Snap On Tools

[Tbucit]

Many years ago my brother died and at the time he was working at a dealership and had started to build his tool box with Snap on tools. After his death my Dad kept the box. My dad does not know any difference in a tool, if it works for what he needs its good. After seeing what has happened to the tools and the fact that my dad can no longer get to the garage I took as many of the tools as I could find and sorted them out. There are several missing sockets and a few wrenches and other things. I have started to replace them through Ebay and here as I find what I need.
Now the issue, I needed a STMM12 which is a 1/4 drive 12 mm six point socket. Found one on Ebay and it arrived. However while looking at it I noticed that the lettering at the base of the socket was oppisite of the set that I had, meaning that it was upside down. Did Snap on change things like this through the years and keep the same part number? I kinda wanted to keep all the sets as they were but if I start buying stuff and it is different I could go broke before I get it right. Anyway to know how to look for the same stuff other than part number.
Thanks
Randall

 

[trebomb]

If you're shopping on ebay, won't the pictures allow you to verify if it matches your set?

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Sorry to hear about your brother.

Snap-On data code.

 

[DRhodes]

Skang said it. It's the snap on date codes. Google it and you can find out what date yours was produced.

 

[Skyline]

Snap-on sockets and wrenches have gone through several variations of styles over the years. The logo and text fonts have changed. Since if you buy new, it will be the latest style, you will never match an older set. When you buy off eBay, it could be anything. And for sockets, they did not change the item number when they changed styles.

So the only way to match a missing item from an older set is to have a sample of what you need (one of the other sockets of the set you want to match), on hand as you search eBay, and only buy from a seller who has a nice clear picture...so you can be sure what you are getting will match.

 

[bimmer630]

Break that socket and give it to the tool man, and you will get a fresh new one that hopefully matches your set

 

[B17E1943]

Snap On date code chart:

 

[mikew13]

Have a OEXM 170 17mm wrench, what year is that?

 

[DRhodes]

Mike,

You cant tell by the part number. You have to look at the date code. If you would like post a pic and I will tell you what year and where the date code is.

 

[Tbucit]

First I would like to thank everyone for the advice. I can see that the date code is what I needed to know about.
It appears that what I am looking for is a 1986 date code and the one I bought was 2010. I now know how to get the correct stuff.
Thanks again to everyone, this site has always helped me to find the answer to my questions.
Randall

 

[scott0]

Not only did I learn somthing about how to identify my sockets... I also learned the Myan calander is wrong and the world is really going to end in 2029....

 

[MrMark]

Well, I personally try to use a Snap-on tool when I can. I just like using them. I think they are the best along with Hazet, of which I only have a few tools. Craftsman makes up most of the rest for me, with the Armstrong, Klein, Knipex, Wiha, Wera, Channellock, Bluepoint, Proto, Witte, thrown in. The older Craftsman was top notch and fun to use. Living in the US I know that with Snap on and Craftsman I will be taken care of. The others are a hassle if something breaks.