Vintage Toolbox Restoration Part 1: Restoring Every Tool Inside

[@Jesseneiderphoto]

Thank you SO much for including the notes on everything you are using in the process! It truly helps and also separates your videos from many others. Some of the best restoration work I’ve seen 👍🏼

[@CatalystRestorations]

You are very welcome Jesse! Glad you like the tips - I know when I watch restoration videos myself I want to know everything everyone is using!

[@elizabethbaldwin1269]

I know exactly what that box smelled like.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Musty, rusty, metallic y, with a hint of stale WD-40

[@wesmessick5285]

That’s exactly what I thought it would smell like.

[@richardcranium5048]

I love that smell. I auction shop for it

[@vierab5864]

A mix of rust, oil, and sweat of working hands. Digs deep into nose, and memory.

[@sureshcroos6795]

​@@CatalystRestorationsmm

[@stevengabalis4986]

Just discovered your videos. We sold Indestro tools at my dad's auto parts stores in the 60s and 70s. I still have and use a lot of them. They were never as pretty as Snap-on, but were just as durable.

[@CatalystRestorations]

That's amazing! I've had several commenters tell me it was a waste of my time to restore any of these because they're not valuable/rare, but they always fail to mention that they're actually solid tools.

[@rufus-h4h]

Excellent video! I love to see rusty junk restored and made useful again!

[@CatalystRestorations]

So many new (to me) tools!

[@robertmanley7556]

Very nice work !! I just love old tools... Especially ones like these with a GREAT story behind them !! Can't wait to see the tool box !! 👍👍

[@CatalystRestorations]

I love uncovering the maker's marks - like a treasure hunt on every piece! Thanks for watching!

[@RGormanJr]

Lamson is still around and making products in the USA

[@CatalystRestorations]

I saw that! Pretty cool.

[@JazzStrat781]

Great job! Love that it belonged to a family member too!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks! It's all going to stay in the family for generations to come!

[@brianmahoney3256]

What a haul! Lovely to restore these gems

[@brysonalden5414]

As usual, a thoughtful and insightful video on restoration. That file that was beyond redemption as a file might still make a nice shop knife! Oh, and I am still restoring axe heads with your method, and still loving it.

[@CatalystRestorations]

I love to hear about your continued axe adventures, Bryson!

[@carpentryfirst3048]

This is my favorite hobby! I save all my restorations for the winter. I have a few boxes of tools waiting for the weather to get cold, can't wait!

[@CatalystRestorations]

I do the bulk of my restoration work over the winter too! Turns out when there's no yard work to take care of every week you have more free time! 😂

[@iamrichrocker]

over 360K views..bet you were/are stunned..something about these types of videos is contagious..and enjoyable to watch..great job

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching! It's funny because you never know exactly what might catch people's interest at any given time! Some of my personal favorite restoration projects have some of the smallest view counts!

[@diamond6256]

Quite a project, alot of hard work. Excellent job. Loved this video. Loved the vintage pencil sharpener. I have one too.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching!!

[@kelanjames2645]

You're amazing for restoring these things! The electrolysis was cool!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you so much!

[@mannybarboza9970]

Sounds like a plan ! Looking forward to it, I will share this video around my group of friends

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks!!

[@thisolesignguy2733]

Man, you made out like a bandit with those Nicholson files! Those are some of the best, and they last forever....I might be a little biased tho because they were made here in Indiana. I've got a whole toolbox full of them, my absolute favorite is the wheelwright rasp and the fine tooth half moon file. I got them from my great grandpa, he got them during the great depression and they're still just as sharp as they were when brand new. keep them clean and oiled up, and wrap them up in wax paper when not in use and they'll last long enough to give to your grandchildren's grandchildren.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Midwest represent! I'm from Illinois, went to college in Indiana, and I live in Ohio. Thanks for the tip on wrapping them in wax paper, I'll be sure to do that! Reading up on the history of Nicholson was fascinating.

