Knaack

On some mornings back in 1960, Howard Knaack would disrupt his milk route deliveries for Cary Dairy to have breakfast with two friends. These friends needed a consistent source for "ready-made" jobsite boxes. One morning, they decided it was moment to talk Howard into a business opportunity in the sheet metal fabrication business in order to supply their construction supply house with the jobsite boxes they needed. Jointly they formed Knaack Manufacturing Company.

Knaack Manufacturing Company was the first to offer national distribution of jobsite storage boxes in Chicago, Detroit, Hammond, Cleveland, Hammond, Denver and Washington D.C. By 1968 the company was moved to a 16,000 sq. ft. building, that is in the present location. Along with the move came the purchase of the WEATHER GUARD® Truck Equipment brand from a small sheet metal company in St. Louis.

In the late 1960s, Howard was looking to develop his product offerings to the contractor trade and recognized the need for a high-quality, truck tool box. In 1968, Knaack Manufacturing Company purchased the rights to build WEATHER GUARD® Truck Equipment, a truck tool box line consisting of approximately 10 different models, from a sheet metal contractor in St. Louis, MO. He continued to construct these boxes in St. Louis until 1971, when Knaack Manufacturing Company doubled its manufacturing capability. The new addition integrated the first wash system to clean the steel and a bake oven to bake on enamel paint required on the Weather Guard Boxes. In 1973, Knaack Manufacturing redesigned its entire tool box line with features required by the contractor markets it served.

In the early 1980, the entire line of KNAACK Tool boxes was redesigned to offer contractors a more secure, durable and safer-to-use tool box. Gas pistons were added to the KNAACK Gang Boxes and the WEATHER GUARD Truck Boxes enabling easier open and close, therefore being safer to use than previous versions or competitors' models. Distribution grew, reaching all 50 states in the U.S. and Canada. Van equipment was included in 1984.

In 2000, Mr. Knaack and his partners felt that increasing the business to the next level would require substantial resources. They sold the business to Emerson in order to add the strength and resources of a Fortune 150 Company. Knaack Manufacturing Company joined RIDGID® Tools as part of the Emerson Tool Group.

Over the past 45 years, Knaack Manufacturing Company's facility has grown from its modest start in a 2,000-square-foot shop to its current 400,000⁺-square-foot plant at 420 E. Terra Cotta Ave. The KNAACK Brand name is recognized in the industry as "The most trusted name in jobsite security," while the WEATHER GUARD Brand is known as "Secure by Design™".

Products

Knaack’s JOBMASTER Chests offer secure and durable tool storage solutions that are easy to handle, and can be moved around the jobsite or into a work vehicle with minimal effort. As the strongest single deadbolt-style locking mechanism, the WATCHMAN® IV Lock System keeps all your tools safely protected. Piano Boxes are available in various sizes that feature 16-gauge steel body construction and fully arc-welded seams for added strength. Complete with 12-gauge caster-ready skids, seven-gauge cover tangs and ergonomically designed recessed handles, JOBMASTER Chests are designed to keep your jobsite ordered and secure so that you can be more efficient.

KNAACK CLASSIC Storage Chests provide versatile storage options for all industrial needs and applications. The installed one-time lock and recessed lock housing keeps lock in place and protected from bolt cutters. It features 16-gauge steel body construction and fully arc-welded seams for added strength. The built-in tool tray, 12-gauge caster-ready skids and recessed side handles make it convenient and easy to use for any job or jobsite.

Knaack’s Model 2032 is a KNAACK CLASSIC Storage Chest with dimensions H:13, W: 19, L: 32, Weight (lbs.): 77 and Cubic feet: 5. Its Closed height is 18 1/4, open height 34 5/8. It has accessory tray model 41. This lightweight storage chest makes it useful for all applications and security levels. It provides one-time lock installation. It has built-in tool tray.

Knaack’s Model 139 is a JOBMASTER Cabinet with dimensions H: 60, W: 30, L: 60, Weight (lbs.): 445 and Cubic feet: 59.4. It has 14 top shelf, 10 second shelf and bottom shelf is adjustable. It is provided with WATCHMAN IV lock system. For ultimate security this is the only jobsite storage cabinet offering the strongest deadbolt style locking mechanism. It has a convenient foot latch.

Knaack’s Model 91 is a STORAGEMASTER Chest w/ramp with dimensions H: 46, W: 30, L: 72, Weight (lbs.): 409 and Cubic feet: 57.5. Its Closed height is 49, open height 78. It has an accessory shelf door model 491. It is provided with WATCHMAN IV lock system. It is the only jobsite storage chest offering the strongest deadbolt style locking mechanism for ultimate security. It has a 16 gauge steel body with fully arc welded seam.

Knaack offers Model 119 Mobile Heavy Duty Field Station with dimensions H: 82, W: 42, L: 60, Weight (lbs.): 624 and Cubic feet: 115.2. It is engineered to be used at strategic points around large jobsites for storing and reviewing drawings and locking up tools and equipment. The top section has a large, angled, hinged desk area for working on field drawings and prints. WATCHMAN IV Lock System is used to secure the entire cabinet.