Alloy Artifacts

Sockets and Drive Tools

Snap-On continued to improve its sockets throughout the 1930s and beyond, although the pace of change wasn't as rapid as it had been in the 1920s. The more notable improvements included the introduction of hot-broached construction, more refined polished chrome finishes, the Loxocket locking mechanism for larger drives, and drive-wall recesses for 1/2-drive and smaller. In addition, numerous cosmetic changes were made to the socket styles, giving the sockets an updated appearance every few years.

In addition to the improvements in socket construction, the number of applications for sockets expanded greatly, and Snap-On offered a much greater selection of sockets. Drive sizes included 9/32 (later 1/4), 3/8, 1/2, 3/4, 1 inch, and even 1.5 inches. Sockets were offered in shallow and deep styles, and with hex or double-hex (and sometimes double-square) broachings. The introduction of air-powered impact wrenches lead to a need for special impact-grade sockets, and the growing use of metric sizes required special sockets.

Early Reversible Ratchets

One of Snap-On's most important innovations for the 1930s was the development of their high-strength reversible ratchet mechanism.

Snap-On F-70 3/8-Drive Ratchet

We'll begin this section with a very early example of a Snap-On reversible ratchet. Fig. 104 shows an early 3/8-drive Snap-On F-70 ratchet, with markings "Snap-On Kenosha, Wis." forged into the shank, and with "Patent Appl'd For" forged into the reverse. The overall length is 6.5 inches.

Fig. 104. Snap-On F-70 3/8-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Reverse and Side View, 1931.

The original finish was chrome plating, though most has been lost to wear and rust.

The reverse is stamped with two date codes, an asterisk symbol "*" for 1931 on the head, and the four-cornered symbol for 1933 on the cover plate. (See middle inset.)

The patent pending notation on the ratchet corresponds to patent #1,854,513, filed by L.A. Hummel in 1930 and issued in 1932 with assignment to Snap-On. This important patent formed the basis for most of the reversible ratchets produced by Snap-On, and ratchets of this same design remain in production today.

This early ratchet uses a somewhat fragile "S" shaped spring to provide the bias on the pawl, as is described in the patent document. These "S" springs are subject to wear from rubbing on the pawl and cover plate, causing eventual breakage; in addition, the spring can easily be lost if the ratchet is disassembled for repair.

Snap-On No. 71 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 105 shows an early 1/2-drive Snap-On No. 71 reversible ratchet, with "Snap-On Kenosha, Wis." in raised letters forged into the shank, and with "Patent Applied For" forged into the reverse.

Fig. 105. Snap-On No. 71 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Reverse and Side View, 1933.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The reverse face plate is stamped with the date code for 1933, a four-cornered symbol resemling a diamond but with the sides bowed inward.

As with the previous example, the patent applied notice on the ratchet corresponds to patent #1,854,513, issued to L.A. Hummel in 1932 with assignment to Snap-On.

Snap-On No. 71A 1/2-Drive Ratchet

By 1934 Snap-On had started marking their patent number on the ratchets, as the next several examples will show.

Fig. 106. Snap-On No. 71A 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Reverse and Side View, 1934.

Fig. 106 at the left shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On No. 71A reversible ratchet, marked on the shank with the Snap-On logo and "Kenosha, Wis." in raised letters, with a "Pat. No. 1854513" patent notice forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 9.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The top face is stamped with a stylized "4" date code for 1934, placed between the "On" and "Off" markings below the shift lever.

The patent notice refers to the 1932 Hummel patent #1,854,513 mentioned previously.

Snap-On F-70A 3/8-Drive Ratchet

Our last example for this section will show a model externally similar to previous examples, but with a detent ball instead of an S-spring.

Fig. 107. Snap-On F-70A 3/8-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Reverse, 1935.

Fig. 107 at the left shows a 3/8-drive Snap-On F-70A ratchet, marked with the Snap-On logo and "Kenosha Wis." forged into the shank, and with "Patent No. 1854531" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 6.5 inches. The finish is plain steel for the body with chrome plating on the cover plate, though most has been lost due to wear.

The face is stamped with a stylized "5" date code for 1935, placed between the "On" and "Off" markings below the shift lever.

The patent notation on the ratchet refers to the 1932 Hummel patent #1,854,513 mentioned previously. But did any readers notice the discrepancy between this paragraph and the previously recorded patent number? The patent number forged into the handle of this ratchet is incorrect, as the last two digits have been transposed! This sort of problem is actually fairly common, but hadn't been noted previously for a Snap-On tool.

In this ratchet the original "S" spring for the pawl bias has been replaced by a detent ball seated in the handle. The detent ball proved to be a much more reliable mechanism for the pawl action, and remains in use today on ratchets of this type. Interestingly though, earlier versions of the F-70A model from 1934 still used the S-spring, so that the changeover to detent balls occurred within this model series.

1/2-Drive Sockets and Tools

After our introduction to the reversible ratchets, we'll turn now to Snap-On's 1/2-drive tools, their "Standard" size and the ones generally most familiar (and available).

Snap-On 1/2-Drive DH260 13/16 Socket

Readers familiar with the Snap-On sockets of the 1920s might wonder what happened to the trusty tapered-wall sockets of that time. These socket models, numbered from 140 through 340-1/2 in the old system, had been updated with double-hex broachings in the late 1920s. The Snap-On catalogs of the 1930s continued to list this style of socket as a 1/2-drive DH-xxx series, yet despite being offered at least through the mid 1930s, examples of this style of socket are only rarely found.

The next several figures will show examples of the DH-series 1/2-drive sockets.

Fig. 108. Snap-On 1/2-Drive DH-260 13/16 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1930.

Fig. 108 at the left shows a rare 1/2-drive Snap-On DH260 13/16 socket, marked with the model number and Snap-On logo. The socket is also marked with rare overstamped date codes, a "0" date code for 1930 and an "*" for 1931, as shown in the lower right inset.

The finish is a thin nickel plating, with losses due to wear.

The right inset shows the broaching opening. The walls have chatter marks typical of cold-broached construction, and the area below the broaching is recessed for chip removal.

Snap-On 1/2-Drive DH320-1/2 1 Inch Sockets

Fig. 109. Snap-On 1/2-Drive DH-320-1/2 1 Inch Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1932.

Fig. 109 at the left shows a rare 1/2-drive Snap-On DH320-1/2 1 inch socket, marked with the model number and Snap-On logo. The socket is also marked with overstamped date code symbols for 1932 and 1933, a rarely seen marking.

