Identifying Old Hex Drive Socket Sets

[DuroChrome]

I am interested in identifying an Old set of hex drive sockets I inherited from my grandfather. They are very similar to New Britain and None Better sets I have seen on the Alloy Artifacts page. There have been some similar ones posted here as well...I think these must be an automotive set from the 30s.

Most of them are stamped with the size and 'Made in U.S.A.', the larger ones just say the size and 'S.A.'.

The hex bar says nothing on it that I can see, neither does the carrying case, I am sure the decal has long since fallen off or wore off. They are well used and I know my grandfather was a shade tree mechanic on the side when he started out in the 50s so a lot of the tools I inherited are mixed up and older.

Any info or ideas of where to look for more info are appreciated...post your hex drives up too!

 

[DuroChrome]

Another picture of the set.

 

[safariknut]

Most of the sets I have seen(and own)were made by Duro or Indestro. I also have a set similar to yours that was made in Japan. The Duro/Indestro sockets are usually tapered at the top whereas yours appear to be straight.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here's an Indestro Set No. 350 1/4-hex drive socket set I found at a flea market today. Usually I see these in larger sizes and 3/8- and 1/2- hex drive. That whole tray is 4-1/4 inches long. I generally collect 1940's 1/4- and 1/2- square drive, but this thing was too cute to not keep.

PAT # 2,065,340 is for the tray design (1936)

Contents:

Hex (6-point) sockets: 7/16, 3/8, 11/32, 5/16, and 1/4

Square (4-point) socket: 1/4

Mystery socket: No idea. Closest way to describe it is to say it has 32 points, but they’re not points, strictly, and, there's no opening size marked on it. I’ve never seen a socket wrench like this before, and I have no idea what kind of fastener it would’ve been used to loosen or tighten.

 

[bonneyman]

Lugnuts, I think that lone socket is a rounded fastener remover. At least that what i use them for when i break out the old Duro set.

 

[DuroChrome]

Cool set! I wish mine had some distinguishing markings. The rounded removal socket is one we all could use a time or two.

 

[HeelSpur]

Another picture of the set.

These have the same knurling as the one on the right in my pic. Mine only has the size on it but the middle one has Made in USA size and a W on them. Both are hex and haven't made out who the maker is.

 

[Tellingthem]

Lugnuts, I think that lone socket is a rounded fastener remover. At least that what i use them for when i break out the old Duro set.

I had the same thought with my set. But with some googling it's for an old type of fastener. I guess they were used they on radios and such.

Edit: Here's mine. No markings besides the sizes and patent #.

 

[burnin53]

This is a pretty old thread,but your Grandfather's set is a Tomahawk,made by Walden Worcester.

 

[esben57]

Britool made hex drive over here . Small sets in a clip handy carry on, up to full socket sets with all the drivers and ratchet.
Something like 7/16" hexagon drive and larger service sets had decent cases.
Still have FIL's small clip set, also found another when his shed fell down.
Loads of them to be seen on eBay and the like.

 

[Farmer J.]

The Britool hex drive was .448
I posted mine in the Britool thread here:

Britool (Made in England) thread

3/8 drive socket set box from maybe the 1950's/'60's. Dimensions: L= 18_7/8" ; W= 6_3/8" ; H= 1_7/8" Original color on inside, outside has been resprayed. Last pic shows how a Britool A42 3/8" Speedbrace is held in notches in one of the tray divider. Tostal~

www.garagejournal.com

 

[burnin53]

This is a pretty old thread,but your Grandfather's set is a Tomahawk,made by Walden Worcester.

I would like to add that I think the socket tray is Penens,while the sockets are Tomahawks.

Here's pics of another Penens tray with mostly Tomahawk sockets with two Penens still remaining.
And an old Walden ad with Tomahawks listed.