Garage Hangout

Tools And The Shop => Antique/Collector Tools/Boxes/Hand Only => Topic started by: j.a.f.e. on Feb 11, 2025, 04:45 PM

Title: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: j.a.f.e. on Feb 11, 2025, 04:45 PM
As I learned about Snap-on and ratchets in general I discovered there was a lot more than the three drive sizes we're all familiar with. So I descended on a fools errand of my own making to collect an example of each size of the Snap-ons. A couple of these sizes proved to be quite elusive and it took a long time - about ten years - to complete.

100_5967.jpeg

Starting at the top:

1/4"
9/32"
3/8"
1/2"
5/8"
3/4"
7/8"
1"
1 1/2"

The 7/8" and 1 1/2" were the hardest for me to find and the 1 1/2" was the last one I found. As it turns out the 5/8" and 7/8" share the same ratchet body and only the drive plug is different. I have no idea why the 5/8" was painted red but I have no plans to strip it.

They did make a 1/8" drive but there were only four sockets and a Moody bit holder socket and spinner - no ratchet. They also made larger drive sockets but no ratchets or breaker bars.


Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: Uncle Buck on Feb 12, 2025, 08:01 PM
Taught me something there Steve. A couple of those sizes I had never heard of!
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: j.a.f.e. on Feb 13, 2025, 04:41 AM


Quote from: Uncle Buck on Feb 12, 2025, 08:01 PMTaught me something there Steve. A couple of those sizes I had never heard of!
Some are pretty uncommon.
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: snapmom on Feb 13, 2025, 05:39 AM
Nice collection.
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: j.a.f.e. on Feb 13, 2025, 07:47 AM
Quote from: snapmom on Feb 13, 2025, 05:39 AMNice collection.
Thanks! That means a lot.
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: Uncle Buck on Feb 13, 2025, 09:48 AM
Quote from: j.a.f.e. on Feb 13, 2025, 04:41 AM
Quote from: Uncle Buck on Feb 12, 2025, 08:01 PMTaught me something there Steve. A couple of those sizes I had never heard of!
Some are pretty uncommon.

To say the least, I rarely encounter mechanic tools that I have not seen or heard of unless they are a tool that is task or brand/make/model etc. specific. Something I would consider very basic would be different drive sizes of ratchets, drivers etc. As I began looking at your post I was very pleased to see the honorable mention of sorts about the little Snap-on 1/8" drive set with the spin handle but no ratchet. I wondered if you you mention that little fellow, and to my pleasure, you did.

Fantastic collection of the various sizes you shared. I always appreciate learning new things too!
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: j.a.f.e. on Feb 13, 2025, 02:09 PM
Thanks Herb.

Here is the little 1/8 set. There is a clear sleeve to keep the pieces in place but I removed for it's photo op.

Seems Snap on still sells these but the price I saw was $250!!!

The socket next to the handle is a Moody bit socket. It is not part of the kit and as far as I know the only accessory for 1/8. I don't have any Moody bits but I have used two of the sockets a few times.

100_3650.jpeg

The current handle design. I sold this set and like everything I sell I regret it now.

100_4190.jpeg
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: Hickory n Steel on Feb 13, 2025, 04:28 PM
Those little 1/8" sets are so cool.

As far as that Moody adapter goes, where did you acquire it and do you have any details ?
Do you think Moody ever made some kind of 1/8" drive system ?
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: j.a.f.e. on Feb 13, 2025, 06:02 PM
It was sold by Snap on and I believe I found it on ebay. As far as I know Moody only made bits, driver handles and related although the range of both is pretty extensive.

Edit to add: Just found a relatively recent Moody catalog. I'll post up some pix when I get a chance to take them.
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: Uncle Buck on Feb 14, 2025, 07:58 PM
I get that regret. Rarely have I sold a gun or a tool that I didn't later regret selling. I am great at buying stuff, but these days not so hot at selling. I don't see myself getting better anytime soon!
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: j.a.f.e. on Feb 15, 2025, 04:47 AM
Quote from: Uncle Buck on Feb 14, 2025, 07:58 PMI get that regret. Rarely have I sold a gun or a tool that I didn't later regret selling. I am great at buying stuff, but these days not so hot at selling. I don't see myself getting better anytime soon!


I don't see myself changing either. In fact I'm counting on it.
Title: Re: The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition
Post by: Uncle Buck on Feb 15, 2025, 10:30 AM
Quote from: j.a.f.e. on Feb 15, 2025, 04:47 AM
Quote from: Uncle Buck on Feb 14, 2025, 07:58 PMI get that regret. Rarely have I sold a gun or a tool that I didn't later regret selling. I am great at buying stuff, but these days not so hot at selling. I don't see myself getting better anytime soon!


I don't see myself changing either. In fact I'm counting on it.

 👍