One way ratchet question? Special application?

[alton1911]

I was digging through the boxes at the pawn shop again and when I get deep enough I usually find something that I have never seen before. It’s like digging through chrome vanadium history. I’m never disappointed. But I am often puzzled.
What is the vintage of this Walden ratchet?
Also wondering if it’s a special application wrench?
There is a hex “socket” broached into the handle, and a couple of 1/4” holes that could be used on a square nut.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

That's a 'refrigeration wrench'.
Its reversible, just flip it over.

 

[alton1911]

That's a 'refrigeration wrench'.
Its reversible, just flip it over.

I noticed it was marked “on” and “ off “. Very cool wrench.

 

[d42jeep]

Here is a Walden set that should be correct in my 10/42 wartime kit. The catalog page is from the '44 Walden catalog.
-Don

 

[four.cycle]

alton1911 if you want the little drive adapter so you can actually use that thing:

They're available from KC Tool (Kansas City, Mo.) in Wiha / Heyco

1/4" x 1/4" = https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-heyco-60141-1-4-square-coupler-0-79/

3/8" x 3/8" = https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-heyco-60261-3-8-square-coupler-0-98/

1/2" x 1/2" = https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-heyco-60366-1-2-square-coupler/

and here's more if you want to go from one size to another:

https://www.kctoolco.com/search.php?search_query=3/8 1/2 drive coupler&section=product

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ratchet drive adapter plug coupler

 

[alton1911]

Thank you all for the input. Does the 1/2” hex socket shape in the handle have any special purpose for this “ refrigeration “ wrench? I have often noticed a broached loop on adjustable wrenches, but this “socket “ shape limits the direction you could use it and completely eliminates its being used as a hanger or lanyard loop.
Thanks again,
alton1911

 

[bmwrd0]

Thank you all for the input. Does the 1/2” hex socket shape in the handle have any special purpose for this “ refrigeration “ wrench? I have often noticed a broached loop on adjustable wrenches, but this “socket “ shape limits the direction you could use it and completely eliminates its being used as a hanger or lanyard loop.
Thanks again,
alton1911

That is for opening valves on a refrigeration system. I can't remember which valve it is (not the txv) and there should be a larger (5/16's if I remember) square and some have a 9/16 socket also.

 

[joel63]

That is for opening valves on a refrigeration system. I can't remember which valve it is (not the txv) and there should be a larger (5/16's if I remember) square and some have a 9/16 socket also.

Most flare caps on service valves are 9/16, but sometime you can run across ones that are 1/2.