When I was in the Air Force, late 50's, I was stationed at Loring AFB A&E squadron. In the squadron there were several hundred men, and each had a toolbox. Over time there was quite a collection of different shapes, sizes. colors and styles of toolboxes. During an inspection this was noticed by a One Star General and we were told to order new boxes for everyone so they would look nice and be uniform in shape and size. That's the military way, right? In a few weeks the new Kennedy toolboxes arrived and they did look nice when all lined up. But wait there's more. We were then told to paint them to match the shop walls, Eye Rest Green. Several hundred Kennedy toolboxes all painted a pique green. I am proud to have served under such wisdom and leadership.
I'm an apprentice machinists. I have a tri-level Kennedy that I bought from a Machinist that passed away, and restored it to factory (or as close as possible) and its bones were still flawless after years of abuse and coolant flooding. In fact I didn't even want to take it to the shop because it looked so good in my dining room..greatest hundred bucks I ever spent, and one of my most prized possessions. I buy any Kennedy whenever I find it. Gershner oak boxes if found are even better if you can find them for your fine measurement stuff. But women caught on to how great they are an use them for jewelry and stuff, so they are upwards of 500 dollars or more.
I just got a great deal on a used Kennedy box from a colleague who is moving on. First impression is that it will surely outlive me. Best 100€ ever spent.
Being a machinist for 40 years your toolbox and tools could almost describe how many years you were in the trade. After you got your tool and die card you would buy yourself a gerstner wooden box. Basically showing you went through all the shit to get to this point. The wooden box older gentleman were your teachers in the trade and deserved and demanded RESPECT. Times have totally change. Love your channel watch it all the time. Buy the way I paid 650 for my top and bottom box in 86.
I think I paid the same for mine right then. I'm an engineer but "needed" it for home, and really respected the toolmakers at work so bought a Kennedy top & bottom.
I have owned 5 Kennedy tool boxes in my time as a machinist and later a tool and die maker.still own 4 and been retired for 6 years and still love them.
My grandfather was a machinist and when he returned home from World War II had one of these boxes. He and I later gave it to a friend of mine who was a Machinist in 2010 who has it to this day.
As I've said many times, I was raised on S-K tools living in Kennedy boxes. I own many of both including my grandpas 1/2" drive S-K ratchet and his Kennedy 620 machinists chest. Grandpa wasn't a machinist but that 620 box, the ratchet and many other tools rode around on his wrecker for years. The 620 does indeed still have its Kennedy Kits decal, as well as some if its original green felt lining. I also just scored a great deal on 3 more old boxes. The side box will be going on my triple stack while the 2 drawer middle box and big machinist chest will go on my bench to house noise maker cleaning and reload supplies.
I have more than half a dozen Kennedy boxes. They're great. I love finding them for sale used with tools. You can often find them priced quite nicely if you consider the value of the contents. I just bought one this weekend with ten starrett mics, a 4 piece combo square set, a half dozen threading dies and much more. Planning to empty it out, fill it with things I have doubles or triples of and bring it into work so I have access to better measurements and layout tools there. I work as a technician in aerospace testing and we have some nice stuff, but are also missing a lot of more precision stuff at the facility I'm at.
I've got a red 2 drawer inherited from my father who passed many years ago. Its still in perfect condition, full of tools and proudly sticker bombed on the inside lid. I'm now 67 years old and can hardly lift the thing when full, but wouldn't part with it for anything. It has protected my tools. Great product. None better.
Bought my Kennedy tools box back in the 70's and it's still works like it's new. Never been dropped, banged up and the paint finish is perfect. I used it for my micrometers and other precision tools. Sold the tools and use the box for my personal safe storage. If you want quality and craftsmanship, buy Kennedy tool boxes........
I found a large bottom box with wheels and 2 sit on top multiple drawer Kennedy boxes at a yard sale here in Lakewood ca. The guy sold me all 3 for $50. These boxes have organized my tools better than every before, I love them. I had no idea of their value until now. Thanks for the information, I prize them more than ever now. US Military Veteran and Patriot
As an owner of multiple Kennedy boxes I found your video to be quite informative and enjoyed it very much. I must admit I didn't know what I had in the way of these Kennedy boxes. Thanks for the Mini-Doc~!!
I have a small Kennedy, but knew none of this about its history. In early 1970s while shopping with my parents in K-mart I was attracted to looks of a tool box. I didn’t know the brand so turned and asked my father, a mechanic, if Kennedy was good. “Heck, yeah, the first toolbox I ever owned was a Kennedy,” he replied. My mother bought it for me and 50 years later I still use it. In those days you could send fifty cents and get a nice two-line name-address block to affix to the box. Mine’s still intact (though long out-of-date).
Thats so cool. I bought a K machinist box at a yard sale, looks almost new $3, I use it for my electrical stuff, one of my nicest boxes, I don't buy new, I buy older stuff, new stuff is garbage these days.
@@PatrickBaptist True. Same with many fishing tackle boxes. Until just recently I was still using the large Plano box I bought as a teenager in the 1960s.
I am a tool and die machinist. I have countless Kennedy chests in use, some date to the 1920s. Between all of the boxes I use there has been no real difference in quality. By far they are the best bang for your buck. I’d say their mechanic’s chests top even SnapOn chests.
Hi Jack, I'm a machinist. I worked at a tool and die shop for a couple years when I was much younger. We made stamping dies. I'm just curious if you build stamping dies? I think mold makers are sometimes referred to as tool and die makers. In fact I know a guy who worked in shops that made Plastic injection molds and he called himself a tool and die maker. It seems a little confusing to me.
@@dangrimes5078 I'm a apprentice machinist that's more on the injection molding side serving as technician on the side. I'm being taught to repair and clean the molds and also make parts for those molds. At this point I call myself a tool maker rather than mold maker as I'm machining regardless if it's for the molds or dies.
