How Snap-On sockets are made

[Nyati]

I found this interesting.

[URL="http://youtu.be/RtcYB-mW6i0[/URL]

 

[ATC]

 

[kc-steve]

Thanks. Also noteworthy is in the video is they say the socket wrench was invented in 1864 but didn't say who.

So I looked it up. "The ratcheting socket wrench, with interchangeable (indexable) sockets, was invented by an American, J.J. Richardson, of Woodstock, Vermont, USA. The tool was patented through the Scientific American Patent Agency on June 18, 1863."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_wrench

Steve

 

[fotoflojoe]

The "How It's Made" television show has done quite a few segments devoted to the construction of various tools - Snap-On wrenches, Snap-On 1/2" impact guns, Snap-On tool boxes. I also remember a segment on Hammers done in an Estwing factory.

It's a great show.

 

[F-Bobby]

Here's the one for Snap On Ratchets.

 

[EdJack]

And the one for the Snap On Impact Wrenches.

 

[ADSR]

awesome videos

 

[lbgradwell]

...invented in 1864

...patented ... on June 18, 1863."

Now that's a neat trick!

 

[Redex]

How it's made is one of the greatest shows on tv.

 

[TimTaylor75]

Probably one of my favorite shows.

 

[General Geoff]

Fascinating processes. Thanks for the links.

 

[CWP1616L]

Combination wrenches:

 

[archirelic]

I'm such a ****, but I'd love to spend a day there in person, watching the whole process!

 

[Elwood42]

They press fit the ball bearings in that explains why it is such a pain to fix when they fall out.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Combination wrenches:

Did I just see them using a bender?

 

[pendragon1998]

Estwing Hammers

 

[Hiball]

Did I just see them using a bender?

Yes.. Why?

 

[CWP1616L]

Did I just see them using a bender?

Yes, that's the part I can't figure out. They didn't used to use a bender. If you go back and look at the combination wrenches made during the 1990s, they don't look like they were bent, they look like the angle offset was part of the drop forge process. These latest wrenches have a long bend radius which can only be caused by a bender. I sure wish I could talk to somebody on the inside to get the full lowdown...

 

[Josiah_db]

Yes, that's the part I can't figure out. They didn't used to use a bender. If you go back and look at the combination wrenches made during the 1990s, they don't look like they were bent, they look like the angle offset was part of the drop forge process. These latest wrenches have a long bend radius which can only be caused by a bender. I sure wish I could talk to somebody on the inside to get the full lowdown...

Surely dropforging the angle would make the spanner heaps stronger

 

[IngyHere]

I know they make the wrenches here, but lately I have been wondering about the origins of the tool steel. Does anyone know where they get their steel blanks from?

 

[kc-steve]

Thanks. Also noteworthy is in the video is they say the socket wrench was invented in 1864 but didn't say who.

So I looked it up. "The ratcheting socket wrench, with interchangeable (indexable) sockets, was invented by an American, J.J. Richardson, of Woodstock, Vermont, USA. The tool was patented through the Scientific American Patent Agency on June 18, 1863."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Socket_wrench

Steve

Now that's a neat trick!

That 1864 date must be Red Green's Canadian version, right?

http://www.redgreen.com/

Steve

 

[MikeF2316]

Surely dropforging the angle would make the spanner heaps stronger

I would imagine with the correct dies you could dropforge just about any radius you want.

 

[CWP1616L]

Surely dropforging the angle would make the spanner heaps stronger

Yes it does. I was very disappointed when noticed the newer wrenches were bent on a bender. I've got some wrenches that I bought as late as 1999 that are not bent.