Lets make an all vintage Snap-on tool picture thread!

[Private Lugnutz]

They made both 9/32 and 1/4 at the same time? It could be either?
What is flexible there in your set, the breaker bar?

He's referring to the hinge handle or, colloquially, "breaker" bar. Snap-on was only making 9/32-inch drive as a midget size in the 30's through early wartime. They added a 1/4-inch drive version of the 9/32-inch drive ratchet by replacing the drive plugs. They didn't add sockets and other handles (having to re-tool for that) until later in the war. They continued making the 9/32-inch drive for the USAAF and other customers who preferred it. Snapmom would be able to tell you when it was discontinued. Sometime after the war.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Do you know about the Collecting Snap-on website? There is a wealth of basic information there that covers most questions and they have every catalog from 1924 through the 90's.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

So he was saying that by 47 it is probably a 1/4.
Earlier than 45 it could be or probably is a 9/32. Like the other person posted on the previous page.
Is that about right?

Yes.
I learned about CollectingSnap-on from you guys.
I go there often and sometimes I find an answer and sometimes I find more questions.
For example I don't think there is a version of the two toolboxes I just got (K61 + KRH300) in the catalogues as I have here in real life. Too many variables for them to keep track of I guess. Of course the boxes are dated so I know when they were made. Cleaning them up this week/weekend as a matter of fact.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

The 9/32-inch drive and 1/4-inch drive pieces may look the same, obviously, but they have different part numbers. Check the part numbers.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Oh yeah, duh. I forgot all about that.
Good point. I can look that up now.

Here is one of the pictures. It looks to me like:
MIDGET GM-70M

Yup. Found it.
Right at the top of the page. This is from the 1946 catalogue since there is no 1947, but it's the same part number.

1/4 inch square drive.


Thank you sir.

 

[snapmom]

Industrial 9/32 was made well into the 60s

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Any pics rj?

 

[JackW]

It probably came in a 9/32” drive set like this. Unless somebody modified it, your ratchet is 9/32” drive, not 1/4” although they look similar.
-Don

I took a close look and measured the drive with a set of dial calipers and you are right - it originally was a 9/32" drive ratchet - someone has ground down the three sides of the drive other than the one with the ball in it to make it a 1/4" drive.Its just a little off in the two measurements and you can see where the drive has been ground down if you look closely.

 

[madmanc]

i love snap on tools, i have there 3/8 & 1/4 ratchets, 12 point sockets some of them new fdx in deep and a nice little set of older sockets that came in a nice red metal tray , also got the flank drive plus wrenches in combination and ratcheting .

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Yes they are excellent professional tools. I have a giant toolbox of them i use them at work.

 

[bagged89s10]

so I found this old 1/2” drive, 12point, 19/32 sw-190 socket in a tool box i bought. I cleaned it up.

I found online that is a
WWII era Snap On from 1931 – 1948. is there a way to narrow down its age? I’m not a snap on collector so it’s going up for sale.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Date code is 1938

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Hi,
The Midget showed up.
It wasn't even a package on the door step. Just a little padded envelope in the mail box.

WOW it's tiny.
It's like smaller than an iPhone 5!!


The stamping is super crisp and clear. The ratchet is very sharp and tight. There is normal to lite wear on the sides of the head. I'd say it's in great condition. I got lucky.
Of course it works with the small 1/4 set I've had since the 1990s.
I love how a tool made in 1947 can still be used today; with a set I bought over 20 years ago and with a set I could buy today. I could not warranty this if I wanted to. It still works just fine!

I currently keep those little dudes in an empty cigarillo box.
They are cheap since they come with the cigarillos but I just don't like throwing out these cool little boxes. They have tiny metal hinges and a small metal clasp. So I try to organize small stuff with them. If I can find any period metric sockets, if everything fits, I'll see if I can make some tiny dividers and it won't be so haphazard.
Cheers,

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Nice. Perfect size for a midget set.

