What's it worth?

[Mach5]

First, for all the old timers...I did a quick search and didn't find a thread directly on topic. If I missed one, be gentle. Just let me know where it is. Likewise, if this is posted in the wrong section, again, apologies, I wasn't sure if this should be in the general discussion or the tool discussion.

I hunt around on CL a bit and often come across old boxes and such. But I don't have the depth of knowledge to discern whether something is truly a good deal or not, or to be able to tell from a photo whether an old box is a SnapOn or just has the logo pasted on it.

So, I thought I'd start a thread where some of the folks with more experience, knowledge and wisdom on the subject could share with those of us who lack that knowledge but want to learn. I hope you'll indulge me.

To get us going, I've got a couple CL items:

Its got a Snap On emblem but it looks like a cheap box. Drawers work but its a dirty box w surface rust

4 drawer top box with 3 drawer mid box with matco rolling tool cart. $80 (623)91o-6oo7

THANKS!

 

[jim1987]

I would guess neither one are snap on. First one reminds of a craftsman box. 70-80? I'm not sure. I may be wrong. But the blue looks lime something I've seen here before.

 

[Mach5]

Here's another:

Machinist tool chest - Yorktown USA nice and heavy duty - $85 (Gilbert)

If you see this, it's for sale.

In nice shape, some repainted areas. Good felt. No keys. All drawers open and operate with no issue, removable front stows below. The screw holes for the added hasp are very small. I would be happy to MIG weld those up with no distortion to the metal if you wish. No charge.

13.5" tall
20.25" wide
8.75" deep

Thanks for looking. DO include your phone number for a return call, otherwise your email gets deleted.

When responding, it would be great if you could provide some detail about the things you spot that call out what the box is, it's value, year range, etc. and some history. While the ultimate goal is to find out what it's worth, part of the fun is learning the history.

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

OP, the SO emblem on that first box is worth more than the box itself.

To me, once a box is restored it's worth no more than a cardboard box or the cheapest possible storage item.

I appreciate the work a box has done, the little blood stains....

Anybody with a rattle can can destroy a fine old friend.

To each his own!

 

[bob15]

that top blue box and the middle one with cart, they scream craftsman to me.......

 

[Mach5]

that top blue box and the middle one with cart, they scream craftsman to me.......

O.k. Can you tell me why? What things are you looking at that tell you that a toolbox is a genuine snap-on or craftsman, or...?

The top box -- even the seller thinks it's not an original snap-on. There is a hole to the right of the snap-on logo that suggests to me that the original logo was much longer -- ala "Craftsman" - but I could be wrong.

Duckface -- I like the story that an old, unrestored box has to offer. By the same token, from a usability perspective, a worn-out box that can be restored to bring back its function (if not its aesthetics) is o.k. to me, too. I'd rather see an old box being loved and re-used than tossed or left to rot.

 

[jim1987]

O.k. Can you tell me why? What things are you looking at that tell you that a toolbox is a genuine snap-on or craftsman, or...?

The top box -- even the seller thinks it's not an original snap-on. There is a hole to the right of the snap-on logo that suggests to me that the original logo was much longer -- ala "Craftsman" - but I could be wrong.

Duckface -- I like the story that an old, unrestored box has to offer. By the same token, from a usability perspective, a worn-out box that can be restored to bring back its function (if not its aesthetics) is o.k. to me, too. I'd rather see an old box being loved and re-used than tossed or left to rot.

For me its the shade of blue and the drawer layout.

 

[Mach5]

I've never seen a blue craftsman box. See? I've learned something new. Thanks for sharing

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[jim1987]

How about gray with red drawers?

 

[Mach5]

Pretty much every craftsman I've ever seen was red...maybe with black or chrome accents. More recently I've seen black with chrome accents, too. But just because I haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist, which is why I started this thread.

 

[zkling]

OP, the SO emblem on that first box is worth more than the box itself.

