How To Date Craftsman Toolbox?
Toolbox is quite an important thing for a craftsman. If you are a craftsman, you do not buy a toolbox every day. Rather, people who have a good affiliation with their toolbox do not want it to get old.
If by any chance, your toolbox gets rusted and you want to restore it, you should definitely do it. But then a question arises that how to restore that toolbox. Well, do not worry because I will tell you how to date a craftsman toolbox!
How To Date Craftsman Toolbox
Here are twelve simple steps to date craftsman toolbox.
- 1. Clean the Box
The first step is to clean the box. Never forget that cleaning is essential to restoration. You will never know which part is bad unless you observe it clearly. So, use some good cotton rags to clean the box. Also, if you have an air gun available, then it’s cooler. Use it to clean away all the dirt.
Once you clean it all over, it is ready to go for the next step.
- 2. Take the Box Apart
The next step is to take the box apart. You should take all the components apart. Take your screwdriver and other necessary tools to unmount the components. You should remove the drawers and drawer slides. There can be little panels inside the box that you will have to remove.
Also, if there is a necessity to remove the rivets, you can them out from the inside. Then, you should degrease and clean everything with the help of a suitable cleaner (soap will help).
- 3. Remove the Paint and Rust
Now, this is one of the crucial parts. You will have to use some abrasive tools to do so. There are paint abrasives as well as rust stripping disks available. You can use them on the available tool to make your job easier.
You will need Personal Protective Equipment – PPE for this step because you can hurt yourself otherwise. Use protective goggles, a breathing mask, and earplugs.
- 4. Cleaning and Priming
Once you are done stripping off all the rust and paint, the next step is to clean the parts. You can vacuum the parts to thoroughly clean them and then use clean cotton rags for the final cleaning. Once done, do not touch the parts with bare hands.
It is time to apply the primer now. The primer should be of quality that is good enough to keep the results long-lasting. Apply the primer well through all the parts and let the parts get dry.
- 5. Paint the Parts
The next step is to paint your box. Now, when it comes to painting a craftsman toolbox, you can not just apply a single or couple of coats to get the job done. Rather, you should apply several coats to come up with good results.
I would suggest using good-quality paint for longevity. Apply the paint well and wait for it to dry well. Also, you should give a suitable rest gap (depends on the paint) between the layers.
- 6. Drawer Slides
If the drawer slides need special attention, then now is the time. It also depends on the condition of the drawer slides that how much effort they require. If you see the panels rusty, remove that rust with the help of a rotary tool. Then you can apply primer on them for future protection.
- 7. Handles and Latches
You see that we are going component-wise. So, the handles and latches will need attention now. These components are small usually and they need some detailed attention. Like, you will have to use the rust-cleaner with care and precision.
Some rust will just flake off while some will take time. Once you are finished with cleaning and removing the rust, you will have to apply primer on them with a small brush or whatever you are comfortable with using.
Read if you need: Best Socket Organizer For Tool Bag
- 8. Custom Designs
Now, it depends on how you like it. If you like your box simple, then you may skip this step. But if you want to make some designs on your box, then you should do masking.
For this step, you will also have to let your paint get dry fully. You can wait for maybe a day or less. Once your basic paint is dried. You can use different paint to do the design. Remember to cover the rest of the box with masking paper.
- 9. Give it Time
Once you have applied the paint to your design patterns, you will have to show some patience here. Do not touch the paint and let it dry fully. Once you have given it enough time, you can now peel off the masking. Believe me, you will love the outcome.
You can call it the hardest part of the process because it requires pretty good attention and skill. Moreover, if you mess this step up, you will have a hard time recovering it.
- 10. Assemble it All
Now, it is time to assemble it all. Remember that we took rivets out? Yeah, you will have to rivet the parts again. You can use the riveting gun along with the pins and do the riveting.
But if you do not know how to rivet, do not worry. You can use simple bolts of the size to get this job done. Go step-by-step and assemble all the parts well. Make sure that all the links and mechanisms are correctly assembled for correct actuation before bolting the box.
Handles and latches would need good attention for a robust outcome.
- 11. Drawer Liners
Liners are not necessary, but they make things good. Like, if you want to maintain your box well, then you should use liners as well in the drawers. You can find some cheap or good-quality liners (as per requirement) for your drawers.
- 12. Fill the Box
This is the most exciting part. Because we worked so hard for what? To bring our cool craftsman toolbox back to life, right? So, it is time to put all the stuff inside.
You just don’t throw all of your stuff into the box. Rather, you should make compartments and sections for the tools. Keep it clean inside. Things look better when in order. So, fill the box well and the job is done!
Precautions
Well, this is a process that is usually done in workshops. There are abrasive tools being used along with toxic chemicals as well. So, follow these precautions while doing this process:
Keep safety goggles with you during the whole process. Because you will need them especially during abrasive work and paint jobs.
Keep safety gloves with you. Otherwise, you may hurt yourself while doing the abrasive job. Also, gloves will keep your hands safe from paint and primer.
A respirator is pretty important during this kind of work. Save yourself from paint fumes as well as rust particles.
Use earplugs to protect your ears while using electrical abrasive tools. Because they are pretty loud and can damage your ears.
How to Maintain your Craftsman Toolbox?
Once you have done the process and your toolbox feels new, the question is how to maintain your craftsman toolbox. Follow some simple steps to maintain your toolbox.
Keep it Clean
The first step towards the right maintenance of a toolbox is to keep it clean. I would suggest you clean it at least once a day with a clean cotton rag. If you have an air gun available with you, you can wipe all the dust away with it.
Keep it Ordered
Things in order last for longer! Remember this and keep your toolbox ordered. The tools should always stay in their place. In this way, your toolbox will always open and close easily without any interruption from badly ordered tools.
Place it Well
You should place the toolbox at a good spot. Where it is safe from external factors. This way, there will be a chance for minimum scratches and deterioration. Place it where it is convenient for you as well as for the box.
Keep Away from Moisture
Moisture is not good for your toolbox. In fact, if there is moisture, the oxygen from the air will try its best to cause rusting. Look how hard we worked to restore your toolbox. So, you do not want it to get rusted again.
Final Thoughts
I hope that you are clear in your mind about the whole process. Please remember all of the steps and do not skip any. Because I have already skipped the unnecessary steps for you.
Moreover, if you still are unclear, you should keep looking for the information that you are looking for. Because your toolbox is important of all. Do not hesitate in asking questions because that’s how you learn.
Lastly, if you follow all the steps correctly and keep up the safety measures, you will see the results yourself. I wish you good luck in the process. Have a wonderful day!
