Tool Box ID...

[bobemmerich]

I was given an older tool box from work that was being thrown out. I've had it for awhile now, and want to see if anyone can identify a manufacturer or decade. I'm thinking somewhere in the late 60's or early 70's. The top box has a decal on it that says Williams, the bottom box has no markings, stickers or holes in the drawers where a logo may have been.
Looking at pics of older Snap-On boxes, it appears to be one. Does anyone know where the model # would be stamped?
Here's a link to the pics of the box...
http://community.webshots.com/user/bobdude1

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[vssjim]

I would say Yorktowne Industries that are now owned by Matco division

 

[bobemmerich]

Really. Ok. Thanks. It is a cool box. It's been under 2 tarps outside and the drawers still slide like new and has only light surface rust. I'm gonna get some measurements to kinda narrow it down.
The bottom is 34w x 19d x 36h. Drawers are divided 3 bottom-2middle-4top

 

[bobemmerich]

Well, I took the top 4 drawers out tonight, and I found some old papers under the bottom drawer. 2 torque wrench manuals, and a piece of a box of some kind of parts dated sept. 1978. Still haven't found an I.D or #, but I'm working on it. I'll post pics of the drawers/slides tomorrow and maybe someone can confirm a mfr. The sticker next to the lock says "To lock fully close door and drawers"

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Don't know what it is but it looks like a good quality box.

 

[48James]

I just got a bottom box that looks just like that, no tag though.

 

[bobemmerich]

Yeah. I have no clue. I'm trying to figure out a mfr. on it. The top box that came with it has a Williams sticker on it, but it's not centered or square, so I'm not sure. It doesn't appear that there was a label or tag on it either. As I take more of it apart I'm hoping to find a serial # or something.It is a great quality box. I had to make a drawer tool out of a hcksaw blade to get the drawers out. I'll post pics of the locking mechanisms later on when I get out to the garage It may help in an I.D. .

 

[48James]

Here's mine:

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What really looks similar is the drawers. If I had a close-up, the drawers are exact!

 

[48James]

Oh yea, same dimensions also.

 

[bobemmerich]

That looks almost exactly like it. the only difference is mine does not have the bottom cabinet door. I cannot seem to find anyplace that would like where it would go, either. I didn't have time to get pics today I was putting down a new carpet in a BR. I'll get em up tomorrow.

 

[bobemmerich]

heres the pics of the slides and lock bars...

 

[bobcatdan]

That looks like an old Willams. A shop I visit has one. The "shelves" between the drawers is the same as the one I saw. That box looks very close to an old SO. Maybe made by MBC, they made SO boxes for years and maybe Willams contracted with them too.

 

[bobemmerich]

Okay. I'm just curious, because it looks like a SO, but no one can tell me for sure. The top has a Williams decal, but the bottom has nothing. I'll see if it has any markings on the back when I strip it down for paint. Thanks for the input. A couple of the slides are in bad shape, is there any way to get new ones?

 

[bobemmerich]

Thanks for the replies. I was strolling around our building last night and in the mechanics garage, there is a box EXACTLY like this. It has the Williams sticker on it, though. I'm guessing that mine is a Williams. Too bad I cannot find as sticker to put back on it. Overall I like the boxz and am going to keep it. I stripped the box down and am going to do the drawers soon. Then repaint it. Nothing fancy as this is my first box "resto".
Does anyone know a way to get parts for it? I need 2 locks and a drawer slide. I'm no machinist and don't have access to the tools to make one myself. Thanks, Bob

 

[Outlawmws]

Locks of that type are commonly available at good hardware stores, definitely at a lock smith. the basic cylinder is easy, some will have different lengths, but the locking pawl is usually interchangeable. If yours in missing, then you will need to do some guess work to match it, and possibly some bending or cutting to get it to work.

 

[bobemmerich]

Thanks. I have the lock cyl. but the cam is 1/4" and all the ones I looked at have either a 3/8 cam, or a 5/8 cam. I could grind it down, but I don't wanna lose the integrity of the lock.