Walden socket 3/8 drive?

[alton1911]

I bought a large red 3 drawer tool box with a whole lot of rust in the drawers, but alas, also a few treasures also.
What is this drive style called?


The socket on the left is 3/8 square drive.
The Walden socket on the right is 3/8 drive elliptical?

Thanks in advance,
alton1911

 

[jakemac]

Is it elliptical on both sides, or square on the other ?

 

[gungatim]

almost looks like a shock absorber stud socket that is upside down.

 

[bill300d]

I've always heard it referred to as oval drive but have never seen one up close and personal.
I've always wondered if the socket on fixed socket wrenches were attached using this shape drive.

 

[alton1911]

Is it elliptical on both sides, or square on the other ?

It is flat on two sides and round on both ends... or sides. It is 3/8 between the flats.
Thanks
alton1911

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Double D on carb adjusters.

 

[four.cycle]

The Walden socket on the right is 3/8 drive elliptical?

when I first saw this thread a couple days ago, I thought that socket looked familiar, but I wasn't sure.
the more I think about it, the more I think I've seen that at some point while poking through Ebay listings, and (if my memory is correct) it was yet another drive size/style that some manufacturer experimented with.
unfortunately I never bothered to grab a screen shot, and I can't recall who the company was.
that said, Walden sounds like a likely candidate.

 

[alton1911]

The service side is 9/16 hex. I can’t imagine any advantage to this type of drive. Unless it’s some version of socket to improve the angle in tight spaces or odd angles.