[@johnbradford9235]

Welcome back sir! And boy did you return in full force and style 😁. 😎

[@CatalystRestorations]

It's good to be back! 😎

[@warrenvalentino5763]

Great video! Awesome job on restoring the tools. watching your video is Inspiring me to clean/restore the 5 gallon bucket of old realy rusted wrenches and hand tools that someone gave to me for free while i was looking at a yard/barn sale 4 years ago. i have started using a wire brush on my bench grinder and then use WD-40 on them. :)

[@CatalystRestorations]

That's awesome! You should absolutely dive into that bucket, it sounds like a ton of fun! It's very therapeutic 😁👍

[@sandraforsman4971]

Awaiting the toolbox restoration! Great work on the tools!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks, Sandra! Toolbox is almost finished! 😁👍

[@kentshrader6616]

Nice work especially on the maple handle. Look forward to more! Thanks for sharing!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you! And thanks for watching!

[@ericfg806]

Quality video, and the extra info is a bonus. Nice job CR!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching, Eric! 😎

[@bgbthabun627]

i agree 100%

[@CrustyRestorations]

I need to invest in an ultrasonic cleaner 🤔, great work 👍

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks! You won't regret it!

[@tecumseh22]

Still one of the best, Catalyst, cant wait to see the box restored!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks Tony!

[@jozsefizsak]

I highly recommend three videos that Ken Sweden did on his channel five years ago. These are entitled True Rust Removal by a Chemist. His motivation was to correct mistakes that are repeated as KZbinrs learn from one another's videos and then repeat the errors based on the assumption that the majority must be correct. I think you will find electrolysis to be by far the best and fastest when done correctly.

[@CatalystRestorations]

No doubt electrolysis is by far the best for thorough and effective rust removal still, especially on a budget. It's still my go-to preferred method of rust removal, even after having this ultrasonic cleaner in my shop now. Electrolysis just takes a bit more setup, careful monitoring, and more time to execute properly and sometimes I don't have the luxury of time, unfortunately.

[@jozsefizsak]

@@CatalystRestorations I used a week or two in vinegar because I usually have time. It's just so simple!

[@wjp255]

A great video. Thank you. I had been on the fence about getting an ultrasonic cleaner, but now I am going to. Keep up the good work.

[@CatalystRestorations]

It's worth it!!

[@jozsefizsak]

Very nice! I always enjoy learning something about the old tool brands.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Just when you think you've heard of every old tool manufacturer another dozen come out of the woodwork! It's wild just how many manufacturers there used to be before rapid consolidation started happening.

[@jozsefizsak]

@@CatalystRestorations Consolidation has not been a benefit for tool users. The Apex screwdriver bits I bought in the 80s are unbelievably strong and hard. I never broke one and they are almost impossible to wear out. Suddenly, they were dramatically softer, essentially rubbish. The distributor at the time was a friend of mine and according to him, I'm the only one who noticed. Honda and GM said nothing.

[@Doomer17018]

Thanks for going through each tool and it’s brand, was interesting to see. I’d like to get my hand on some old box end wrenches, sadly I’m sure they are all standard rather than metric. Interesting to see how far off the temp of the water was from the reading on your ultrasonic cleaner, I have a very similar model and hadn’t thought to check that

[@CatalystRestorations]

Discovering all the different tool makers was my favorite part of the restoration! Like a treasure hunt! On the temperature readings, keep in mind the laser thermometer has some error in it due to different surface reflectivities. A way more accurate result would be an immersed thermometer straight into the water - something I'm going to do in part 2!

[@ToolsandTime]

Definitely some rusy gold in that box. That electrolysis fish tank was clever. Cool video!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching! Picked up the fish tank for $3 at a Goodwill!

[@veronicawhite398]

Beautifully done! 😊

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you Veronica!

[@mannybarboza9970]

Watching the vice video now! Love your vids man !

