Help with Snap on date code

[catron44]

I inherited this socket from my great uncle who was a mechanic and WWII vet. I found the date code chart and the date code on the socket. My only problem is that the g code on the socket doesn't match the g code on the chart. Am I missing something?

I know this is a drag link socket, but I have no idea how it is used. I'm not a pro mechanic and I've never had a need for one in the automotive work I've done on my own cars. I know I can Google it and find out how to use it, but if anyone feels like providing that answer I'd appreciate it.

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[snapmom]

1945

 

[jakemac]

The available charts are just a guide, not law.
The two charts I use (from postings on GJ) don't match up exactly either.
I have seen variations in the actual stampings on a number of tools that are close to the charts, but don't match exactly.
The charts just get you in the ballpark.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I know this is a drag link socket, but I have no idea how it is used...[ ]...if anyone feels like providing that answer I'd appreciate it.

Nice drag link bit, catron. That is the smallest (exactly a 47/64" blade width) of a 1/2-inch drive three-bit set that every WWII mechanic had in his GMTK, used to adjust the threaded ball spring plugs on the ends of drag links, tie rods, etc, in various size trucks (hence, various size drag link ends). The others were a 15/16" blade width (Snap-On A-17) and a 1-3/16" blade width (Snap-On A-15). They're appropriate on the end of a reversible ratchet or hinged handle or any socket drive handle you can use for turning any plug nut with a slot that you can't get a screwdriver on.

Below is a diagram of a Willys MB/CJ-2 drag link set-up. On each end there is a threaded plug that holds the ball spring in. If you have an old truck it probably has a drag link or a tie-rod or something that converts steering between the Pittman arm and the steering arm, it probably has them. Manuals differ on how many turns to seat it and then back it out a little. Or in some cases, whatever it takes to get the split pin in.

I’ve put a few WWII vintage GMTK’s together, one of them with a lot of Snap-On tools, including the drag link bits. See here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=294074

EDIT: I’d personally LOVE to see more of your great uncle’s tools.

 

[catron44]

Nice drag link bit, catron. That is the smallest (exactly a 47/64" blade width) of a 1/2-inch drive three-bit set that every WWII mechanic had in his GMTK, used to adjust the threaded ball spring plugs on the ends of drag links, tie rods, etc, in various size trucks (hence, various size drag link ends). The others were a 15/16" blade width (Snap-On A-17) and a 1-3/16" blade width (Snap-On A-15). They're appropriate on the end of a reversible ratchet or hinged handle or any socket drive handle you can use for turning any plug nut with a slot that you can't get a screwdriver on.

Below is a diagram of a Willys MB/CJ-2 drag link set-up. On each end there is a threaded plug that holds the ball spring in. If you have an old truck it probably has a drag link or a tie-rod or something that converts steering between the Pittman arm and the steering arm, it probably has them. Manuals differ on how many turns to seat it and then back it out a little. Or in some cases, whatever it takes to get the split pin in.

I’ve put a few WWII vintage GMTK’s together, one of them with a lot of Snap-On tools, including the drag link bits. See here: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=294074

EDIT: I’d personally LOVE to see more of your great uncle’s tools.

Wow Lugnutz, thank you for the incredible explanation. Unfortunately I only have a small bin of his sockets. They're all snap on, mac, matco, Williams, Cornwell and SK. I'm just starting to learn more about them as I read more and more here, it makes me want to know more about what I have. He passed 20 years ago when I was in high school and his son have me the bin about 17 years ago. This drag link socket was the one odd ball that stood out to me all these years and I just decided to post my question.

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[Private Lugnutz]

This drag link socket was the one odd ball that stood out to me all these years and I just decided to post my question.

No problem. Ironically, that one is usually the hardest to find. If you ever see drag link bits that look like the blade has been grinded down, that's why. The mechanic probably lost this size, so he took a larger size and grinded it down to fit a smaller drag link plug/set screw.