Old Craftsman Tool Box

I know this is a strange way to start this, but I want you to understand how important this old tool box is to me: When I was 6 years old my mother was murdered, and I've never had anything of hers. My father loves how interested I am in coin collecting, so 2 days ago when I told him I wish I had a box or something I could keep my coins in, that I could put a lock on, he showed up at my house with an old Craftsman tool box and a lock. The box is in pretty good shape for how old it is. You see, he said my mother bought him this tool box right around the time I was born and it used to house every tool he owned. I'll be 50 in October, so it's pretty old. My father is 83, so not only do I now have something my mother once held in her hands, I also have something to give me good memories of my dad.
It's the perfect thing for my coin collection (at least the beginning of it).
The thing is, I don't want to alter the box, so if I could get some tips on what I can do to make it a good place for my coins, that would be awesome. I'm not sure what I should put in the bottom of the box, and the tray, that is safe for my coins for storage or anything. This whole coin collecting ordeal has made me happier that you will ever know, so if I get a little over zealous sometimes, just please excuse me, it's just because I enjoy it so much.

 

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Make sure you clean every square inch of that tool box. If you have some junk silver you may want to throw a piece or two in the drawers to see if there is anything that would cause early onset of tarnish. I was given a blueprint cabinet and I used it for coin storage. Within 3-4 months anything silver not in a protective covering had a nice golden tone to the exposed surfaces.

Condolences to you for the loss of your mother.

 

How long has it been since tools were stored in the toolbox? Does it smell like lubricants and/or grease? I ask this because it is possible that the remnants of such things can affect the surfaces of your coins.

Chris

 

It's nice to hear you now have something to remember her by, I'm not very knowledgeable on what kind of chemical reactions could occur by placing the coins in the toolbox, but if you put the coins in 2x2 flips I'm sure that couldn't hurt.

 

Not exactly! The molecules of any lubricants that were typically used with the tools could still exist, and since 2x2's are not airtight, the coins could still be affected.

Chris

 

True, I wonder if a thorough cleaning would suffice or if the toolbox would need to be lined to insure protection of the coins?

 

If you want something to protect your coins from being stolen, a tool box with a lock is worthless - as is it can just be picked up and carried off

 

Is the box metal? Then it will be relatively easy to clean. There are many ways to convert old metal or wood boxes for coin use, depending on how crafty you are. You can purchase trays made for individual coins, 2x2's, or slabs and cut them to fit the drawers. You may need to use pieces from 2-3 to get a perfect fit, but they can be connected together with wood or plastic strips or other methods...again depending on your skill level. If the drawers are deep enough you might even be able to get multiple levels in each. The box is certainly made to take a lot of weight, so you can load it up without fear. I've converted a few such boxes for varying uses with excellent results.

 

Nice tender story. Agree with the previous post, clean it well, wipe the insides down with acetone, and fill it up with coins. Envy you having a Dad around.

 

Yeah, me too.

 

Thank you. I cleaned the whole thing, and rubbed it down with coconut oil inside and out to help prevent rust. That was a good suggestion. As far as my mother, I've had a lot of years to come to terms with that....but thank you.

 

I would suggest that you wipe the coconut oil out with acetone, as any organic oil can decompose into organic acids. If rust were to appear, it would indicate the environment is not yet correct for coins. Desiccators will help keep the moisture level down to where there is no rust and No corrosion on the coins. Jim

 

After it is cleaned, cork lining sheets is readily available. That is what I would use.

 

He may have taken some things out of it before he brought it. It is/was completely dry until I cleaned it with coconut oil. I'll check on that though. Thank you Chris.

 

I'll do that! Thank you!

 

Thank you!

 

Thank you, but just household members.....prying eyes. lol

 

Thank you! Yes I'm very lucky in that respect.

 

That's what I'm wondering...if there's something I can line it with that won't affect my coins.

 

Thank you for the tips!