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks bud!

[@timbrosnan9372]

Very nicely done. What did you mean by the Evaporust needs to be below the surface of the water for the sound waves?

[@CatalystRestorations]

When the Evapo-Rust was in the aluminum tray floating on the top of the water the ultrasonic waves aren't really able to transfer into the Evapo-Rust as well as if the Evapo-Rust was "in" the water. Think of it like if you're in a pool floating on the surface and someone below you underwater is yelling your name (sound waves)- you won't be able to hear it nearly as well as if you were underwater with them and they yell your name.

[@Biggswangin]

Very beautiful restoration some if these tools are astonishing to me keep up the videos like this 👍🏻😀

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching! The toolbox restoration is Part 2 and it's coming very soon!

[@LittleRestorers]

Good to see you've also join the Vevor club 😉😁

[@CatalystRestorations]

They've been great to work with so far! Hoping it's a good sign!

[@shedmanx3640]

A great video. Those Vevor ultrasonic cleaners are amazing. Love mine.

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@shedmanx3640 we'll see how they stand up over time, but so far no major complaints with using it!

[@robertsonr1]

Love the different methods of trying to clean them. Temperatures using the laser may vary with different materials due to emissivity without adjustments.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Yup, you're absolutely right on the laser thermometer. It's a ballpark reading at best for sure!

[@chadmorris7891]

Live these videos. Thinking of cleaning up all my grandpas old tools. What do you do with all the tools you clean. You keep them all ?

[@CatalystRestorations]

Good luck with your restorations! Start simple with things like the wrenches in this video and build up your confidence and skills for the more challenging stuff! Keep in mind it's hard to truly, irreversibly mess up! As far as my restored things, I do keep everything that I've restored except for things that friends or family ask me to restore for them - I give those back. I use most of the stuff I restore as everyday tools in my workshop.

[@gstag100]

Great video! Do they need any treatments after to not rust, like plating?

[@CatalystRestorations]

Plating would work, albeit a bit tedious! I recommend just a light rubbing of some 3-in-1oil or paste wax periodically to keep them rust free!

[@KirillTcvetkov-o8h]

1:30 and I have important question - why sweeping insides of small box is better than just turning it over and shaking everything out?

[@CatalystRestorations]

Just trying not to get shit everywhere 😅

[@MrEisenhaupt]

Oh, that was fun to see, I think part 2 will be even more exciting! The box! sub is out

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching and subscribing!!

[@Mortalnomad]

Interesting concept I’ve never seen this type of video before

[@CatalystRestorations]

Stay tuned for part 2!

[@fb-guitars]

What a wonderful treasure !!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks!

[@adventureswithedna]

I have some antique Ford wrenches I was debating on restoring or leaving as is.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Totally up to personal choice! Wrenches are great for restorations because they're not difficult to restore with just a little bit of work and basic tools and it's hard to mess it up!

[@6atlantis]

Why do you leave the cover/shroud on your grinder when you have a wire wheel on? I like to be able to use the bottom of the wheel and every grinder I’ve had, cheap to expensive, vibrate more with the safety covers on. Great restorations!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Wire wheels tend to throw stray wire everywhere (even straight into your skin) so I try to keep them contained as best I can with the plexi shields.

[@6atlantis]

@@CatalystRestorations I know, trust me I know 😂. I still like to be able to use the bottom of the wheel and it’s actually safer using wire wheel with no guard, if it takes and throws your piece it won’t jam up the machine. If it was a stone and it takes your piece, the guard is necessary. Avanti pro is the last wheel from a big box store that’s worth a damn and throws wire minimally compared to H.F and Amazon options. Great restos!

