Vintage Snap-on tool ?'s

[cb450r]

First off I would like to say hello and that I am glad that I stumbled across this site by trying to do some research on some vintage snap-on tools left to me by my great grandfather who was a mechanic. I have had these tools for about 7-8 years and have tried in the past to find some info to no avail. Even my local snappy dealer was unsure. I have found that most of the tools I have are from the mid 40's to early 50's and I might have some from the 30's?? but I am not 100% on that. I also would like to know about the tool box as it has no model # that I can see on it and I can only assume it is from the same time period. I Will post some photo's asap.. Thanks to anyone that can help me out here and what a cool site you have here :thumbup:.

[chad s]

First off I would like to say hello and that I am glad that I stumbled across this site by trying to do some research on some vintage snap-on tools left to me by my great grandfather who was a mechanic. I have had these tools for about 7-8 years and have tried in the past to find some info to no avail. Even my local snappy dealer was unsure. I have found that most of the tools I have are from the mid 40's to early 50's and I might have some from the 30's?? but I am not 100% on that. I also would like to know about the tool box as it has no model # that I can see on it and I can only assume it is from the same time period. I Will post some photo's asap.. Thanks to anyone that can help me out here and what a cool site you have here :thumbup:.

Post some photo's, and Im sure I can answer most, if not all of your questions., and identify what you have.

[cb450r]

Here are a few photo's of the box.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0143.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0158.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0155.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0167.jpg

[cb450r]

a 1952 drill bit index card that was in the box.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0160.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0161.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0164.jpg

[cb450r]

Some of the goodies left to me.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0166.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0169.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0178.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0190.jpg

[Moose-LandTran]

wow, they're like new.

*jealous*

[dxdexter]

Have you checked the date codes stamped on most of Snap-ons tools?

This one is courtesy of Chad S, who I'm sure can shed some light on some of your questions.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z102/dxdexter/snap_on_date.jpg

[wilbilt]

That box is niiice! :thumbup:

[cb450r]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0203.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0208.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0217.jpg

Misc. loose snap-on sockets
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0233.jpg

[cb450r]

Dexter, I found a similar date code sheet to that and that is what I based my assumption of age on. I can post some close up photo's of the date stamping on the tools

[Moose-LandTran]

Those sets are stunning.

[dxdexter]

I can't get over how pristine those metal socket cases are. Are they original or have they been restored?

[cb450r]

Here is a close up of the 1/2" ratchet stampings, I would assume that the body is 1945?
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0192.jpg

A couple of the combo wrenches
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0186.jpg


1947 ? 1/4" set
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0205.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0207.jpg

1951 ? 3/8" set
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0219.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0221.jpg

[cb450r]

I can't get over how pristine those metal socket cases are. Are they original or have they been restored?
I did "restore" the tins as they were pretty banged up, I took them down to my local paint jobber and matched the best I could the original colors.
I repainted the two sets and the two socket holders everything else is how it was left to me after a quick cleaning.

[cb450r]

I can get some other photo's just let me know what you need to see, Again all of your help is appreciated!!

[cb450r]

Some 1/2"
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0238.jpg

date?? 1/2 swivel
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0235.jpg

1/2" T-HANDLE spinner
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0225.jpg

An interesting stamping on one of the 1951 sets sockets
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0223.jpg

[chad s]

Ok, these tools range in age vastly.

The Universal joint in this picture is mid 1920's
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0233.jpg

This T speed handle is most likely early 30's, see if it has a date code. These are very rare, I wouldnt mind having it myself, but Im sure it has a lot of sentimental value to you. I havnt seen another.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0166.jpg

The 3/8 and 1/4 set are nice, the condition of the tools is spectacular.

When I get home from work, I can get you the tool box info from a catalog.

[Fedwrench]

Quality never goes out of style.

I'm not sure if my current snap on tools would look that good in as many years. That set should be in the Petersen museum next to a flat head hot rod.:beer:

[chad s]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0235.jpg
Answered above. By the way, this is pre-date code, so its 1926 or earlier.


An interesting stamping on one of the 1951 sets sockets
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0223.jpg

This is a tool that was restamped at the time of sale on the truck. This was common practice during the late 20's- early 30's when the Snap on warranty wad only one year, but very rare on 1950's tools, as its purpose isnt clear. The only other 50's tool with a re-stamped date code is an FR-42 ratchet I have.

[cb450r]

Thank you so much Chad! The only marking on the t handled spinner that I can see are these...
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0226.jpg

[chad s]

Thank you so much Chad! The only marking on the t handled spinner that I can see are these...
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0226.jpg

That is early 30's, or very late 20's. I emailed the pic of it to another collector, but I'd date it to 1929-1930. The T spinners rarely had date codes on them. Very nice. If there is anything that would get you to part with it, send me a PM!

[wilbilt]

I have to ask...."CG" wouldn't have been a Mr. Goodrich, by chance?

[cb450r]

Just a comparison here is the vintage box next to my KR combo
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0245.jpg

[cb450r]

I have to ask...."CG" wouldn't have been a Mr. Goodrich, by chance?
No sir lol, My great grandfather was John C. Gillette or JCG I can only guess the age of those stickers for his initials. I was going to remove them but -f- that!!

