Vintage Snap-On Box

[Slip_Kid]

I have my Father in laws old Snap-On tool box purchased about 1946 for $200.00 (I think it was less). It was used in his garage for about 60 years. I need to get a few draw sliders which are still available from Snap-On. I cleaned all the gunk and grime off the case and draws. I am thinking about a new paint job after fixing all the mechanical issues. I have one draw with a beat up slider channel on one side. This is the piece that is spot riveted to the side of the draw to accept the slider. Can these be purchased somewhere? Also what are the two holes in the bottom panel, was there a handle there? Below is a picture after I cleaned this puppy up. It looks it's age but is still very functional and will make a nice box for my garage.

 

[Hiball]

Cool looking box, Im guessing the holes where from a previous handle. Im sure someone will have a original catalog photo here within a few hours.

 

[sevnd3z28]

That box is way cool! I would fix the mechanical issues but would leave the paint alone...it looks great the way it is!

 

[Slip_Kid]

Cool looking box, Im guessing the holes where from a previous handle. Im sure someone will have a original catalog photo here within a few hours.

I found an online catalog from 1948 with a box that looks just like this one, #KR-377.
http://www.collectingsnapon.com/catalogs/Catalog%20S.html

 

[Slip_Kid]

That box is way cool! I would fix the mechanical issues but would leave the paint alone...it looks great the way it is!

I was thinking that also about the paint, the box has great character with the well used look.

 

[arkangel06]

Wait for snap mom to comment..

 

[jwitt]

That box is way cool! I would fix the mechanical issues but would leave the paint alone...it looks great the way it is!

+1 looks great as is.

 

[Packard V8]

Nice old box. Another vote for keeping the patina.

thnx, jack vines

 

[heelsroll]

Patina. Agreed.

 

[Tim Cowan]

Leave it alone and enjoy it for old times. I also have the identical box. I bought it 50 years ago as a teenager for $25 or $35 along with a Hein-Warner jack for $15 and a Snap On wood creeper. I still use them all. I think the lower panel holes are just "finger holes" to put the panel in place for handling purposes. That is one tough box.....

 

[Tim Cowan]

I also have the old KR-21 pictured below the 377 in that 1948 catalog. Mine is older and was painted the old gray/green when I got it and I had to make it red(dumb thing to do). It also has a leather clad top handle. Note the tray in the lower drawer; mine has that too. The new boxes today do not include that lower drawer tray. I guess I'll die before these boxes find a new owner.

 

[Slip_Kid]

Looks like everyone likes the looks as is, I am leaning that way. Any idea about replacing the drawer channel, the piece that accepts the slider rail.
Thanks

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Yep, keep that baby the way she is...she's earned it!

 

[Slip_Kid]

Yep, keep that baby the way she is...she's earned it!

I enjoyed your restoration projects, great work.

 

[Rocket1]

Wow cool box. I'm usually one that would lien toward repainting but that one looks good. I would clean it up and leave the paint alone

 

[snapmom]

Clean off the rust and leave it that way, old and used.

 

[Slip_Kid]

One question goes unanswered, I can't find an answer anywhere. I have one draw with a beat up slider channel on one side. This is the piece that is spot welded to the side of the drawer to accept the slider.

Thanks for all the reply's about the box refinishing ideas.

 

[hammergodthor]

One question goes unanswered, I can't find an answer anywhere. I have one draw with a beat up slider channel on one side. This is the piece that is spot welded to the side of the drawer to accept the slider.

Thanks for all the reply's about the box refinishing ideas.

I've used a block of wood and a hammer to fix/straighten those.

 

[hammergodthor]

Also, use silicone grease on the slides, it doesn't pick up dirt as fast.

 

[snapmom]

Some slides are still avail. from s/o

 

[selohssa]

If you can not straighten that slide rail, buy a new one. If a new one is not available, drill it off, take it to a sheetmetal shop and have them make you a new one. After you have aquired a new piece, plug weld it on and service all of the slides.

By the way, COOL BOX.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

Wonderful score, you have something that I believe that all of us would be proud to own!

Adam

 

[Slip_Kid]

I contacted Snap-On about replacement sliders for the drawers, they say they are unavailable (model KR-377A). The drawers are 17" deep, not sure what do do now. I need two sliders to repair this box.

 

[Scooterfish]

slip kid check to be sure the snap on part # have not changed. I just ordered 13 " slides by a new part #.

 

[thump186]

I say she deserves a fresh coat of paint. It's like a good woman don't replace her just put thing back where they're supposed to be spackle the outside and make her look good.

 

[trythis]

Nope, keep the patina, that can't be reproduced. You could give it a waxing and then it would look like a well used museum piece. Paint it, and it might look like a new box with an old logo. It wont feel cheap though, I have a top box with the same drawer handles that weighs a bunch for it's size.

 

[Slip_Kid]

slip kid check to be sure the snap on part # have not changed. I just ordered 13 " slides by a new part #.

The problem is I don't have a part number, there are no numbers on the old slides. The slides are 17" long, they must have used these on lots of boxes from that era.

 

[Slip_Kid]

Nope, keep the patina, that can't be reproduced. You could give it a waxing and then it would look like a well used museum piece. Paint it, and it might look like a new box with an old logo. It wont feel cheap though, I have a top box with the same drawer handles that weighs a bunch for it's size.

I am going to keep it as is, no new paint. I was thinking about restoring the logo with new paint, have not decided yet. I like the idea about waxing this puppy, I may do just that.
Thanks

 

[Scooterfish]

My 13 " slides were part # 8-1547 new # 8-257 and are called runners by Snap On. I agree they were probably used over a number of years.Keep searching and check with Snap On for "runners" Even if you can find a longer runner that is the same width you could cut it down and re rivet the clip. Let me know what you find.

 

[Packard V8]

FWIW, I've had success straightening the drawer slides. They seem to have a bit of memory. With a big vise and a bit of hand persuasion, I just straightened four slides on the KRA 300A I'm cleaning up at present. They now work fine.

As mentioned above, if the part of the slide runner which is spot-welded to the cabinet inside is worn or damaged beyond repair, it is a simple bend on a metal brake. Most metal fab shops can make one for you and weld it in place.

While I've never used a Waterloo box runner or slide in a Snap-on box, the parts guys at Waterloo are great. Next time Snap-on comes up NLA for me, I'm going to try Waterloo and see if they can git 'er done. 1-800-833-4405. I much prefer the Waterloo slide release system to the Snap-on ;>)

thnx, jack vines

thnx, jack vines

 

[Slip_Kid]

I looked at the slides (runners) again and I found a part number on one of them. It is #8-1347, and again Snap-On said it has no replacement for these. I find that had to believe there is nothing close give or take a few inches in length.
I will keep looking.
Thanks all for the suggestions

 

[Slip_Kid]

I have come up with a solution for the repairs on the KR-377 box. The runners I need are 17" long, I will get a few 19" runners (8-657) and cut them to fit. As far as the damaged drawer track I will have a new one made by a local sheet metal guy. Thanks again for all the help, I am glad I found this place and will visit quite often.
Steve

 

[Scooterfish]

Great Good to know the 19" slides are available as I`m looking for a bottom roller for my KR59 top chest.

 

[JohnFreeman]

Love it the way it is. Clean it up, let it show it's age... it's way cool.