What are these hex drive sockets?

[Farmer J.]

Don't forget the Britool .448" hexagon drive stuff..

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

Don't forget the Britool .448" hexagon drive stuff..

That's a very nice British tool display there!

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

Leon B. (L.B.) Miller set #212 1/4" hex drive set. The flexible driver handle is marked on top of the handle, the flexible straight blade screwdriver is unmarked. Sockets are only marked as MADE IN U.S.A. and the size (ie. 1-2). The steel finish on this set is chalky possibly due to oxidation. My set is missing the 7/32 socket so if ya have an extra, hit me up. I have an extra 1/2", 3/8" and a 3/16".

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Leon B. (L.B.) Miller

Leon B. Miller thread with examples of other sets, company information, the patent, etc, and links to other threads with L.B. Miller sets, if you're interested, linked here.

The steel finish on this set is chalky possibly due to oxidation.

Another possibility is cadmium-plating. While typically and unfortunately sometimes exclusively associated with WWII as an alternative to chrome-plating, it was a common, much less expensive finish for 'economy' or 'price line' tools before and well after WWII, and very popular with outfits like Oxwall and G.M. Co.

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

Here's two 1950s Indestro sets (1451 and 1351). Both are 1/2" hex drive. Both sets have unmarked sockets (except the size) with the single tire track knurling. The ratchet on the 1451 is unmarked but notice the typical Indestro hollow rivet near the working drive end. I'm missing the 7 1/2" L handle on the 1451 and two sockets for the 1351 set. I have a complete set of sockets without a casing but they are a different plating and slightly taller.

 

[d42jeep]

I don’t really go after hex drive tools but sometimes they find me. Here is an Indestro set.
A Western Auto set with identical Indestro sockets.
-Don

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

Here's a late 1920s New Britain Handle Lock 1/2" hex set. Sockets are unmarked except for size (7-16 to 15-16) with cross hatch knurling. Ratchet and sliding T bar are unmarked, the 6" extension is marked, Made in U.S.A. and patented Dec 12 1922. The "L" handle contained the info for the Handle Lock set.

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

The New Britain #1001 1/2" hex drive 7 pc set. All pieces marked Made In U.S.A. notice the unique shaping of the case around the 7-8 socket. Sockets display the size, COO and have the single tire track knurling. Mine is missing the 1-2" socket.

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

See my post of this New Britain set: Post in thread 'The Vintage New Britain and Associated Thread!' https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-vintage-new-britain-and-associated-thread.277603/post-11433984

 

[four.cycle]

@Tom "Python" Aycock -
That Dec 12 1922 patent is the Henry H. Chase patent on the holder (below)
They used the same patent number on a variety of different holders - not all of them shaped anything at all like what is in the drawing in the patent document.
Indestro did the same thing - all kinds of variants on the holders, all using the same patent numbers.
To an extent, Wakefield did the same (see my 8R set posted here in the Wakefield thread - looks nothing at all like the drawing in any of the patent documents.)

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

Here's a New Britain #1219 1/2 & 1/4 hex 19pc set. The 1938 catalog shows the same set as the 1952 ads. Notice that the knurling is "tire track" on the 1/2" sockets and "cross hatch" on the 1/4" sockets. All the parts are labeled Made in U.S.A. This set is missing the 12 pt 7/16 and 15/16 sockets.

 

[Ayrhead]

I’ve had this small 1/4” hex drive set for awhile. Today I happened to see a complete set of what I have on EBay. Now I know that what I have is a Sears set. Mine is missing the package as well as the 1/4” angle key.

 

[d42jeep]

I believe that set is the one Sears started selling right after the demise of the Dunlap brand around 1960. I have found a few individual pieces as well.
-Don
Dunlap hex sets.
Misc pieces.

 

[Jeff Ivers]

I have this in my inventory and have identified it as one of the tools I would like to divest myself of. The socket (removable of course) is 7/8"
I would very much like to gift this to someone who needs it to complete a set. So post a pic, labeled "gift entry" of what you have that would be completed by the addition of this. Let's set a deadline of March 31. At that time, I will make a selection of what appears to be the best match and contact that person by PM for shipping info.

