Tool Historians: Who designed the first socket?

[toolenthusiast]

The early stretched tube sockets, like Mossenberg were very weak and not really a good long term solution for auto mechanics. Snap on's sockets made from turned/drilled/broached and hardened solid steel stock were their true development

So Snap-on invented the vastly different version that’s useful… robust… still being made today… you could almost say that they invented the modern socket!

 

[NORTON'S SHOP]

I read hex fasteners were fist used in the Middle Ages, although that doesn't necessarily mean they used sockets on them.

They must have used sockets because this polishing rag has recently been discovered. Supposedly dates back to the Middle Ages.