Snap on gurus, help date a socket.

[skyler13]

I bought a 3/8 9-19mm socket set recently and need help trying to date them. There is no date code on any of the sockets, just PAT. NO. 3273430 and the old style script. I have never seen this style of socket so any help will be appreciated. I have attached a photo of one of the sockets for reference. Thanks in advance!

 

[fasteddie313]

Quite similar to what I had come up with here http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=15773&page=13

 

[magicrat]

Thanks Ricky.....I was about to open a new thread about a deep 1 1/2 socket with no date code but figured i would search first.....Good to know.....I guess this socket is older than me....looks almost new....I know smaller sockets all look the same but this monster socket makes my cheap 1 1/2 look chinese(it is)
Its way heavier and the design on the inside is way different and sturdier....worth extra money

 

[Kent_B]

My guess is late 1970s or early '80s. Snap-on at some point decided that since the date code was originally meant to show when the warranty started, so they could tell when it was over, and that subsequently they warranted the wrenches forever, that they would no longer date code their tools. By the early '80s they were back to dating, so probably your socket was within that 1978-84 era.

I think you're right. The solid black bands are like mine which I bought off the truck in that time period.

 

[magicrat]

I have some 83 marked sockets s i guess u can confirm down to 78-82.

 

[ganymede]

I have some 83 marked sockets s i guess u can confirm down to 78-82.

Good to know to help solve the puzzle.
It may have been different for various tools.
I haven't seen any ratchets with 72 to 75 (inclusive) date codes but I've seen right before and after.

 

[joel63]

Good to know to help solve the puzzle.
It may have been different for various tools.
I haven't seen any ratchets with 72 to 75 (inclusive) date codes but I've seen right before and after.

I have found many wrenches without date codes.