Rare vintage MAC hex socket set?

[finley31]

I spotted this set laying in a toolbox at the flea market today and have been trying to research it online this evening and cannot find any information on it, or even a picture of one like it. I figure if I am going to find someone who has seen a set like this it will be here.

It is a pretty unique design for a hex socket set, there is one heavy duty 1/2" drive 7/16" socket with a small set screw in the side. You insert the hex bit you need into the socket with the dimple on the bit on the set screw side, then tighten the set screw. It is a very heavy duty set and goes from 5/16" up to 3/4".

Has anyone seen a set like this before? I thought the design was very interesting, while maybe not so practical for everyday use. I will probably end up putting it in the classifieds, as I don't see it being as useful as a full set of sockets.

 

[Outlawmws]

Never seen one for automotive/heavy use like that one clearly is. I'm guessing that is intended as an impact set.

 

[I can fix anything]

Not that rare I don't think, I have a set.

 

[Outlawmws]

Not that rare I don't think, I have a set.

So are they impact?

 

[I can fix anything]

So are they impact?

Yes

I have it in metric also.

 

[muddyjoe15]

It goes onto a hand impact driver

Via 77 MAC catalog: VP16D-socket adapter $3.05 and bits were $1.95 a peice.

 

[Wrenches of Death]

Has anyone seen a set like this before? I thought the design was very interesting, while maybe not so practical for everyday use. I will probably end up putting it in the classifieds, as I don't see it being as useful as a full set of sockets.

I had a partial set of the bits for the metric version of that set back in the mid to late 1980's. I think I still have 14mm bit.

At the time, conventional metric hex bits weren't used around GM dealerships and a little on the expensive side. I bought several sizes of the inserts and used them in a regular socket to be able to torque something.

It was the cheapest way out for tools that I ended up only having to use once or twice. I'm wanting to say probably on one of my motorcycles. Probably either the CBX or the Wing. In the forks maybe. I don't remember.

WoD

 

[finley31]

Wow, thanks for all the input. Doesn't seem to be anything to unique, but still pretty interesting.

 

[leg17]

I spotted this set laying in a toolbox at the flea market today and have been trying to research it online this evening and cannot find any information on it, or even a picture of one like it. I figure if I am going to find someone who has seen a set like this it will be here.

It is a pretty unique design for a hex socket set, there is one heavy duty 1/2" drive 7/16" socket with a small set screw in the side. You insert the hex bit you need into the socket with the dimple on the bit on the set screw side, then tighten the set screw. It is a very heavy duty set and goes from 5/16" up to 3/4".

Has anyone seen a set like this before? I thought the design was very interesting, while maybe not so practical for everyday use. I will probably end up putting it in the classifieds, as I don't see it being as useful as a full set of sockets.

They sure remind me of APEX brand, often used in industrial settings. They also used a standardized 7/16 socket with stepped inserts.

 

[Even 11]

I am really glad you posted this. I have one of the inserts in my collection and always kinda wondered about its use. I think its 9/16" and I have never seen the whole set either.

-Dane

 

[crewchief888]

Not that rare I don't think, I have a set.

they weren't rare back in the 80's when i bought mine....


gezzzz i'm old.

 

[oldtom]

have a look at apex tools they have/had socket like this in 1/2.3/4,1"dr ,have got the 3/4"dr with 5/8"&3/4'7/8"bits

 

[Jbullfrog]

They are Apex, just in a Mac tray. I have the standard set of Mac and the Matco metric set. They are commonly used for drain plugs on ag equipment and gearboxes.