Yet Another Snap-on Tool Chest Restoration

[LUKE221]

My paint stripping method pf choice is "boiling drano" bring about two gallons of water to boil and then transfer it over to a plastic 5 gallon bucket and then add about a half a jug of cheap plain draino and stir once and then put in your metal parts and le sit for about two hours. Really takes off the old paint

 

[A E Numan]

I commend you! I can do the cleaning and prep work but I get so impatient that I blow it when it comes to the paint (waiting for it to dry properly) Super Job

 

[Lookin4'67Galaxieconv]

Nice job, turned out very well!

 

[zkling]

Great job, that was really a tough one. There is something about cork liners in those 60's and earlier boxes that just has a classic look to it. As you probably know, the badge you need is a 60's chrome script style badge.

 

[Marc Benjamin]

SKent,

Did you get new casters? Where?

 

[thor]

That looks really nice!

 

[cluthpegger]

very curious about the lock assembly? i recently inherited the same box from my father but at some point the lock assembly was removed. if you could post some pictures of what it looks like. (does it have a pushrod?) It has two hinges that run vertical on either side but id like to see how it all goes together.

 

[SeattleKent]

The locking is actually done by the two vertical hinges you mention at the back of the box:

When the drawer directly above the lock pushes the hinges when closed. When the hinges are pushed they lock all the drawers.

There are no push rods or anything. The lock is a basic cylinder lock with a 3 inch or so metal bar. Locking rotates the bar into a slot in the bottom of the drawer and the top the shield keeping both from opening. Hope this helps. I'll get some pictures if you want.

Marc - old caster cleaned up with scotch bright pad.

 

[Tedley]

IHi everyone... This is my first post here as I've just found this site searching for "snap-on tool box restore". Funny it seems I have a box very similar to the OP's top box.

Likewise it came with my wife's grandfather's mechanic's tools

And another tool box and I too began cleaning up some of these with a wire wheel laquer thinner etc.

Sound familiar? I also was just about to ask the same question Leaky88 did about modifying the hacksaw blade for drawer removal when I was compelled to post about the similarities. Anyway, my wife's father passed recently and he had inherited these things from his father... Her son and grandsons were not interested or couldn't take and keep these tools and they were gonna go to charity or scrap. I feel funny but I know I'm doing well to look after these tools perhaps one day the next generation will want them. After seeing this thread it's safe to say I'm " restoring " an old Snap-On tool box. Anyone know what I'll need to do to replace the "Please don't ask to borrow my tools..." Stickers? There's both a MAC Tools and Snap-On stickers to that effect... See top pic.

 

[Tallpaul54]

I have the same top box. My father was a mechanic in the 50's and 60's and messed with cars until he passed last year.

I'm not sure of the age of the box but I never remember him not having that box, I'm 61.

What are you plans for the box? I would like to "restore" mine to some degree.

Take care of that box!

Thank you,
Paul

 

[jn50308401]

IHi everyone... This is my first post here as I've just found this site searching for "snap-on tool box restore". Funny it seems I have a box very similar to the OP's top box.

Likewise it came with my wife's grandfather's mechanic's tools

And another tool box and I too began cleaning up some of these with a wire wheel laquer thinner etc.

Sound familiar? I also was just about to ask the same question Leaky88 did about modifying the hacksaw blade for drawer removal when I was compelled to post about the similarities. Anyway, my wife's father passed recently and he had inherited these things from his father... Her son and grandsons were not interested or couldn't take and keep these tools and they were gonna go to charity or scrap. I feel funny but I know I'm doing well to look after these tools perhaps one day the next generation will want them. After seeing this thread it's safe to say I'm " restoring " an old Snap-On tool box. Anyone know what I'll need to do to replace the "Please don't ask to borrow my tools..." Stickers? There's both a MAC Tools and Snap-On stickers to that effect... See top pic.

Hey bud, nice box, it looks like it has some great character! If you're removing the stickers, take pictures of them for placement purposes. I would take a lot of pics/ measurements of the initials, it would be a great thing to re-create as we.

There's tons of Ebay sellers with snap on/mac tools stickers. Usually their only about 2-10 bucks a piece. Its pricey for a sticker, but they're commonly availble.

Good luck and enjoy!

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