Thread: Anyone know much about Rota Toolchests?

I was passing by a scrap metal dealer this morning and saw an old Rota tool chest. Much beaten up but interestingly it has Kelvinator stickers on it and that's where I first got a job all those years ago, so I probably worked with it's owner. My 1994 Blackwoods catalogue does not have it in there so I'm guessing '70's or '80's. I was going to try to patch it up but I think it is missing a drawer at the bottom. I would be interested in any pictures that anyone has that show how it should look, as well as any that show show the bottom slides.
P1040287.JPG P1040288.JPG
It's 20" wide, 8 1/2" deep and 15" high, so a respectable size.
Not sure how much to do on it though - fixing the sheet metal is one thing but should I repaint?

Michael

On edit - one of the transfers in it refers to a 1967 patent, so more likely early '70's?

HI,

Rota made a lot of chests and toolboxes. I have three or four - all in original states. I think the one you have may have been a machinists chest and may be missing a front cover that comes up from the bottom which locks all the drawers in. I nearly bought one of epay but the bidding become ridiculous.

Ben.

hi
its a mechanics tool chest missing bottom draw and flap cover
the rota machinist are boxes are different.
rota made lots of different tool boxes and are they becoming collectable and as ben said good original examples are big bucks

REPCO's 1984 catalogue doesn't show one that size.(saved it from going in the bin though)
How about 537x229x375?

Not so sure there should be a front flap as it appears the top cover locks the draws at the back.

Stuart

There is a mechanism that works off the lid that locks the drawers in place when the lid is down, so it does not have a front flap. The sheet metal is damaged in this area so I was going to TIG it up. The 'good examples' has me worried - if I repair it or touch up the paint, the people who collect these things may believe that I've damaged a valuable (original) example, rendering it useless - well, except for holding tools. As I'm not sure that I'm keeping it at the moment, I would like to stay in a condition that would maximise any return if I sell it.

There don't seem to be any rails in the sides for a bottom drawer so I am wondering whether the tray was removable (but had a handle) so it could be used remotely. Would explain the missing drawer.

Michael

Originally Posted by Michael G

I am wondering whether the tray was removable

Yes "removable bottom draw" in some at least.
Scanner having issues atm.
Talking about "rota made lots of different tool boxes" Recpo lists 48! maybe that was all of them? lol

Stuart

Well you know the colors are correct.

Hi Michael,

You have just taken me down memory lane. I have childhood memories of my Dad keeping his tools in a similar tool chest. It also had a locking mechanism that locked the draws with the lid down. Dad's must have been in need of some TLC as well because I remember the draws did not slide very well and sometimes jammed. That's all I remember, that and the distinctive colour scheme.

I probably wouldn't paint it but I guess if you repair it with welding then you may not have any choice..

Good luck if you choose to restore it.

Simon

I bought a brand new TC6 in 1975 for the princely sum of $45. Doesn't sound like much now but back then it was about $3 less tham my gross weekly pay as a 1st year apprentice.
peter

I have that same box probably bought in the 70's the bottom draw slides right out and has a flip up handle for a carryall.
It was middle of the road gear back then.

I think you are right Stuart - it's TC11 on that page. A snap-up handle is mentioned too. A picture of that and I think I'm away.

Simon, the drawers were a bit ratty but these slides are metal on metal, so a smear of grease in the tracks smooths them out no end. As not many people grease their toolchest slides, your dad's may not have been touched since he bought it.

As for painting, I would need something on the weld repairs and if I made up a new drawer for the bottom I'd want to paint that but the rest could stay as is. I know a guy who is into collecting old tools (and is a member of a club with others of a like mind) so I might ask him what his thoughts are on what I should or should not do.

Michael

Originally Posted by whitey56

I have that same box probably bought in the 70's the bottom draw slides right out and has a flip up handle for a carryall.

Can you post a picture or two of it with maybe a dimension or two?

Michael

Michael, I have a tray from a similar toolbox here that you are welcome to if it is any use to you. It is 490mm x 170mm x 70mm. It is red tho I would not call it pristine. The toolbox was partially burnt when I got it and is mostly rust brown in colour. I think it was a Sidchrome toolbox. I don't really use the toolbox and I was thinking of tossing it. The tray, when I just located it, was quite coincidentally sitting inside a wooden toolbox which also has an open space which needs filling. Remember that toolbox? I have some drawers to cut down and fit in it.

The metal toolbox only has 2 drawers and the tray for the bottom. The drawers have always been pretty stiff with weight in them despite lots of lube. I have had it in a position where I am not pulling the drawers from straight on which is probably most of the problem. I much prefer my cheap thin tinny toolboxes with roller slides tho.

Dean

Wow, this brings back memories. From memory I had a TC12 at work - I started 9/1981.

I'd be interested in a picture of the box and tray at the very least. The tray sounds like it could be the right size, so worth trying.

Michael