Snap-On SL710

[FreshClassic]

So I'm new to GJ, but have been browsing the forums for months. I'm a tech at a local pep boys , an automotive student, and love oldschool tools with a passion. Today, I traded some off brand ratchets we sell at my shop to a guy for an old SL710 1/2 inch drive ratchet. I am thinking its pretty old due to the "Made In Kenosha" sticker, and tried to figure it out with this chart, http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14884
Now I'm thinking it is a 1970, but am thrown off because it doesnt match perfectly. Can anybody help me figure this out?

 

[plinker]

I would say 1970. I find S-O's stamped date code's dont alway's look exactly like they do on paper, but are normally very close as they dont look very similar to other year's.

Nice looking ratchet!

 

[FreshClassic]

Thank you! I really got it for a steal! I'm very happy to hear its so old, yet in fantastic condition! I'd rather fill my box with old chrome handles than new comfort grips!

 

[plinker]

Sure thing. I prefer the chrome handles myself.

 

[zcbauer89]

Thats too cool! I would say you ****! lol

 

[House Sparrow]

Thank you! I really got it for a steal! I'm very happy to hear its so old, yet in fantastic condition! I'd rather fill my box with old chrome handles than new comfort grips!

+1 The soft "comfort" grip SUX, give me chrome or a hard handle every day of the week. My SHLF80 is about to lose the "rubber snot grip" and become a hard handle.

That's a nice ratchet you scored. Very good shape for a 1970. Those old gears are tough as nails, too. I have a 1968 S-71 that will not die.

 

[wreckercologist]

The SL710 will serve you well. While I have one or two 710's, my SL715 at work has been really great. Bought it used at an auction in 1995, bundled together with two other 3/8" Snappy ratchets for $10. All I've ever done is clean it and relube it, and I've used it daily since I bought it.

One nice thing about old tools, in addition to the generally lower price, is they are already beat up so you don't have to worry about messing up the chrome on that shiny, brand new tool.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

1970 looks pretty close.

 

[farmall400]

Hey!!! 1970 isn't that old!

 

[keithwvd]

I just got one of those ratchets for free from a friend, mine looks like the back used to be red but it's so well used you can't see anything. Pretty impressive after 40+ years all it needed was a new reverse lever for $0.79

 

[otis66]

The date codes says 1970.