Snap-on L78 1 1/2" Ratchet

[j.a.f.e.]

This really is a monster the head and and 36" handle weight in at about 28 pounds and it really has to be seen to appreciate just how big this is. With the handle it's 42" OAL. In 1939 (I believe the first year) it cost $18.25 for the ratchet head and $5.00 for the handle totaling $23.25. In 2025 dollars that's about $527!

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The hole is to release the pin holding the handle in place. This ratchet also uses a locking pin instead of a detent ball to retain the socket.


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This one shows US patent 1854513 Reversible Ratchet Wrench issued to Louis A. Hummel of Milwaukee, WI. It was granted in 1932. I believe at that time a patent ran 17 years so it dates no later than about 49 - hard to know there's no date code.

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The direction switch is about the size of a quarter.

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The handle is 1 3/8 diameter. That's an Eisenhower Silver dollar fitting in the opening.

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In comparison to a GM two bolt starter.

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[Uncle Buck]

That thing is absolutely amazing Steve. Never seen a ratchet that big in person, but new such critters did exist. Very nice indeed!

[1965 Comet Caliente]

I have an affinity for the big stuff even though I rarely have a use for it. I have a few 1" ratchets, but nothing bigger than that.  If I see 3/4" stuff for a good price, it's hard to say no. I picked up a like new 1" Wright set ten years ago for $75!

[goodfellow]

I've only ever seen these large tools at trade shows and exhibitions. That ultra heavy duty niche in the tool industry is in many ways still very "old school" in their approach to design and manufacturing. Gotta love it!!

[j.a.f.e.]

It took several years before I found this one and I got very lucky the seller was having a hard time finding a buyer so I got it at a good price. I had decided for some stupid reason I wanted at least one example of every drive size ratchet Snap on made a non nonsensical goal for sure but I was oblivious when I came up with that brilliant idea.

This was the last drive size I needed to complete the goal and I had almost given up hope.

[AbiggerGarage]

I would have loved to find that Wright set.

My 3/4" drive set is a mishmash of different brands.  Sockets were sometimes an individual thing, then I found a set and just had to come up with the box.
I am not likely to use them at home (so no to metric), but I figured they would eventually come in handy at my brothers farm and the old tractor he had (and since sold to go to a zero turn).
He will end up with them when I pass, but I expect he will never use them.  Better safe then sorry, as he can sell them if/when he moves to that ranch style home closer to the rest of the family, that is/has been discussed, due to age/medical issues.

Years ago I found/picked up a pipe wrench that was 3' long from memory, marked for sale for $20.  I was about to leave and pay for it when a guy came in with his wife, looking for it to fix something, that was going to cost him a lot more if he couldn't get the tool, as he was going to have to hire it done.  I let him buy it as it was more of a want, then a need for me.

[Muddy]

28 lbs holy smokes!