My Dad Actually Had one those Kennedy Toolboxes. It sat at the top of his CraftsMan Roll away toolbox. Wow This vid brought back memories of spending time in the garage with my pop. Good times.
I have 8or 9 Kennedy boxes I’ve been a machinist for 35 years they’re the best boxes. My brother just retired from Kennedy. They are more expensive now days but we need to keep American jobs.
Owned a Kennedy tool box on or about 1977. Was working as electrician apprentice. Did that for a year and a half. Went in another direction but that was a great
I currently own a 40-50s Kennedy box I use for my electrical junk, it's in super nice shape, cheap buy from a yardsale for about $3 I even got BOTH original keys with it. I got their machinist box. I knew nothing about them or seen any of their stuff that I can remember. Thanks for the nfo.
I picked up a 7 drawer Kennedy tool box on eBay for $60. One drawer was very sticky. Pulled the drawer out and the slide was bent. I bought a bag of slides for another $20. Replace the slide and the box works like new. It does appear old but not excessively worn. I checked it after viewing the video and it does say "Kennedy Kits". What a treasure to find appreciate the information. Thanx Red.
My father worked for the ORIGINAL Borg Warner shop in Ithaca New York, and I had done the tours of the shop as a kid in the early 1970s!! A lot of the machinists had Kennedy Toolboxes there, so that was my first exposure to the brand! As it turned out though around 1989 I was hunting yard sales when a guy and I were talking about the tools he was selling and he said "I have a couple of old Kennedy Machinist Toolboxes, that I was thinking about selling, but I only have a key for ONE box!" THEN he tells me "I am not sure what is in the other box, but the one is completely full of drill bits, Allen Wrenches and Starrett Measuring tools!"!!! I asked him what he wanted for BOTH boxes, and he told me "I'd take $0 for the pair!" SO I loaded them into my truck, handed him $40 and went on my way!! Turns out (as a lot of machinists that worked for Borg Warner did this) both boxes were keyed to take the same key!! And because his father, who originally owned the toolboxes, WAS a machinist at Borg Warner, which is where my dad retired from, BOTH boxes took the same key!! Ultimately I got over $2000 worth of tools out of those two boxes, many of which I still use to this day!! I sold off what I didn't need, couldn't use and didn't want, and what I kept has been well worth the $40 I spent on them!!
While in the Navy in the early 70's I ran the tool room for our P-3 Orion (anti-submarine) squadron. All the mechs were issued Kennedy 1018 tacklebox style boxes. The Navy contract had them done in simple smooth grey. No crinkle finish.
I’ve got an old Kennedy box that belonged to my father. Top , middle and roller cab. He was a machinist and he kept his precision tools in this storage space.
Da Bear is a great storyteller! I had never heard of Kennedy before this video, but I watched the entire video. I like the stories about classic tools that people post. I don't have much except for a set of Vise Grip pliers made in Nebraska. They could easily be 50 years old and they are better than any locking pliers I've bought. I also have a Thorston ratchet wrench. It's an original, made in the U.S.A. It feels very solid. There's something special about those made in America tools from days of old.
There is a cool story about the old vise grips. After Irwin bought them they pulled out of the US and sent manufacturing overseas. About a decade later Malco buys the factory back in DeWitt NE and proceeds to start making some of the best locking pliers ever under the Eagle Grip brand. I might even have a video on it.
My dad left me all his Kennedy tool boxes/cabinets and machinery tools that are older then I am! Was told it was all worth a good amount cuz its all in great shape, some tools even looking brand new still 35+ years later
My grandfather worked for Kennedy on Van Wert, retiring from there in the mid 90's. I have several Kennedy tool boxes, many of which I inherited when my grandfather passed away. He was involved in design for several years. I'm always looking for Kennedy boxes at auctions and garage sales. They are worth the premium!
as a machinist that is now a mechanic, I can testify that I brought my organization into the mechanic field. my toolbox has those matco tool organizers and I have everything laid out very nicely.
Was it a simple transition, I'm a apprentice machinist and do want to become more industrial maintenance. I also serve as a injection mold technician as well.
I have a couple of Kennedy tool boxes. They were my father in laws. He was a machinist. I use one in my shed, and the other one live in my trunk for emergency tools. They are nice, and they still work perfectly.
That's a part of it, the bigger part is the knowledge of how to go about manufacturing a part or die set or whatever. How to make something without screwing yourself in the process!
But the differnce between software engineering and programming is like the difference between mechanical engineering and machining. The machinist may not be an engineer but should have some engineering skills - enough to know if a design is too weak.
I worked at several factories in the same city Kennedy Tool Boxes were made at including a Chrysler Plant. A lot of people I worked with had worked at Kennedy at one time or other. They used to have a scratch and dent retail factory seconds outlet at the factory. I still have some of their tool boxes.
When I saw the thumbnail photo, I thought to myself, "That's just like my dad's old toolbox!" He worked at Boeing for a few years and lost his job during the historic layoffs in 1971. I still can't get over how smoothly the drawers on that thing opened. I wish I knew where that thing went.
Den if Tools thank you so much for giving the history of Kennedy tool boxes. Also giving me your input on repainting the tool boxes. I just inherited my oldest brother's machinist Kennedy signature tool box which is somewhat rusty. I did exactly like you recommended and I went to Home Depot to check for paint and got the rough type of paint which will match. I think his box is from the late 1950s to 1960s. I will also use it on my other brother's Kennedy rolling tool box he used in his welding trade. He had the top middle and bottom. Then one day I may repaint my dad's machinist Kennedy tool box back to its original brown color. He was a machinist for Grant Gear and H.K.Porter. I also have a Kennedy box myself as well as the look-alike Emerson made Craftsman. Thanks again for your info
Journeyman tool and die maker here. All throughout my apprenticeship I spent tons of money on tools. A large part of that spending was on my Kennedy boxes. This was back in the 90s, and even then they were a big chunk of change. You buy a Kennedy once and you have it for life.