 

[RTM]

Hey all, just picked up this C810k ignition wrench set, didn't see it in the thread. Supposed to be a 10 wrench set, but the largest one is missing, someone replaced it with a Channelock 424 ignition pliers. These are a mix of date codes for 1952 and 1953. The one wrench is stamped backwards from all the rest. Enjoy.

Many thanks to this group and the Collecting Snap on for catalog listings, and date stamp info.

 

[d42jeep]

Since the subject of metric sockets came up recently, here is a 9mm 3/8” drive socket from 1956.
-Don

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Nice. Perfect size for a midget set.

By the way, there is a small hole at the top of the head of the ratchet.
Is that supposed to be an open hole?

Is there a missing grease fitting of some kind?
Or that's for greasing and it's just a total loss system like the advanced vehicles of the day (1947)?

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Since the subject of metric sockets came up recently, here is a 9mm 3/8” drive socket from 1956.
-Don

Before I knew it was hard to find (at least I have not see another set), I bought an almost complete set that goes from 9 - 19mm from 1959/60.
Only missing a 13mm, if you find an extra! : )

For some reason I find mostly 12 point in the 1940s-1950s.
Why? Or - if 12 point is so great, why does it seem like 6 point is more popular/available now?

By the way, is there any way to fix flaking or peeling chrome.
As you can see on my 17m/m above, there is some holes in the chrome.
Has anyone found an easy-ish way to manage or repair that?

 

[snapmom]

Extra fine deburring wheel

 

[PFSard]

........For some reason I find mostly 12 point in the 1940s-1950s. Why? Or - if 12 point is so great, why does it seem like 6 point is more popular/available now?........

Probably because ratchets were coarser (fewer teeth) in that era. Ratchets today generally are finer (more teeth).

 

[Provincial]

It is quicker to get the 12-point socket engaged on the hex since there are twice as many potential points of engagement. Once engaged, the ratchet controls the throw, but if using a breaker bar (hinge handle) or other non-ratcheting driver, the 12-point can work with a smaller throw (thing obstructions).

Square fastener heads are very unusual now, but in the past, they were occasionally encountered in legacy applications. 12-point sockets can fit most common square fasteners. For instance, a 3/4" 12-point will engage a 13/16" square fastener. The limitation is that the point of engagement is very limited, so the chance of rounding out the fastener is greater, and the chance of splitting the socket is much greater. I broke several SK 5/8" 12-point sockets torqing the square head Model A Ford main bearing bolts before I found a square socket! The dealer was really scratching his head when I kept coming back with a warranty claim.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

By the way, there is a small hole at the top of the head of the ratchet.
Is that supposed to be an open hole?

Is there a missing grease fitting of some kind?
Or that's for greasing and it's just a total loss system like the advanced vehicles of the day (1947)?

When the ratchet was made, a hole had to be drilled for the pawl spring. This was done through the top and straight down into the base. The remaining hole on top was referred to as a oil hole, sometimes a fitting was pressed in there.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Yeah, that's what mine looks like. Like it needs a hole in the head ...

So ... just leave it like that? Don't try to find a fitting for it?
Isn't that an invitation for dirt, etc.?

If I open it up and clean everything up once in a while, what can I grease or oil it with?
I have some lithium grease I just got for the toolbox sliders. Or should I get something more industrial?

Thanks.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

You could thread it for a grub screw, but I just clean them out once in a while.

 

[lostmind]

a couple pieces

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Hi,
I have a question about some industrial Snap-ons.
The few ratchets I've seen close enough seem to have a different ball set-up in the square driver. The ball seems quite pronounced and I was wondering if it works the same or is this something special or that needs a special socket? Will regular old chrome sockets work or does one need a special tool to release them?

I don't want to get a socket on there and then I can't get it off, also I don't want to buy a ratchet that is basically not useable to me.
Thanks.