Honestly if that was at the curb, I'd have a hard time deciding to lug it home or not. I'd probably just rip off the emblem and be on my way. Very rusty boxes such as that one are just SO much work to get right again, unless it is a unique box it is just not worth the time, effort and materials IMHO of course. Trust me, I've learned that the hard way.

The 2nd setup may not be too bad.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

I like smaller boxes like those. Usually find them in similar condition for about $20.
I clean them up and use them in areas where I want to keep a few tools handy. They work nice for organizing tools/supplies for specific tasks.

 

[Mach5]

Here's a Stack on box. I've never heard of Stack-on. What are they? How's the quality (in comparison to Craftsman, etc.)?+

small metal stack on toolbox - $25 (Mesa)

six drawers, and top space, good condition I dont use it so it needs a new home. Dont have keys for it

 

[nicksnothereman]

Here's a Stack on box. I've never heard of Stack-on. What are they? How's the quality (in comparison to Craftsman, etc.)?+

small metal stack on toolbox - $25 (Mesa)

six drawers, and top space, good condition I dont use it so it needs a new home. Dont have keys for it

Consumer grade import stuff (nowadays at least with the metal boxes). Usually sell plastic organizer stuff have some hand held boxes in the $100 range. Don't think they use ball bearings even nowadays but might be wrong. See some of their boxes in the 40-60 range locally dent & scratch on craigslist.

I use their plastic organizers...they're very good. Have no reason to think their metal boxes are ****, just not something I'd need to buy. I don't think those handles are original though.

 

[gus1962]

Don't waster your time and just save your money.

 

[-Brent-]

OP, the SO emblem on that first box is worth more than the box itself.

Yep. Offer $15. Sell the box for $15 and the badge for $25 on eBay.

 

[zkling]

Actually, ironically a good bit of Stack On's stuff is USA made. However most of their metal products are very flimsy. That is like a craftsman homeowner edition box. Tell tale is the twin locking bars in the front.

 

[Mach5]

Good info. I don't know if anyone else is reading in this thread but I didn't intend that I'd be the only one posting questions. If anyone else out there wants to know about a box they are looking at, they are certainly welcome to post here. Thanks to those of you who have shared your knowledge so far.

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[Mach5]

Here's an interesting one:

HUGE Rolling Toolbox - $130

Please call George for more details. Thank you!

 

[zkling]

Interesting color combo. I wish George would have taken pics with the bottom open. I think that is a Stack On Professional Series combo. No idea on the build quality vs standard Stack On. That is probably a pretty nice set for the money.

 

[sloppy]

Here's a Stack on box. I've never heard of Stack-on. What are they? How's the quality (in comparison to Craftsman, etc.)?+

small metal stack on toolbox - $25 (Mesa)

six drawers, and top space, good condition I dont use it so it needs a new home. Dont have keys for it

I have this box. I have had it going on 20 years and it has been used hard and held up fine.. I am pretty sure it is US made.. That said it is a low quality box It does not even have a bottom in the box. compared to craftsman of the same Era they do not really compare at all. Compare to todays Craftsman I would probably buy the stack on for $25..

And it does not have a key at all.. It uses a latch which requires a lock..

Box has always been good for a road box for me..

 

[saturninin]

At local thrift store..... in the room that labeled make offer....

Any idea of value/maker?

 

[zkling]

I wouldn't take one of those if they were free. They are super flimsy and very small. JC penny offered them as well as a few other department stores. I don't recall who actually made them. The filing cabinet to the left would be ~6000 times better.

OP, here is a fantastic deal in your area. A HF44" bottom and a craftsman top box for $1200

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/wvl/tls/4435704287.html

 

[Mach5]

Here's a new one:

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/4473602543.html

 

[zkling]

Here's a new one:

Could be a good deal, depending on in person condition and repaint quality. Is the front cover missing, how about the badge? It is an old 60's era KRA-58

 

[Mach5]

Guy says in the ad that it is in rough condition.

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[zkling]

Guy says in the ad that it is in rough condition.

