Long Shot Craftsman Tool Box Question
 

Picked up an older toolbox today new in box from an estate sale. It's not huge but took two people to get out of my car. So wondering if it might be full. The problem is that its locked and didn't have a key.

The code on the lock face is W1001 and Sears says they are out of stock. So hoping someone might have that same lock and key combo so I can get a key made.

Will post a pics as there is no model info that I can see on the packaging or tool box itself.

I wouldn't have the patience, I would drill it.

When you tilted it or if you tilt it, did crap shift or rattle inside?

I suspect it wouldn't be that hard to pick the lock. They usually aren't the most secure in the world, but probably a step up from a suitcase.

It def makes noise, I am hesitant to drill as it's NOS condition. Does anyone know if tool sets were sold inside of tool boxes 30yrs ago?

A competent locksmith could probably pick a simple lock like that in no time and once open, make you keys. Just an idea....

Me...I'd drill it :)

I think there were "sets" that you could buy that came with tools, but I'm not 100% positive.

Google seems to say yes.

http://www.searsoutlet.com/283-Piece-Mechanics-Tool-Set-with-Tool-Box/d/product_details.jsp?pid=27267&mode=seeAll

Technology has advanced so much that any locksmith could pick that lock blindfolded using his toothbrush without breaking a sweat. But it still might be easier to drill it out and replace it. Also, a larger legitimate locksmith might have access to Craftsman's Old codes. Cars all have codes and legitimate locksmiths have access to them. I'd think they could do the same for an old tool box. Back in the 60s there were only 10,000 combinations for GM ignition keys. It was common for people to have keys that worked on their neighbor's cars, or cars they saw in the parking lot and thought was theirs. Craftsman couldn't have used more combinations for their locks back then than GM. A semi decent locksmith can handle it one way or another.

^^^^^ How many have Schlage master keys for their front door? Those 5 numbers printed on it are all you need to replicate it....they match the "pin sizes" for the lock.

Should have a key number on the face of the lock, mine did.....not very secure....

I'd try to pick the lock first. Lots of step-by-step guides on YouTube. If it won't easily pick, I'd drill it out. New locks are available for cheap from Sears. It's not going to affect the value at all.

Tool Chest Lock | Part Number M12918A10SS | Sears PartsDirect

If all else fails .....

https://youtu.be/SEvomyYkIPY?t=2m17s


.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1492898834.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1492898862.jpg

Wow. Nice find. I have the identical box and was actually emptying it out today getting ready to sell it. Mine's plastered with stickers and wear. Pretty sure I bought it in the 1980s. I might even have the key.

Any idea what the weight is? As it sits I can barely lift it.

My buddy had that box in the mid 80's. Cool.

It must have tools in it. It does not weigh that much empty. I know I bought the box only. I can stop by my shop tomorrow and look for the key.

Wonder if those things have a generic key like lawn mowers? Worth checking out if you know anyone with one or maybe just buy one on eBay.

Can't wait to see what's inside that sucker!

Christmas came early! :D

Thanks! The code on the lock is w1001.

Checked the lock numbers on my rollaway...sorry, no match. Hell, I'd say it's worth the $20 spent on the link Hugh gave...nice looking chest.

They do have a generic key. They manufactured the keys and locks to have a certain number of combinations. Even so, a key from a different combination may be close enough to operate a different lock. There are probably a hundred or a thousand combinations (XXX or XXXX) and they're all probably pretty similar. If poking around for a few minutes isn't successful a swift hammer blow on a number 4 screwdriver would take care of it.

All mine have numbers 8xxx sorry

Those are only 3 or 4 pin tumblers. Easy to pick. Grind a small Allen wrench down so the short end is 1/8" long, stick it in the hole and rake it in and out against the pins while gently turning the tumbler with a small screwdriver. It should take you all of a minute to get in.

1/4" drill bit, 30 seconds. Replace, it's likely a standard lock like this ($5):

Prime-Line 7/8 in. Chrome Drawer and Cabinet Keyed Cam Lock-U 9943 - The Home Depot

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pro...a661a4_145.jpg

I once used 2 paper clips to pick a lock for a pool table. I inserted the straightened paper clip into the cylinder. While holding the first paper clip I inserted the other paper clip and rotated the lock cylinder. It actually worked.
I learned this from watching The Rockford Files.

Seriously those are some of the easiest locks to pick.

Paper clip to brush with and anything else to apply torque with.

Insert paperclip and you'll feel the pins push up. Withdraw slowly and you'll get a feel for them dropping.

The idea is to get them pushed up then apply torgue. As the pins drop they will get bound outside the cylinder. You can feel it happen.

You just keep torque applied to keep pins bound and go back and work th rest.

As a newb Expect you'll only bind on or two pins per brush stroke.

Even still, once you understand the concept should take you less than 5 minutes to pop your cherry.

Thanks for the tips, been trying a bit and you can actually see them bind and not spring back down. Must be getting close.

I got it!!!! Used a paper clip and hair pin.

Annnd its empty! But had the original bill of sale inside from Oct of 1982. I cant believe how heavy it is. Receipt says it weighs 116lbs. I also picked up a ton of NOS in package and unused tools from the era. Will post pics if any one is interested.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1492923896.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1492923955.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1492923979.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1492924008.jpg

Congratulations! Now that it's open, should be pretty simple to install a new lock with key if you wish. Or, just never lock it?

I've been planning a job down at the local Wells Fargo....you in :)?

Damn - for a second there it felt like a Geraldo story...

It was a Geraldo story. There was nothing in it.

I have the same toolbox.

It's been serving me well for two decades.

This thread prompted me to check the local CL for tool boxes....wow....no shortage of them there!

I already have one of those tall ones with a million drawers so I'm good for now but I found a little one that included a wide variety of tools - all made in the USA - so may pursue that one just for patriotic purposes! :)

Any ideas on the value of a 35 yo perfect made in the USA tool box?

I would never have expected it to weigh that much empty!

Here's mine, well used. Different key 4012.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1492960631.jpg

Now that it is open, you could probably take the lock out and get keys made, though it may be more economical to just replace the lock.

Great looking tool box!

It's pretty clear how the lock goes in, I will replace for sure if I cant track down a key. It seems as though the locks with a W on them may be from a company called Waterloo. I shot them an email so maybe it will pan out.

No idea monetarily, but a very useful item to have and use. Great find! By the way, do post pics of the tools. Snap-on snobs would disagree, but for home use, Craftsman used to make some damned good tools. Operative word used to. Look for "forged USA"..

As far as heavy, I agree. It was a struggle to get the top chest onto my 3 chest Craftsman rollaway. I went with the ball bearing drawers with the "griplatch" feature. This allows rolling the unlocked stack without fear of drawers opening.