This free SO box even worth it ?
- Thread starter rword
- Start date
cody1325
Well-known member
Honestly, it doesn't look that bad--I would check the bottom pretty good. I've often come across old boxes with rusted out bottoms.
At that time, every tool company must've had a sticker like that. I've got a round Mac version inside the lid of my Craftsman top in the garage.
At that time, every tool company must've had a sticker like that. I've got a round Mac version inside the lid of my Craftsman top in the garage.
Unfortunately someone put handles on it too which kind of irks me lol
alinc100
Well-known member
Lock, key,badge worth $20 per to the right person
Beerhippie
Well-known member
It'll buff out.
RTM
Well-known member
Some other members of this forum look at that as a minor challenge.
There are several toolbox restoration threads where that was only a minor concern compared to the #$&# they dealt with. ( It definitely was not any of my work, just so we are clear).
Bottom rot would be a bigger concern to me.
You don't need to restore it to brand new, some like to let them keep their battle scars.
cody1325
Well-known member
Unfortunately someone put handles on it too which kind of irks me lol
In my use, that wouldn't be so much of an issue--heck, even if I kept it in one place that handle would be useful--like to hold my grease rag. Occasionally, I have to lift my Craftsman machinist's box off the hobby bench to clean, and if it weren't for the handles--that wouldn't be happening.
if it was close by me, I would grab it if it's all there, not rotted thru & all bend to ratcrap.
Oldtuleguy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Nov 4, 2017
- Messages
- 10,459
Looks like the poor guy got left outside
INSP380
Well-known member
I’d be all over that box! After a week of work, if it looks like **** what are you out? Time. That’s worth it to me just spending some quality time putzing in the shop.
Steve
Steve
Nice job. Grinder or sand paper ?
txvwnut
Well-known member
80 grit sandpaper would be my first line of attack.
lowbucktruck
Well-known member
It's a fixer! You may have to put some sweat equity into it, but the price is right.
pcrov
Well-known member
Even if the bottom is rusted out at least you got two free handles in good shape!
For real though, those do look like decent handles. I'd take 'em.
For real though, those do look like decent handles. I'd take 'em.
Shiftless
Well-known member
As others have already said, look at the bottom and also the drawers. If they come close to decently sliding in and out, grab it. If half of them are missing or twisted up, grab it anyway and salvage the badge etc.
Sand paper - alot of sand paper.
driftpin
Well-known member
Why wouldn't a box owner use either sandblasting or vinegar soaking to remove the rust? Or perhaps electrolysis? Much easier than sanding. "As Ron Popiel said, "set it and forget it!"
I have a few crown top Craftsman top-handle boxes, a Kennedy hip-roof box, and a Kennedy machinist's chest. They're all sitting because I have other projects to do before these get any attention. If it's gonna be for sale, realistically, how-much are you going to realize in the sale, vs your time/materials spent?
If you will use it, then what level of repairs or finish will it get? In my case, I probably should do some 80 grit scuff work, and fix any repairs (I have a multi-process 120/240V welder) and then paint it with some type of durable, serviceable paint. Then again, I'd make more $ by finishing one of my motorcycle projects.
Take pics if you do work on it, we all enjoy seeing the silk purse from the sow's ear. It might get us to begin to work on our own collection of old toolboxes.
I have a few crown top Craftsman top-handle boxes, a Kennedy hip-roof box, and a Kennedy machinist's chest. They're all sitting because I have other projects to do before these get any attention. If it's gonna be for sale, realistically, how-much are you going to realize in the sale, vs your time/materials spent?
If you will use it, then what level of repairs or finish will it get? In my case, I probably should do some 80 grit scuff work, and fix any repairs (I have a multi-process 120/240V welder) and then paint it with some type of durable, serviceable paint. Then again, I'd make more $ by finishing one of my motorcycle projects.
Take pics if you do work on it, we all enjoy seeing the silk purse from the sow's ear. It might get us to begin to work on our own collection of old toolboxes.
1Bad55Chevy
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2025
- Messages
- 623
Leave it as is just clean the slides.
I would give it a good rub down with this to make it look good.
I would give it a good rub down with this to make it look good.
Poppy's Patina - The Original Patina Clear Coat.
Located in Tulsa OK, Poppy's Patina is widely know as the Original Wipe-On Clear Coat for classic cars and trucks. Restore paint or preserve patina. Poppy's Patina is not just a "sauce" that wipes off. It seals your patina in UV protected coat. Find products to preserve your patina/paint in...
poppyspatina.com
I’d like to try to fix the big dent but not sure how big of job that will beLeave it as is just clean the slides.
I would give it a good rub down with this to make it look good.
Poppy's Patina - The Original Patina Clear Coat.
Located in Tulsa OK, Poppy's Patina is widely know as the Original Wipe-On Clear Coat for classic cars and trucks. Restore paint or preserve patina. Poppy's Patina is not just a "sauce" that wipes off. It seals your patina in UV protected coat. Find products to preserve your patina/paint in...poppyspatina.com
Zrxrunner
Well-known member
Malco sheet metal clamp like this and a body hammer should do most of the straightening you need.
Zrxrunner
Well-known member
That's an awesome score, especially for the price! Lol. I agree...make sure everything is straight and drawers slide well n then just some polish n lube. Looks like an awesome road style box!
It'd be a bit of work but I'm sure you could pull it out and straighten it enough that paint (maybe a little putty) would make it almost unnoticeable. Or you could cut the mangled part out with a dremel and fashion a square tube insert to fill the hole.
If I could do this with the previously posted blue S-K box then I know you could repair your box. Not invisible but original strength and decent appearance.
Attachments
Malco sheet metal clamp like this and a body hammer should do most of the straightening you need.
Is there a specific model you recommend, Zrxrunner? (I have at couple of socket boxes with bent sides) . Do you simply put the bent metal in and clamp down with good results or you use a body hammer first?
Found a long forgotten insurance check in the bottom of mine. From tge late 90's. Box belonged to a good friend that passed away.
Zrxrunner
Well-known member
Malco brand just like that pic. They work wonders with bows in flat edge panels. Its hard to explain with a lot of metal working tricks without just trying. Im no expert, but took auto body course after high school and some of the best tricks were just getting creative and trying different things.
as above poster says, hard to explain, but look at how it became deformed and try to reverse that . different sized pcs of metal , chisels etc can be your friend. by no means am I expert on banging out dents & twists, but with patience, a bit of ingenuity and trying to reverse the damage by how it deformed can go a long way .
whateg01
Well-known member
If you are going to beat on it, use a nylon hammer to avoid more stretching that you would need to undo. Or, if you are using a metal hammer and dolly, take care not to stretch it more.
Provincial
Well-known member
When I work metal back into shape, I try to imagine how it got into the distorted shape and reverse that. I don't try to "force" the metal back into shape. I try to "coax" it back into shape.
Provincial
Well-known member
Also called a "seamer." Others make compound action versions very similar to this.Malco sheet metal clamp like this and a body hammer should do most of the straightening you need.
You did a wonderful job. Congratulations
I know it's only time & a little skills but what many would see as trash became treasure again.