From R.C., Carroll, Iowa.— In answer to the subscriber from Virden, Ill., in a former issue, as to where he can “secure” trimmings for a tool chest. I would say that they could be taken from another fellow’s chest late at night by the skillful manipulation of a crowbar and a screwdriver; but should he be willing to purchase them he can do so at a hardware store, a place where they keep for sale ten-penny nails, gimlets and gasoline stoves. Such an establishment can be found on the front street of any well regulated town, the entrance to which – the store not the town – is generally designated by a washing machine and a scoop shovel.
Or any school boy can locate the place for a nickel.
I would advise him to use iron handles, as crickets and grasshoppers often eat a rope handle. The hinges, which should also be of iron in preference to leather, as the contraction and expansion of the leather during dry and wet weather might seriously affect the working of the lock. Hinges should be placed on the opposite side of the lock, which ought to be a combination. As the correspondent failed to sign his name to his letter of inquiry, he is evidently absent minded, in which case it would be well to have the combination in large letters on the top of the chest, then wrap the whole thing well with a clothesline, securing both ends of the line – not the chest – in a Marquis of Queensberry knot sealed with green wax. Any further information desired by the subscriber will be cheerfully furnished. If other subscribers wish information of any kind, I hope they will make their wants known.
— From Carpentry and Building, October 1899 issue. This gem was dug up by Jeff Burks. Both Jeff and I would like to buy R.C. of Carroll, Iowa, a much-deserved beer.