The finish is chrome plating with polished upper walls.

The right inset shows the broaching opening. The walls have chatter marks typical of cold-broached construction, and the area below the broaching is recessed for chip removal.

Fig. 110. Snap-On 1/2-Drive DH-320-1/2 1 Inch Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1934.

Fig. 110 at the left shows another example of the Snap-On DH320-1/2 socket, marked with the Snap-On logo and a stylized "4" date code for 1934. Oddly though, the "DH" prefix to the model number has been omitted on this example, but clearly it is a double-hex tapered-wall socket, nearly identical to the previous figure.

The finish is chrome plating with polished upper walls.

The right inset shows the broaching opening, with chatter marks on the walls and a recessed area below the broaching, typical of cold-broached construction.

Snap-On 1/2-Drive DH200 5/8 Socket

Fig. 111. Snap-On 1/2-Drive DH-200 5/8 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1934.

Fig. 111 at the left shows a rare 1/2-drive Snap-On DH200 5/8 socket, marked with the Snap-On logo plus a "Pat." notice, and with a stylized "4" date code for 1934.

The original finish has been lost, but was probably a thin chrome plating.

The right inset shows the broaching opening. Although not apparent in the photograph, the walls have chatter marks typical of cold-broached construction.

Snap-On 1/2-Drive [S-180] 9/16 Deep Socket

Fig. 112. Snap-On 1/2-Drive [S-180] 9/16 Deep Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1930.

Fig. 112 shows an early 1/2-drive Snap-On [S-180] 9/16 deep socket, stamped with the Snap-On logo on one side, with "0" and "*" overstruck date codes on the reverse (see top inset). This early socket is not marked with a model number, but would be a model S-180 in the later numbering.

The overall height is 3.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

Snap-On 1/2-Drive [S-320 1/2] 1 Inch Deep Socket

Fig. 113. Snap-On 1/2-Drive [S-320 1/2] 1 Inch Deep Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1931.

Fig. 113 shows an early 1/2-drive Snap-On [S-320 1/2] 1 inch deep socket, stamped with the Snap-On logo on one side with a "*" date code for 1931 on the reverse. This early socket is not marked with a model number, but would be a model S-320 1/2 in the later numbering.

The overall height is 3.5 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating. (Cadmium plating was the standard finish for 1931.)

The extra "1/2" suffix to the model number was used for the S-series sockets from S-300 1/2 (15/16) and larger, although the reasons are a bit unclear. Snap-on 1/2-drive sockets from the 1920s needed an extra "1/2" suffix to avoid a model number conflict with the 5/8-drive sockets, but the S-series deep sockets weren't offered until some years later, enough time to plan ahead for model numbers.

Snap-On S-240 1/2-Drive 3/4 Deep Socket

By 1934 the deep sockets were being marked with their model numbers, as the next figure illustrates.

Fig. 114. Snap-On 1/2-Drive S-240 3/4 Deep Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1934.

Fig. 114 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On S-240 3/4 deep socket, stamped with the Snap-On logo, model number, and size on the front, with a stylized "4" date code for 1934 on the reverse.

The overall height is 3.2 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished walls.

Snap-On 311-S-T 1/2-Drive Deep Socket Set

Fig. 115. Snap-On 311-S-T 1/2-Drive Deep Socket Set, with Insets for Top View and Marking Detail, ca. Late 1940s.

Fig. 115 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On 311-S-T deep socket set, consisting of eleven S-series deep sockets in a metal holder. The metal holder is stamped with the Snap-on logo on the side, as shown in the middle inset.

The socket models and sizes are, from right to left, S-160 (1/2), S-180 (9/16), S-200 (5/8), S-220 (11/16), S-240 (3/4), S-260 (13/16), S-280 (7/8), S-300 1/2 (15/16), S-320 1/2 (1 Inch), S-340 1/2 (1-1/16), and S-360 1/2 (1-1/8). The sockets are all stamped "Made in U.S.A." on the base, and the date codes range from 1945 to 1948, except for the S-240 socket from 1940.

In this later set the sockets all have the same height, approximately 3.2 inches.

Snap-On No. 412 1/2-Drive 3/8 Double-Square Socket

Fig. 116. Snap-On 1/2-Drive 412 3/8 Doule-Square Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1931.

Fig. 116 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On 412 3/8 double-square socket, marked with the Snap-On logo and a "*" date code for 1931.

The finish is cadmium plating.

Snap-On 71-NA 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 117. Snap-On 71-NA 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1949.

Fig. 117 shows a later 1/2-drive Snap-On 71-NA ratchet, with "Snap-On U.S.A." in raised letters forged into the shank, and with "Patent No 1854513" forged into the reverse.

The overall length is 9.5 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

This ratchet has an interesting variation for its date code, with the stylized digit "9" for 1949 appearing as a reversed raised letter. Normally the date codes are stamped into the finished tool, but in this case the code was stamped into the forging die, giving the raised and reversed form on the tool.

Snap-On 71-15 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 118. Snap-On 71-15 1/2-Drive Long-Handled Ratchet, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1940.

Fig. 118 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On 71-15 long-handled ratchet, stamped "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. No. 1854513" on the round shank.

The overall length is 15.0 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

Snap-On L-710 1/2-Drive Ratchet

Fig. 119. Snap-On L-710 1/2-Drive Ratchet, with Insets for Side View and Reverse Detail, 1951.

Fig. 119 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On L-710 ratchet, marked with the Snap-On logo on the shank and "USA" on the reverse.

The overall length is 10.0 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The reverse is also marked "Pat. No. D-132891", a reference to design patent #D132,891, issued in 1942 to D. Chapman with assignment to Snap-On. The patent covers the design for the grooved and contoured handle.

Snap-On No. 1 1/2-Drive Breaker Bar

Fig. 120. Snap-On No. 1 1/2-Drive Breaker Bar, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1940.

Fig. 120 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On No. 1 breaker bar, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a date code for 1940, as shown in the insets.

The overall length is 11.6 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The venerable No. 1 breaker bar was among the first tools offered by Snap-On in 1920. Examples of earlier versions of this tool include the Early Snap-On Breaker Bar and 1927 Snap-On No. 1 Breaker Bar. By 1929 the No. 1 breaker had evolved to a form very similar to the example shown here.

Snap-On K4 1/2-Drive Speeder

Fig. 121. Snap-On K4 1/2-Drive Speeder, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1935.

