I have a date code quandary. I recently found a Snap-on 71-M ratchet with an "X" in the space under the drive selector. I'm by no means a Snap-on expert but I've been told this is where the date code normally is stamped for this ratchet and I'm familiar with the Snap-on date decoder graphics.
The closest approximation to what is stamped on my ratchet is the stylized 8 for 1948, however, it's not that close of an approximation. The stamp on my ratchet is clearly a plain letter X with no top or bottom lines. There is nothing like it depicted on the decoder.
I'd appreciate if anyone could provide a plausible explanation of what that X could mean. Thanks.
Update on mysterious date code.
I emailed Snap-on, including pictures, hoping they could decode the “X” stamped on my 71-M ratchet. It was a wild ride.
First, the email reply contained a warning— “CAUTION: This email originated from outside of Snap-on. Do not click on links or open attachments unless you have validated the sender, even if it is a known contact. Contact the sender by phone to validate the contents.” This was off-putting—as was the request to send a photo of my ratchet, because I had included three.
In response to my concern about the caution, the second email (different Cust Svc person) explained it was to notify SO that the email came from outside SO. (I have to wonder how many internal emails SO Customer Service receives to make this an issue). In response to my question about a replacement screw, this CS agent said I could purchase it by putting part number RKRA711 in the Snap-on website search box. He explained that no photos were attached to my original email because they were over 10MB but went on to say that my ratchet was made in 1962. Have a nice weekend.
In my reply I reattached two of the original photos, totaling 2.77MB but asked if the pictures did not come through previously, how did they determine the ratchet was built in 1962? According to the Snap-on Date Code chart, 1962 is represented by a Z. My ratchet is clearly marked with an X.
I also mentioned that when I inserted the part number they provided, I received this message.
“No documents were found matching RKRA711”
The first CS agent replied that no picture came through and to please send a picture.
I dumbed-down the photos to 65kb and 37kb.
A third CS agent replied. He didn’t mention whether the photos came through or not but stated “I do not show anything in our records indicating what the "X" would be for. Are you looking to obtain the repair kit?” If so, please provide the following info… If within the warranty period, blah, blah, blah…
I replied with my thanks to all three agents. I expressed my disappointment that Snap-on has no record of what the “X” indicates, but I thanked them for looking.
I explained that I bought the ratchet at an estate sale so I didn’t think it qualified for warranty service but gave my address in the event they had a period-correct repair kit I could buy.
A week later, I received (gratis) part number RKRA711, which apparently fits sixteen separate ratchets.
It’s certainly not period-correct—32 teeth vs. 20, and the screw heads are slotted vs. phillips, which could go either way—but it was free.
I haven’t peened the selector lever in place yet—still need to grease the new parts and decide if I really want to use them. Somehow they just don’t look or feel “right”. Either way, I’m holding on to the original parts.
