The 1/4” Square Drive Thread

[NFT5]

My Dad bought me this “Draper” (British importer / distributor) branded set, made in Japan in the 1970’s. Wish I knew the maker.

He bought it solely on the basis that the tools felt decent. He was right - I’ve used it for at least four decades.

The “bi square” sockets are invaluable for adjusting drum brakes.

Those look the same as a set that I bought back in about 1974. Mine were ASH (aka Asahi) brand. I know I still have all the sockets and the bars, but the box? Not sure.

 

[Hohn]

I've only recently started using more 1/4 drive and I have to say, if you don't already have a Koken T-handle (or handles) in that size, GET SOME. Their utility with bit sockets is superb.

 

[cherrybomb]

What are Koken AeroSpace sockets?How are they different?

 

[Dave455]

Those look the same as a set that I bought back in about 1974. Mine were ASH (aka Asahi) brand. I know I still have all the sockets and the bars, but the box? Not sure.

That’s very interesting, thank you.

Asahi is perfectly plausible. The tools are obviously very good quality, and Asahi tools were not (I don’t think) imported at that time.

 

[Dave455]

What are Koken AeroSpace sockets?How are they different?

They are a separate range of sockets for aerospace use.

KoKen say they meet AS954 spec, so presumably the regular ones do not.

Here are the regular


And here are the “aerospace”.


They are SAE sizes only, 12 point only, and from the catalogue it looks as though they are just a fraction deeper, and possibly have an all polished finish.

I wouldn’t be surprised if they are a slightly different steel or hardness too.

Many manufacturers offer an aerospace grade, but usually at considerably greater cost. The KoKen are only marginally more expensive,