Fig. 121 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On K4 speeder, marked with the Snap-On logo and a stylized "5" date code for 1935.

The speeder has a throw of 4.0 inches with an overall length of 18.8 inches. The finish is chrome plating.

During the 1920s Snap-On offered many different models of speeders and braces, but by the 1930s had standardized on a more limited selection of models. Readers interested in more information may want to refer to the section on Snap-On Early Speeders and Braces. An earlier version of this particular model can be seen as the Snap-On Early K4 Speeder.

Snap-On 10-C 1/2-Drive "Nut Spinner" Flex-Head Breaker Bar

Fig. 122. Snap-On 10-C 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Breaker Bar, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail, 1934.

Fig. 122 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On 10-C flex-head breaker bar, marked with the Snap-On logo and "Nut Spinner", and with a stylized "4" date code for 1934 on the reverse.

The overall length is 19.1 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The knurled handle has a cross-bar hole and a 1/2-drive broaching in the end, allowing the tool to function as a T-handle or an extension.

Although not marked with a patent notice, this tool was covered by the (pending) patent #2,028,561, filed by E.F. Pilger in 1931 and issued in 1936. The patent describes the multi-position detent employed for the flex-head, with a spring clip to provide friction.

Snap-On NS-15 1/2-Drive "Nut Spinner" Flex-Head Breaker Bar

Fig. 123. Snap-On NS-15 Flex-Head Breaker Bar, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1944.

Fig. 123 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On NS-15 flex-head breaker bar, marked "Made in U.S.A." with an stylized "E" date code for 1944, and with the "Pat. No's. 2,005,202 2,196,297 & Pat. Pend." patent notices.

The overall length is 15.6 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The knurled handle is drilled to accept a 7/16 diameter cross-bar.

The first of the listed patents is #2,005,202, issued to E.F. Pilger in 1935. The second patent is #2,196,297, issued to G.R. Gagne in 1940.

Snap-On NS-4C 1/2-Drive "Nut Spinner" Flex-Head Speeder

Fig. 124. Snap-On NS-4C 1/2-Drive Flex-Head Speeder, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail, 1947.

Fig. 124 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On NS-4C flex-head speeder, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a stylized "7" date code for 1947, and with the extensive "Pat. No's. 2,005,202 2,196,297 & Pat. Pend." patent notices.

The speeder has a throw of 2.8 inches with an overall length of 17.2 inches. The finish is chrome plating.

Snap-On S-10 Sliding Tee Breaker Bar

Fig. 125. Snap-On S-10 1/2-Drive Sliding Tee Breaker Bar, with Inset for Marking Detail, 1945.

Fig. 125 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On S-10 breaker bar, marked with a "G" date code for 1945 (see inset).

The overall length is 10.1 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

One detail to note here is that the detent ball is secured by a serrated depressed ring, rather than the smooth ring seen on earlier tools. Some readers may have wondered about this, and it turns out to be a patented feature introduced by Snap-On in the late 1930s. The rationale is described in patent #2,216,878, filed by L.F. Densmore in 1938 and issued in 1940.

Snap-On S-6 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Extensions

The next figures show two generations of the Snap-On S-6 extension.

Fig. 126. Snap-On S-6 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Extension, with Inset for Date Code, 1934.

Fig. 126 at the left shows an earlier 1/2-drive Snap-On S-6 6 inch extension, marked with the Snap-On logo and a stylized "4" date code for 1934.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

Fig. 127. Snap-On S-6 1/2-Drive 6 Inch Extension, with Inset for Marking Detail, 1949.

Fig. 127 shows a later 1/2-drive Snap-On S-6 6 inch extension, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a date code for 1949.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The detent ball on this extension shows the serrated ring described by patent #2,216,878.

Snap-On No. 8 1/2-Drive Universal

Fig. 128. Snap-On No. 8 1/2-Drive Universal, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1936.

Fig. 128 shows a 1/2-drive Snap-On No. 8 universal, marked with the Snap-On logo and a date code for 1936.

The overall length is 2.6 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

3/8-Drive Sockets and Tools

Snap-On FU-22 3/8-Drive Universal Socket

Fig. 129. Snap-On Fu-22 3/8-Drive Universal Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1940.

Fig. 129 shows a 3/8-drive Snap-On FU-22 11/16 universal socket, stamped "Made in U.S.A." and "Pat. 2,005,202" on the socket walls. The base is stamped with the Snap-On logo and model, plus a stylized "0" date code for 1940.

The finish is chrome plating.

The patent listed on the socket is #2,005,202, issued to E.F. Pilger in 1935. The patent describes a mechanism for controlled friction in universal joints.

Snap-On Ferret F-10-B Flex-Head Breaker Bar

Fig. 130. Snap-On Ferret F-10-B Flex-Head Breaker Bar, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail, 1940.

Fig. 130 shows a 3/8-drive Snap-On Ferret F-10-B flex-head breaker bar, marked "Made in U.S.A." with a stylized "0" date code for 1940, and with the extensive "Pat. No's. 2,196,297 2,028,561 & Pat. Pend." patent notices.

The overall length is 9.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The first patent listed on the tool is #2,196,297, issued to G.R. Gagne in 1940. This patent describes a mechanism to provide controlled friction in universal joints, and since the flex head of a breaker bar is similar to one half of a universal joint, the patent applies here as well.

The second patent noted is the 1936 Pilger #2,028,561, describing the use of multiple detents on a flexible head. But this patent marking seems a bit overzealous, as the flex head on this breaker bar doesn't include any detents at all.

3/4-Drive Sockets and Tools

Snap-On introduced its 3/4-drive tools in the early 1930s as a stronger replacement for the older 5/8-drive line. The first standard Snap-On catalog to list 3/4-drive tools was catalog "I" of 1932, but the 3/4-drive line was actually introduced in a 1931 supplement to catalog "H". The supplemental catalog offered 3/4-drive sockets in standard hex, standard double-hex, extra deep hex, and double-square styles, plus a modest selection of drive tools. Snap-On referred to the 3/4-drive tools as the "Heavy Duty" line, as the older 5/8-drive tools had been called.

The initial drive tools consisted of a No. 52 sliding Tee bar, a No. 72 forged-handle ratchet with a push-through drive plug, a No. 62 8 inch extension, and a No. 122 16 inch extension. The socket models offered were the hex series models 302 (15/16) through 642 (2 Inch), the double-hex models DH-302 (15/16) through DH-642 (2 Inch), the extra deep hex models S-302 (15/16), S-342 (1-1/16), and S-402 (1-1/4), and the double-square models 628 (7/8) to 646 (1-7/16).

