Actual list in post #2. BOTH Brand AND Line Names do matter for swapping as some line names are the same in various groups. Also Kobalt, Husky, Matco, Clarke Tooling, Hazet, Kincrome, Snap-on, SAM Tools, and Sealy each have two different systems listed.
Within it's group (subgroup under B and F) and drive size (equivalent), everything interchanges perfectly. I spent a lot of time looking for and at pix and reading. Went to local big box stores as well.
Examples:
All the A's swap. I even have some GW, Cman, and OLD Kobalt Flex Thru in both 1/4" and 3/8". The 1/4" all swap and the 3/8" all swap.
But Group A and Group B won't. I have a B1 Ampro 3/8" kit and it's different.
B1 and B2 and the other B's maybe but I can't be certain. Took an Ampro socket to Lowe's and found a ratchet loose where I could actually try my socket. and it worked but the other way, say a Kobalt socket into an Ampro ratchet, the socket will fall out. otherwise it will work. Even though the drive hex is basically the same, there is a difference in the way the socket is retained. I found 5 different designs on the 'net for socket retention, all using the same basic hex drive. Thus the B 'subgroups'. The Williams and BluePoint would have made 6, but they were deliberately changed to make it impractical to swap sockets with any of (my) group B's so I put them in a completely separate group.
This list is only for socket interchangeability if any - not usefulness, brand quality, COO, price, or 6pt vs Spline as those topics have been debated elsewhere.
Included are discontinued lines, discontinued brands, and even companies no longer in business as well as brands not sold in the US. Oh yeah, I did run into a few no-name sets for A, but the ads literally had no brand name. Didn't see any point in listing those since you can't run searches for them specifically. "No-name" as in no brand name listed at all; not even a mom&pop token brand.
Air tools are not listed.
I was looking for some pass through sockets to augment what I already have. There are other threads regarding this topic, but they don't have everything in one list. For most I could only look at pix on the 'net, so if anybody posts a correction or addition with links/pix, I will be happy to change my list.
Obviously I 'need a life'.Already demonstrated that with current vise brands, Lumidor, and my Neiko Tools threads. Since I don't have one, hope some find this list useful.
Group A Notes
1. Some NOS for Kobalt Flex Thru at Cripe Distributing. Obviously made by GearWrench.
http://www.cripedistributing.com/kobalt-21-piece-1-4-flex-thru-ratchet-set-22353.html
http://www.cripedistributing.com/kobalt-3-8-flex-thru-ratchet-23681.html
http://www.cripedistributing.com/kobalt-1-4-flex-thru-ratchet-23659.html
2. Have not checked the others but Gearwrench and Craftsman each offer sockets, etc. individually. For example, if you lose a 5/16" socket you can simply order one instead of having to get (or rob) another set. My local Sears even has some open stock for Craftsman.
3. Some Gearwrench and KD sets may have line names differing from what I listed. I think the KD sets for sale are NOS. It's confusing but GW and KD are the same tools even if some of the sets have differing numbers of pieces.
4. The six lobe drive design prevents you from using a wrench with the sockets. So if you lose your ratchet, you have to get another.
Group B Notes
1. Have not checked the others but Kobalt offers sockets, etc. individually. For example, if you lose a 5/16" socket you can simply order one instead of having to get (or rob) another set.
2. Some of the Kobalt Xtreme Access, Ampro, and Goodwrench kits have an adapter that actually lets you use the sockets with a regular square drive ratchet! Kobalt even offers it open stock http://www.lowes.com/Search=xtreme+...wSearch=true&Ntt=xtreme+access+socket+adapter#!
3. Farmer's Choice has a NOS kit for Goodwrench. http://www.farmerschoice.com/29pc-go-thru-sae-mm/
4. Group B sockets can be used with the appropriate (preferably ratcheting) box end wrench if your ratchet is too big, broken, lost, or you're afraid of breaking it. The B1s even have a check ball which helps keep them in the box end.
5. The combined metric/SAE spline sockets in the Ultra Steel Go Through, Laser Tools Go Thru, Mastercraft Maximum Pass-Through, and current Kobalt Xtreme Access sets don't fit the smaller size well. An example of the 1/2"-13mm: http://toolguyd.com/how-well-does-the-kobalt-multi-drive-wrench-fit-hex-fasteners/ Yes that's a wrench but Xtreme Access includes various wrenches and regular drive sockets as well as pass thrus. Their splines are the same combo style throughout.
Group C Notes
1. For its current Blue Point and Williams pass thrus, it appears Snap-on used what is basically an existing B group line design. However it was modified so that none of the B group tools could feasibly be swapped even though the drive hex seems to be the same size as the equivalent B group drive size.
2. Group C sockets can be used with the appropriate box end wrench if needed. At least it appears you can get enough purchase to do it although it will fall out if you're not careful.
Groups D-I Note
Groups D-I sockets can be used with the appropriate box end wrench (preferably ratcheting) if needed. At least one, the Hazet 436 per #22 below (thanks CB), requires a 6pt, but I bet a spline will work.
Groups F-G Notes
1. These sockets are not advertised as pass thru but I included them because they could work that way when the bolt shank/shaft is small enough. These sockets/ratchets are actually for tight quarters use and all of them are low torque.
2. F1 & F2 sockets can be used with a 1/4" square drive ratchet.
3. The combined metric/SAE spline sockets in the Astro Pneumatic Close Quarter sets don't fit the smaller size well. HOWEVER, Astro Pneumatic does offer more accessories than Snap-on and Mountain.
4. Snap-on and Mountain offer sockets individually.
Group J Notes
1. Group J sockets can be used with a 16mm spline (preferably ratcheting) box end wrench. Won't work with 6pt or 12pt though. (I checked using a Titan).
2. Cornwell, Titan, & Kabo ratchets do not reverse. Powerbuilt & Fobi ratchets reverse.
Group K Note
Hazet 536 sockets use a 24 lobe spline drive which prevents you from using a wrench if you lose your ratchet.
Groups L-N Note
Groups L-N have a ratchet-gear-integral-to-socket drive design which prevents you from using a wrench with the sockets. So if you lose your ratchet, you have to get another.
Group L-M Note
The sockets may swap between Armstrong/Matco and Facom/SAM but I can't be sure without samples so I put them in separate groups for now.
Group O Notes
1. O-Ratchet uses a hollow hex drive lug/post which you slide the drive end of the socket over in the same manner as putting a regular square drive socket onto a regular ratchet. HOWEVER instead of a check/security ball, there is some kind of sheet steel? plastic? flanged collar you have to slide over the hex drive lug BEFORE you put the socket on it. If you don't have the collar, the socket falls off.
2. In all the prior systems, about half or more of the length of the socket is contained inside the head of the ratchet. Which means you can get the socket into smaller areas. Not so with O-Ratchet; it's completely outside the ratchet just like a regular socket/ratchet setup.
3. If you lose your ratchet, Group O sockets can be used with a hex (L style) wrench IF you have one big enough.