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@6atlantis thanks for the tip on a brand! I'll check that out! Anything to improve the wire wheeling experience and minimize the amount of wires I have to pick out of my face everyday 😂

[@6atlantis]

@@CatalystRestorations p.s I got my Bauer 3/4 h.p grinder running like a Baldor(almost & for now lol). Problem lies in the shoulder the shoulder the flanges ride on(being less than 1mm, not much backing), and the unbalanced, stamped steel flanges that come with cheaper grinders. My solution was to buy aftermarket aluminum, machined spacers and flanges. And obviously dress the wheel. Wire wheeling is so therapeutic.

[@danielcotnoir3363]

Excellent work, a very informative video. I'm interested in why you use Evaporust for some tools, and electrolysis for others, for rust removal. How do you determine which process to use? Thank you for taking the time to save these tools, and thank you for sharing your time with us. Cheers!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Great question! Usually it's a matter of two things: how much time do I have and how big is my part? If I have limited time and the part isn't too big, I'll go with Evaporust because it can soak indefinitely and I can pull it out whenever I'm ready if it has to sit for a few days. Electrolysis is faster, more efficient, and cheaper long term, but I have to keep a close eye on it because of electricity, water, and hydrogen off gassing so I have to be home for a continuous 4+ hours for that.

[@danielcotnoir3363]

@@CatalystRestorations thank you!

[@pablodalidetinzunza2183]

great work

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you, I appreciate it!

[@glendonh3711]

zip lock bag with the evaporust in the ultrasonic cleaner will work great

[@fdort3971]

@CatalystRestorations you did a great job! I bet you felt like a kid at Christmas with the new machine! Guess your wire wheel got hungry...bahaha. hope you were not hurt. I saw a video with a guy who put super glue on both sides of all his wire wheels to make them last longer...hope that helps you. Evapo rust and metal rescue rocks! I love the fact I can filter it and reuse it! Safe to touch too. Great stuff!!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching! Any time I get a new toy to play with like this it feels like Christmas! Good tip on the wire wheel too, thanks.

[@fdort3971]

@@CatalystRestorations I know exactly what you mean! I got so excited the other day when my first ever toggle clamps came! I've done lots of Jerry rigging before but I've never made any jigs for woodworking. I'm trying to start my own woodworking business repurposing and refurbishing items to keep them out of the landfill. I only found your channel today...glad I did. Looks like you get excited about finding maker marks like me! I love seeing damage disappear.

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@fdort3971 very cool!! I love finding a good maker's mark, it's like a treasure hunt!

[@fdort3971]

@@CatalystRestorations exactly!

[@glennsoucy4359]

Did the EvapoRust work better when warmed? I've only ever used it at shop temperature

[@CatalystRestorations]

The makers of Evaporust are careful to state that you can heat it a bit to work faster, but technically it doesn't work any better at removing rust

[@floraly88]

What's the difference between the bench grinder and benchtop buffer? They seem very similar.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Same piece of equipment actually in my case! Just different wheels for different jobs. You can buy dedicated buffer machines, but as I'm tight on workbench space (and budget) I opt to use just the bench grinder to do double duty.

[@floraly88]

@@CatalystRestorations But in your vid I can see you switching between the bench grinder and buffer? Visually, it seems like the only difference is the axis holding the wheels.

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@floraly88 The buffing wheel is on the left axle of the bench grinder and the wire wheel is on the right axle of the bench grinder. The left axle has a conical/screw attachment on it that allows it to accept the buffing wheel.

[@floraly88]

@@CatalystRestorations Oh, now it makes sense. Thanks for clarification.

[@anthonynyman167]

Is it possible to have the Evapo -Rust poured directly into the sonic cleaner?

[@CatalystRestorations]

It is! I don't prefer it though because it's a messier cleanup than the detergent and water, since I save the Evaporust to reuse for many, many months so I have to carefully empty it into containers/jars every time I'm finished.

[@mikeb5749]

Nice job wonder if those tools will be put in a museum

[@CatalystRestorations]

They've been added to the workshop - these are all working tools again!

[@MASI_forging]

Very nice mate 😉😉

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you!