Although the early No. 72 ratchet used the same forged handle design as the HD-7 5/8-drive ratchet, by 1932 Snap-On had introduced a new No. 72-Y ratchet head with a removeable handle, sharing the handle bar with the No. 52 sliding Tee. This early introduction of the ratchet head and shared handle bar brought a significant innovation to heavy-duty drive tools. Up until this point all Snap-On ratchets had been made with integral forged handles, but for heavy-duty tools this greatly increased the weight and cost of the unit. Snap-On's removeable handle bars made significant savings of weight and cost, and allowed them to offer practical sets of heavy-duty tools.

Snap-On also introduced the No. 112 "Nut Spinner" flex-head handle in 1932. Initially this tool included an integral bar handle, but later it evolved to the L-112 flex-head adapter, sharing the handle bar with the ratchet head and sliding Tee head.

Snap-On No. 62 3/4-Drive 8 Inch Extension

Fig. 131. Snap-On No. 62 3/4-Drive 8 Inch Extension, with Inset for Date Code, 1931.

Fig. 131 shows a very early 3/4-drive Snap-On No. 62 8 inch extension, marked with the Snap-On logo and a "*" date code for 1931.

The overall length is 8.2 inches, and the finish is plain steel.

The drive stud is equipped with two detent balls backed by a very stiff spring.

The 1931 date code on this extension demonstrates that the 3/4-drive line was introduced in 1931, and makes this particular example one of the oldest of the Snap-On 3/4-drive tools.

Snap-On DH-442 3/4-Drive 1-3/8 Socket

Fig. 132. Snap-On DH-442 3/4-Drive 1-3/8 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1933.

Fig. 132 at the left shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On DH-442 1-3/8 socket, marked with the Snap-On logo and a "Pat. No. 1424069" patent notice, and with a date code symbol for 1933 (see lower inset).

The right inset shows the cold-broached socket construction. Note the machined recess below the broached area and the chatter marks plainly visible on the walls.

Snap-On DH-xx2 3/4-Drive Sockets

Fig. 133. Snap-On DH-xx2 3/4-Drive Sockets, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1934.

Fig. 133 shows a composite photograph of two 3/4-drive Snap-On DH-xx2 sockets. Both sockets are marked with the Snap-On logo and a "Pat. No. 1424069" patent notice, and have a stylized "4" date code for 1934 (see lower inset). The models and sizes are DH-342 (1-1/16) on the left and DH-402 (1-1/4) on the right.

The right inset shows the cold-broached socket construction with a machined recess below the broached area. Some chatter marks are visible on the walls, though less apparent than in the previous figure.

Snap-On DH-382 3/4-Drive 1-3/16 Socket

Fig. 134. Snap-On DH-382 3/4-Drive 1-3/16 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1934.

Fig. 134 shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On DH-382 1-3/8 socket, marked with the Snap-On logo and a "Pat. No. 1424069" patent notice, and with a stylized "4" date code for 1934 (see lower inset).

The upper right inset shows the cold-broached socket construction with a machined recess below the broached area.

Loxockets and the LDH Series

In 1935 Snap-On made a significant change in its line of 3/4-drive tools with the introduction of sockets with release buttons. Drive studs with locking pins had been introduced previously, but the addition of a push-button release made the tools much more convenient to use.

The system of locking pins and release buttons adopted by Snap-On was based on the "Lock-On" patents developed by Blackhawk Manufacturing. (Readers interested in background information will find extensive coverage in our article on Blackhawk Lock-On Tools.) Snap-On didn't adopt all aspects of Blackhawk's system, but they did license the patent #RE19287 covering the release buttons, and references to this patent will be found marked on sockets up through the late 1940s. Snap-On registered its own "Loxocket" trademark for the sockets with release buttons.

The addition of release buttons was also the occasion for other changes to the 3/4-drive socket line. Of the four socket styles initially offered in 1931 (hex, double-hex, extra deep hex, and double-square), only two remained in production for later years. The DH-xx2 series of double-hex sockets became the LDH-xx2 Loxocket series, but with straight walls instead of the earlier tapered design, and the S-xx2 series of extra deep sockets became the LS-xx2 Loxocket series. The hex socket series (models 302 to 642) was discontinued after 1934, but the double-square sockets apparently saw limited production in 1935 in the Loxocket line, but afterwards were discontinued. The double-square Loxockets are not known to have been listed in any Snap-On catalog, but a couple of examples from 1935 have been discovered. (See for example the Snap-On L-632 Double-Square Socket.)

The figures below will show the development of the LDH Loxocket series, with numerous small changes to the markings as well as incremental improvements to the construction. The initial design included a band of parallel knurling around the socket, with the model number, Snap-On logo, and socket size stamped below the band. Other markings such as patent and trademark notices were not very standardized though, and these markings will be found in different places.

The standard finish for the LDH series was chrome plating, with the upper walls highly polished and a flat or matte finish to the socket base and knurled band.

Snap-On LDH-482 3/4-Drive 1-1/2 Socket

Fig. 135. Snap-On LDH-482 3/4-Drive 1-1/2 Socket, with Insets for Drive End and Broaching, 1935.

Fig. 135 at the left shows an early 3/4-drive Snap-On LDH-482 1-1/2 socket, marked with the Snap-On logo and a stylized "5" date code for 1935 (see lower inset).

The left inset shows the drive end of the socket. Note the notch cut on the side with the release button, which helps to depress the locking pin when inserting a drive stud.

The socket construction appears to be cold-broached, with a machined recess below the broached area and some chatter marks visible on the walls.

This socket was acquired as part of an L-225 Socket Set dating to early 1936, which is described in a later figure.

Snap-On LDH-462 3/4-Drive 1-7/16 Socket

Fig. 136. Snap-On LDH-462 3/4-Drive 1-7/16 Socket, with Insets for Drive End and Broaching, 1939.

Fig. 136 at the left shows a similar socket made a few years later than the previous example, a 3/4-drive Snap-On LDH-462 1-7/16 socket, marked with the Snap-On logo and a stylized "9" date code for 1939 (see lower inset).

The left inset shows the drive end of the socket, stamped with "Loxocket Trademark", Snap-On's registered trademark for the release button feature. The rounded notch on the side with the release button helps to depress the locking pin when inserting a drive stud.

