Tool boxes

[67Dart440GT]

Does anyone else here like collecting tool boxes? I have a few old Craftsman boxes. I went through the Chicago area last weekend with a van and picked up a bunch. I have a set as old as 1964, 67, 68, 70, 72, 73, 74, 75 now. Some are in really great shape considering the age. I am going to restore a few of them.

 

[Plymouth 65]

I do like vintage tool boxes/machinist boxes but not really a collector. I do happen to have my Father's first Craftsman tool box though. 65

 

[Dana67Dart]

My sister has my dad's tool box.

Looks like the left most one in your photo.

I was born in 62, the house was built in 57. The tool box was always there. My earliest memory is from 1966 so I assume it is no younger than 66 or 67.

 

[mopowers]

That's pretty cool I inherited one just like the one on the left end when my uncle died. How do you know what year it was made? I'd be curious how old mine is.

 

[CFD244]

I have a few old Beach pieces made here in Canada. Pretty cool stuff.

 

[67Dart440GT]

My sister has my dad's tool box.

Looks like the left most one in your photo.

I was born in 62, the house was built in 57. The tool box was always there. My earliest memory is from 1966 so I assume it is no younger than 66 or 67.

Far left is 67, next is a 64, next 67. You can see the lower box is different depending on the upper box. 6 drawer upper got a more sturdy lower with the vertical supports on the side.

 

[67Dart440GT]

That's pretty cool I inherited one just like the one on the left end when my uncle died. How do you know what year it was made? I'd be curious how old mine is.

The uppers have a date stamp on the inside left of the top. The lowers are stamped on the front lower right.

 

[67Dart440GT]

That's pretty cool I inherited one just like the one on the left end when my uncle died. How do you know what year it was made? I'd be curious how old mine is.

Also, the craftsman emblem is on the right side of the box pre 1969. After that it moved to the left side. The older ones also have a grey lower "door" and the newer ones have a red one.

 

[Cranky]

My oldest daughter has my box from the late 60's. The X wanted it and a few tools when she divorced me and turned around and gave it to the oldest. Should have just went and bought a cheap HF box and gave that to her. That old box had some still nice old decals on it.

 

[toolmanmike]

The uppers have a date stamp on the inside left of the top. The lowers are stamped on the front lower right.

That's quite a line up. I'm not sure who made those earlier boxes. Waterloo Industries here in town made Craftsman boxes from 1978- 2017.

 

[67Dart440GT]

That's quite a line up. I'm not sure who made those earlier boxes. Waterloo Industries here in town made Craftsman boxes from 1978- 2017.

Waterloo made these as well

 

[340six]

When I worked for Sears I bought a really nice stainless ball bearing drawer chest and bottom. I was there top of the line Pro box that came Red, Black or Stainless. They had to order it. Most everything was made for their specs by Waterloo back then.

 

[mopowers]

The uppers have a date stamp on the inside left of the top. The lowers are stamped on the front lower right.

This is great info. Thank you! I'll have to check it out when I'm in the garage next.

 

[Murray]

I prefer a much larger bottom box. You can always build a frame run two bottom boxes.

 

[Ron_M]

Mines like this, so I guess my answer is 'yes'.
(Picture borrowed from Internet)

 

[mopowers]

The uppers have a date stamp on the inside left of the top. The lowers are stamped on the front lower right.

Thanks!! My upper is 05-75 and the lower is 08-72. I like knowing that! I love how solid these boxes are.

 

[Dana67Dart]

Mines like this

Show off

 

[Kendog 170]

Mines like this. Ha Ha Basically anything I can get my hands on.

 

[YY1]

I have a Proto 36" top box (I think) that's pretty old.
I bought it at a pawn shop for 20 bucks to stay at my unattended shop 1 mile away from my house.
Figured if anyone broke in, they wouldn't steal a beat up tool box.

Have a portable 1980's Craftsman box I got as a graduation present with the $79 tool set.

About 15 years ago (wow), I bought two 42" bottom boxes from a cragslist ad that listed about 50 "damaged in shipping" boxes for $100 each.
One is a Waterloo and I believe the other is branded Homak. They are identical to Craftsman boxes.
Price them now- YIKES.
One top box for that set came from a pawn shop and needs stripped and painted- Craftsman.
The other is a fairly recent floor display from Rural King.

I made a small tool box in 1983 industrial arts class.
Cut on a shear, bent on a brake, spot welded and soldered together.
Gave that to my wife a few years ago and she uses it.

 

[Alan J Odze]

When I worked for Sears I bought a really nice stainless ball bearing drawer chest and bottom. I was there top of the line Pro box that came Red, Black or Stainless. They had to order it. Most everything was made for their specs by Waterloo back then.

I miss Sears so much. I loved the Christmas tool catalogs.
When I worked for a Ford dealer these guys would buy Snap On tool boxes and some MAC.
I never wasted my money on tool boxes. I mostly bought Snap On tools or back in the day Craftsman. Craftsman were made in the USA back then.