Vintage knurled sockets with 1/2 inch hex drive.

alton1911 · Dec 12, 2017

I was doing my usual digging through tons of sockets and wrenches today and found a set of unmarked sockets they are dark colored, I do not believe they were ever chromed... and I had rounded up about ten of them in imperial sizes.
They were marked only with size indications. The 1/2 had a 12 point side and a hex drive. Both sides fit snugly on a 1/2 bolt head. I have heard of hex drives in 7/16 but never seen them in 1/2.
I guess this is my new guy question of the day. If anyone has an idea about these, I would appreciate the info.
I like the sockets with knurled bottom edges, and I usually buy what I like but in this case. I just don't have enough storage for a bunch of sockets I will never visit again.
Thanks in advance for any info.
alton1911

Ole Slewfoot · Dec 12, 2017

For now, I'm just going to leave this here.
:needpics:

four.cycle · Dec 12, 2017

could be one or many of several different brands. 1/2" hex drive sockets were actually fairly common. the early ones were carbon steel and weren't plated.

really need to see a photo image in order to make a best guess.

in the meantime, take a look HERE:
http://alloy-artifacts.org/newbritain-nonebetter.html#carbon

and HERE:
http://alloy-artifacts.org/duro-indestro-p3.html#early-sets

and see if something looks familiar.

stars on either side of the size stamping, or trapezoid shapes on either side of the size stamping = Duro / Indestro.

if you've got an "ELL" wrench (looks like a hex key) that goes with them, or a holder, see if it's got a patent number, patent date, or maker's name stamped on it.

again, could be any one of several different brands.

alton1911 · Dec 12, 2017

Wow. A lot of tools I am seeing are going to be easier to identify. I have found some BOG sockets also. Thank you so much. I will try to add pics.

four.cycle · Dec 12, 2017

^ I believe BOG marked their sockets with their name. I may be mistaken.

Another one that made those was Keystone.
See: http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p2.html#keystone

Sears had them available in their "Dunlap" line as well, if I'm not mistaken.

Really need to post some photos.

alton1911 · Dec 14, 2017

I have sorted through about 1,000 lbs. of sockets in the last couple of days. I have found a total of 13 of the 1/2 hex sockets. After looking at almost as many pounds of large hex wrenches I was unable to find a original handle. The best I can tell, I have parts of as many as 4 different sets. The knurling along the bottom is fantastic, on some and and on others its just scored lines. I am hooked.

d42jeep · Dec 15, 2017

Here are some pictures of some hex drive sockets and a holder IDed as Duro/Indestro by the patent number on the holder. The ratchet no longer works properly, unfortunately.
-Don

four.cycle · Dec 15, 2017

another example of early Indestro:

Indestro 3.8 hex drive socket set 01 possibly 2104.jpg

Indestro 3.8 hex drive socket set 02 possibly 2104.jpg

d42jeep's example above has a different type of knurling than my set.
Sears "Dunlap" line used a knurling pattern similar to d42jeep's example above.

edit 01/13/18:
this is a model 2104, but it is not marked with either part number or patent number.
the "Pat Pend" refers to patent 2065340 / Applied: Oct. 05, 1935 /Granted: Dec. 22, 1936
(see also patent 2065341)

jim keris · Jan 13, 2018

snap on made hex drive ratchets I have a couple from my fathers tool box

damon18 · Apr 19, 2019

Any chance of identifying these? No markings at all that I can make out, not even sizes. knurled hex drive shallow 1/2 drive (if I measure correctly, they are 1/2 to the points on the hex drive and about 7/16 from flat to flat.

Vintage knurled sockets with 1/2 inch hex drive.

alton1911

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