My uncles were carpenters and had matching Kennedy tool totes that they used to bring their hand tools to and from jobs. Back in the 60s the boxes would get loaded on the back of the F250 rack body truck every morning and every afternoon the would be off loaded back into the barn. In 71 the bought a half ton van and from then on the tools just stayed in the van over night and the rack body was used to pick up materials when necessary.
A lot of great and history filled comments here. Mine wont come close to others, but my fathers Kennedy's suit case model from the late1920's that his father passed to him, still resides with me. At 70 now, I just (July 5th 2023) picked up a Model 256 in great shape. It too will be written in my Will, that both remain in the Jerry Marcy family for decades to come. Love the content, and history you shared. BRS, Hobbyist YT creator & machinist. The name Bear was taged on me in 1971 so I meet another Bear in lifes journey 😎
I found a Kennedy box under a table at a swap meet. It was kind of out of the way. Not what the guy had on the table and was really pushing. I asked what he wanted. He wasn't sure but when I offered him ten bucks he snapped it up. I put in new felt. Love it.
The first time I saw a Kennedy tool box was more than 40 years ago, I feel in love and wanted one but knew it was out of my price range. well I piked one up the other day. I bought it a thrift store for15 bucks only special tools go in that box.
Back in the mid 80's we had a place here called Tool Shack, it was a tools only store with 99% name brands at really good prices. It didn't last long, they had leased the building, and sales just didn't support the overhead I suppose. Right before they closed up I bought a top and bottom 24" wide machinist chest and roll cab. It was on sale for $179.99 for the holidays. I had looked at it but didn't need it, but I had already bought two new Makita 9000 drill kits that were on sale for $44 each for a drill, charger, and two stick batteries, in a metal carry case. The sales guy said he 'could do a bit better on the boxes if I was interested. I said sure I'm interested but it was Christmas time and I had other things to buy. He asked me if $99 for the top and bottom would work, and I handed over the cash and we loaded them into my truck. I had those for 30 years but sold them a few years ago in favor of something larger. After 30 years the drawer slides were well worn, but the finish was still near perfect. The one downside I saw to that set was that it was too low, it was less than 4ft tall. I bought a Snap On KR1000 used about 20 years ago and that combines with three wood top chests holds my machinist tools now that I'm basically semi-retired.
I bought a top box from a retiring machinist at my first machine shop used and then found a roll cart at a thrift shop for $40 and had to fix it up a bit but they both are solid Kennedy USA boxes. Happy with them
i started my auto mechanic career with a top and bottom KENNEDY tool box's... back in 1982... still have the top box. sadly i traded the bottom box for a cornwell bottom box that i still have to this day!!!
I have one of the top boxes with multiple drawers in the garage, it was my wife’s grandfathers. I also think my dad has a couple in his garage. Gonna look next time I’m out there.
I have a 11 drawer Kennedy machinist chest that I bought used in the 70's. I bought it from an old guy that was retiring after 25 years there so it's hard to say how old it is. It still looks good in my garage though.
I found my Kennedy on nextdoor. Came full of machinist tools. $200. The last owner knew it was worth much more but she just wanted it gone. It had been sitting in her garage for 10 years since her husband had passed.
We've mostly got kennedy boxes at work in my maintenance department. Main box, side box, bottom top box, and a top box with the folding top. First thing that happens to the new boxes after assembly is they go to the welders, who put together an angle iron frame and attach good casters before the box goes into it. They're great boxes that can take a beating.
My dad had two older Kennedy boxes in his machine shop. I have them now and they are old, rusted and beat to hell now, but still do their job. Hope to do a little restoration on them for use in my shop someday. 🍻
I'm just a home wrencher but my favorite tools are my Utica torque wrench and my Kennedt tool box's. Was fortunate to have access to Kennedy in the mid 90s. Wish I had picked up a base roller also.
I use several 20" Kennedy machinist boxes for small precision tools, soldering tools, modeling knives etc. Usually find mine for a few bucks at garage sales. As a bonus sometimes flipping the machinist contents triple my money back.
Just got a 315x Kennedys tool box off Facebook. I already had a Kennedy my brother and dad and uncle and both grandpas all have Kennedys. We all all machinist or were machinist and these boxes last a lifetime.
I sold many Kennedy tool boxes in both brown and red finishes for a company I worked for never knew the history of the Kennedy Co. that was very interesting thanks for sharing !
The crinkle paint is why I only went with Kennedy. My first box as a machinist was a cheap, but sturdy, Stanley. IO went to my first machine shop and seen the brown wrinkle, and never looked away. To be fair I am a Kennedy Shill now. But they are the best boxes I've ever used.
I got a 2008 39” 15 drawer rolling chest (18 deep) from a retiring machinist last year. $150!!! Was a red box and his shop made him paint the outside white. One of my most prized possessions, love my box
Sounds like you got a great deal. I don't understand why they made him paint it a color that's almost impossible to buy. Must have been a lot of guys painting their tool box.
In the 80"s I bought the big versa-bench with ( 2 ) 6 drawer cabinets one on each end a center section that has lockable double doors on each side. At the time it cost around $1,200.00 in the early 90's
Kennedy is the only tool box I have ever had. I started with the Versa platform back in the '80s and have added to it over the years. I also was able to obtain a couple of the large "suitcases" that I keep my Craftsman power tools & attachments in (Router & Sander). I have another Kennedy box on my wish list, just waiting for the perfect time to procure it. My son is a big Snap-On fan, but my Kennedy box will outlast his big time.