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I don't think so. At least that is not how I read it. Granted he isn't a master of punctuation, but I think he is trying to reference ebay. The only comment I took as to reference the condition of his box is "not perfect, works perfect" which still makes me wonder if the front cover is folded or MIA.

 

[Mach5]

Any guesses on this one?

http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/tls/4478709415.html

 

[zkling]

Any guesses on this one?

Old craftsman 10 drawer ~1950's. I'd buy it as long as the bottom isn't rusted out. Hopefully it still has the tray in the top drawer.

 

[Outlawmws]

The SO and the last Craftsman are worth getting IF there is no hidden structural damage.

I have that Craftsman, and empty its almost 100 lbs. Rough slides are OK because they can be cleaned up and made right. It's a tank.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Any guesses on this one?

I have the POWR KRAFT version of that box. I'm going to say it is my favorite top box. It is BIG for a 26" top.

More drawers than most. I put all my tap/dies etc in mine. I'll get a picture in a minute...

And like Z said, if it's not a POS I'd pick it up.

 

[56rpm]

I don't know if anyone else is reading in this thread but I didn't intend that I'd be the only one posting questions.

Cool thread. Most folks just read the posts, and learn stuff. On the main page of topics/threads, it lists number of replies and views.

 

[Mach5]

I picked this up today for 50 bucks. It is 52 inches tall 28 1/2 inches deep and 25 inches wide on the exterior. The drawers are about 3 inches tall, 22 inches wide, and 27 inches deep.

As you can see in the photos it was most recently used to store cell phone chargers. I need to clean it up a bit and try to get leveled so it sits properly. It seems well built with heavy-duty sliders and thick metal. It feels like it weighs about 200 lbs. I'm not sure about dividers in the drawers but I think they will come out. It looks like they hook on the ends and are tied down by a coverplate on the inside of the drawer face.

Good buy?


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[zkling]

Good buy?

Fo'sho.

I have the POWR KRAFT version of that box. I'm going to say it is my favorite top box. It is BIG for a 26" top.

More drawers than most. I put all my tap/dies etc in mine. I'll get a picture in a minute...

And like Z said, if it's not a POS I'd pick it up.

You have your files all sorted out not touching and then you just pile your taps up?

 

[Mach5]

So, I did some internet research on the cabinet. It turns out that it was specifically designed to hold microfilm:

Russ Bassett 11-Drawer Vertical Microfilm Cabinet

Unfortunately, from what I can tell the dividers are welded in. I say "unfortunate" because it kind of limits the use, at least compared to having open drawers. Still, I'm sure I'll still find a way to make use of it.

 

[vette66bob]

Nice deal, $50 for a $2499.00 cabinet. I am sure you will find more then one use for a well bit secure unit.

 

[454ragtop]

I have a similar Russ Bassett cabinet, I think mine was a card file. Anyway, you can remove the dividers with a spot weld cutter, or at least on mine you can. Definitely a "you ****" for $50.
Jim

 

[Mach5]

Jim...thanks for the "you ****." I was afraid no one was going to give me one. This is my first GJ "you ****" and I feel pretty proud. Like I might finally belong here.

So what have you done with yours?

I didn't see any spot welds for the dividers but I'll have to take a closer look. It looked like they hung on the drawer ends but then when I tried to remove them they were solid. That's when I noticed the flanged bottom that seemed solidly connected (i.e welded) to the bottom.

 

[Mach5]

Here are some photos of the dividers . The tops of the dividers move a bit but the bottoms are solid.

Looking down into the drawer from above:

Where the divider goes into the back of the drawer:

Showing the end of a divider fitting through the slot in the back of the drawer. This is looking at the backside of the drawer:

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[454ragtop]

Mines full of machine shop tooling. It doesn't seem to care how much weight you put in it. I've removed some of the dividers, plan to remove more once I get it set up in its permanent home. Your dividers must be spot welded in also, no reason for them to weld them solid. Just have to look very close for the little depressions.
Jim