[@cabman86]

My dad had a tool box like this. Same tools too. I use them almost every day.

[@CatalystRestorations]

If he knows who made his toolbox, please let me know! I'm not confident I'm going to be able to track down the maker on this box.

[@cabman86]

@@CatalystRestorations I was speaking of the tools. His boxes he made himself out of wood.

[@cliffgurkin2223]

What if you use the evapo rust directly in the cleaner instead of water. Is that possible?

[@CatalystRestorations]

It's possible! This tank is 22L, so it's just a loooooot of Evaporust, which isn't cheap!

[@m.w.wilson234]

@0:33 "...mom's cousin's husband's uncle..." Great, just love it.

[@CatalystRestorations]

It sounds crazy, but it's true and I don't think there's a better way to say it! 😂

[@T_B]

Cool idea for a series!!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks! Stay tuned for part two to see these tools in action!

[@jebsails2837]

The overall shape of those small pliers is very similar to those in a WWII Navy Field Dental Kit. depending on the age they could have had a chrome plating or been made of stainless. I never throw away tools, I may have too many, but usually have what I need for the job to be done. Narragansett Bay.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for the info! I'll have to check with my family to see if the original owner was in the navy!

[@glennspreeman1634]

I remember chucking screwdriver bits, when the handles broke into my dad's 1/2" Milwaukee drill. Didn't work worth crap but a little ahead of my time. ( late '50's)

[@CatalystRestorations]

Now there's an idea! 💡

[@Tomlima23]

Relaxing vídeo ❤ Congrats !!!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching! 😁👍

[@AmbooshTV]

Превосходная работа👍🤝

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you for watching! 😁✨

[@morinjer]

Hello, nice work, i courious how long it last for real?

[@CatalystRestorations]

How long will this restoration last? In theory forever!

[@rogerpatrongonzalez5800]

👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏👍👏🥃🥃🥃ready for part 2

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching! Part 2 coming soon!

[@Maro.Simone]

the ultrasonic is a finish clean, can be used after elettrolyse and polish part to remove all residual and prepare for plated part

[@CatalystRestorations]

Absolutely a good use for it!

[@Ray-h7x8e]

At Harbor freight they have a cheap sand blaster that uses baking soda. It dose a great job on old tools.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Awesome suggestion! I'm surprised I've never even seen or heard of this, I feel like I live at Harbor Freight with how often I'm grabbing stuff from there.

[@oblivionjp]

With your ultrasonic batch, try filling just enough to cover the items. You will get a more intense sonic clean. The bath operates at same frequency but more energy transferred to less volume.

[@CatalystRestorations]

That does technically work, but significantly shortens the lifespan of the transducers. The transducers are built and calibrated to operate with a specific volume of water above them. Ultrasonic cleaner owner's manuals do warn about this.

[@oblivionjp]

@@CatalystRestorations fair enough, we use them at work and haven't changed them in a decade without noticeable issues with less water.

[@taytase]

Holy crap am I glad to see this video today. That was so frigging fun with all the different solutions in the ultrasonic cleaner. Thanks for going to the trouble so we don't have to. 🫡

[@CatalystRestorations]

You bet! I didn't even test the solutions that most everyone else uses (things like Simple Green, for example), since there's enough data on that already. I wanted to think outside the box a bit!

[@Mr_White_Work]

Я тоже люблю старые вещи и по возможности их реставрирую) Только узнал о дисковой щётке на станок, нужно приобрести, а то всё чищу вручную)

[@CatalystRestorations]

It makes things so much faster!

