Painting a CraftsmanTool Box Combo from an Estate Sale

I love the red and grey Craftsman boxes from the late 1950's through early 1970's. In a previous video we went through the tools which were in this box that I got from an estate sale for $200. Now we're going to put some time into the box itself and bring it back to glory. Let's get busy!
#craftsman, #toolbox #spraypaint #toolrestoration #vintagetools

[@kevinfiebelkorn4715]

Being a tool and die man, my father was quite fussy about his tools. He had the habit of wiping down his tools when he was finished with them and had his tool boxes lined with heavy felt. His personal tool box was a 1950's Kennedy that still looked like new when he died in 1990. I inherited his work tool box that is solid oak with a leather overlay on the outside and is still in great shape (even the felt is still intact). I'm glad to see that you also care about the appearance and condition of your tool boxes.

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Thanks! It's funny you say that because a lot of people tell me to keep the "patina" which to me is a fancy name for rust and abuse. I'm fine with it not being like new since it's already full of tools and in use but if I can bring back some of it's former glory for a day's work, I'm in.

[@warlockcommandcenter]

I have found silicone oil and Parker o-ring lube can be impossible to fully remove without using tric111. In an industrial settings the upper boxes should be bolt to the top of the cart, to prevent tip over while rolling on a ramp or driveway. My main box sits on a dolly made out two sheets of 1” ply wood. The casters sit outside the base of the box so only one bolt goes through the bottom of the box. This was also due tip-overs because the shop my step father worked in was not a hanger, but had a delivery dock and ramp. The lower box is the same one your painting here but the upper box is a rem-line definitely mid 1950’s through bolted like I said with fender washers.

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Good info. Thanks. I've never used Trichloroethane to remove oil residue. It seems like it would do the job though.

[@user-bh2fq8in6h]

Great job it sure looks great. I have the same top box still looking for the bottom box. Thanks for sharing 👍👍💯💯🔧🔧😀😀

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Thanks! I see these come up for sale in Florida a lot on Facebook Marketplace. Good luck on your search!

[@DeuceReggs]

BEAUTIFUL BOXS

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Thanks! The Craftsman grey and reds are my favorite style because growing up my father had a set. It's a great color combo.

[@DeuceReggs]

@@floridarusticrepairs I love the old 80s and 90s craftsman tool boxs the 6 little drawers and the deep one between them perfect for little size tools if you ever want to sell let me know im right up in south Ga about 2 hours from Jacksonville Fl.

[@floridarusticrepairs]

@@DeuceReggs There's a beautiful set for sale on Marketplace right now in Clearwater, FL. It's got a drawer config I've never seen before. In the Tampa area these come up for sale a lot but if I decide to sell some of mine I'll let you know.

[@repro7780]

My Snap-on rep in the 90's told me to cut a piece of plywood to size for the inside of the top box sections, put drawer liner on the wood, and screw the socket rails onto the wood to save your box. Works great!

[@floridarusticrepairs]

That's a solid idea! Much better than putting holes in the box.

[@repro7780]

@@floridarusticrepairs Cut it slightly larger than the section, and jam it in there. Mine have been in for 20+ years!

[@floridarusticrepairs]

It would make a good project for me. @@repro7780

[@glentucker4250]

Another great resto. Even if the red isn’t correct, if you like it that’s all that matters. Give us an update after you get the tools in it. You just can’t beat the old made in America tools. Thanks for keeping them alive. 🙂

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Thanks! I do think this red looks better with the grey. It's already full of USA tools and will appear in future videos for sure.

[@ErnestoDiaz-uy1hz]

Looks good. Lots of steps but came out really good.

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Thanks! Other than some waviness to some of the red due to oil residue I'm happy with it. Then again, with this color combo you can't go wrong.

[@JourneymanRandy]

Turned out nice. Well done

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Thanks! I just subscribed to your channel. Your "Weird tool Wednesdays" will be one of my new regular segments.

[@georgerenolds859]

i just came across a simaliar box and has the same slides and drawers really looks really good ima have to do the same thing with my box now

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Great! if you want high gloss on the red it'll take a few coats and be sure the final coat is heavy. I had the drawers all facing upward so I could avoid runs.

[@mavision6525]

Looks good.

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Thanks! Now I need to try not to keep it nice while using it.

[@TheDodge610]

Looks real good i prefer to use the quarts of Krylon paint and my spray gun. I quit using rustoleum got some bad paint a few times from them

[@floridarusticrepairs]

I hear you. I have a video where I'm restoring a 1950's Westinghouse fan and the Rustoleum can totally fails. The regular nozzle cans are usually OK but those new designs are awful. Krylon used to be my go to because they had better nozzles but not so much anymore. If i had a spray gun I could have painted my Suburban in a half hour. :)

[@TheDodge610]

Yes that new nozzle they are putting on there cans is junk@@floridarusticrepairs

[@clayauslewis4236]

A lot of work, but the result was worth it!

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Thanks! One of the best applications for Hammered Grey paint is these old craftsman boxes.

[@scottfoster2487]

Be neat to remake origanl labels so after repaint it looks like a factory new box. You do a amazing job restoring these filthy abused and unloved boxes.

[@floridarusticrepairs]

That's an interesting idea! I don't think it would be too difficult either. The design of these is simple enough and printing in bulk would be inexpensive if enough people wanted them.

[@user-yt2lr1xi4c]

I have this same set bottom was my grandfathers and recently found a nice top chest,Both manufactured in 74 i believe.Question need lock for top and bottom .The bottom lock file cabinet type,found new lock that will work but would like to find original.Any info on both locks would be cool.

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Hi, for original locks you'd likely need to hit ebay. However, here's a link to locks I've used as direct replacements. If the tabs aren't exact matches on these you can still use your originals. www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D8CSS1C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1 Good luck and congrats on finding the top box!

[@robertparkhurst4783]

I have the same top box doing the same thing to mine. The paint doesn't look as hammered as I would like don't have the lock for it. Is there any way you could tell if there is a number on it . If anyone k ows where I could get one would be awesome

[@floridarusticrepairs]

To get the full hammered effect I'd need to apply a thicker coat. Likely two more cans worth on the chassis but it can be done with cans if you want it. For replacement locks you can get these right on amazon: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08D8CSS1C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

[@waltertur9731]

You painted the shit out of that driveway

[@floridarusticrepairs]

Yes. I have a habit of doing that. :) Fortunately it's not really visible from the street and in Florida sun it'll fade eventually.

[@abackimages5351]

Paint thinner fyi

[@floridarusticrepairs]

In place of acetone? Do you think it would be better at removing old oil residue?