I ended up getting an 80’s Kennedy rolling cart/top box filled with old machinist tools for $100. Snagged a “modern” one from an Estate Sale for around $120-$140. Now I gotta decide which to sacrifice to the Ebay Gods
picked up a Kennedy 4400 44" mechanics chest. I was kinda shocked that it was made 30 years ago. It still looks great. It has the wide drawer at the bottom instead of the top. All I can say is you can only hold on to so many tool boxes. But this one I'll keep until I pass away.
I was watching this and realized I have one of the 11 drawer boxes. So I went out to the garage and looked at it and it's a Lumidor Industries. It looks like an exact copy including the paint.
I've inherited a Kennedy cabinet and side box I sold the top box as I do mechanic type work at home. I have a craftsman 3 tier midline box and feels cheap compared. I don't wrench everyday but I get the "fizz" when I open it. Much like grabbing certain snap on tools. You know it's just made better. And I often search market place for another cabinet not damaged for a good price but is a hard task.
I would eventually add more tools that I requested or even make items that would end up in the box. It got to be so heavy I'd have to use the overhead crane to lift it in and out if my cart. No problem with ripped out rivits.
Kennedy still dominates the machinist industry. I have some of their smooth red boxes which look nicer to me when paired with my Snap-On boxes. I think that I have 20 Kennedy boxes and I have passed some on to grandsons. The machinist style drawer is a cost effective and space saving method of storing machinist tools for rapid and easy access. Mechanics use larger, bulkier and longer tools than machinists, and benefit from upgrades from the Kennedy quality type and style of box. Standard Kennedy boxes use friction slides and don't give you full extension drawers. As an industrial maintenance technician, I mixed Kennedy and Snap-On boxes quite happily to gain features of both designs. Storage volume space with uncluttered access and overall compactness for potability were key elements of my chest design. I upgraded to a custom cart for better, bigger and heavier casters to support over a ton of tools and afford ease of travel over large production space. Kennedy is a mid priced box that improves options over cheaper home owner boxes. It is a lifetime box, but the limited drawer size, friction slides, and not full extension features are frustrating when you are used to high quality boxes. All said, I own so many, because they are inexpensive compared to quality mechanics chest brands. They are readily available on the used market. Machinists care for their boxes, so used boxes are normally still in good condition. Kennedy dominates in 27" and 29" market. The extra 2" drawer width is worth it to me. Mechanics chests not only give you width options, they offer chest depth options. Snap-On deep cabinet drawers just keep coming when opening. This allows longer tools to fit rowed up depth of drawer wise instead of cross wise. Kennedy offers mechanic style chest options, but the vast majority were sold to machinists that value the very shallow box depth top and riser boxes. Thank you for the history lesson on Kennedy. I regard them as the premium mid grade option. Big box store brand chests are inferior quality and cannot support the weight when densely packed. Kennedy can handle the weight without distortion, but those friction slides don't like it!
I have several Kennedy boxes, and I also have one of those brown craftsman boxes. I can confirm that it is NOT a Kennedy box. It “looks” very similar, but once you get them side by side you realize they are significantly different and the sizes of drawers, features, etc are even slightly different.
I have an old 3 level Kennedy stack. The chest and mid box are fine but the drawers on the roller cabinet are a struggle and feel cheap. It is pretty old though.
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When I was in the Air Force, late 50's, I was stationed at Loring AFB A&E squadron. In the squadron there were several hundred men, and each had a toolbox. Over time there was quite a collection of different shapes, sizes. colors and styles of toolboxes. During an inspection this was noticed by a One Star General and we were told to order new boxes for everyone so they would look nice and be uniform in shape and size. That's the military way, right? In a few weeks the new Kennedy toolboxes arrived and they did look nice when all lined up.
But wait there's more. We were then told to paint them to match the shop walls, Eye Rest Green. Several hundred Kennedy toolboxes all painted a pique green.
I am proud to have served under such wisdom and leadership.
You could have been in the Navy, then every box would have been grey.
Yeah, huh?
Queer General back then.....
If you went in today you'd be painting them ghey
@@ian5780 🌈 🏳️🌈 🌈 🏳️🌈 🌈 🏳️🌈 🌈 🏳️🌈
Kennedy is to the machinist and industrial mechanic what Snap-on is to the auto mechanic. We are willing to pay for the best and we are proud of them.
Snap on isn’t the best
I'm an apprentice machinists. I have a tri-level Kennedy that I bought from a Machinist that passed away, and restored it to factory (or as close as possible) and its bones were still flawless after years of abuse and coolant flooding. In fact I didn't even want to take it to the shop because it looked so good in my dining room..greatest hundred bucks I ever spent, and one of my most prized possessions. I buy any Kennedy whenever I find it. Gershner oak boxes if found are even better if you can find them for your fine measurement stuff. But women caught on to how great they are an use them for jewelry and stuff, so they are upwards of 500 dollars or more.
I just got a great deal on a used Kennedy box from a colleague who is moving on. First impression is that it will surely outlive me. Best 100€ ever spent.
Being a machinist for 40 years your toolbox and tools could almost describe how many years you were in the trade. After you got your tool and die card you would buy yourself a gerstner wooden box. Basically showing you went through all the shit to get to this point. The wooden box older gentleman were your teachers in the trade and deserved and demanded RESPECT. Times have totally change. Love your channel watch it all the time. Buy the way I paid 650 for my top and bottom box in 86.
Gerstner are outstanding.
I think I paid the same for mine right then. I'm an engineer but "needed" it for home, and really respected the toolmakers at work so bought a Kennedy top & bottom.
I have owned 5 Kennedy tool boxes in my time as a machinist and later a tool and die maker.still own 4 and been retired for 6 years and still love them.
My grandfather was a machinist and when he returned home from World War II had one of these boxes. He and I later gave it to a friend of mine who was a Machinist in 2010 who has it to this day.
