Posted 12 years ago
softailgar…
(15 items)
This is a rolling cabinet made by Pressteel Company, Los Angeles. Back in the 30's & 40's Pressteel was a division of the Plomb Tool Company, also in Los Angeles (1907 - 1957 ). In 1957, Plomb was purchased by Ingersoll - Rand and operated under the Proto Tool Company Division. Proto was later purchased by Stanley Works in 1984 and today is Stanley - Proto Industrial Tool Division.
I found this at an estate sale for $30.00 in pretty bad shape. It had been left outside to the rain and elements and wasn't looking to healthy. As the picture show's, I stripped it down to bare metal and painted it the original color olive drab green. The only thing that hasn't been done is the original white stripe that wraps around the top. I tried to preserve the company sticker as best as could be, but ended up losing the two S's in PreSSteel. I wish I had more company info. regarding Pressteel, but there is virtually no info on the net to be found. I've only once seen another Pressteel cabinet, which makes me think this is a rare find and I will keep it. It currently houses part of my vintage tool collection. If anybody has any info, please post it, thanks for looking.
Hi , I just joined this site to comment on your Pressteel tool box! I have been trying to research these on the web and yours is the first I have found( other than a blue one on e-bay a year ago in L.A). I actually have two. I bought my first one off craigslist a year ago , I was looking for a nice vintage tool box with some 40's/ 50's charm it is a light avocado green (original paint). I found the second one on Craigslist by mistake and had to buy it considering how rare I felt it was! The second one is dark green with the light grey stripe at the top and the pressteel label attached. Both models are embossed "PRESSTEEL" and have the original hardboard tops, and lock bars. I will try and post some pictures within the next week. Thanks for sharing yours!
Wow! doing research on an absolutely great work bench and found your post! It's a Presteel bench with the original green paint and the name embossed on the drawers. Still searching for info about the company but these items were certainly meant to last and to work!
I worked for Pressteel back in the early 80s. I know the former owner (nearly married his daughter) and his family. I may be able to help you get info. The manufacturing plant was in El Monte then. I worked in the office in Orange.
These are so great. I have one just like it in the drab green color. Got mine off Craigslist for $30. Absolutely love it. Added a wooden top and use it within my tool collection as well. So sturdy and well made. Awesome restoration. Thanks for sharing.