Vintage Snap On Tool Box: What year?

Hey Guys, I am new to the forum and found this great website searching for information about my newly acquired snap on tool box.
I picked it up for 20 dollars today and am very excited to restore it and find more information about it. Any information you would like to share would be greatly appreciated.





Does anyone know how to remove the drawers? There are no push type locks or springs that I can see. Thanks in advanced!!

 

the links to your pictures do not work and you are going to want to check out the sister site, garagejournal.com for info on that box.

 

i don't know what year it is, but it looks just like mine!

 

Are the pics working now?

 

Look on the back of the box for something like this.
KRA-59 (model #)
SNAP-ON TOOLS CORP.
KENOSHA,WIS. USA 72 (72 is the year of mfg)
XXXXXXXXX (serial number)
It will be interesting to find out how old yours is.

 

I updated the photos, I think they should be visible to everyone now.

Here is some more info I have found:

KR-58B

MFG: 59!!

 

get it soda-stripped,and have it powdercoated...and it`ll last another 50+ years

 

I also have this tool boxes cousin. I hauled mine away for free. And It had some stuff in it.

 

Other Stuff Heres a site on vintage Snap-On. The drawers are removed by sliding 2 metal strips similar to feeler guages in between the drawer and the slides and pulling outward.

 

That's a cute lil road chest. I'd guess 70's. My service manager has one just like it and I think he bought it then. I dunno how to release the drawers, but aren't they on roller bearings of some sort?

 

To get the drawers out you will need to slip a thin strip of metal between the drawer and the slide. Snap on sells a tool for this at a snap on price, but basically all that you need is a strip of metal that is about 1/2 of an inch wide by 6 inches long by roughly .030 thick. BTW steel works better than aluminum.

 

nope, WAAAYYYY before roller drawers.......
btw, the tools that release the drawers work great for sbc fuel pump rod holder-uppers....

 

Mines only 25 years old and has bearings. I don't get into the Boss's shit..........

 

i bought mine used in '72.....

first box i ever owned and while i won't ever sell it,i wouldn't buy another box without roller drawers.....


who's shit DO you get into?

 

Anyone who's willing to let me. My dad gave me his when he was offered a brand new F550 service truck with all new tools.

 

early 70's

 

59 or 60...


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</td><td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(236, 233, 216) windowtext windowtext rgb(236, 233, 216); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 193.05pt; background-color: transparent;" valign="top" width="257">26 x 12 x 14
</td><td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(236, 233, 216) windowtext windowtext rgb(236, 233, 216); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 83.8pt; background-color: transparent;" valign="top" width="112">1960
</td><td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(236, 233, 216) windowtext windowtext rgb(236, 233, 216); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 63pt; background-color: transparent;" valign="top" width="84">

</td><td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(236, 233, 216) windowtext windowtext rgb(236, 233, 216); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 81pt; background-color: transparent;" valign="top" width="108">Variable 5 - 8
</td><td style="border-style: none solid solid none; border-color: rgb(236, 233, 216) windowtext windowtext rgb(236, 233, 216); border-width: medium 1pt 1pt medium; padding: 0in 5.4pt; width: 1.75in; background-color: transparent;" valign="top" width="168">Tool Chest
</td></tr></tbody></table>

 

Ive got a similar box and most of the tools that came with a set I bought in 1976.

 

Awesome! That confirms the #59 stamped on the box. Where did you get that table from?


Thank you for all the responses, I will be sure to post a picture after it is redone!


If anyone has any clue what the original paint color and if the box had any kind of trim, please chime in. I would like to keep the box as close to original as possible.

 

collectingsnapon.com

 

i've got that boxes big brother, it's wider and taller, has the stainless steel strips riveted to the drawer handles, and it's a HEAVY mofo! it was WORK carrying that bastid out to the car at the swap meet i bought it at.

 

Thanks guys, I used hose clamps ground down to about 3/8" wide and inserted them (simultaneously) on both ends of the drawers, pulled all the drawers out in like 5 minutes.


Thanks!!!

 

I agree with late fifites / early '60's. I was able to buy my uncles Snap On chest and Snap on tool afgter he died. It's exactly the same box.

 

Do a search here under vintage toolbox club. You will enjoy it.

 

i have the same box. i know a guy that has the matching bottom box. that one looks like it had a ruff paper route. my pops gave it to me. ill have to check the numbers on mine.

 

kr stands for kenosher red witch is the standard colour obviously but all tool chests made by snapon have this prefix whatever the colour
duncan
ex snapon dealer

 

A Snap-on dealer can order you paint, or you can get it mixed at your favorite auto paint store.

 

Ok guys and gals, thank you for your great responses. Here are some updated photos of my progress...

What type of paint should I use to ensure the most durable coating? Father in law suggested some sort of an epoxy finish, any suggestions?

 

get it powder coated....you won't regret it.

 

OH NO You killed the patina, it's only original once, ya know.

Frank