Pg 20 - Portable Styles

Portable Styles - How to Use 'The' Guide

(This does not apply to the Old-Style or 1959-1999 portions)

1907 - 1959 Machinist Tool Chests and Cases by all Makers 

If you have an old wood machinist tool chest or case that does or doesn’t have a manufacturer's name on it and you’d like to know more about it, then follow the steps below. It’s a simple two-step process for anybody who can count drawers and use a tape-measure.

1-      Start by first reviewing the List of Manufactures, the Quick Ref. ID Charts for Chests and the Quick Ref. ID Charts for Cases, so you are familiar with what’s being presented.

2-      Determine if your unit is a CHEST (top opens to storage till) or a CASE (solid top) or a BASE. Count the number of smaller drawers (use 0 if none) and, separately, the number of full width bottom drawers. Note as (smaller) / (large). Examples – 0/4, 5/2, 8/3, etc.

3-      While standing in front of the drawers, measure and note the cabinet Width accurately, left to right, to the outside surfaces of the wood, not including any hardware. Measure the Height accurately the same way, outside of bottom wood surface to outside of top wood surface (with the lid tightly closed if a chest). Also measure the Depth the same way. Write down the Width x Height x Depth dimensions. If you are trying to identity a chest or case that someone else has measured, then you may need to be more flexible with its measurements. I’ve found that in online sale items, measurements could easily be off up to 1”. Some people just aren’t careful and some have brain-farts, like me. So, you would have to use some discretion. 

4-      Next, in the Quick Ref. ID chart for Chests or the Cases and Base select your drawer configuration. Then select the noted Width, Height and Depth dimensions that are the closest to yours, each within plus/minus 1/4”. The USA manufacturer(s) and Style number in the next column should be your first consideration(s). If you have multiple choices start with the first listed and go to that manufacturer’s page. If that didn’t work then check the next dimensionally closest mfr. listed, etc. (If your dimensions do not match-up per above, or even if they do, it may have been made by another manufacturer or a Chinese concern.)

5-      For any consideration you must review that manufacturer’s pages in this guide for confirmation or not.

The Period Date of manufacturing for each Style is listed in each manufacturer's section. Review your mfr.’s section to see if hardware or construction features may tighten up your range. If Period Dates are not listed, then use the Years of Manufacturing listed for that manufacturer.

Do you remember the song ‘I Beg Your Pardon, I Never Promised You A Rose Garden’ ? Good Luck……toolboxted