odd ratches found in old tool box

[jim]

found these in a old tool box. they are all the same as far as 5/16" box end at the bottom and 3/16" hole above that. all usa. different engraving on each. any one know what they were used for? any info on how old they are? any info would be great. thanks jim

 

[jim]

a few more pictures. jim

 

[raiderhillbilly]

refrigeration valve wrench

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Imperial-Ea...788?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35dc469c7c

 

[wkderf]

what he said ^

 

[bonneyman]

Reefer wrenches. And W-W made nice ones!
They all employ what I call a "water wheel" gear, with a simple and easy-to-fix spring and pin ratchet mechanism.

 

[nyrapscalion]

funny I bought the same wrench last week. I have Bonney branded wrenches that are nearly identical.
If I can find a way to upload pics, I will.

 

[gungatim]

yep refrigeration wrenches. I've got one that is nearly a snap-on ratchet end knockoff, high quality chrome. took years to figure out what it was till I came here. I mainly use it for a ratcheting tap wrench.

 

[joel63]

found these in a old tool box. they are all the same as far as 5/16" box end at the bottom and 3/16" hole above that. all usa. different engraving on each. any one know what they were used for? any info on how old they are? any info would be great. thanks jim

A very handy wrench.

The ratchet end is used for opening or closing compressor service valve stems. Common sizes are 1/4, 5/16, 3/8. I'm not sure if there is a 1/2.

The hex end is (usually 1/2 or 9/16) is used for removing the hex flare caps on access ports.

The 3/16 is used for opening and closing the valve stems on "B" or " MC"
acetylene tanks.

Nice collection.

 

[jim]

wow! i thought you guys were better than that. it took you 2 min. to respond to my post. and get it right. JUST KIDDING!!!!! you guys are GREAT! raiderhillbilly, thanks for your very quick reply. you guys know your sh@# for sure!
do frig guys still use these? are they that old? thanks again. jim

 

[joel63]

wow! i thought you guys were better than that. it took you 2 min. to respond to my post. and get it right. JUST KIDDING!!!!! you guys are GREAT! raiderhillbilly, thanks for your very quick reply. you guys know your sh@# for sure!
do frig guys still use these? are they that old? thanks again. jim

Yes refrigeration guys still use them.

They are used on commercial applications with semi hermetic compressors and some hermetic compressors.

Don't know how old they are; I picked my mine up over 40 years ago.

They have served me well.

 

[ttpete]

I have a Snap-On RF720 and a Robinair.

 

[nyrapscalion]

Ok, here's what I have...
Rust has taken it's toll on the one wrench but they're heavy and well made.

 

[zkling]

Does anyone know of a 1/4" square male to male or a 1/4" square male to 1/4" hex female adapter to increase the versatility of these ratchets?