[lbgradwell]

Just fantastic. What a legacy!

[cb450r]

These are 1/2" extensions
top is 1929?
bottom is 1946?
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0198-1.jpg

Another 1/2 ratchet
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0237.jpg

1/2" extensions and another swivel
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0239.jpg

[GDA]

WOW! That is a treasure of high quality handed down tools. Most look like they just came off the truck in the past year. :drool:


Edit - just noticed this is my 100th post. I guess I am getting addicted to tools. LOL

[cb450r]

1/2" 12 point standard socket set 1/2" - 1 1/4" circa 1947 ?
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0216.jpg

This was interesting I thought
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0211.jpg
Casting/ finishing flaw on the S/W 260 13/16th socket

[cb450r]

3/4" deep socket set 3/8 - 7/8 circa 1953
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0214.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0213.jpg

[wilbilt]

No sir lol, My great grandfather was John C. Gillette or JCG I can only guess the age of those stickers for his initials. I was going to remove them but -f- that!!

I ask because I have a trove of tools that once belonged to a Charles Goodrich. He was a relative of my wife.

[cb450r]

Sadly this is only a partial Blue Point tap and die set
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0232.jpg

A couple of thread repair files like new!!
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0230.jpg

[cb450r]

I ask because I have a trove of tools that once belonged to a Charles Goodrich. He was a relative of my wife.
Ah I see. Given my last name you would think that I would be intitled to some sort of Gillette fortune but nope lol.

[cb450r]

This is a tool that was restamped at the time of sale on the truck. This was common practice during the late 20's- early 30's when the Snap on warranty wad only one year, but very rare on 1950's tools, as its purpose isnt clear. The only other 50's tool with a re-stamped date code is an FR-42 ratchet I have.

Chad, It seem I have 3 sockets in that 1951 set that are double stamped.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0251.jpg

[cb450r]

There were just a few MAC tools in this box and I have NO idea when they were made.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0170.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0177.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0172.jpg

[chad s]

Thank you so much Chad! The only marking on the t handled spinner that I can see are these...
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0226.jpg

Does the center spinner part move up and down on the shaft, or does it just spin, but is retained in position some way? I can see its retained from sliding down, but can you slide it upwards? At the bottom tapered end of the spinner, there is a bead, the other end just tapers off completely. Is that bead attached to the spinner part, or the shaft?

This tools is a bit of a mystery. It doesnt show up in any catalogs.

[rsanter]

Quality never goes out of style.

I'm not sure if my current snap on tools would look that good in as many years. That set should be in the Petersen museum next to a flat head hot rod.:beer:

I guess thats one way to look at it...personally I have always thought a flathead hotrod belonged in my garage next to my tools

bob
:thumbup:

[cb450r]

These were also in the misc. socket box, I have no idea what they even are!?! anyone have any insight as to what make they are? They are a mystery
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0255.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0256.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0257.jpg

[cb450r]

Other then the size and what appears to be an OS or SO stamped into the body there are no other marking on these two sockets. Could they be real early snap-on sockets? then the SO would make sense.

[wilbilt]

[QUOTE=cb450r;225569]There were just a few MAC tools in this box and I have NO idea when they were made.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0170.jpg

Those MAC wrenches look like they should be in a Tim Burton movie LOL.

[lbgradwell]

Could they be real early snap-on sockets? then the SO would make sense.

Yep, that superimposed S-O is a real Snap-on marking...

Chad will know the details!

[cb450r]

Does the center spinner part move up and down on the shaft, or does it just spin, but is retained in position some way? I can see its retained from sliding down, but can you slide it upwards? At the bottom tapered end of the spinner, there is a bead, the other end just tapers off completely. Is that bead attached to the spinner part, or the shaft?

This tools is a bit of a mystery. It doesnt show up in any catalogs.

Hmmm, I will get you a better photo... I can tell you that the handle on the shaft portion of the tool does spin/turn and it appears that possibly my grandfather braised a snap ring on the lower section of the handle so it would not fall towards the socket and there is a ball above the handle.

[cb450r]

Here are the new photos of the 1/2" t-handled spinner.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0258.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0259.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0260.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0261.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0262.jpg

[chad s]

These were also in the misc. socket box, I have no idea what they even are!?! anyone have any insight as to what make they are? They are a mystery
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0255.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0256.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0257.jpg

These are some of the earliest snap on sockets. 1920 was the first year, and those sockets have just the size marking, but no brand at all. Then 1921-1922 they use the "S over O" or "Overstrike" marking.

[chad s]

Here are the new photos of the 1/2" t-handled spinner.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0258.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0259.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0260.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0261.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0262.jpg
OK, what we have here is your standard 1920's "No.3" Spinner T wrench. It appeared as something else in the photo's, something I had never seen.

There are several variations of the No.3, and this is the last version, with the ball retainers for the spinner, and obviousely on your example, one of the balls had fallen out.