The right inset shows the socket construction with a machined recess below the broached area, as we saw in the previous example. In this case though, the broached walls are very smooth and free of chatter marks, suggesting that the socket may have been hot-broached after machining.

Snap-On LDH-422-A 3/4-Drive 1-5/16 Socket

The next several figures show the more extensive markings appearing on later LDH sockets. The markings tended to move around depending on the size of the socket.

Fig. 137. Snap-On LDH-422-A 3/4-Drive 1-5/16 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1940.

Fig. 137 at the left shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On LDH-422-A 1-5/16 socket with markings on the base and below the knurled band. The base is stamped "Made in U.S.A." next to the release button, as seen in the lower left inset. The model number and Snap-On logo are stamped below the knurled band, as seen in the main photograph, followed by the size (not shown) and a "Lic. Reissue Pat. 19287" patent notice, seen in the lower right inset. Finally, the stylized "0" date code for 1940 appears to the right of the patent notice.

The upper right inset shows the socket construction with a machined recess below the broached area.

This is our earliest LDH series socket marked for patent #RE19287, issued in 1934 to Blackhawk Manufacturing. The patent covers the use of locking pins and release buttons for sockets. Since Snap-On started offering the release button feature in late 1935, it's not clear why they waited until 1940 to acknowledge the patent.

Snap-On LDH-402 3/4-Drive 1-1/4 Socket

Fig. 138A. Snap-On LDH-402 3/4-Drive 1-1/4 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1942.

Fig. 138A at the left shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On LDH-402 1-1/4 socket, with extensive markings on the base and below the knurled band. The base is stamped "Trademark Loxocket" and "Made in USA" next to the release button, as can be seen in the upper left corner of the main photograph. Further around the base is a the patent notice "Lic. Reissue Pat. No. 19287", as shown in the lower left inset.

Finally, the model number, Snap-On logo, and size are stamped below the knurled band, with the stylized "2" date code on the opposite side (see lower right inset).

The upper right inset shows the socket construction with a machined recess below the broached area.

Snap-On LDH-482 3/4-Drive 1-1/2 Socket, Wartime Production

The next figure shows a socket marked for Snap-On but with an unusual construction style.

Fig. 138B. Snap-On LDH-482 3/4-Drive 1-1/2 Socket, with Inset for Broaching, ca. 1942-1945.

Fig. 138B shows an unusual 3/4-drive Snap-On LDH-482 1-1/2 socket with a different design, notable for the tapered shoulder and hot-forged construction. The socket is stamped on the side with the Snap-On logo and "Made in USA", plus "Lic. Reissue" and "Pat. No. 19287".

The finish is cadmium plating.

The inset shows the interior of the socket to illustrate the hot-forged construction. In the hot-forging process a slug of heated metal is forced into a die, simultaneously forming the double-hex service opening and the square drive opening.

The cadmium finish and unusual construction of this socket likely indicate production during the 1942-1945 wartime years. This socket closely resembles the production by Wright Tool and Forge, suggesting that Wright may have supplied the socket blank to Snap-On.

Snap-On LDH-562 3/4-Drive 1-3/4 Socket

Fig. 139. Snap-On LDH-562 3/4-Drive 1-3/4 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1947.

Fig. 139 shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On LDH-562 1-3/4 socket with extensive markings, all stamped below the knurled band. The markings are, from left to right, the Snap-On logo, the size, the model number, a stylized "7" date code for 1947, "Made in U.S.A.", a "Lic. Reissue Pat. 19287" patent notice, and "Loxocket Trade Mark".

The right inset shows the socket construction with a machined recess below the broached area.

Snap-On LDH-502 3/4-Drive 1-9/16 Socket, Hot-Broached Construction

In the late 1940s Snap-On updated its socket production to use a hot-broaching method that created a distinctive ring of displaced metal. Similar production methods had been used by Duro Metal Products, Plomb, and other companies for some years, and likely resulted in both lower costs as well as stronger sockets. The new socket style can be easily recognized by the annular shelf at the bottom of the broached area.

The transition was made in 1947, at least for the 3/4-drive sockets, as examples of both production styles can be found for this year.

Fig. 140. Snap-On LDH-502 3/4-Drive 1-9/16 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1947.

Fig. 140 shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On LDH-502 1-9/16 socket, stamped with the model, Snap-On logo, and size below the knurled band, and with a stylized "7" date code for 1947 on the reverse (see lower inset). The base is stamped with a "Lic. Reissue Pat. 19287" patent notice, followed by "Loxocket Trademark" with "Made in U.S.A." on the bottom line.

The right inset shows the hot-broached construction with an annular ring of displaced metal. The change in the broaching method can be seen easily by comparison with the Snap-On LDH-562 Socket in the previous figure, also of 1947 production.

Snap-On LDH-312 3/4-Drive 31/32 Socket, Hot-Broached Construction

Fig. 141. Snap-On LDH-312 3/4-Drive 31/32 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1948.

Fig. 141 shows another example of the post-1947 hot-broached construction, a 3/4-drive Snap-On LDH-312 31/32 socket. The socket base is stamped "Lic Reissue Pat 19287" and "Loxocket Trademark", with "Made in U.S.A." at the bottom. The remaining markings are stamped around the circumference below the knurled band, beginning with the LDH-312 model, Snap-On logo, 31/32 size, and the stylized "8" date code for 1948 (see upper inset).

The right inset shows the hot-broached construction, with the shelf of displaced metal clearly visible below the broaching.

Snap-On LDH-642 3/4-Drive 2 Inch Socket, Hot-Broached Construction

The knurled-band style of LDH sockets remained in production until at least 1951, as the next figure illustrates.

Fig. 142. Snap-On LDH-642 3/4-Drive 2 Inch Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail, 1951.

Fig. 142 shows a 3/4-drive LDH-642 2 inch socket, with extensive markings shown in the main photograph and composite lower inset. The markings are, from left to right, the Snap-On logo, the size "2", the LDH-642 model, "USA", a "Lic. Reissue Pat. 19287" patent notice, "Loxocket Trade Mark", and a rounded "I" date code for 1951. (The date code appears in the main photograph, to the left of the Snap-On logo.)

The right inset shows the details of the hot-broached construction. An annular ring of displaced metal can be seen clearly below the broached area.

