sockets for female ratchet?

[throwaway723]

So I recently learned about this "female" style of ratchet, like the Proto 5649FW:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7M8AAOSwx75kUpkq/s-l1600.png

And I have a seemingly stupid question about them: what kind of sockets do I use on these ratchets? Are there "male" sockets that fit in the square opening? I wasn't able to find such a thing online, but maybe I'm googling the wrong words. Or do I insert a male drive through the square hole and attach regular sockets to it.

 

[rockettauto]

Square drive plug coupler.

 

[3baygarage]

Exactly. There really never were male sockets,except for specialty tools.

I think the female version Protos are meant for square pipe plugs, bolts, machines,perhaps a make your own tool type thing,etc. . Actual female drive tools went obsolete ages ago. It's fun to pick up the old stuff sometimes, but I never quite understood the Proto female ratchets in current production either. Most wouldn't be buying them to use an adapter, just so they could use standard sockets. Wouldn't make much sense. That's my take on it.

 

[2mJps]

They had several of these at the surplus store . I have a 1/2 drive that was on a drill that the RR used.

 

[throwaway723]

Thanks for the info. I was thinking that they would be a good low-profile ratchet if the male sockets existed. Seems like a missed opportunity.

 

[ChefRex]

Something like this?

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[throwaway723]

Something like this?

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Exactly. And I've seen other brands do this too, like the Matco Special Forces line. But the square hole on the Proto female ratchet seems like a more universal design that could be easily adopted.

 

[honcho]

A bit of a tangent on the OP's post but I've got a Walden (Worcester, I believe) socket set that has a traditional style ratchet with a male 3/8" coupler. However, the set came with a 3" extension that was male on both ends and it also came with a coupler that was female on both sides. I think I posted on GJ asking why such a configuration exists. Using the female-female coupler and the male-male extension you can make an extension for the regular 3/8" drive sockets in the set.

 

[2mJps]

It wouldnt be hard to build a adapter for my ratchet .