[chad s]

Here is a little history lesson on the T handles:
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg59/cesinc123/T_handles.jpg
Left to right:
1921-1922 "4 pinch" end with no spinner
1923 "3 ball" end with no spinner
1924-1925 "3 ball end" with pinches to retain the spinner
1926-1930 "3 ball end" with ball inserts to retain the spinner


Yours is the last variety. Unfortunately I thought it was something odball and maybe limited release (there are several very rare Snap-on tools that were never in catalogs, but show up), it is in fact the most common variant of this tool, but still very cool.

[wrenchr]

There were just a few MAC tools in this box and I have NO idea when they were made.
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0170.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0177.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0172.jpg

Mac tools marked sabina were made thru the mid 70's I think.

[cb450r]

excellent info and collection there Chad! Thank you for the info thus far.

[chad s]

excellent info and collection there Chad! Thank you for the info thus far.

Sure, your box is a K5a. This scan is from my 1939 catalog, but it also shows up in my 1946 Catalog as the K-55.
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg59/cesinc123/1939_catalog_k5.jpg

[cb450r]

Very cool Chad, I notice that the drawer configuration differs from mine though, Is that because it is the K-55? Seeing how most of the tools I have are from 1946 that would fall right into place. Maybe he bought them all as a set or purchased allot of tools in 46.
Either way it is cool to piece the puzzle of his mechanical history together by dating his tools. The tools I have are not all of the collection that he had, My father has some and unfortunatly allot of them were auctioned off in an estate sale when the house was sold. But I do cherish the tools I have and will pass them down to my son when I'm gone.

[chad s]

Very cool Chad, I notice that the drawer configuration differs from mine though, Is that because it is the K-55? Seeing how most of the tools I have are from 1946 that would fall right into place. Maybe he bought them all as a set or purchased allot of tools in 46.
Either way it is cool to piece the puzzle of his mechanical history together by dating his tools. The tools I have are not all of the collection that he had, My father has some and unfortunatly allot of them were auctioned off in an estate sale when the house was sold. But I do cherish the tools I have and will pass them down to my son when I'm gone.

Your right, it is a K-55!
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg59/cesinc123/1946_k55jpg.jpg

[PowderKeg]

That's a nice job on refinishing the metal ratchet cases - has me thinking twice about getting rid of an older Snap-On tote/tool box - better to clean it up and slap some fresh paint on it for a keeper.

Those thread files are plenty worthwhile - some of the best $$$ I've spent, always finding a another need for em.

[Uncle Buck]

That is early 30's, or very late 20's. I emailed the pic of it to another collector, but I'd date it to 1929-1930. The T spinners rarely had date codes on them. Very nice. If there is anything that would get you to part with it, send me a PM!

I have a 1930 double box SO that is coded either 29 or 30 and I do not recall which, the script on the wrench is identical to that.

[wrenchr]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0203.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0208.jpg
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0217.jpg

Misc. loose snap-on sockets
http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/cb450r/IMG_0233.jpg

I want to get my mits on a 3/8 set like that:drool:
Very nice set!! Welcome to the board!!

[Uncle Buck]

Welcome to the board, what a way to arrive! I think you have everyones attention now! Fantastic stuff, what a treasure for you, thank you for sharing!

[chad s]

I have a 1930 double box SO that is coded either 29 or 30 and I do not recall which, the script on the wrench is identical to that.

Thats would be a 2512 specialty wrench most likely. It was intended for Chevrolet Main bearings. During this era, the wrench sets that Snap on sold were all Blue point, which was their wrench line until the 40's, all of which were outsourced.

Your wrench didnt come from a set, its 13/16 and 7/8 right?

The logo was standard until the early-mid 30's actually, but showed up on some 5/8 impact sockets into the 1960's (how odd!).

Any other box wrench from this era would be a Blue-Point Boxocket series.


This is the most common of the specialty wrenches, the most desirable version would be one that has "Milwaukee Wis" under the Snap On logo. They made these into the early-mid 30's.

[cb450r]

Very cool guys and thank you for the compliments and the warm welcome! I am an admitted Snap-on tool addict and I don't turn wrenches professionally but I love the fit, finish and feel of my snap-on tools. I have sold over 10K worth of new snap-on tools because I got into a bind and needed cash and have regretted it every day since! I am slowly rebuilding my collection and I can see I am in good company here.

[Uncle Buck]

Thats would be a 2512 specialty wrench most likely. It was intended for Chevrolet Main bearings. During this era, the wrench sets that Snap on sold were all Blue point, which was their wrench line until the 40's, all of which were outsourced.

Your wrench didnt come from a set, its 13/16 and 7/8 right?

The logo was standard until the early-mid 30's actually, but showed up on some 5/8 impact sockets into the 1960's (how odd!).

Any other box wrench from this era would be a Blue-Point Boxocket series.


This is the most common of the specialty wrenches, the most desirable version would be one that has "Milwaukee Wis" under the Snap On logo. They made these into the early-mid 30's.

Now that I am kind of half a$$ posting pics I will post a pic, not tomorrow, no chance, but thursday I will.

[Schmizter]

Hey Guys I am not sure where to go to find out a bit more about a snap-on ratchet, It has a part # PF-87 can you help all i could find out is the is was made in 1951.