[@CatalystRestorations]

I will provide follow-up updates if this ultrasonic cleaner starts acting funky or dies on me anytime soon - viewers deserve only the best and most reliable product endorsements and I have no brand loyalties. Teaching the world how to restore on a budget is my number one priority. Pros of an ultrasonic cleaner: - Cleans difficult to reach areas that only media blasting can typically reach - It's fast. I can clean and de-rust whole batches of parts in as little as 1 hour - Even the 22L only takes up a small portion of my workshop bench top - Inexpensive for a smaller tank Cons of an ultrasonic cleaner: - Loud (around 90 dB, if that's important to you) - Heating element takes 2-3 hours to fully heat up - Only used for 1 month so far, so I'm unsure of long-term quality - Eventually even the best ultrasonic cleaners degrade/erode and are no longer useable If you're interested in checking out an ultrasonic cleaner for yourself, explore more here: s.vevor.com/bfQxFx If you've got an ultrasonic cleaner tips of your own you want to share, drop them in the comments below!

[@matthiasweigel311]

You're using literally all the wrong cleaning solutions...Simple Green, 409, Muck Off, any actual cleaner would do wonders for you.

[@matthiasweigel311]

Also keeping the basket off the floor cancels out a bunch of the vibrations you want; exactly the opposite of the design.

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@matthiasweigel311 yup, those definitely do a great job too! Pretty much every ultrasonic cleaner video covers that already though, so I wanted to see if there were any outside the box (wrench) options that are very cheap that might do okay in a pinch as well.

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@matthiasweigel311 while it may reduce it's effectiveness somewhat, the ideal case for an ultrasonic cleaner is always one with a suspended basket where nothing touches the transducer floor in order to maximize the life of the tank liner.

[@LeonardPace]

Little disappointed that you didn't restore the BIC pen cap... Awesome restoration video! Looking forward to the part 2.

[@CatalystRestorations]

New video series: restoring a vintage BIC pen from nothing but the cap

[@LeonardPace]

😂👍@@CatalystRestorations

[@patstrailertopics5975]

😂

[@MnACreations]

Nicely done!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks!

[@jimrowe4177]

Try a product called Mean Green for the ultrasonic cleaner. It works really well.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for the tip, I'll have to check that out!

[@alexvhomes]

Wouldn’t mind seeing you bring a few to a bright smooth polish

[@cobratufskin]

That ultrasonic setup looks like fun, I’d love to know what you find to be best. And those pliers are sexy af, small but mighty.

[@CatalystRestorations]

So far I've found the cheapest yet effective solution to be an initial 15-20 minute ultrasonic round in warm water with Cascade platinum followed by at least two 20 minute rounds in Evaporust (either in the tank itself or in containers). That seems to get things loose enough for easy removal via wire wheeling. Going from rusty to clean metal in only about an hour is about as good as it gets without a media blasting setup!

[@garymucher4082]

Maybe you could try to recut the file that was pretty worn. If you can cut the metal, you can make it a good file again... Just an idea. Thumbs Up!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Any tips for how to recut a file? Can I use another file to cut that file and get myself into an infinite loop of cutting files?

[@nucleargrizzly1776]

I restored some wrenches that were so bad I had to mill them all one size bigger. Still using them.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Wow! These ones were pretty rough, but still had enough metal left on their bones to not have to do that!

[@MmmmmmmmEarHair]

Maybe vinegar in the ultrasonic cleaner to help with rust and cleaning? It wont work faster or as aggressive as electrolysis but it should be faster that plain water and soap. Also help sharpen the files as well

[@CatalystRestorations]

That would work, but you want to avoid putting any acids or strong bases in direct contact with the metal ultrasonic tank liner because it'll wear down faster. That's the main reason for going through all the trouble of setting up the nesting doll of containers in this video 😁

[@JDEldred]

Possibly a dumb question but why not just put the Evaporust directly in the ultrasonic cleaner?

[@CatalystRestorations]

Not a dumb question at all! The simplest explanation is 22L is just a lot of volume to fill and Evaporust isn't cheap. Another reason is that if I just have water in the tank I can have multiple jars/containers of different cleaning solutions all going at once. Setting jars in water is easier cleanup then too (just wipe down) than jars sitting in Evaporust (rinse them all off, wipe down).