As I've said many times, I was raised on S-K tools living in Kennedy boxes. I own many of both including my grandpas 1/2" drive S-K ratchet and his Kennedy 620 machinists chest. Grandpa wasn't a machinist but that 620 box, the ratchet and many other tools rode around on his wrecker for years. The 620 does indeed still have its Kennedy Kits decal, as well as some if its original green felt lining. I also just scored a great deal on 3 more old boxes. The side box will be going on my triple stack while the 2 drawer middle box and big machinist chest will go on my bench to house noise maker cleaning and reload supplies.
I have more than half a dozen Kennedy boxes. They're great. I love finding them for sale used with tools. You can often find them priced quite nicely if you consider the value of the contents. I just bought one this weekend with ten starrett mics, a 4 piece combo square set, a half dozen threading dies and much more. Planning to empty it out, fill it with things I have doubles or triples of and bring it into work so I have access to better measurements and layout tools there. I work as a technician in aerospace testing and we have some nice stuff, but are also missing a lot of more precision stuff at the facility I'm at.
I've got a red 2 drawer inherited from my father who passed many years ago. Its still in perfect condition, full of tools and proudly sticker bombed on the inside lid. I'm now 67 years old and can hardly lift the thing when full, but wouldn't part with it for anything. It has protected my tools. Great product. None better.
"it held 7 wrenches, plus one in the chamber" I get that reference
Bought my Kennedy tools box back in the 70's and it's still works like it's new. Never been dropped, banged up and the paint finish is perfect. I used it for my micrometers and other precision tools. Sold the tools and use the box for my personal safe storage. If you want quality and craftsmanship, buy Kennedy tool boxes........
I found a large bottom box with wheels and 2 sit on top multiple drawer Kennedy boxes at a yard sale here in Lakewood ca. The guy sold me all 3 for $50. These boxes have organized my tools better than every before, I love them. I had no idea of their value until now.
Thanks for the information, I prize them more than ever now.
US Military Veteran and Patriot
THAT was the day you should also have bought a lottery ticket! Your luck was busting out all over.
Just about the same story for me. I have since made many deals like that. These are such a steal.
As an owner of multiple Kennedy boxes I found your video to be quite informative and enjoyed it very much.
I must admit I didn't know what I had in the way of these Kennedy boxes. Thanks for the Mini-Doc~!!
My father bought one back around 1970, I still got it and use it regularly, the best tool I own.
I have a small Kennedy, but knew none of this about its history. In early 1970s while shopping with my parents in K-mart I was attracted to looks of a tool box. I didn’t know the brand so turned and asked my father, a mechanic, if Kennedy was good. “Heck, yeah, the first toolbox I ever owned was a Kennedy,” he replied. My mother bought it for me and 50 years later I still use it. In those days you could send fifty cents and get a nice two-line name-address block to affix to the box. Mine’s still intact (though long out-of-date).
Thats so cool. I bought a K machinist box at a yard sale, looks almost new $3, I use it for my electrical stuff, one of my nicest boxes, I don't buy new, I buy older stuff, new stuff is garbage these days.
@@PatrickBaptist True. Same with many fishing tackle boxes. Until just recently I was still using the large Plano box I bought as a teenager in the 1960s.
I am a tool and die machinist. I have countless Kennedy chests in use, some date to the 1920s. Between all of the boxes I use there has been no real difference in quality. By far they are the best bang for your buck. I’d say their mechanic’s chests top even SnapOn chests.
Hi Jack, I'm a machinist. I worked at a tool and die shop for a couple years when I was much younger. We made stamping dies. I'm just curious if you build stamping dies? I think mold makers are sometimes referred to as tool and die makers. In fact I know a guy who worked in shops that made
Plastic injection molds and he called himself a tool and die maker. It seems a little confusing to me.
@@dangrimes5078 We are a shop that does specialty stamping and forming dies along with louver tools.
@@jackd4246 sounds like interesting work.
@@dangrimes5078 I'm a apprentice machinist that's more on the injection molding side serving as technician on the side. I'm being taught to repair and clean the molds and also make parts for those molds.
At this point I call myself a tool maker rather than mold maker as I'm machining regardless if it's for the molds or dies.
@@ppicaso1458 sounds good. Do you guys use EDM machines or is everything made with conventional mills and lathes?
My Dad Actually Had one those Kennedy Toolboxes. It sat at the top of his CraftsMan Roll away toolbox. Wow This vid brought back memories of spending time in the garage with my pop. Good times.
I have 8or 9 Kennedy boxes I’ve been a machinist for 35 years they’re the best boxes.
My brother just retired from Kennedy.
They are more expensive now days but we need to keep American jobs.
That Craftsman rolling tool box, with the drawer that's completely jacked up, as is tradition.
I got used tools from a retired millwright. my favorite adjustable wrench is a kennedy.
In the 50’s and 60’s my big brother used a Kennedy tool box as his fishing tackle box. Find memories digging thru it.
Owned a Kennedy tool box on or about 1977. Was working as electrician apprentice. Did that for a year and a half. Went in another direction but that was a great
I currently own a 40-50s Kennedy box I use for my electrical junk, it's in super nice shape, cheap buy from a yardsale for about $3
I even got BOTH original keys with it. I got their machinist box. I knew nothing about them or seen any of their stuff that I can remember. Thanks for the nfo.
I picked up a 7 drawer Kennedy tool box on eBay for $60. One drawer was very sticky. Pulled the drawer out and the slide was bent. I bought a bag of slides for another $20. Replace the slide and the box works like new. It does appear old but not excessively worn. I checked it after viewing the video and it does say "Kennedy Kits". What a treasure to find appreciate the information. Thanx Red.
My father worked for the ORIGINAL Borg Warner shop in Ithaca New York, and I had done the tours of the shop as a kid in the early 1970s!! A lot of the machinists had Kennedy Toolboxes there, so that was my first exposure to the brand!