Other 3/4-Drive Loxockets

In addition to the well-known LDH-series sockets, Snap-On also produced 3/4-drive sockets in other (non-impact) configurations. The LS-series were deep sockets with a hex (6-point) broaching, and were offered in sizes up to 1-5/8. A number of specialty sockets for applications such as ball joint service were also made.

Snap-On L-628 3/4-Drive 1 Inch Double-Square Socket

The next two figure show very rare examples of 3/4-drive Loxockets with double-square (8-point) broachings, both produced around the same time (1935) that the LDH series was first introduced.

Fig. 143. Snap-On L-628 3/4-Drive 7/8 Double-Square Socket, with Insets for Drive End and Broaching, 1935.

Fig. 143 shows a rare 3/4-drive L-628 7/8 double-square socket, marked with the model number, Snap-On logo, and size, and with a stylized "5" date code for 1935 (see lower inset).

The finish is a thin chrome plating, mostly intact but with minor losses due to wear and use.

The left inset shows the drive end with a sloping notch by the release button, intended to help insert the drive stud. This type of square notch is seen only on the very early Loxocket production; later sockets have a rounded indentation.

The right inset shows the double-square broaching. The broached area is undercut with a machined recess, and the walls show chatter marks associated with the cold broaching process.

Snap-On L-632 3/4-Drive 1 Inch Double-Square Socket

Fig. 144. Snap-On L-632 3/4-Drive 1 Inch Double-Square Socket, with Insets for Drive End and Broaching, 1935.

Fig. 144 shows a rare 3/4-drive L-632 1 inch double-square socket, marked with the model number, Snap-On logo, and size, and with a stylized "5" date code for 1935 (see lower inset).

The original finish was a thin chrome plating, but most has been lost to rust or corrosion, leaving a pitted surface texture.

The left inset shows the drive end with a sloping notch by the release button, intended to help insert the drive stud. This type of square notch is seen only on the very early Loxocket production; later sockets have a rounded indentation.

The right inset shows the double-square broaching. The broached area is undercut with a machined recess, and the walls show chatter marks associated with the cold broaching process.

Snap-On L-52 3/4-Drive Sliding-Tee Breaker Bar

From the early 1930s onward Snap-On designed its larger drive tools with removeable and interchangeable handles. This offered a number of advantages, the foremost being a reduction in the weight and cost. Other benefits included easier storage when disassembled, and the ability to use a longer handle when needed for leverage.

The accessory heads for the handles included a ratchet, a sliding tee, and a flex-head breaker. We'll see examples of these in the next several figures.

Fig. 145. Snap-On L-52 3/4-Drive Sliding Tee Breaker Bar, with Inset for Marking Detail, 1946.

Fig. 145 shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On L-52 sliding T-handle breaker bar, consisting of an L-52B sliding head with an L-72H handle bar. Both pieces are marked "Made in U.S.A" with the Snap-On logo.

The overall length is 20.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating.

The inset shows the stylized "6" date code on the L-52B head, indicating manufacture in 1946. The L-72H bar has a "7" date code (not shown) for 1947.

The handle bar is fitted with a spring-loaded locking pin at one end, seen at the far right in the photograph. The opposite end has a fixed stop ball.

This sliding-Tee handle is one of the tools assigned to the 1940s L-225 Socket Set described below.

Snap-On L-72N 3/4-Drive Ratchet Head

The next several figures show successive versions of the L-72 ratchet series, first introduced as the L-72N in 1935.

Fig. 146. Snap-On L-72N 3/4-Drive Ratchet Head, with Insets for Side View and Marking Detail, 1939.

Fig. 146 shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On L-72N ratchet head, marked with the Snap-On logo and a "Pat. No. 1854513" patent notice (see middle inset). The ratchet is also stamped with a stylized "9" date code for 1939, seen between the "On" and "Off" markings under the shift lever (see lower inset).

The overall length is 5.9 inches. The finish is chrome plating with polished faces, but with some loss due to rust.

The patent notice refers to the Hummel 1932 patent #1,854,513, discussed previously in the section on 1/2-drive ratchets.

The ratchet head is designed to slip onto a handle bar secured with a locking pin, and the hole for the pin can be seen on the top of the hollow shank. In 1939 the handle bar was still listed as model 72-H, but later catalogs list the handle bar as model number L-72H. The same handle bar could also be used with the L-52B sliding Tee head.

Although not acquired with the set, this ratchet is the correct model for the 1936 L-225 Socket Set described below.

Snap-On L-72R 3/4-Drive Ratchet Head

Fig. 147. Snap-On L-72R 3/4-Drive Ratchet Head, with Inset for Side View, 1946.

Fig. 147 at the left shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On L-72R ratchet head, marked "Made in U.S.A" and "Pat. No. 1854513" with the Snap-On logo.

The overall length is 5.9 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

A stylized "6" date code for 1946 can be seen on the top face, between the "On" and "Off" markings under the shift lever.

The patent notice refers to the Hummel 1932 patent #1,854,513 mentioned previously.

The ratchet head is designed to slip onto a model L-72H (or other) handle, and the hole for the locking pin can be seen on the top of the hollow shank. The L-72R ratchet was the second version of this basic model and was introduced in 1945; the earlier L-72N model had been in production since 1935.

This ratchet is one of the tools assigned to the 1940s L-225 Socket Set described below.

Snap-On L-72S 3/4-Drive Ratchet Head

Fig. 148. Snap-On L-72S 3/4-Drive Ratchet Head, with Inset for Side View, 1951.

Fig. 148 shows the similar later version Snap-On model L-72S ratchet head, marked "Made in U.S.A" with a stylized "I" date code for 1951.

The overall length is 6.0 inches, and the finish is chrome plating with polished faces.

The L-72S model appears to be very similar to the previous L-72R version, and at this point we're not sure what design differences warranted the change in the model suffix.

As a side note, this particular ratchet was recently rebuilt by a Snap-On dealer to correct a problem with a sheared (or just worn out) locking pin. Snap-On continues to provide superb support for its tools, and parts were still readily available for this ratchet even after more than 50 years.

This ratchet is one of the tools assigned to the 1950s 414-HD-B Socket Set to be shown in a later figure.

Snap-On L-112C 3/4-Drive Flex-Head Breaker Bar Heads

Snap-On's earliest 3/4-drive flex-head (or "Nut Spinner") breaker bars were made with an integral shank, rather than the removeable handle used for the ratchet and sliding Tee. These early breakers closely resembled the 5/8-drive HD-11 breaker bars, and were notable in placing the fork for the flex head on the drive stud piece, rather than on the shank end. The handle end of the shank was also drilled for a cross-bar, for use as a T-handle.