[@JDEldred]

@@CatalystRestorations Makes sense, thanks for explaining! You need to get yourself one of those giant vats like @HandToolRescue has 😂

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@JDEldred that's the ultimate dream!

[@everready19373]

That buggered up file would make a nice knife.

[@CatalystRestorations]

If/when this video gets 2k like I'll start making a knife out of it!

[@ShyamKumar-fd8xo]

I have a suggestion...hope u may not mind, when you restore the tool box in part 2, just fix a rubber sheet on its floor so that it will not make noise and protect it from further rusting.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thank you for the suggestion! Rest assured it will be a nice quiet surface inside! 😉

[@ShyamKumar-fd8xo]

@@CatalystRestorations have you done with part 2...did I missed it?☹

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@ShyamKumar-fd8xo you didn't miss it! Still working on it - just finished painting and I'm getting ready to reassemble!

[@alanpreston3111]

Love it 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🙏🏻

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks, Alan!!

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

Wait a minute thats my cousins uncles father-in-laws neighbors toolbox. I'd recognize it anywhere. We must be cousin in laws.

[@CatalystRestorations]

What's the secret family code word

[@stevewight1409]

It's a phrase......I'm my own grandpa..lol

[@henkvandebeek7921]

I’m glad you kept the file in the file file

[@CatalystRestorations]

I filed the file file with my other files for now

[@patrickdevlin3164]

Your sous vide recipe at 11:00 has to be one of the weirder ones I've seen.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Makes a perfect stea..err..wrench every time! 🥩🔧

[@chrisluc7535]

I need more of this

[@CatalystRestorations]

Finishing up part 2 very soon!! Check out all my other videos in the meantime to stay busy! 😁👍

[@FirstLast-nk3lm]

My buddy cleaned out his tools and I took them. I used vinegar and a wire brush. Lots of free old tools.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Vinegar and wire brushes work great too! Free tools are the best tools!

[@carlcasey4177]

That is awesome

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks Carl! Glad you enjoyed and thanks for watching.

[@Sweden-restoration]

Nice work 👍 however, you should try to use gasoline in the ultrasonic cleaner, I use it for extreme cleaning of metal, and I put it in a glass jar. Perhaps you know this already but if you don’t, this is a tip 😊

[@CatalystRestorations]

I'm aware that does work, but I wouldn't ever be able to recommend anyone do this at home for safety reasons. Ultrasonics and flammable liquids just shouldn't be mixed.

[@Sweden-restoration]

@@CatalystRestorations alright! I can see your point, I just wanted to give you a tip on something that works even faster! Of course you shouldn’t do it, but since there is so many different types of people in the world who do very stupid things and I don’t know you or your risk level I just headlighted it.

[@Santiago-iv7oi]

Nice job..

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for watching!

[@Rudimentary007]

I can relate to the wire brush incident I know with mine it’s a love hate relationship.👍💪🇺🇸

[@CatalystRestorations]

It was the best of times, it was the 🤬 of times

[@snowman333-]

was that a logo on the handle of the soldering iron? it was probably just swirls of dirt in the wood, oh well.

[@CatalystRestorations]

I wish it was!

[@iamsad4228]

Question why not just put evaporust straight in the cleaner?

[@CatalystRestorations]

You could, I just don't for a couple simple reasons. My tank is 22L, so that's a lot of Evaporust and Evaporust is expensive. Second, I have to spend more time thoroughly rinsing the tank out when I'm done if I fill it with Evaporust. And finally, if I fill the tank with just water I can put many different jars of parts in various different cleaners at the same time.

[@poptya]

Ive heard a mixture of water and Simple Green makes a good ultrasonic bath

[@CatalystRestorations]

I've heard that too! Guess it's time for more experiments!

