I have rebuilt a "Treasure Chest" toy box for my grandson. I saw it at a garage sale and it was exactly what I wanted. It is made of heavy pine and has very old looking large hinges and a hasp with a pirates lock.  I am going to rebuild it all and I think it will look great. 

 

The lid does not have a lid restraint, to keep the lid locked or to keep it from falling. I have had no experience with these and am  hoping someone can give me some advise on it. I like the ones at Rockler and want to know what your experience with similar ones.

 

These are the Rockler ones.   http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=411&rrt=1

 

        There is one called soft down, that looks good too.                                            

Is there a way to safe guard little fingers from pinching and closing on the fingers? I'm sure a "soft" close will help with the close. I'm thinking on the front corners, perhaps a riser block installed to allow room for fingers...just in case? 

 

-Ace-

Ron, I have used the ones from Rockler on several Cedar Chest I have made. I really like them They are easy to install and they will keep the lid at any position you put it.

 

If you purchase them, they come in the open position, don't close them until they are installed, Don't ask me how I know this.

 

You will need the weight of the top to determine which ones and how many are needed to hold the top. Once you have the weight there is a calculator on Rockler's site.

 

 

 

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

John, there were two types, the one on the link and another called the "Easy Closer" Which are you talking about? The cost is about the same, but you only use one of the easy closers.

Sorry Ron, The ones I use are the Torsion Hinges.

 

http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=22046&filter=support%20hinges

 

 

 

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John Moody
John Moody Woodworks
http://www.johnmoodywoodworks.com

John, the chest has large ornamental "pirate" hinges on it and they look good. I am thinking more as a devise that won't allow the lid to come down quickly and will hold it in place @ 90º

Ron

I made 2 toy boxes for my daughters 2 sons. I used friction latches on them and they work perfectly. Then plans and Hardware came from Meisel and I only did this to save time but I was very impressed with the finished product and they way the lids stayed in position.

 

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Wayne Mahler
God bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.