As it turned out though around 1989 I was hunting yard sales when a guy and I were talking about the tools he was selling and he said "I have a couple of old Kennedy Machinist Toolboxes, that I was thinking about selling, but I only have a key for ONE box!" THEN he tells me "I am not sure what is in the other box, but the one is completely full of drill bits, Allen Wrenches and Starrett Measuring tools!"!!! I asked him what he wanted for BOTH boxes, and he told me "I'd take $0 for the pair!" SO I loaded them into my truck, handed him $40 and went on my way!!
Turns out (as a lot of machinists that worked for Borg Warner did this) both boxes were keyed to take the same key!! And because his father, who originally owned the toolboxes, WAS a machinist at Borg Warner, which is where my dad retired from, BOTH boxes took the same key!!
Ultimately I got over $2000 worth of tools out of those two boxes, many of which I still use to this day!! I sold off what I didn't need, couldn't use and didn't want, and what I kept has been well worth the $40 I spent on them!!
While in the Navy in the early 70's I ran the tool room for our P-3 Orion (anti-submarine) squadron. All the mechs were issued Kennedy 1018 tacklebox style boxes. The Navy contract had them done in simple smooth grey. No crinkle finish.
I’ve got an old Kennedy box that belonged to my father. Top , middle and roller cab. He was a machinist and he kept his precision tools in this storage space.
Da Bear is a great storyteller! I had never heard of Kennedy before this video, but I watched the entire video. I like the stories about classic tools that people post. I don't have much except for a set of Vise Grip pliers made in Nebraska. They could easily be 50 years old and they are better than any locking pliers I've bought. I also have a Thorston ratchet wrench. It's an original, made in the U.S.A. It feels very solid. There's something special about those made in America tools from days of old.
There is a cool story about the old vise grips. After Irwin bought them they pulled out of the US and sent manufacturing overseas. About a decade later Malco buys the factory back in DeWitt NE and proceeds to start making some of the best locking pliers ever under the Eagle Grip brand. I might even have a video on it.
My dad left me all his Kennedy tool boxes/cabinets and machinery tools that are older then I am! Was told it was all worth a good amount cuz its all in great shape, some tools even looking brand new still 35+ years later
My grandfather worked for Kennedy on Van Wert, retiring from there in the mid 90's. I have several Kennedy tool boxes, many of which I inherited when my grandfather passed away. He was involved in design for several years. I'm always looking for Kennedy boxes at auctions and garage sales. They are worth the premium!
as a machinist that is now a mechanic, I can testify that I brought my organization into the mechanic field. my toolbox has those matco tool organizers and I have everything laid out very nicely.
Was it a simple transition, I'm a apprentice machinist and do want to become more industrial maintenance. I also serve as a injection mold technician as well.
I have a couple of Kennedy tool boxes. They were my father in laws. He was a machinist. I use one in my shed, and the other one live in my trunk for emergency tools. They are nice, and they still work perfectly.
“I made what you asked for. If you don’t like it, ask better next time.” Machinist are the computer programmers of the 20th century.
Sounds about right. Coding is all about output directly related to the input commands.
Im a machine operator, my boss is a machinist of 50 years, ive heard him say similar things to his boss lol
That's a part of it, the bigger part is the knowledge of how to go about manufacturing a part or die set or whatever. How to make something without screwing yourself in the process!
But the differnce between software engineering and programming is like the difference between mechanical engineering and machining. The machinist may not be an engineer but should have some engineering skills - enough to know if a design is too weak.
@@GH-oi2jf That's a pretty good analogy. The only weak spot is that people keep changing the definition of software engineer.
I have a Kennedy cantilever box I bought new in 1971 which I still use today. What an awesome box that's over 50 years old.
I've got my dad's 7 drawer Kennedy. I'm 48 and it was in use as long as I can remember. They're an heirloom piece and a workhorse.
I worked at several factories in the same city Kennedy Tool Boxes were made at including a Chrysler Plant. A lot of people I worked with had worked at Kennedy at one time or other. They used to have a scratch and dent retail factory seconds outlet at the factory. I still have some of their tool boxes.
Grandpa was an engineer for roughly 50 years. He always said Kennedy was the Rolls Royce of toolboxes. I proudly own one today. True heirloom boxes.
When I saw the thumbnail photo, I thought to myself, "That's just like my dad's old toolbox!" He worked at Boeing for a few years and lost his job during the historic layoffs in 1971. I still can't get over how smoothly the drawers on that thing opened. I wish I knew where that thing went.
Den if Tools thank you so much for giving the history of Kennedy tool boxes. Also giving me your input on repainting the tool boxes. I just inherited my oldest brother's machinist Kennedy signature tool box which is somewhat rusty. I did exactly like you recommended and I went to Home Depot to check for paint and got the rough type of paint which will match. I think his box is from the late 1950s to 1960s. I will also use it on my other brother's Kennedy rolling tool box he used in his welding trade. He had the top middle and bottom. Then one day I may repaint my dad's machinist Kennedy tool box back to its original brown color. He was a machinist for Grant Gear and H.K.Porter. I also have a Kennedy box myself as well as the look-alike Emerson made Craftsman. Thanks again for your info
Journeyman tool and die maker here. All throughout my apprenticeship I spent tons of money on tools. A large part of that spending was on my Kennedy boxes. This was back in the 90s, and even then they were a big chunk of change. You buy a Kennedy once and you have it for life.
Sadly, I only had mine until some bastard stole it.
I'll have to check my wife's grandfather's box I inherited..looks exactly like your kennedy box and he was a machinist! Never knew this, Thanks!
My uncles were carpenters and had matching Kennedy tool totes that they used to bring their hand tools to and from jobs. Back in the 60s the boxes would get loaded on the back of the F250 rack body truck every morning and every afternoon the would be off loaded back into the barn. In 71 the bought a half ton van and from then on the tools just stayed in the van over night and the rack body was used to pick up materials when necessary.
