Snap On Flank Drive Plus Patent Stamp??

[nonewmoney]

I just purchased a new set of Flank Drive Plus wrenches, open up the packaging and notice that some of the wrenches are stamped with the patent 5117714, and some are not. They all have the 2011 date code, along with their respective model #'s SOEXM10-17 and they came sealed in the same packaging. I'm not speculating that some of my wrenches are fake or something, I just found it a bit odd? This may have been covered in a different thread, if so I apologize, the search I made didn't turn anything up. Any explanation from the Snap on guys that hang around here? Thanks

 

[franzdom]

They only patented a few of the sizes

 

[sawatch]

From what I've deducted about SO stamps, as concerning the set, is that you got some from a period/date of mfg and the others were later/earlier dmfg and they were thrown in the set as you recieved them.
That's just my guess.

 

[chadster1]

I don't have a clue.

 

[Zrexxer]

I'm sure there will now be a conspiracy theory erupt about how the lack of a patent number is some secret code for being made in China....

 

[oldtools]

Possible reasons are:

- Quality issue
- Patent expired
- Patent doesn't belong to them
- Cost reduction

Did they forget to stamp "USA"?

 

[oldtools]

I'm sure there will now be a conspiracy theory erupt about how the lack of a patent number is some secret code for being made in China....

You may be onto something. I think SO may be lying about their COO.

 

[Toolhorder]

yup, made in China right next to the dual 80's

 

[chadster1]

So let me get this straight. Now the new idiocy theory is that the patent stamp along with USA has to be on the tool for the conspiracists here to beleive that the tool is made in the USA?

 

[treasureseeker]

Patents expire after 20 years which the one for the flank plus started in 1990 But the story I am going to tell is the OP’s unmarked wrenches came as stowaways on the ship from China

 

[earlthegoat2]

So let me get this straight. Now the new idiocy theory is that the patent stamp along with USA has to be on the tool for the conspiracists here to beleive that the tool is made in the USA?

Stanley already proved this one false on one front and patent stamps can be on anything made anywhere.

 

[nonewmoney]

The wrenches are completely Identical other than the patent inscription, yep the USA is still there... Its only the 17MM and the 15MM without the stamps... maybe its a rare mistake doubling the value... lol oh well, im sure they'll work just the same...

 

[nonewmoney]

I can post pics if anyone is that interested...

 

[D9H 90V]

Yes post pictures

 

[pcpro15]

Not sure how to date mine (I assume 2011). I bought my FDP wrench sets mid April. All 20 have the patent number.

 

[BJ42LX]

Mars.

Snap On wrenches are made on Mars. Labor there is cheaper than China. And they have no civil rights.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

Ha, really........................

LOL