3/6/26 update:
I have confirmed this is a 7/16" allen drive wrench. The length of the wrench (not counting the socket) is 8.75". I am attaching a photo showing the markings on the socket. So far, I have been unable to determine the brand.

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

"Gift entry"
@Jeff Ivers
Here's my #1151 set as seen a few posts above this. Doesn't need the 7/8 socket but does need an L handle.

And, I just picked up these hex sockets at the flea market and I have the 3/4 but then it jumps to the 15/16...looks like a perfect fit for the 7/8th. Don't have a box or wall set yet to put it all snug together but there's plenty out in the wild!

 

[Jeff Ivers]

entry noted - anyone else?

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

Found today at a garage sale...1/4 hex drive Socketeer No. 9150. Double tire track knurling with Made in the U.S.A.

 

[four.cycle]

^ Your "Socketeer" is Shelton:
Shelton / Shelton Products Inc., Shelton, CT / patent 2989881 Jun 27 1961 & 3799226 Mar 26 1974 Raymond P. Lavietes / Shelton "Socketool" / http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2012/11/socketool-me.html / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-amazing-shelton-socketool-c-1961.464026/ /

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

^ Your "Socketeer" is Shelton:
Shelton / Shelton Products Inc., Shelton, CT / patent 2989881 Jun 27 1961 & 3799226 Mar 26 1974 Raymond P. Lavietes / Shelton "Socketool" / http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2012/11/socketool-me.html / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/the-amazing-shelton-socketool-c-1961.464026/ /

I had a versatool in my shop before the flood...perhaps I shall find it one day!

But how do you connect the relation of socketeer with socketool?

 

[four.cycle]

I don't know.
If I hadn't drunk as much wine as I have, I might suggest "Socketeur"

 

[four.cycle]

^ and make sure you've got your lips properly curled up to enunciate that "eurerrrrrrrr"

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Found today at a garage sale...1/4 hex drive Socketeer No. 9150. Double tire track knurling with Made in the U.S.A

Nice find. That's a Penens (Plomb Tool Company subsidiary) product.

Socketeer

I occasionally run across these "socketeer" sets and have not given them much thought. My interest was recently peaked when I found them in a 1955 challenger catalog. I suppose this means they were a penens product...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

Nice find. That's a Penens (Plomb Tool Company subsidiary) product.

Socketeer

I occasionally run across these "socketeer" sets and have not given them much thought. My interest was recently peaked when I found them in a 1955 challenger catalog. I suppose this means they were a penens product...

www.garagejournal.com

Excellent! I found this catalog on ITCL Challenger by Pendelton Industries but don't see the 1950s catalogs mentioned in your post (or @Oldtuleguy OP). Thanks for sharing and getting me a brand to attach this too!

 

[four.cycle]

But how do you connect the relation of socketeer with socketool?

errrr.... got my wires crossed in my head again.... nothing out of the ordinary.
I do it quite frequently.
Yes: two completely separate entities:

Socketeer / made by Challenger / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/socket-maker-id.488011/#post-9274299 /

Socketool / see Shelton /

I wasn't even aware there was a separate thread on the "Socketeer".
I should remember to check my own list before posting some times, eh?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I found this catalog on ITCL Challenger by Pendelton Industries but don't see the 1950s catalogs mentioned in your post (or @Oldtuleguy OP).

I didn't mention any catalogs, just the TM (first use 1954). As for the 1955 catalog OTG has excerpted, I suspect he has not scanned or uploaded the whole thing to IA/ITCL.

Thanks for sharing and getting me a brand to attach this too!

You're welcome.

This is just idle conjecture, but I am not convinced the tools were actually made by Penens. The construction features of the sockets, the L handle, and the ratchet do not look like anything else made in the Penens factory. The tools and the packaging are classic G.M. Mfg. Co. or an outfit like them.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Some sedgley stuff

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

I didn't mention any catalogs, just the TM (first use 1954). As for the 1955 catalog OTG has excerpted, I suspect he has not scanned or uploaded the whole thing to IA/ITCL.

You're welcome.

This is just idle conjecture, but I am not convinced the tools were actually made by Penens. The construction features of the sockets, the L handle, and the ratchet do not look like anything else made in the Penens factory. The tools and the packaging are classic G.M. Mfg. Co. or an outfit like them.

