there.

I scraped the paint off most of the left side and both bottom corners on the back... is there anywhere else i might find something. It has a herbrand sticker on the inside of the bottom drawer with a sales mans number on it. Ive never heard of herbrand before.

 

[hickmlg09]

Some pretty sweet toolboxes on here

 

[lowbucktruck]

There are some great old/vintage tool chest and tool boxes on this thread. Definitely built them better back in the day! I find the old tool boxes with their original finishes and hard-earned dents and patina tell a story, in their own way. I have new boxes, but I really dig my old beat-up Mac boxes, with their original paint.

 

[truebyrne]

This post is in reply to a few previous posts on my SnapOn 9 Drawer TOP.

So, wanted to give an update on my snapon restoration project. When I last posted last I couldn't remove the drawer glide from the box, I was luckley enough to be able to remive the drawers. Once the drawers are removed place the device used to pull the drawer out to the back of the drawer glide and push the glide all the way I pull your tool up as you pull out the glide and vuala! I will post picks of the box with all drawers removed and the tool that I used shortly.

Im adotion my snapon top is ilder them the kra 59b, my snap on rep said this because the logo plate does not match the box of that call out but..... The drawer glides work just fine, $7.00+ or one, not bad at all.

 

[Burgerkong]

This probably qualifies, my Snap-On UT22 (Canadian-made):

The two suspects beside each other.

 

[mcmlvif100]

Does this qualify? Craftsman hanging toolbox that I picked up off of CL. Didn't realize that Craftsman made these with pegboard until after I had bought it. Had thought that a prior owner had converted it. With a little research on GJ, I discovered that there were a number of different versions including one with pegboard.

Gave it a quick cleaning with Simple Green and new pegboard before hanging it up. Haven't decided what I'm going to keep in it but like the way that it looks.

 

[mcmlvif100]

Another Craftsman toolbox bought off of CL. Pictures are "as purchased". Clean and unmolested. Even came with the keys. Thought that for $50 it was too nice to pass up. Will probably give it a little extra cleaning and some new felt, and then fill it with "made in USA" Craftsman.

 

[uniballer]

Does this qualify? Craftsman hanging toolbox that I picked up off of CL. Didn't realize that Craftsmand made these with pegboard until after I had bought it. Had thought that a prior owner had converted it. With a little research on GJ, I discovered that there were a number of different versions including one with pegboard.

Gave it a quick cleaning with Simple Green and new pegboard before hanging it up. Haven't decided what I'm going to keep in it but like the way that it looks.

I have a picture of mine in my album if you want to know what is supposed to be inside. I got the one for woodworking, I really want the one for a mechanic.

 

[CAR27]

My new toy

 

[mcmlvif100]

I have a picture of mine in my album if you want to know what is supposed to be inside. I got the one for woodworking, I really want the one for a mechanic.

I think that mine might be this version. Captured the information from page 50 of the 1960 Craftsman Hand Tools catalog on the Rose Antique Tools website. Link below.

http://www.roseantiquetools.com/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderfiles/craftsman1960.pdf

 

[a990dna]

Here's my Craftsman/Kennedy boxes ... left to right.

Date Stamp: 04/78 ... my original upper and lower boxes I purchased new a few years out of high school. My apology for the blurry picture. These are in excellent condition. I swapped out the smaller casters with the larger ones on the new Craftsman boxes.

Date Stamp: 02/73.... my dad's original lower box he purchased new in the early 70's. Not sure about the Kennedy box model number - he purchased that in the same year. I brought this home after he passed way from a heart attack in 1993. Emotional day to say the least.

Date Unknown: I just purchased this Craftsman upper two-drawer to go with my lower box. The model year is unknown, probably late 60's. It has right/left grab handles that extend out for lifting. The Craftsman name plate also sits on the right side - same as my box. I would like to know more about this Craftsman box. The drawers open okay and the top closes solid. It has a slight crease in the sheet metal, top drawer, upper left corner. Not sure how easy it is to flatten that area out. May have been dropped at some point in its life.

Note: I found the manufacturer that extruded the original 1970's Craftsman vinyl matting that sits on the top of the lower boxes (see photos). To purchase this original material, I would need to buy a job lot - more rolls than I need.

If there's enough interest in this material, I would be willing to pursue.

enjoy ..

.

 

[jmarkwolf]

Found this interesting old Kennedy among some "standard machinist" type Kennedy boxes that I purchased off Craigslist.

It's too small for most garage type hand tools, but I'll find a good app for it.

Paid $40.

Don't know what possessed someone to paint the interior orange.

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[bluebolt]

Another Craftsman toolbox bought off of CL. Pictures are "as purchased". Clean and unmolested. Even came with the keys. Thought that for $50 it was too nice to pass up. Will probably give it a little extra cleaning and some new felt, and then fill it with "made in USA" Craftsman.

All I gotta say is between the wall cabinet and the machists box is you ****! Nice finds!

 

[bluebolt]

Here's my Craftsman/Kennedy boxes ... left to right.

Date Stamp: 02/73 .. my original upper and lower boxes I purchased new when I was in high school - 1973/74. My apology for the blurry picture. These are in excellent condition. I swapped out the smaller casters with the larger ones on the new Craftsman boxes.