By 1936 a removeable flex-head was available for use with the standard L-72-H handle bar. The first model was the L-112 "Nut Spinner" head, and versions were given letter suffixes "C", "D", and "E" as minor improvements were made to the design.

The next two figures show examples of model L-112 breaker bar heads.

Fig. 149. Snap-On L-112C 3/4-Drive Flex-Head Breaker Bar Head, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1947.

Fig. 149 at the left shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On L-112C flex-head breaker bar head, marked "Made in U.S.A" with the Snap-On logo, and with a stylized "7" date code for 1947.

The overall length is 4.9 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

The upper composite inset shows the markings around the circumference.

This breaker bar head is one of the tools assigned to the 1940s L-225 Socket Set described below.

Fig. 150. Snap-On L-112C 3/4-Drive Flex-Head Breaker Bar Head.

Fig. 150 at the left shows a similar Snap-On L-112C breaker bar head, marked "Made in U.S.A" but without a date code.

The overall length is 5.0 inches, and the finish is polished chrome.

Snap-On L-62 3/4-Drive 8 Inch Extension

Fig. 151. Snap-On L-62 3/4-Drive 8 Inch Extension, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1945.

Fig. 151 at the left shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On L-62 8 inch extension, marked with the Snap-On logo and "Made in U.S.A.", plus "Trademark Loxocket" and a "Lic. Reissue Pat. 19287" patent notice. The lower inset shows the date code marked as "G" (for "Government"), the code used for production in 1945.

The overall length is 8.1 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

This extension is one of the tools assigned to the 1940s L-225 Socket Set described below.

Snap-On L-18 3/4-Drive Flex-Head Breaker Bar

Fig. 152. Snap-On L-18 3/4-Drive Flex-Head Breaker Bar, with Insets for Construction and Marking Detail.

Fig. 152 at the left shows a 3/4-drive Snap-On L-18 flex-head breaker bar, marked with just the Snap-On logo and model.

The overall length is 18.9 inches, and the finish is cadmium plating.

The L-18 breaker bar is not listed in any known catalog, suggesting that it may have been a military or industrial special-order item.

3/4-Drive Socket Sets

Snap-On combined its 3/4-drive sockets and tools into sets of various configurations, and these sets provide a convenient snapshot of the development of the 3/4-drive tool line. We currently have four examples of these socket sets, in varying degrees of completeness, and plan to display them soon.

The sets are based on toolbox models from various periods, in particular the model 23-B from 1936, a model 24-B from the early 1940s, a model KR-224 probably from the 1950s, and a more recent model KRA-226A.

1936 L-225 3/4-Drive Socket Set

Our earliest example is a rare L-225 socket set in a model 23-B metal case, dated to early 1936 based on the date codes of the sockets. This early set offered a relatively large collection of sockets literally crammed into a smallish box: the catalog illustration shows that the five smallest sockets had to be fitted inside the larger sockets! The L-225 was the largest of the three 3/4-drive sets offered at that time, with the intermediate set listed as model L-215 and the smallest as model L-210. All three sets used the 23-B metal case, with the measurements given as 24L by 4-5/8W by 3-1/8D.

The catalog description lists the L-225 set with 18 LDH-series sockets, with sizes ranging from 15/16 up to 2 inches. The drive tools consisted of an L-72-N ratchet, 72-H handle, L-52-A sliding Tee head, L-112 flex head, and extensions L-32, L-62, and L-122.

Fig. 153. Snap-On L-225 3/4-Drive Socket Set, 1936.

Fig. 153 at the left shows the Snap-On L-225 socket set in the 23-B case, with the sockets and tools arranged as in the catalog illustration. (Missing tools and sockets have been filled in from later sets for the photograph.)

Fig. 154. Top View of Snap-On L-225 Socket Set in 23-B Case, 1936.

The top of the 23-B case is shown in Fig. 154 at the left, with the embossed Snap-On logo visible below the leather handle.

The inside of the case measures 24.0 by 4.6 by 3.1 inches, and the outer measurements are 24.5 by 5.2 by 3.3 inches. The finish is gray paint, the standard color for Snap-On boxes from the early 1930s through 1947.

1940s L-225 3/4-Drive Socket Set

By 1939 Snap-On had moved the L-225 set into a more spacious 24-B box, with the list of contents basically the same as the earlier versions. The L-225 set in this configuration continued to be offered through 1947.

Our example for this period was built up from separately acquired tools, beginning with the 24-B metal case and adding tools and sockets with (mostly) 1940s date codes. The set specification includes 18 LDH-series sockets from 15/16 up to 2 inches, an L-72R ratchet, L-72-H handle, L-52B sliding Tee head, L-112C flex head, and L-32, L-62, and L-122 extensions.

Fig. 155. Snap-On L-225 3/4-Drive Socket Set, ca. 1940s.

Fig. 155 at the left shows a Snap-On L-225 socket set in its 24-B case, again with the sockets and tools arranged to approximate the catalog illustration. The 24-B case has two metal dividers to create tapered compartments for the sockets, with a central bay for the drive tools.

The set as shown lacks only the L-32 extension to be complete to the specification. The drive tools are all of mid 1940s manufacture, and the socket manufacturing dates range from the mid 1930s up to 1951, with most from the 1940s.

Fig. 156. Top View of Snap-On L-225 Socket Set in 24-B Case, ca. 1940s.

The top of the 24-B case is shown in Fig. 156 at the left, with the embossed Snap-On logo visible below the leather handle.

The inside of the case measures 22.1 by 7.9 by 3.3 inches, and the outside measures 22.6 by 8.3 by 3.5 inches. The finish is gray paint, the standard color for Snap-On boxes from the early 1930s through 1947.

1950s 414-HD-B 3/4-Drive Socket Set

In 1948 Snap-On updated its socket sets to offer four models of 3/4-drive socket sets, with varying numbers of sockets and drive tools to fit different applications and budgets. The metal cases were updated as well, with the gray metal 24-B case being replaced by the red enamel KR-224 case, and a new larger KR-226 case was introduced as well. (The "KR" prefix used for toolboxes supposedly stands for "Kenosha Red".)

The four socket sets (from smallest to largest) were the model 410-HD-B (10 tools), 414-HD-B (15 tools), 424-HD-B (24 tools), and 432-HD-B (32 tools). The two smaller sets came with the KR-224 metal box, with the larger two using the KR-226 toolbox.

