Tool model numbers

[nutsnbolts]

I am new here and still fumbling my way around a bit, so please forgive me if my question has already been discussed in great length. I looked around and didn't find any threads revolving around tool model numbers.

When I am looking at tools for sale, often times the seller will post the model number, such as "Snap-On 3/8" ratchet #F71 D". I would like to better understand how these numbering systems work. Is there a database where I can look up the numbers and find out the age of the tool? Also, do tools change numbers from year to year, or would this model number possibly span several years until they change designs, logo, handle shape, etc.

Any insight you might be able to give me would be super helpful. Thanks in advance

Scott

 

[four.cycle]

hello nutsnbolts.
I cannot speak to Snap-on, I'm not familiar with the line myself.

As a broad generalization, most US tool manufacturers use the same part numbering system over long time periods.
Your question cannot be answered without going into each brand one by one - they're all different.
There are markings and changes in design that indicate vintage, i.e., cross-hatch knurling/straight knurling/bands/symbols/codes.

Use the "search" function above to look up threads on particular brands, OR Google search "brand-name Garage Journal" - sometimes that works better.

Take a look at AlloyArtifacts.com

To decipher the markings on Craftsman hand tools look here:
http://www.thegaragegazette.com/index.php?topic=867.0

or, of course, you can always post a photo of what you've got and ask, and odds are somebody here is going to know the answer.

welcome to the site.

 

[four.cycle]

let me add to that:
it kind of sounds like maybe you're talking about stuff on Ebay or CL?
just use Google and type in the part number and see what comes up.

I'm surprised at times by the stuff that comes up when I do that.

 

[nutsnbolts]

Thank you both for the info, and the kind welcome

I have bought quite a lot of tools from different brands over the last couple of years, and my thought was to try to piece together complete sets rather than sets that are mixed and matched together. For instance, I have a set of Snap-On 3/8" deep sockets, but not all of them are from the same vintage. Some are older and some are newer. The engravings have different fonts and whatnot.

I guess another thing to ask is, are the tools more valuable if they are in a complete set and all the numbers match, and they are from the same year?

 

[PFSard]

Change, change, change. You are undertaking a formidable task. Stick with researching specific brands. There have been some good recommendations so far.

As far as Snap-On tools, here's a link that will help you to date the various tools you have :

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14884

As far as using the Search facility provided as part of GJ WebSite, I don't. I have fairly decent results using the following in Google's Search Engine. This will show hits for whatever you seek on GJ's Site :

"Search Term" site:http://www.garagejournal.com

Best of luck in your quest.

 

[nutsnbolts]

Thanks! I have that code chart on my garage wall, or at least one similar to it. So just to confirm, please tell me if I understand this correctly: The F71 D ratchet that I mentioned above will likely be made year after year, and always have that same model number. Then I refer to the code chart to determine what year it was made? Also, on my ratchets, where the direction selector is, in between the words "On" and "Off" there is a little number...is this the number I want to use when referring to the code chart? Thanks

Oh, and as far as my formidable undertaking, that tends to be my M.O. A few years ago my new year's resolution was to learn everyone's name at work. I work in a hospital with some 1,500 employees at the main campus. I failed miserably, but in the process I learned the names of several hundred people and made some great friends for life, so I don't believe you ever fall short by aiming high

 

[shanny19]

It used to be fairly common for part numbers to end in the size in 32nds. A 1/2 inch wrench would be XX16. A 7/8 socket would be XXX28.

 

[nutsnbolts]

It used to be fairly common for part numbers to end in the size in 32nds. A 1/2 inch wrench would be XX16. A 7/8 socket would be XXX28.

Oh, got it! So a 3/8 would be XX12, a 5/16 would be XX10, a 9/16 would be XX18. That is great to know! Thank you

 

[four.cycle]

^ depends upon the brand, but if you pay attention you'll find that's everywhere on sockets and wrenches: the part number relating to the size of the socket (or wrench) in 32nds.

Indestro 1/4" drive sockets (6-pt shallow): 2806 (3/16"), 2807 (7/32"), 2808 (1/4"), 2809 (9/32"), etc., etc..
Thorsen 1/4" drive sockets (12-pt shallow): 11T (11/32"), 12T (3/8"), 14T (7/16"), etc., etc..
Indestro 1/2" drive sockets: (12-pt shallow): 1216 (1/2"), 1221 (21/32"), etc.

old-time wrenches - among many US manufacturers at one time pretty much followed the same part numbering system, which carries through to the present day. there's a section on AlloyArtifacts.com that spells it out. (i.e., # 1027, 1033, 727, etc.)

on specialty stuff, for obvious reasons that doesn't apply. numbers are all over the place, although you will see (on some items) the same part number on the same item sold by any number of manufacturers:
# T3 tappet wrench
# CF-71 spark plug gapper

there's some degree of order in the chaos.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Thanks! I have that code chart on my garage wall, or at least one similar to it. So just to confirm, please tell me if I understand this correctly: The F71 D ratchet that I mentioned above will likely be made year after year, and always have that same model number. Then I refer to the code chart to determine what year it was made? Also, on my ratchets, where the direction selector is, in between the words "On" and "Off" there is a little number...is this the number I want to use when referring to the code chart? Thanks

Oh, and as far as my formidable undertaking, that tends to be my M.O. A few years ago my new year's resolution was to learn everyone's name at work. I work in a hospital with some 1,500 employees at the main campus. I failed miserably, but in the process I learned the names of several hundred people and made some great friends for life, so I don't believe you ever fall short by aiming high

An old saying comes to mind about setting goals, "It's better to aim for a star and hit an eagle than to aim for an eagle and hit a rock"