A lot of great and history filled comments here. Mine wont come close to others, but my fathers Kennedy's suit case model from the late1920's that his father passed to him, still resides with me. At 70 now, I just (July 5th 2023) picked up a Model 256 in great shape. It too will be written in my Will, that both remain in the Jerry Marcy family for decades to come. Love the content, and history you shared. BRS, Hobbyist YT creator & machinist. The name Bear was taged on me in 1971 so I meet another Bear in lifes journey 😎
I found a Kennedy box under a table at a swap meet. It was kind of out of the way. Not what the guy had on the table and was really pushing. I asked what he wanted. He wasn't sure but when I offered him ten bucks he snapped it up. I put in new felt. Love it.
I've had a cantilever style Kennedy box for over 50 years. Still kicking and that crinkle finish is like new.
The first time I saw a Kennedy tool box was more than 40 years ago, I feel in love and wanted one but knew it was out of my price range. well I piked one up the other day. I bought it a thrift store for15 bucks only special tools go in that box.
Back in the mid 80's we had a place here called Tool Shack, it was a tools only store with 99% name brands at really good prices. It didn't last long, they had leased the building, and sales just didn't support the overhead I suppose.
Right before they closed up I bought a top and bottom 24" wide machinist chest and roll cab. It was on sale for $179.99 for the holidays. I had looked at it but didn't need it, but I had already bought two new Makita 9000 drill kits that were on sale for $44 each for a drill, charger, and two stick batteries, in a metal carry case.
The sales guy said he 'could do a bit better on the boxes if I was interested. I said sure I'm interested but it was Christmas time and I had other things to buy. He asked me if $99 for the top and bottom would work, and I handed over the cash and we loaded them into my truck.
I had those for 30 years but sold them a few years ago in favor of something larger.
After 30 years the drawer slides were well worn, but the finish was still near perfect.
The one downside I saw to that set was that it was too low, it was less than 4ft tall.
I bought a Snap On KR1000 used about 20 years ago and that combines with three wood top chests holds my machinist tools now that I'm basically semi-retired.
They are the best tool boxes and machinist chest money can buy!!!
I bought a top box from a retiring machinist at my first machine shop used and then found a roll cart at a thrift shop for $40 and had to fix it up a bit but they both are solid Kennedy USA boxes. Happy with them
Glad I still own my father's old boxes still use em today for my hobby machine shop.
I have an old one like that sitting in my shed. Haven't touched it in years.
I still have & use the Kennedy tool box my Dad gave me for Christmas when I was a teen... I never knew the story!
I have a few Kennedy boxes and one of the Sears Craftsman ( Waterloo ) Kennedy Clone box, all purchased Estate Sales for $40-$50 each
i started my auto mechanic career with a top and bottom KENNEDY tool box's... back in 1982... still have the top box. sadly i traded the bottom box for a cornwell bottom box that i still have to this day!!!
Thanks for expanding on the history of my father's old machinist box from the 1950's. He worked in aerospace until the late 60's.
I have one of the top boxes with multiple drawers in the garage, it was my wife’s grandfathers. I also think my dad has a couple in his garage. Gonna look next time I’m out there.
Oh I got a kennedy tool box, rock solid and 45+ years old. Tough box.
I have a 11 drawer Kennedy machinist chest that I bought used in the 70's. I bought it from an old guy that was retiring after 25 years there so it's hard to say how old it is. It still looks good in my garage though.
I found my Kennedy on nextdoor. Came full of machinist tools. $200. The last owner knew it was worth much more but she just wanted it gone. It had been sitting in her garage for 10 years since her husband had passed.
Roll around, top box and side box.
We've mostly got kennedy boxes at work in my maintenance department. Main box, side box, bottom top box, and a top box with the folding top. First thing that happens to the new boxes after assembly is they go to the welders, who put together an angle iron frame and attach good casters before the box goes into it. They're great boxes that can take a beating.
I still have my Kennedey roller cabinet that I purchased over 30 years ago.
My dad had two older Kennedy boxes in his machine shop. I have them now and they are old, rusted and beat to hell now, but still do their job. Hope to do a little restoration on them for use in my shop someday. 🍻
I'm just a home wrencher but my favorite tools are my Utica torque wrench and my Kennedt tool box's. Was fortunate to have access to Kennedy in the mid 90s. Wish I had picked up a base roller also.
I used to deliver Steel to Kennedy in Van Wert Ohio which made these tool boxes among other things before they switched Steel suppliers
I still have a 1956 Kenedy top box and center box. Also a 1960 top box and center box. WILL NEVER GET RID OF THEM.
I use several 20" Kennedy machinist boxes for small precision tools, soldering tools, modeling knives etc. Usually find mine for a few bucks at garage sales. As a bonus sometimes flipping the machinist contents triple my money back.
My first tool box was a Kennedy .
Which is still use. Bought in 1977
Just got a 315x Kennedys tool box off Facebook. I already had a Kennedy my brother and dad and uncle and both grandpas all have Kennedys. We all all machinist or were machinist and these boxes last a lifetime.
I sold many Kennedy tool boxes in both brown and red finishes for a company I worked for never knew the history of the Kennedy Co. that was very interesting thanks for sharing !
The crinkle paint is why I only went with Kennedy. My first box as a machinist was a cheap, but sturdy, Stanley. IO went to my first machine shop and seen the brown wrinkle, and never looked away. To be fair I am a Kennedy Shill now. But they are the best boxes I've ever used.
I got a 2008 39” 15 drawer rolling chest (18 deep) from a retiring machinist last year. $150!!! Was a red box and his shop made him paint the outside white. One of my most prized possessions, love my box
Sounds like you got a great deal. I don't understand why they made him paint it a color that's almost impossible to buy. Must have been a lot of guys painting their tool box.
