SNAP-ON solid caps?

[JeffreyG]

These are what I assume to be my earliest Snap-on sockets. The ratchet adapter is the later fine tooth version, in nice shiny condition so no cleaning done. It has the typical Snap-on logo with lower case letters.

The 1/2 to 5/8 adapter was very rusty as seen in before photo, so gave it a bath in evaporust. When I looked at it cleaned up I was surprised to see the all upper case lettering. I don’t know enough to know whether that is unusual - is it?

 

[Beerhippie]

I've seen a lot of extensions that have been used as drift punches, but never an adapter before.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

I don’t know enough to know whether that is unusual - is it?

Yes. They've popped up before. But rarely. See this thread here. I don't think we've collectively ever found or reached any definitive explanation. One theory was contract production. Interesting that one of the other examples is an adapter as I recall. Different sizes.

I've seen a lot of extensions that have been used as drift punches, but never an adapter before.

Maybe (mis)used in an impact tool.

 

[JeffreyG]

I've seen a lot of extensions that have been used as drift punches, but never an adapter before.

Maybe (mis)used in an impact tool.

You are referring to the flared base? Strangely, I do not believe this has been abused with a hammer, the flare looks factory. Why? 1. the flare is perfectly consistent and symmetrical all around the base; 2. the 1/2” opening is not deformed but looks factory formed which would not be possible if that much flaring was hammered into the base.

When did snap-on stop selling 5/8” sockets?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

You are referring to the flared base?

I assumed that's what @Beerhippie was referring to. He may have been referring to something else. I was just offering the most common cause that I have seen for flaring (and worse) on any kind of vintage heavy duty socket piece that modern users often mistake for impact due to their robustness and finish.

...the flare looks factory.

I'm not going to argue with you, mainly because I have no reason to. If it is a factory flare, it would be the first I have ever seen, and I can't think of a reason for doing it. That's not an argument. Again, mainly because I have no reason to. I'm open to any and all information anyone has on adapters with a factory flare. Maybe @snapmom or @Oldtuleguy or another collector will know something more about it/them.

When did snap-on stop selling 5/8” sockets?

The 1970's, if I recall correctly. Designed for trucks, tractors, and other large vehicles, the "Heavy Duty" quality had an appeal for industrial uses when impact tools were on the rise, extending its use far beyond what was originally intended. Not always shown in the regular catalogs. Again, others - including those I have already tagged above, may know more precisely.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Someone used it for a puller head or in a press

 

[Beerhippie]

Someone used it for a puller head or in a press

That's what sockets are for!

 

[Oldtuleguy]

I've destroyed a few. Meet my 60 ton shop press, destroyer of all things that can be used as a press implement.