Vintage Duplex/Yorktown Tool Box/Chest

[BukitCase]

Maybe eventually - all I need in order to get half-assed organized is a couple more 36 x 48 shops, and at least 3 helpers that aren't much dumber than me - It's been so long since I even had the top open on that box that I can't remember what's even in there - I guess that alone should be reason enough to try ... Steve

 

[Correus]

Here's a better shot of my (bought from snapon) KRA-59 (about a month before I got married AND enlisted in the Army Security Agency for 4 years - better than the draft; came home after 4 years to a tech job instead of in a box from 'nam) -

Not seen is the currently folded under lid (too much **** to move for a pic of that part) - notice the bottom center hole AND 2 holes in side frame, for a 3-point lock using a 3-way "bellcrank" type key lock... Steve

Yup, that does look a lot like mine.

 

[Correus]

Oh, per

Correus' request - ​

a couple reasons why I don't worry much about locking stuff ... Steve

 

[BukitCase]

Yeah, both dogs like family and kids, all others need not apply - Dom (the rott) actually growls when an airliner flies over; and if the (crappy) neighbors get too close to the fence all they see (from BOTH dogs) are teeth and tonsils (in that case just the way I like it) ... Steve

 

[WNYflyer]

We're Aero those light duty homeowner grade boxes that used to be in hardware stores and parts stores in the 80s and 90s?

Not sure where they were sold but what little I know about them I'm assuming they were better than homeowner grade and sold through distributors of some kind. Below is a link to a previous discussion concerning Aero Industries (Mayville NY) and according to the link its successor Valley Industries (Gerry NY). Note the catalog photos and specs which would lead me to believe they were decent quality.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/aero-industries-toolbox.434801/

 

[Correus]

I haven't been able to work on the tool chest project as much as I'd liked to have had the past several days, but I have been able to clean them and start prepping for painting. It definitely took longer than I thought it would to clean them. I'm now starting the dent repair and sanding part. In first two pics you can see the worst dent on the top of the rolling carts. Most of the dents-n-dings have come out easily. I'm rather surprised to see how rusty the back wall of the Duplex is compared to the Yorktown. Hmm... for some reason the pic of the inside of the Duplex isn't wanting to load.

 

[FJ 432]

deleted

 

[sizemore]

New member, first post.

A couple of weeks ago, I helped a buddy work on his 1970 Ford tractor. While doing so, the building we were next to was being cleaned out by my friend's brother's employees. The items being removed were slated for either the junkyard or recycling.

While standing there watching they pulled out a rolling tool cabinet/chest with a detachable toolbox on top. They tossed both of them onto the trailer for recycling!!!! I sat stood there and just looked at them and eventually asked my buddy if he thought his brother would mind me taking them. Long story short - the brother said "go ahead".

The bottom chest is a Duplex No. 1218, and the top one is a Yorktown. Both appear to be from the '60s into the early '70s but I'm not sure. The bottom chest is in the roughest condition, mainly dirt and grime, and the bottom part of the door is dented. There is also a little bit of rust on the top. All of the drawers work well, but a little stiff due to grime. The top chest is actually in great shape, just dirty, and the drawers slide like butter! Unfortunately, the key is missing for the top chest, and the combination number is lost on the other, but that's all fixable - I hope.

I've never owned a set of tool chests, my tools are in basic plasti tool boxes, so these are going to be a fun projects and useful.

As a bonus - there were tools still inside, and most of them are in great condition! I can't believe they were just going to toss these!!