@@dangrimes5078 I asked him about it and he didn’t remember why, but every box in there apparently had to be the same color. They all settled on white
@@ryanthomas9685 doesn't sound like a place I'd want to work at. Unless of course they pay really well.
In the 80"s I bought the big versa-bench with ( 2 ) 6 drawer cabinets one on each end a center section that has lockable double doors on each side. At the time it cost around $1,200.00 in the early 90's
Kennedy is the only tool box I have ever had. I started with the Versa platform back in the '80s and have added to it over the years. I also was able to obtain a couple of the large "suitcases" that I keep my Craftsman power tools & attachments in (Router & Sander). I have another Kennedy box on my wish list, just waiting for the perfect time to procure it. My son is a big Snap-On fan, but my Kennedy box will outlast his big time.
Always enjoy your video's and love the history of tools.
The nod to John Browning was appreciated😁😉
I ended up getting an 80’s Kennedy rolling cart/top box filled with old machinist tools for $100. Snagged a “modern” one from an Estate Sale for around $120-$140. Now I gotta decide which to sacrifice to the Ebay Gods
I had thought that Kennedy started making wood tool boxes. Now I know I've been wrong, Thanks for the information.
Cool to see this! I used to work at Kennedy here in Van Wert. Managed to get some boxes for a great price.
picked up a Kennedy 4400 44" mechanics chest. I was kinda shocked that it was made 30 years ago. It still looks great. It has the wide drawer at the bottom instead of the top.
All I can say is you can only hold on to so many tool boxes. But this one I'll keep until I pass away.
I was watching this and realized I have one of the 11 drawer boxes. So I went out to the garage and looked at it and it's a Lumidor Industries. It looks like an exact copy including the paint.
I've inherited a Kennedy cabinet and side box I sold the top box as I do mechanic type work at home. I have a craftsman 3 tier midline box and feels cheap compared. I don't wrench everyday but I get the "fizz" when I open it. Much like grabbing certain snap on tools. You know it's just made better. And I often search market place for another cabinet not damaged for a good price but is a hard task.
I just recently bought a Kennedy Kits style number 1017 from an old timer and it very cool.
When I was a mechanic 1 at the wastewater plant I was kitted out with a full set of Craftsman tools and a Kennedy tool box. Extremely durable box.
I would eventually add more tools that I requested or even make items that would end up in the box. It got to be so heavy I'd have to use the overhead crane to lift it in and out if my cart. No problem with ripped out rivits.
Have two rollaround and one top box at work and several at home lol . Love my kennedy toolboxes
As a machinist I bought my Kennedy 11 drawer and base for $50 & $30 respectively in 1976 or 77. I still use them.
Hello again Red and Mrs. Bear 🐻
Thank you for another Great Video 👍
Kennedy still dominates the machinist industry. I have some of their smooth red boxes which look nicer to me when paired with my Snap-On boxes. I think that I have 20 Kennedy boxes and I have passed some on to grandsons. The machinist style drawer is a cost effective and space saving method of storing machinist tools for rapid and easy access. Mechanics use larger, bulkier and longer tools than machinists, and benefit from upgrades from the Kennedy quality type and style of box. Standard Kennedy boxes use friction slides and don't give you full extension drawers. As an industrial maintenance technician, I mixed Kennedy and Snap-On boxes quite happily to gain features of both designs. Storage volume space with uncluttered access and overall compactness for potability were key elements of my chest design. I upgraded to a custom cart for better, bigger and heavier casters to support over a ton of tools and afford ease of travel over large production space. Kennedy is a mid priced box that improves options over cheaper home owner boxes. It is a lifetime box, but the limited drawer size, friction slides, and not full extension features are frustrating when you are used to high quality boxes.
All said, I own so many, because they are inexpensive compared to quality mechanics chest brands. They are readily available on the used market. Machinists care for their boxes, so used boxes are normally still in good condition. Kennedy dominates in 27" and 29" market. The extra 2" drawer width is worth it to me. Mechanics chests not only give you width options, they offer chest depth options. Snap-On deep cabinet drawers just keep coming when opening. This allows longer tools to fit rowed up depth of drawer wise instead of cross wise.
Kennedy offers mechanic style chest options, but the vast majority were sold to machinists that value the very shallow box depth top and riser boxes.
Thank you for the history lesson on Kennedy. I regard them as the premium mid grade option. Big box store brand chests are inferior quality and cannot support the weight when densely packed. Kennedy can handle the weight without distortion, but those friction slides don't like it!
I was a sock knitting machine mechanic for 49 years. I had several Kennedys. All the machine fi
Picked up a Kennedy tool box and rolling cart last week for my son at a garage sale for 15.00 with a ton of extra tools!
I have several Kennedy boxes, and I also have one of those brown craftsman boxes. I can confirm that it is NOT a Kennedy box. It “looks” very similar, but once you get them side by side you realize they are significantly different and the sizes of drawers, features, etc are even slightly different.
I am a cnc machinist and i love my kennedy roller setup!!
I've had a Kennedy for my small GS tools since the 1970s. Still nice as the day I bought it...More stuff in it.
Nice boxes but hate the little plastic drawer pulls
I have an old 3 level Kennedy stack. The chest and mid box are fine but the drawers on the roller cabinet are a struggle and feel cheap. It is pretty old though.
Great video big bear!!! Thank you for the information. It is worth a million dollars!!!!
I have one like the picture picked it up loaded with tools old craftsman and few snap on small sockets
I bought my Kennedy lunch box style in 1975 and still use it today.
I found kb24 for 5 bucks with 60dollars of goods in it. Did not realize it was a Kennedy till I dusted off the top. It was a great day it was .
My father had one…it was very tough…brake fluid spilled on it took the paint off though.
I have a Kennedy tool box the lunch box style one it was given to me by a retired machinist
My Cornwell roller cab came out of the local { Sedalia Mo. } Waterloo plant .