Tool Box Refinish Help

[GalaxyRat]

Hey everyone, I need some wisdom.

My grandfather gifted me a handful of his old toolboxes and tools. I want to clean up the toolboxes, but I'm not really sure where to start. They are covered in surface rust and the finish on the handles is coming off. I want to clean them up and was thinking to just start sanding and remove the handles and logos and put them in Evaporust.

The biggest issue is going to be equipment... I have sand paper, steel wool, and wire brushes for my drill, and punches for rivets. Is there anything else I will need to get this project started?

I appreciate any advice. I'll have pics posted below, is there any special techniques for preserving the Craftsman Logo? And for the Kennedy, should even bother repainting it? I don't want to ruin the original logo on the lid.

Here are the details on the tools that came with the boxes: William's wrenches and sockets, S-K sockets and wrenches, Proto 3/8" socket set with ratchet, Stevens-Walden 1/4" socket set with Breaker Bar but no ratchet (definitely wanting to buy one, p/n 3150), and a bunch of "V" Series Craftsman sockets and wrenches, misc. punches and screwdrivers.

Sent from my SM-G973U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[FJ 432]

I would find a Pep Boys, Auto Zone or someone near who has a product called Aircraft Stripper and some cheap paint brushes. Will cut down the paint removal by half.

 

[JoCoSawdust]

All depends on how much time and expense you want to put into it. I'm sure everyone has their own opinion but here's mine. Those having belonged to your Grandpa makes them priceless. I'd put my efforts into the Craftsman box (but then again I'm a Craftsman guy so I'm biased). The hardware can be removed with a dremel tool, grinding down the flares from the inside. Get them soaking in Evaporust. You'll wear yourself out sanding, wire brushing and elbow greasing that box down and still won't get all the rust out of nooks and crannies. I had a box a bit smaller than that media blasted for 30 bucks. It had a tray and two separate socket trays plus the box. Worth every penny. Get someone who knows what they're doing, I think this guy used glass beads so as not to warp the metal. Rustoleum hammered gray is a great match for the proper color. You'll need to find another latch, shouldn't be too hard. Keep your eyes peeled for a beater box that you can pick up for 5 bucks or so. Last option would be eBay, those latches (and badges for that matter) pop up there from time to time. Hansen Rivets is where I get tubular rivets from (link below). Call them with the diameters you need along with thicknesses of what you're putting together, they'll hook you up. For the badge you might be able to touch it up by hand, replace it with a better one or, what I'd do on that one, leave it alone. It'll show the box's age. All I'd do with the handle is clean it up with soap and water. That handle is worn down by your Grandpas hand, I wouldn't change a thing with it. Whatever route you take, good luck and show us when you're done!

https://www.hansonrivet.com