Yes, very G.M. in appearance so therein lies the question, what was the relationship between Pendelton Industries and the G.M. Mfg Co. I believe G.M. was definitely churning stuff out in the 1950s...but would Pendelton use a lower grade tool manufacturer? I dunno.

 

[four.cycle]

Why would they not, if they were offering a price point item?

Speaking of which, I just saw a new listing on ebay for what the seller thought was a set of Indestro hex drive sockets, which are in fact Walden "Tomahawk".
Not sure if it's one you've run into. Very similar in appearance to both G.M and Dunlap.

(photos: ebay)

 

[d42jeep]

Looks kind of familiar. Maybe I should add a ratchet? Pretty sure one wouldn’t fit
-Don

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Walden

 

[four.cycle]

Those sets contained a ratchet, Don, and it looks like they used the same box as yours. I pulled these all off ebay when I was trying to differentiate the "Tomahawk" from the Dunlap and G.M. in a now-long-forgotten "hex drive socket" thread none of us could find.
BK

Why one of these was a "9 piece" and the other an "11 piece" remains a question. I've never seen these in any catalog or advertisement and if you try to search "Walden tomahawk", you get referred back to one of their early double-ended "socket wrenches".

 

[Private Lugnutz]

...would Pendelton use a lower grade tool manufacturer? I dunno.

If you're having a hard time accepting that as the simplest, easiest, and most logical way for them to offer "lower-grade" tools, consider the alternative.

Producing them in-house would require them to source different steel and set up a new completely different production line with different tooling, dies, and jigs, re-training, etc. At "rock bottom prices" all of that would cost time and capital they would have to re-coup in volume.

I could be wrong. I don't have any proof of a re-branding relationship between Penens and an outfit like G.M. Mfg. Co. and I have never been interested enough to look. I'm merely suggesting (not for the first time here on GJ) that it seems more plausible to me than Penens re-tooling part of their operations for the junk drawer market.

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

@Tom "Python" Aycock -
That Dec 12 1922 patent is the Henry H. Chase patent on the holder (below)
They used the same patent number on a variety of different holders - not all of them shaped anything at all like what is in the drawing in the patent document.
Indestro did the same thing - all kinds of variants on the holders, all using the same patent numbers.
To an extent, Wakefield did the same (see my 8R set posted here in the Wakefield thread - looks nothing at all like the drawing in any of the patent documents.)

Just picked up another NB set #1001. This one looks and feels older than the one in post #48 above. The difference is, not a red enamel finish on the holder and cross hatched knurling versus the tire track style. I'm thinking this set preceded the 1936 set, perhaps 1920s...?

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

And here is an Indestro 1/2 hex set from late 1920s, early 1930s. Closest I could find on ITCL was a No. 1207 hex kit in the 1935 catalog...but that set is with 12 point sockets. So...would this possibly be a set No. 607 (due to the 6 point sockets)? All these sockets have the five point star on both sides of the measurement.

 

[d42jeep]

Those sets contained a ratchet, Don, and it looks like they used the same box as yours. I pulled these all off ebay when I was trying to differentiate the "Tomahawk" from the Dunlap and G.M. in a now-long-forgotten "hex drive socket" thread none of us could find.
BK

Why one of these was a "9 piece" and the other an "11 piece" remains a question. I've never seen these in any catalog or advertisement and if you try to search "Walden tomahawk", you get referred back to one of their early double-ended "socket wrenches".

I found a likely looking ratchet sitting around in my spares today and tried to see if I could add it to my Tomahawk set. It came with a couple of duplicate sockets. Eliminating the dupes allowed me to add the ratchet and plug.
-Don

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here's a ford special set

 

[Tom "Python" Aycock]

Here's a ford special set

You should share these pics with AA, they're pictured set has Mossberg stuff mixed in.

 

[d42jeep]

Before I realized that I had an unmarked hex ratchet in my spares, I ordered this Tomahawk set from an eBay seller because it came with a ratchet. Unfortunately, it didn’t come with the ratchet plug



A comparison of the ratchet that I found for the red box set seemed to indicate that they were pretty much the same.
It looks like the labels were different.
Besides the missing plug, I could use a 9/16” socket like this one.
-Don

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here's a perry Fay set, had an interesting socket design