I don't understand

[Richard Cranium]

I picked up a long handle 1/2 drive ratchet, it is a "Wheeler-Rex" brand. It has a female 1/2 on one side and has the normal 1/2 male on the other side. Why would they put a female side on it? Thanks in advance....Richie
I see them on ebay and I also looked on bing they have them on both.. But nothing tells me why the female side.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I picked up a long handle 1/2 drive ratchet, it is a "Wheeler-Rex" brand. It has a female 1/2 on one side and has the normal 1/2 male on the other side. Why would they put a female side on it? Thanks in advance....Richie
I see them on ebay and I also looked on bing they have them on both.. But nothing tells me why the female side.

I have one like that and it appears to be a Proto knock off. Mine is a Wheeler-Pilot brand.
This should further explain what it is meant for.
http://www.plumbersurplus.com/Prod/Wheeler-Rex-6519-Male-Female-Ratchet-Drive/9887/Cat/840

Wheeler Rex 6519 Male/Female Ratchet Drive

Wheeler Rex 6519 Male/Female Ratchet Drive is a 1/2" Square male/female drive for 490 and 491 Series Soil Pipe Cutters. The Female end allows tightening and loosening of the 490 and 491 series pipe cutters with ratcheting action. The Male end works as a regular ratchet drive. The male side has no functionality for the 490 and 491 series, it's there to give the customer a socket wrench with a lot of leverage.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Thank you very much, Now I understand....Richie