Snap On Question

[Mojave888]

I picked up a Snap On socket at a yard sale this past weekend. There is no date code and the drive end has an unusual (to me anyway) matt finish.

Any ideas as to when and why?

 

[bob15]

Sorry, I not seeing anything unusual about that socket.

Date: 1950's through around 1980.

Though there is a patent number...perhaps for their Flank Drive

 

[Wrench97]

I have a bunch of them bought in the mid 70's off the truck.

 

[SeisMec]

As to the why. Imagine attempting to remove from a non-quick-release ratchet when your fingers are oily. The matte finish gives a better grip.

 

[1cargarage]

As for the date code's absence, could also be a military tool. Some of their military tools' part numbers end in "M", and some of their military tools vary slightly from their civilian cousins. Can't imagine a socket being different though. Looks like a legit SO socket though. I know that doesn't answer your questions directly - just my guess/opinion.

 

[d.mcfarland]

A ******** collector may have more details, but I've seen a handful of 1950's (ish) tools without date codes. Most were sockets.

 

[fatfillup]

As others have said, that was what they looked like back in the day and I have to agree I have seen that style up to the 80's though I don't know how far back. Definitely later then 40's and I feel real confident at least as far back as the 60's.


As to date codes, I have run into a number of Snap ons that didn't have date codes though most do. Haven't had enough to notice a pattern but I truly don't look unless the tool is unusual or obviously old and pristine and has me curious.