Our example for this period is configured as the 414-HD-B set in a KR-224 box. The set includes 10 LDH-series sockets ranging from 1-1/16 up to 1-7/8 inches, with the drive tools consisting of the L-72S ratchet with an L-72H handle, an L-52B sliding Tee head, and extensions L-62 and L-122.

1960s (and Later) 432-HD-B 3/4-Drive Heavy Duty General Set

The model 432-HD-B set was Snap-On's largest collection of 3/4-drive tools for many years. The set is contained in the KRA-226 (later KRA-226A) metal case and includes 24 LDH-series sockets from 3/4 up to 2-3/8 inches. The drive tools consist of the L-72S ratchet with L-72H handle, L-52B sliding Tee head, L-112D flex head, L-82 universal, L-672A ratchet adapter, and extensions L-32, L-62 and L-122.

The KRA-226A case measures 27.1 inches long by 9.2 inches wide, with a height of 3.9 inches. The box is fitted with a rugged swing-out handle on each end.

Orphaned Sizes: 5/8-Drive and 7/8-Drive

During the 1920s the 5/8-drive and 7/8-drive tools had played an important role as Snap-On's two largest drive sizes. However, early in the 1930s it became apparent that these drive sizes were no longer sufficient for the demands of the time, and both sizes were discontinued, superseded by 3/4-drive and 1 inch drive respectively. (Snap-On also added a 1-1/2 inch drive "Jumbo" line for the really difficult jobs.)

In this section we'll look at a few examples of the late production of 5/8- and 7/8-drive sockets and tools.

Snap-On 5/8-Drive [DH-]440 1-3/8 Inch Socket

Fig. 159. Snap-On 5/8-Drive [DH-]440 1-3/8 Double-Hex Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Date Code, 1930.

Fig. 159 shows a 5/8-drive Snap-On [DH-]440 1-3/8 socket with a double-hex broaching, stamped with the model, Snap-On logo, and size, and with a "0" date code for 1930 on the reverse (see upper right inset). Note that this example is missing the "DH-" prefix to the model number, though it's obviously a double-hex socket.

The finish is nickel plating.

Snap-On 5/8-Drive [DH-480] 1-1/2 Socket

Fig. 160. Snap-On 5/8-Drive [DH-480] 1-1/2 Double-Hex Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Date Code, 1930.

Fig. 160 shows a 5/8-drive Snap-On [DH-480] 1-1/2 socket with a double-hex broaching, marked with the Snap-On logo and size, and with a "0" date code for 1930 on the reverse (see upper right inset). This socket is not marked with a model number, but the catalogs identify it as a model DH-480.

The finish is cadmium plating.

Snap-On 7/8-Drive XHD-560 1-3/4 Inch Socket

Fig. 161. Snap-On 7/8-Drive 1-3/4 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Date Code, 1930.

Fig. 161 at the left shows a rare 7/8-drive Snap-On [XHD-560] 1-3/4 socket, marked with the Snap-On logo and a "0" date code for 1930 (see upper right inset). Although this example is not marked with a model number, the catalog referred to this as a model XHD-560 socket.

The finish is nickel plating.

This socket is very similar to the 7/8-drive sockets produced in the 1920s, as for example the Snap-On XHD-760 Socket.

Snap-On 7/8-Drive XHD-600 1-7/8 Inch Socket

Fig. 162. Snap-On 7/8-Drive 1-7/8 Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Date Code, 1930.

Fig. 162 at the left shows a rare 7/8-drive Snap-On [XHD-600] 1-7/8 socket, marked with the Snap-On logo and a "0" date code for 1930 (see upper right inset). Although this example is not marked with a model number, the catalog referred to this as a model XHD-600 socket.

The finish is nickel plating.

This socket is very similar to the 7/8-drive sockets produced in the 1920s, as for example the Snap-On XHD-760 Socket.

Snap-On 7/8-Drive XHD-6 8 Inch Extension

Fig. 163. Snap-On 7/8-Drive XHD-6 Extension, with Inset for Date Code, 1930.

Fig. 163 at the left shows a rare 7/8-drive Snap-On XHD-6 8 inch extension, marked with the Snap-On logo and a "0" date code for 1930.

The overall length is 8.0 inches, and the finish is nickel plating, with losses due to rust and wear.

Snap-On 7/8-Drive XHD-12 16 Inch Extension

Fig. 164. Snap-On 7/8-Drive XHD-12 Extension, with Insets for Marking Detail, 1930.

Fig. 164 at the left shows a rare 7/8-drive Snap-On XHD-12 16 inch extension, stamped on the shank with the Snap-On logo and a "0" date code for 1930.

The overall length is 16.0 inches. The finish is nickel plating, darkened by rust and with some loss due to wear.

1 Inch Drive Sockets and Tools

Snap-On 1 Inch Drive LDH-503 1-9/16 Socket

Fig. 165. Snap-On 1 Inch Drive LDH-503 1-9/16 Socket, with Insets for Drive End and Broaching.

Fig. 165 shows a 1 inch drive Snap-On LDH-503 1-9/16 socket, stamped on the bottom with the Snap-On logo, size, and model number.

The finish is polished chrome plating.

Impact Sockets and Tools

Snap-On 1 Inch Drive IP-752 1-5/8 Double-Square Impact Socket

Fig. 166. Snap-On 1 Inch Drive IP-752 1-5/8 Double-Square Impact Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail.

A relatively early example of a Snap-On impact socket is shown in Fig. 166, a 1 inch drive Snap-On IP-752 1-5/8 double-square impact socket, marked "Made in USA" with the Snap-On logo.

The finish is plain steel.

Snap-On 1-1/2 Inch Drive SIP-765 2-3/8 Impact Socket

This next figure shows one of Snap-On's larger impact sockets, a 1-1/2 inch drive "Jumbo" hex socket. The photograph has been arranged as a triptych to show the end markings and broaching details.

Fig. 167. Snap-On 1-1/2 Inch Drive SIP-765 2-3/8 Impact Socket, with Insets for Broaching and Marking Detail.

Fig. 167 shows a 1-1/2 inch drive Snap-On SIP-765 2-3/8 impact socket, marked on the drive end with the Snap-On logo, size, and model.

The finish is black paint, probably added by a former owner.

This massive socket has a height of 4.6 inches and a diameter at the opening of 3.8 inches.