Snap-on speeder

[t4runner]

I just picked this up and was wondering if anyone had some info on it such as date of manufacture. I have seen ratchet speeders but not with the LB at the end of the part number. Thanks in advance for ay help

 

[Jason280]

Interesting, never seen one like that!

 

[jjjrmx5]

LB will not give you the date. A date icon/figure is stamped in the ring that we cannot see. Take pics of the full handle ( all 360 degrees) and we can tell you the date of mfgr based on teh stamp code.

Which we cannot see currently.

 

[t4runner]

The full nomenclature reads RS4LB USA Z Hope this helps

 

[t4runner]

The letter Z is also in-between the words on and off on the ratchet head

 

[jjjrmx5]

There should be a stamp in teh handle that matches one of these symbols.

Do an Indiana Jones and take a look:

Date code stamp is there...somewhere. Usually next to the USA. Single stamp, usually on the handle or the u shaft. What's on the head is not a date stamp.


I wanna say that looks like a gov't issue or aviation style specialty tool that was not part of the std. hard-line catalog.

It certainly is odd indeed.

 

[mvptrukin]

In the parts catalog , on the SO website,it shows you can you can get the ratchet service kit. Its called 1/2" ratchet speeder( 20 teeth gear). Its listed under speeders not ratchets. If you want directions ( some aren't all that good) in the sticky thread at the top of General Tool Discussion there is a PDF of most SO ratchets repair info u Download that then find your ratchet and then download the PDF . My recommendation would be buy the kit for $10 no matter what just for future use.

 

[NUTTSGT]

There should be a stamp in teh handle that matches one of these symbols.

Copy and paste, you didn't even spell the word "the" properly like the poster you copied.

 

[chopper1]

Looking at the date code under the selector, it's from 1962.

 

[snapmom]

Its a hard rat to find.

 

[Matt018]

Dude that thing is sick. My dad has allot of snap on tools like the old ones and he doesnt have one ratcheting. that looks so sweet.

 

[BigTJ]

Looking at the date code under the selector, it's from 1962.

I agree.

 

[wafrederick]

I agree too,the date code is under the selector switch on Snap On ratchets.It is from 1962.

 

[t4runner]

Thanks again for the help

 

[Honch]

Good information here, I always wondered how old mine was. I used it for years as an aircraft technician, it was great for taking access panels off.

It interesting that SO calls it a 1/2 possibly a misprint? Mine at least with the same P/N is a 3/8 drive apparently from 1960.

 

[snapmom]

 

[mvptrukin]

It interesting that SO calls it a 1/2 possibly a misprint? Mine at least with the same P/N is a 3/8 drive apparently from 1960.

You're the only one who noticed the discrepancy in my post ---I have never seen these ratchets in person , just on eBay, and it is hard to tell the difference in drive sizes in pics sometimes. Here is the link from SO, it must be a mistake on their part--the repair kit listed , RKRA380 , is used in other 3/8" drive ratchets from that era:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/parts/pro_det.asp?Item_id=639350&group_id=678934

Something I have always liked about SO is that parts for older tools are still available! How many tool companies still have kits for 50 year old ratchets like yours? Just in case I have been buying kits for my '70's ratchets---although they are still running strong!

 

[burnin53]

mvp,quite a few companies still make kits for ratchets that old.
S-K,proto,probably craftsman,although I don't deal with craftsman,so I don't know how far back their kits go.
I think the current S-K professional ratchet has to be the oldest desigm out there.

 

[foreverfalcon40]

Sorry to bump from the dead. But I just acquired this ratchet but made in 1963.

Very unique piece as I have never seen a Ratchet with a speed handle. I was around a tractor yesterday at work and could not even find a legit reason to use it.

Any ideas?

 

[jjjrmx5]

Very unique piece as I have never seen a Ratchet with a speed handle. I was around a tractor yesterday at work and could not even find a legit reason to use it.

Any ideas?

Snap-On used to make a speeder with a flex head ratchet in the F936 (and S936) series that had it's merits and is well sought after.

They were very useful for speedy mechanical componet teardown where re-torquing was done with a torque wrench but tear down did not concern torque (think Drag racing in between runs).

If on a production line they are useful, especially for fitting and refitting interior armoured door plates on vehicles. Put on, take off and grind or modify weld to fit. Repeat as necessary as there was lots of push and pull on hand built vehicles.

Wish I would have grabbed the 3/8" and 1/2" units when they were being sold last decade.

Cordless impacts have replaced a lot of their need but when you need finesse, speed and not desire to strip out a fastener it does work well.