Two Very Different Snap-On Sockets - Same Part#

[oscarsnapkin]

I just happened to see this socket on eBay yesterday. It is listed as SIML360, which I recognized as the number for an extra deep 1 1/8” impact socket, so I figured the seller typed the wrong item#. Nope. I zoomed in on the picture and it is indeed the same number. Have they recycled item #s in the past? This is the first time I’ve ever seen it.

 

[dscheidt]

looks like they're the same socket, but the ebay one has had material removed. Could be user modified, could be snap-on making it for a customer (In the past, they made lots of tools for assembly lines, many special), could be the market is small enough they don't bother restamping it.

 

[3baygarage]

They have always modified stock tools at the factory. Usually it will have a special number in addition.

 

[larry_g]

From your pictures the cutout socket is a 360 and the last one is a 320.

 

[oscarsnapkin]

From your pictures the cutout socket is a 360 and the last one is a 320.

The Snap-On site shows a 320 in the photo, but a 360 is the 1 1/8” version of the same socket. I think the post above is correct in that it is a modified version of the SIML360. The eBay listing for the odd socket shows it next to a ruler and it is indeed 5 inches, just like the SIML360. Here is a picture of my own SIML360 for comparison. Gotta clean that rust off. The eBay one says it’s for aviation spark plugs, that’s a huge spark plug. Not sure why I find this stuff interesting, but I love it. It’s kind of like the tool geek’s equivalent of arguing about inconsistencies in Star Trek.

 

[dscheidt]

The eBay one says it’s for aviation spark plugs, that’s a huge spark plug. Not sure why I find this stuff interesting,

Spark plugs like that, with 3/4 threads, were pretty common in pre ww2 auto use. Not surprising airplane engines used them, too, and given the long lifespan of planes. That they are still around.