Wards Master Quality Storage

[dimwittedmoose51]

Have come across Wards Powerkraft tool boxes before, and a larger WMQ tool box, but never seen the mini 4 drawer storage box or the small tool box with the caved in front.  Not sure if I can take the crumble out of the front of it, but trying to determine whether it's worth the effort to save it?  Any tips as to how to re-flatten the front.  Don't need perfection, just straight enough to close the top and get the latch to line up  I think I have $4 in both of them from Monday night's auction in Raymond.

TIA


DM&FS

[john k]

Do you have a flat bodymans hammer?   Don't want anything with a curved face as it stretches the metal even more.   I'd use a flat dolly to back it up, then slowly hammer, softly, from the inside, it will look better, but take a lot to get as it once was.  I'd try it, too nice a box to leave looking like that. 

[RedVise]

I am not a body man, but would notch a piece of wood to allow for the latch and set the box down face first on the wood then gently use the flat bodymans hammer to start the process. Move to the dolly to finish.

I like those little 4 drawer Wards boxes a lot, you can flip it for a good bit on the bay.


Brian L.

[Dakota Woodworker]

I recently got one of those small Wards Mastercraft organizers too.  As far as the crumpled tool box, use a flat dollie on the inside and lots of wacks with a flat body hammer to the creases on the outside... patience is the key. If the metal is stretched it can be heated to shink it but I haven't figured out just how and where to apply the heat yet.  Maybe someone else here can enlighten us.

[john k]

Heat then application of a cold wet rag can shrink things, but heat would destroy the decent paint on that box.   A little too much heat on  metal like that would not do it any good.  Just go slow, lots of light taps better than some pounding.    I have a little 4 drawer unit too, but no name on it. 

[HeelSpur]

I want that 4 drawer box :-), here lately every time I want something people want a fortune for them. Nice finds.

[1930]

I am not a body man, but would notch a piece of wood to allow for the latch and set the box down face first on the wood then gently use the flat bodymans hammer to start the process. Move to the dolly to finish.

I like those little 4 drawer Wards boxes a lot, you can flip it for a good bit on the bay.


Brian L.

Contrary to popular belief in the body world you dont ever want to use wood as a backer when pounding something out if you want it to look decent

[johnsironsanctuary]

You might want to try the Heat Gun/Hair Dryer and a can of Blow Off.  Try it from the inside. Rule: Always heat the pregnant side of the dent. You can get 150 deg F out of a hair dryer and Blow off is a can of CO2. When you give it a long blast it gets real cold. Those dents may be a little too creased, but maybe not. It will take many applications of hot and cold, but it probably won't hurt the paint.

[dimwittedmoose51]

Thanks everyone.  The 4 drawer still has the plated metal dividers if I need them, just not sure what to store in there right now.  I think I bid $4 at the auction and took it and a couple other things.  It had a slight bend in the bottom that was hampering the bottom drawer's opening and closing.  I took a cheap square screwdriver shank that was a perfect fit inside the lip under the tray and took a small piece of flat steel against the painted surface and C clamped it for a day or so.  Perfect results.  Prolly keep both of them for now.

Maybe I'll finally get to use that flat faced antique Snap On body hammer I found at an auction a few months agoDM&FS

[rusty]

Bondo...bondo fixes everything ;P