I recently got a toolbox, but its a used one and i dont even think i have the keys for it, anyway my question is, assuming i had the keys, is there a way to fix the locking mechanism on the tool box, i mean it doesnt lock i tihnk its missing a few parts and i wanted to know if anyone knows where i can replacement parts or if anyone has had this kind of problem. any help would be appreciated. thx in advance.
ill try to post up pics of what im talking about.

 

I bought a craigslist tool box with no keys.

So! I went to Lowe's and came home with a 'cabinet lock'...ya know, for like a big filing cabinet. Nearly the same exact thing as the stock lock that was in the box. I took the old lock from the box and copied the "tab" that would jamb the latch when it was locked. Took the tabs that came with the new lock cylinder and ground it to match the old one...works like a charm

Hope that makes sense

 

i bought a toolbox with no keys so i didnt mess with it, i got a hoop and latch and screwed it into the box now i just use a padlock. its convenient and stronger than the cheesy stock locks they come with ne ways...

 

wouldnt that rattle around a lot? I think it would get annoying to hear the constant banging of a padlock

 

Both solutions work. I have an aftermarket cam lock in my toolbox, but I have also seen people put a hasp on and use padlocks. It's just a matter of how involved you want to get trying to get it to lock up.

 

My stock lock setup isn't the strongest out there, it keeps honest people honest. but if i had some real expensive stuff in there, i'd drill the box to accept two locking trailer hitch pins. That'd keep 'em out

 

What kind of box is it, most of the time you can get replacement parts easy enough.

 

it does rattle around a little bit....thats the bummer about it...but i have a matching set of locks i use for stuff all over, so its just nice to have one key for all my locks....

 

You could get a hockey puck style padlock. It protects the hasp from possible vandalism and it won't be as loud since it won't slap around as much. Most are able to be keyed up to existing keys too.

 

Hmm i actually took off the padlocks it had when i painted the box black - maybe i should just put them back on there and buy those rubber wrapped locks then like you say. Dont keep anything in it right now, im thinking of putting an ice chest in there for the beer and just carrying around some basic stuff. we'll see once i get my truck back from getting lifted.
just out of curiousity where do you get replacement parts?