Stahlwille Sockets - differences?

[ToolRoom]

I picked up some new Stahlwille sockets recently in some sizes I was missing and noticed distinct differences between them.

I was wondering if any Stahlwille aficionados had any info/comment on the whys and wherefores.

All 3/8 drive, all stamped 45 series.

Left to right:

1) New 16mm - longer, crisply finished, marked with a diamond logo, no hole.
2) Older 17mm - shorter profile, very rough inside and out, retention hole
3) Older 20mm - shorter profile, rough inside, well finished outside, no hole.

I'm guessing some are considerably older than others, the only one I have bought brand new direct from a dealer is the 16mm, the others have all been ebay finds of unknown vintage.

The most obvious difference being the height - Stahlwille seems to only list dimensions on their website which match the newer taller profile, which seems odd as the shorter profile can be quite handy. Fit and finish does seem nicer on the 16mm.

Any insights? Just curious really.

 

[T45]

yes, the two on the right are vintage. they don't have 'flank drive', look in the 12 pt corners and you can see they are simple bi-hex.

 

[T45]

That design on the 20mm seems like a classic, tho I really like it as industrial design. Very clear engraving as well, often a hint that the metallurgy is good.

 

[GSMotorrad]

Here's my only StahlWille socket for comparison. It's stamped into this shape, but it's usually for lower-torque applications, so it should be alright. It has a retention hole in the square drive for the ratchet ball.

 

[Dave455]

O.K. The long socket, without the retention hole, is the current spec! They switched to that spec, in 3/8 drive anyway, about 15 years ago!

The short socket, again, without the retention hole, is the previous spec, so must be 15 years old. I actually prefer this spec as I have deep sockets to use if I want extra depth!

The short socket with the retention hole is a style I havn't seen before. Maybe it's an even older pattern? I've seen some older Stahlwille though, and the finish was comparable to the modern, so who knows? Could this be fake?

Why is it that so many manufacturers who use the 'retention hole' get it wrong! All you need is a tiny hole for the detent to sit against! They all put a relatively big hole, and the socket is as sloppy as hell!

 

[dutchgray]

The retention hole also works with retention pin holding systems, though the only I have are 3/4" drive. They are for when its vital that the socket can't fall off.

 

[humber2]

The 16 is longer like they made over 50 years ago.

The one with the hole, I suspect, is from a car or machine toolkit.