 

[Provincial]

ShadowBoxer, is the retainer a ball or is it like a short rod sticking out? The ones with the "rod" are intended to be positive retention, and you need to stick something through a hole in the socket wall to push them down enough to remove the socket.

I can't think of a ball retainer that needs a tool for removal of the socket. Some ball retainers are so strong that it is difficult to remove the socket, but it can be done. Just a few minutes ago I had to put a 3/4 drive Proto socket in soft jaws in a vise and smack the L-handle with my hand to get it loose.

 

[snapmom]

They have a pin. see pic. Used mostly on impact or industrial sockets with holes on the side. some chrome sockets have the hole also. Used where you do not want the socket to come off. Hard to put the socket on and you have to use a pin like tool to remove it.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

ShadowBoxer, is the retainer a ball or is it like a short rod sticking out? The ones with the "rod" are intended to be positive retention, and you need to stick something through a hole in the socket wall to push them down enough to remove the socket.

It sort of looks like a mix of a short post but with rounded edges.
Not sharp edges like Snapmom’s picture shows.

So now for the lightning round. Let’s see if I understand; Correct or Not Correct:
• This would work on a normal socket. A normal chrome socket would be able to be attached and work as normal with this.
• If a normal socket has a hole, this pin would engage and require a pin to push it back far enough to release the socket.
• Does this mean that if I position the socket so that the pin is not going through the hole (or if the socket does not have a hole), the engagement would be more or less “normal”?
• It might be hard to get the socket on.

I can't think of a ball retainer that needs a tool for removal of the socket. Some ball retainers are so strong that it is difficult to remove the socket, but it can be done. Just a few minutes ago I had to put a 3/4 drive Proto socket in soft jaws in a vise and smack the L-handle with my hand to get it loose.

Since I noticed a difference, I would say it’s this industrial pin style.
“When there is doubt, there is no doubt.”
As I said it seems the edges are rounded (newer style probably. Maybe modified to be more practical?) so I wasn’t sure if I was seeing it right.

I’ve had normal sockets grab on so tight it was a struggle to get them to let go.
One must be careful not to slam your elbow into the nearest wall, friend helping you out, the concrete floor (if you are laying on your back), the side of the vehicle you’re working on, etc. I always check my surroundings now ... don’t ask me why.


This ratchet I’m looking at has a long spike-like handle which seems unusual and I can see using it to align holes in bigger and heavy parts. Maybe steering and wheel parts etc. For this reason I liked the ratchet but I wanted to make sure I could use it. I don’t need a giant awl with a useless ratchet attached to the end.

Thanks for your help as usual.

 

[bmwrd0]

I sounds like you are talking about a spud ratchet. A couple of guys I used to work with building cop cars used them when aligning push bumpers. So, they can have uses outside of ironwork.

 

[ShadowBoxer]

Yes.
That is what it is and some of my plan (justification)!

 

[rustyzman]

A new item I picked up this week. I just really liked the style. Not sure on the year, anybody have a good estimate? Thinking pre WWII, but I could be really off. Appreciate the help!

Sorry about the upside-downness...

 

[snapmom]

Prob late 40s

 

[rustyzman]

Ah, Excellent. Thank You! Should be a great little addition to the collection!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

That tall s in snap on logo is what I see on mid 40s to around 48. Cool box.

 

[rustyzman]

Thanks! I never seem to see them in this size, just the larger size sets. Had to have it.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here is a 3/4 nut spinner set date code 0 (1930)

 

[honza.vosalik]

A friend sent me these pictures offering me this toolbox. He's asking $400 for the two boxes kra 59f and kra 380a with those tools. I know close to nothing about snap on. Is it worth the asking price?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Picked up this No. HS-9 hack saw frame at the flea market this morning. Adjustable with that little thumb screw, 10" and 12". First shows up in the 1950 catalog.

 

[3baygarage]

Cool saw.

Recent find, an R-7408 1/4 refrigeration ratchet.

Somehow it missed stamping of the Snap On name and made in USA.