The world of vintage tool chests is a fascinating corner of automotive history, filled with robust designs and echoes of a bygone era. While brands like Craftsman and Snap-on often dominate discussions, there are lesser-known manufacturers whose contributions are equally intriguing. Pressteel is one such name, and uncovering information about these cabinets feels like archeology in the realm of garage equipment.
Pressteel vintage tool chest in olive drab with white stripe
One collector recently shared their experience of acquiring a Pressteel cabinet, highlighting its unique features and the scarcity of information surrounding the brand. These cabinets, originally sold in an olive drab color with a distinctive 1-inch white stripe around the top, represent a specific aesthetic of their time. The location of Pressteel was traced back to El Monte, California, though the company itself seems to have faded into obscurity, adding to the mystique of these vintage finds. For owners, this rarity transforms the tool chest from mere storage into a prized possession, a piece of history worth preserving rather than selling.
A distinctive feature mentioned by several vintage tool enthusiasts is the perforated drawer bottom found in some Pressteel chests. The purpose of these perforations sparks curiosity. Was it a design choice to reduce steel usage during the material-constrained times, perhaps related to WWII efforts? Or was it intended to allow oil and debris to filter down, preventing buildup in a single drawer? Whatever the reason, it’s a unique characteristic that sets these chests apart.
Another defining characteristic of Pressteel tool chests is their unique roller drawer system. Unlike modern smooth-glide drawers, these vintage cabinets require a specific technique to remove the drawers – a deliberate “bang” to overcome the stop mechanism before lifting them out. This robust, albeit less refined, system speaks to the durability and no-nonsense engineering of the era.
Interestingly, Pressteel’s influence extended beyond their own brand. They are believed to have manufactured tool chests for Craftsman, a more widely recognized name. A 1954 Craftsman catalog even lists a “Our Best Craftsman Roller Cabinet” which strongly resembles Pressteel designs, further evidenced by the distinctive aluminum trim on the top edge, a feature shared with known Pressteel models. While Craftsman versions might feature different drawer pulls – like the full-width formed edge pulls – the underlying construction and tell-tale aluminum trim point to Pressteel as the original manufacturer.
For collectors of vintage tools and automotive memorabilia, Pressteel tool chests represent a fascinating, slightly mysterious chapter. They are more than just storage; they are tangible links to a time when tools were built to last, and even utilitarian objects possessed a distinct style and character. Unearthing the story of Pressteel reveals a hidden layer in the history of tool manufacturing, reminding us that even behind well-known brands, there are often unsung manufacturers who played a crucial role.
