Question about old-style locking mechanism - Knaack job box

[timsch]

I have an older Knaack job box with the piano lid. Newer models have a sliding pin that locks into place and is easy to understand. The older one I have that I'm trying to get back into serviceable condition has no sliding pin. Here's the tab on the lid that goes down into the box.

Here's the box from outside:

And here's the box from inside:

I assume that it uses a padlock like the newer models, but I can't figure out how if so. I hope some of you can clue me in here.

Thanks.

 

[Mule Meat]

Next

 

[Mule Meat]

 

[timsch]

That would make sense, but the opening is too small for my lock. If it would fit in, it would be too deep for the key, so I'm not so sure.

 

[Jim.ME]

If I remember right, there is a piece that bolts into the pocket inside the box and holds a padlock. I also seem to remember Knack specifying certain padlocks that fit the application,

 

[Scott 730]

You are missing parts. There should be a hook shaped piece that bolts between the 2 tabs on the lid. The padlock retainer piece is also missing from the lock pocket.

 

[timsch]

You are missing parts. There should be a hook shaped piece that bolts between the 2 tabs on the lid. The padlock retainer piece is also missing from the lock pocket.

That makes sense. If I could find some pics, I could find or make some parts.

 

[Ray,IN]

You might find something useful from this website, about ½ way down the page is piano boxes. https://wernerco.widen.net/s/zpnjpj6vlw/catalog---knaack-secure-jobsite-storage_lores

If you can find the data-plate with the serial#, this might help too: https://www.ereplacementparts.com/parts/power-tool/garage-and-workshop/cabinet/knaack/

 

[timsch]

You might find something useful from this website, about ½ way down the page is piano boxes. https://wernerco.widen.net/s/zpnjpj6vlw/catalog---knaack-secure-jobsite-storage_lores

If you can find the data-plate with the serial#, this might help too: https://www.ereplacementparts.com/parts/power-tool/garage-and-workshop/cabinet/knaack/

This thing's so rough, I can barely make out the Knaack. Thanks for the links. The wernerco site all had the modern versions.

You can make an argument, and I'd probably lose, that this thing isn't worth the effort. We'll see how long it takes me to just consider it scrap, which is what I had in mind when I got in in the 1st place.

 

[Ray,IN]

This thing's so rough, I can barely make out the Knaack. Thanks for the links. The wernerco site all had the modern versions.

You can make an argument, and I'd probably lose, that this thing isn't worth the effort. We'll see how long it takes me to just consider it scrap, which is what I had in mind when I got in in the 1st place.

One mans junk is another mans treasure. Go for it if you have the extra time.

 

[timsch]

One mans junk is another mans treasure. Go for it if you have the extra time.

Yep. And I see treasures everywhere. It was given to me and I took it as a source for sheet metal for whatever might come up, but couldn't resist the urge to put it back to use. I've already replaced the rusted feet with treated 4x4's and patched some rust holes. This is the last thing that needs taking care of, and it'll be serviceable.

 

[Stan Coryell]

You are missing parts. There should be a hook shaped piece that bolts between the 2 tabs on the lid. The padlock retainer piece is also missing from the lock pocket.

I think the "hook" was a piece of flat bar with a notch towards the back. It bolted (loose) to the clip in the first photo and dropped between the lock body and shackle. The notch got trapped by the shackle when the body is pressed in and locked. The lock is held in the pocket by a small angle clip that the shackle passes through (like the new ones).

I haven't seen one like that in probably 20 years. It wasn't a great system. Maybe try contacting Knaak? Or switch to a round lock and pocket?

 

[Tony in SD]

Usually a #5 Masterlock is attached to the inside with additional parts that you may bevmissing. The padlock usually is permanently mounted to the tool box inside that rectangular hole. Making it bolt cutter proof.

 

[Ultradog MN]

I can't quite see in the hole there but you can buy new locking parts on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=knaack+lock&crid=PCNTC8FFMG69&sprefix=knaack%2Caps%2C233&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_2_6

I recently replaced my Knaack box. Old one was the same size and served me well as a truck box for 25 years. I had repainted it twice and had welded patches in the bottom where it was rusting out.
It needed patching and painting again.
Saw this barely used one at an auction a month ago and got it.

 

[Dusty MI]

I worked in construction, and we called them a Gang Box.

Dusty

 

[Ray,IN]

Yep. And I see treasures everywhere. It was given to me and I took it as a source for sheet metal for whatever might come up, but couldn't resist the urge to put it back to use. I've already replaced the rusted feet with treated 4x4's and patched some rust holes. This is the last thing that needs taking care of, and it'll be serviceable.

Those old "feet" were likely strap metal designed so the box could be moved with a fork truck. On that Knaack website you can see where the padlock pocket is designed to hold the padlock and not be removed, but it doesn't show the internal mechanism completely.