Help Finding replacement parts for vintage tool boxes

[Benhill179]

Are there any resources that have NOS parts or salvaged parts for tool boxes? I'm specifically trying to find a handle for the locking cover for a KRA58b tool chest that I am restoring. I ordered a new handle from Snap On but what they sent me doesn't fit, the new handles have 4" distance between mounting holes, I need a handle that has 2 3/4" spacing for the mount holes.

[macother]

Haven't found a retail source for restoration parts yet. What year is your box? Assuming it's '60's, your handle is a 2 piece stamped version, made by amerock. An earlier version, which was a molded one piece, will also fit, it was also made by amerock, and before that by national lock co. in Rockford Illinois, which closed and became amerock and moved to Indiana, in the '40's. (closed that plant, and National Lock employees started ' Amerock).
Sometimes on ebay, just handles, friction slides, lid supports etc. will show up. I guess I could spare one if your search comes up short, Snap~On Karma and all...

A newer one will also fit. You have a choice between rounded or squared off, but they can be salvaged from many different boxes, including side boxes and roll carts.

[Benhill179]

Thanks a lot for the info Macother. My box was built in 1964. I ordered a replacement handle through snap on and the one they sent me doesn't fit and its a newer squared off one. I've asked for other parts and they tell me nothing they make now will work for what I have. I've been searching ebay and have come up short on handles.

I'm not exactly sure the specifics on the original handle because it is long gone. I don't know if it was one or two piece but from internet pictures I've seen on similar boxes, it's definately rounded off.

I'll keep searching, but if your willing to part with one, I'd be happy to pay for it. I don't want you to be short a handle on my expense though. Thanks again for the info!

[macother]

The newer stamped style are wider x section but otherwise appear to be the same dimensions. They certainly don't stand up to garage abuse, most are crushed in some way, and the chrome on what appears to be rockwell 303 or worse (tin?) just doesn't age as well. I sent you a PM.

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[Benhill179]

Thanks for sharing the pics, now I know what you mean by rounded or squared off, I was thinking about the overall shape of the handle itself.

[Benhill179]

I completed restoring my KRA58B. Its a 1964 model. This was my father in laws tool box who passed away 2 years ago, that my wife wanted to keep for our son. Im glad she did. I regret not taking before pictures, but it was in shambles. It was dented all over, top didnt close all the way, both cover stops were bent way out of shape and one was even broken, a couple of holes drilled in the front cover. It was missing the handle, thank you very much to macother for helping me out with the replacement! The entire box was rattle canned geeen over the original red and some of the drawers had silver paint on top of that.

Because this is a family heirloom I put a little extra into it. I had the entire box powdercoated includng the drawer slides. I straightened out the cover stops and welded the broken one back together. I welded the holes closed. I replaced the lock with a modern one. I chromed the locking cam, bars, and cover stops and rechromed the Snap On emblem. I used stainless steel tubular rivets with the heads polished to put the cover stops and locking mechanism back together.

There are still dents in the box and you can see pitting from the rust on the bottom of the boxn which adds character to it. Im very happy with how it turned out. This box has held up well for the abuse its seen for 50 years. I'm planning on it lasting for at least another 50.

[macother]

. Well done!

There is a source for the original type lock and keys,

https://www.ldvusa.com/parts-and-access ... d-locks-y1

[dodgepu1946]

Do you mind saying ballpark what the powdercoating cost?

[Benhill179]

$200 to media blast and coat every inch of the box, drawers, and all the slides.

[dodgepu1946]

That seems quite reasonable. Thanks