Bent angled breaker bar identification

[Mr111]

I picked up this 3/8 breaker bar at a flea market today. Looks high quality but not marked with a brand name only the model number n-2344-a that doesn't seem to shownup on an Internet search. Looks a lot like a different 40s snap on breaker I have down to the angled head. Any ideas? Guy I bought it from said Proto, so Plomb?


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[Lx460]

I've never seen a bent one like that except after the first time you use a Harbor Freight one...lol.

The handle looks like an older Proto I have. Not sure why it wouldn't be marked however.

 

[Carla]

If that bend is 'original', the general shape, and markings, would suggest that it was some sort of 'special' built by Snap-On for the government, during WW2.

cheers

Carla

 

[ganymede]

What does the detent ball on the drive lug look like ?
Does it have the patented Snap On crimp ?

 

[Mr111]

Actually no detent ball at all, just a through hole.
The bend is clearly original to the bar, it's a perfect 45 degree and there are no marks that can be associated with creating it.
I am actually really surprised to learn that the rotated drive was due to patent infringement concerns, I always thought it was just to put the socket into a different position in case a straight driver wouldn't go on in a tight spot. Thanks for the education.


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[3baygarage]

Cool find. Sure looks like a Snap On. Has the handle and one of their special part numbers.

FYI they still sell breaker bars with a 45 degree offset square too.

 

[Mr111]

Compared my snap on breaker with the bent one. The handles are nearly identical in diameter, length, profile, etc. except for the female 3/8 receiver which would have no use with the bent breaker. The shaft also looks like the same diameter, though the finish is different. The male drive end, however looks significantly different. In the end, I'm still not sure if it's a snap on or not, but I think I'm leaning that way.


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[Tim37]

That's cool the shorter one can be used as an extention I bet that comes in handy

 

[Mr111]

Back then a lot of manufacturers made the female receptacle on the handle of the breaker bar. I have a newer Armstrong 1/2 breaker the same way. Nice having a long breaker, but it's also the longest extension I have. Not sure why they don't make them that way anymore, though I'm guessing it's because it's expensive to make the handle out of a material that is strong enough to take the abuse.


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[ganymede]

....Not sure why they don't make them that way anymore, though I'm guessing it's because it's expensive to make the handle out of a material that is strong enough to take the abuse.


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That and the extra cost of broaching the hole.

 

[zkling]

The bend to to sharp for it to have been on accident through use.