Serial Number: 65033 ... my dad's original lower box he purchased new in the late 60's or early 70's. Not sure about the Kennedy box model number - he purchased that in the same year. I brought this home after he passed way from a heart attack in 1993. Emotional day to say the least.

Date Unknown: I just purchased this Craftsman upper two-drawer to go with my lower box. The model year is unknown, probably late 60's. It has right/left grab handles that extend out for lifting. The Craftsman name plate also sits on the right side - same as my box. I would like to know more about this Craftsman box. The drawers open okay and the top closes solid. It has a slight crease in the sheet metal, top drawer, upper left corner. Not sure how easy it is to flatten that area out. May have been dropped at some point in its life.

Note: I found the manufacturer that extruded the original 1970's Craftsman vinyl matting that sits on the top of the lower boxes (see photos). To purchase this original material, I would need to buy a job lot - more rolls than I need.

If there's enough interest in this material, I would be willing to pursue.

enjoy ..

.

Nice boxes! On your two drawer upper look in the upper compartment on the left hand side for the date code. I can see the ribs in the lid which means it's probably sixties.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Note: I found the manufacturer that extruded the original 1970's Craftsman vinyl matting that sits on the top of the lower boxes (see photos). To purchase this original material, I would need to buy a job lot - more rolls than I need.

If there's enough interest in this material, I would be willing to pursue.

You should post this in free parking. Do they make any 30inches wide?

 

[a990dna]

You should post this in free parking. Do they make any 30inches wide?

A roll is 36" wide x 35 yards long... however since it's not in production, I would need to order enough to satisfy the minimum order. If I recall, it was going to cost me a few hundred dollars.

I had everything in line, then when I found how many rolls I was going to end up with, I decided to ditch the idea. I was going to use the material on my custom made cabinets and Craftsman workbench in the garage - primarily to protect the surfaces from damage.

What's the free parking section for?

.

 

[crewchief888]

Nice boxes! On your two drawer upper look in the upper compartment on the left hand side for the date code. I can see the ribs in the lid which means it's probably sixties.

early 70's also had the ribs,
or at least mine does

i dont recall 70's era CM boxes being black/red
all i remember is grey/red up through at least '76 or so....

 

[a990dna]

Nice boxes! On your two drawer upper look in the upper compartment on the left hand side for the date code. I can see the ribs in the lid which means it's probably sixties.

I can't find any codes anywhere on this Craftsman two-drawer box... I noticed some of the gray/red boxes have the Craftsman logo mounted on the left side vs. the right - what's up with that? I would like to know if this two-drawer was produced during the same time as my dad's box... the red on the two-drawer is more a ruby-red as opposed to an orange-red on my dad's old box.

Also if I recall correctly, in 1973-74 the gray w/red drawers were still available in the catalog. I clearly remember choosing red w/grey drawers when placing my order.

.

 

[nine4gmc]

All I gotta say is between the wall cabinet and the machists box is you ****! Nice finds!

ALL OF THIS!! Love the old Craftsman finds!!

 

[crewchief888]

the new CM roller i bought in '76 was grey/red.
it was probably my HS graduation present to myself.
it matched the CM machinists box my dad gave me when i started to work in january '76

 

[a990dna]

early 70's also had the ribs,
or at least mine does

i dont recall 70's era CM boxes being black/red
all i remember is grey/red up through at least '76 or so....

Do you think the two-drawer I bought could be early 70's?

What's does your red drawers look like? ruby-red or orange-red?

.

 

[mcmlvif100]

Another Craftsman toolbox bought off of CL. Pictures are "as purchased". Clean and unmolested. Even came with the keys. Thought that for $50 it was too nice to pass up. Will probably give it a little extra cleaning and some new felt, and then fill it with "made in USA" Craftsman.

All I gotta say is between the wall cabinet and the machists box is you ****! Nice finds!

Thanks bluebolt. Was fortunate to find them. They are out there but you have to be patient and be constantly looking. Am still kicking myself for not buying a nice Kennedy machinist's box. Was local and from the pictures, it looked to be in better condition than mine, and it was listed for $35. Not a huge Kennedy fan so I didn't even go to look at it. Not smart! Could have given it to some young guy as a "garage warming" present.

 

[crewchief888]

Do you think the two-drawer I bought could be early 70's?

What's does your red drawers look like? ruby-red or orange-red?

.

same color as your grey/red boxes

 

[holt2ton]

Just got this from my Great Uncle's estate. He was in his mid 80's when he died and it had belonged to his father. He was a Machinist and so am I and it is very cool. It is full of tools some homemade others are not. One item of note is a vernier caliper made by Mauser. The box is a Union Toolbox Co. of Rochester NY.

 

[mcmlvif100]

Just got this from my Great Uncle's estate. He was in his mid 80's when he died and it had belonged to his father. He was a Machinist and so am I and it is very cool. It is full of tools some homemade others are not. One item of note is a vernier caliper made by Mauser. The box is a Union Toolbox Co. of Rochester NY.

Wow! Beautiful. Appropriate that it was passed down to another machinist in the family.

 

[CAR27]

Heres is mine, anyone know what they might be worth? 1939 K300 RollaBench and 1941 K55 top box. Purchased from original owner.