[@squiremc]

You don't seem to have noticed that that worn out file had been hand stoned into a chisel. This was common according to my grandfather as chisel steel was very similar to file steel and served the purpose while saving money on expensive tools. This also explains the hammered end on the file and the improvised socket handle. I would like to see it restored as a wood chisel to honour the craftsman, but as suggested elsewhere it would also make a fine stout knife.

[@CatalystRestorations]

You've got an eagle eye! You're spot on, the end is indeed stoned down to a chisel tip. I may or may not have promised to make a knife from it if the video got 2k likes...looks like I owe everyone a knife!

[@squiremc]

@@CatalystRestorations Making a knife of it would make a third purpose this tool can be put to. I have no argument with your choice regardless. Easing the brittleness with oven treatment might be a good move.

[@craigdave3266]

I love to port and polish my tools brand new tool to mirror shine and put in the box

[@CatalystRestorations]

I think some of these are going to get that treatment!

[@MattsGarage1791]

I restored an old pair of wire cutters marked AF & Co. Germany . Only thing I could find that matched the lettering/style was German manufacturer A. Freymann & company

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for the info! I'll have to dig into that name more and see if things line up!

[@rtwpsom2]

Regarding the five mystery items: the second one is part of a grease gun, it's the part that extends out of the gun and attaches to the grease zerks on whatever you are greasing. The third one appears to be a glass cutter. The fourth seems to be a pin of some sort made from a welding rid. The fifth may be a punch.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks for breaking it down! Appreciate it!! Thanks for watching!

[@Landrew0]

Tip for next time: That bluish corrosion on all the tools? That doesn't happen on steel tools. Only on copper-containing alloys like brass.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Well, 99% of the tools inside are just steel, but the toolbox latches are all solid brass so I suspect some leeching of some kind happened at some point! I'm not really sure what you're getting at though because there really wasn't blue on "all the tools"?

[@Landrew0]

I suspect something else, but I have no proof.

[@jesusestrada5543]

Ah finally a tool restoration that's actually a restoration and not polishing the everloving-shit out of a wrench until it's a mirror, then adding paint into the panelling that was 100% never there. Also damn those screwdriver handles look off-the-shelf brand new!

[@CatalystRestorations]

Thanks! Over polishing things is a pet peeve of mine!

[@paulclementyonkers4604]

16:00 the Diston file has a "keystone" on it. The "keystone" is a symbol for the American State of Pennsylvania (the keystone state).

[@CatalystRestorations]

I knew about Pennsylvania's keystone, but never put two and two together on their logo! Very cool, thanks for sharing!

[@arncj18]

the electric stuff bath can't be done with something else?

[@CatalystRestorations]

Not sure what you mean by this comment

[@arncj18]

@@CatalystRestorations the fish tank at the beginning, if there are alternatives for whoever doesn't want to use electricity. Maybe paint stripper, rust remover etc.

[@CatalystRestorations]

@@arncj18 Did you watch this whole video? I show other techniques to remove rust that do not involve electrolysis in this video. You can also watch Part 2 to this video where I restore the toolbox and I show how to remove rust in other ways there too.

[@arncj18]

@@CatalystRestorations yea i did, i thought it was lineary not parallel methods

[@VeraPetrova-ys6kq]

Byborne video.sleduji.❤❤❤

[@owne6609]

Another way that you could remove rust with evaporust and the ultrasonic cleaner is the fill a jar with evaporust and what ever you want to de-rust and let it run inside the water in the ultrasonic cleaner.

[@CatalystRestorations]

Yup, absolutely. All these tools were just too large for any of the jars I had!

[@nannymac47]

Washing soda and apple cider vinegar or is it not recommended?

[@CatalystRestorations]

Washing soda is a basic compound and apple cider vinegar is an acidic solution, so if you mix the two together you're just going to get a mostly neutral solution that doesn't do anything. Plain vinegar does work for rust removal, just keep an eye on it after about a day or so so that it doesn't start eating away at the part.