Par-X 1/4 DriveSet in original box

[j.a.f.e.]

One of my tool interests is Par-X tools. Made and distributed by Snap-on from about the mid 60's to the mid 80's. A limited number of offerings but sold as a low cost option. Gave the dealer a last chance to make a sale and gave the customer an option. A lot of dealers didn't want to sell them and didn't. When Par-X was discontinued some of the line was renamed Blue Point. They did not show up in the catalogs but there was a supplement that listed the line - I will post that if there is interest.

This is the 1/4 drive set. Notice there is no universal and I don't believe there were any deep or metric 1/4 sizes. Import cars were the exception in those days.

The red and white box design is almost exactly like the Snap-on boxes of the era except the branding. My 1/4 set was the first Par-X I bought and my introduction to the brand.

In the 50's Snap-on had a set of screwdrivers branded Par-V with clear yellow handles and the Par-X name may be connected somehow.

This set was put together and the box a lucky score from a generous member of a previous incarnation of the site.

You cannot view this attachment.

[goodfellow]

Fantastic J.A.F.E! I forgot that you were interested in that aspect of Snap-On's history. Any idea what the term "PAR-X" actually stood for?

[j.a.f.e.]

As sheer speculation it might have something to do with the tools being on par with mainline Snap-on. There was someone at Snap-on who seemed to like making jokes about names - like the 3/8 drive stuff being called Ferret.

[goodfellow]

That's an interesting piece of SO trivia -- cool! 
Thanks

[Hickory n Steel]

I always enjoy seeing this set and you're snappy set.

You should repost this in my 1/4dr thread.
That 1/4 socket set thread you kicked off on the last GG was my favorite thread on there.
All the awesome sets posted there were a huge inspiration for my 1/4dr super kit.

[skfarmer]

that is probably the coolest 1/4 drive set in the world..........

[Hickory n Steel]

I just noticed that the handle in this kit is just a driver handle.
I didn't know Snapon made both, I have a Caterpillar rebrand of the spinner handle that matches this.
Maybe I just got lucky, but it doesn't have the smell and I assume Snapon just had a stable formula for their handles ?

[j.a.f.e.]

I will try to recreate the 1/4 drive thread but I have to take new pix.

That Par-X driver handle Snap-on used for nut drivers, screw drivers and as in this set a spinner handle. I also have a bit driver with a larger version of that handle.

Cat did use Snap-on as a vendor as did IBM and others.

The handles do not smell at least as far as I can detect but my sense of smell is compromised so I'm not the best judge. But they do seem to stay clear and I have not seen rust forming on the shanks as witnessed in other handles.

[Hickory n Steel]

I will try to recreate the 1/4 drive thread but I have to take new pix.

That Par-X driver handle Snap-on used for nut drivers, screw drivers and as in this set a spinner handle. I also have a bit driver with a larger version of that handle.

Cat did use Snap-on as a vendor as did IBM and others.

The handles do not smell at least as far as I can detect but my sense of smell is compromised so I'm not the best judge. But they do seem to stay clear and I have not seen rust forming on the shanks as witnessed in other handles.

Some pictures are making it to my thread, so you can just post anything there if you want.

The one CAT I have is an actual spinner handle with a female drive in the end, not just a socket driver handle.
I picked it up at a yardsale last year for $1 along with a yellow challenger and an Easco.

[skipskip]

some Par x

feb223 by Skip Albright, on Flickr

feb230 by Skip Albright, on Flickr

feb224 by Skip Albright, on Flickr


larger ratchet marked parX  UR 71  1971 date code

3/8 marked snap on FW70  1961 date code

I have some combination wrenches too

[Uncle Buck]

I love the old Par X stuff. I only have a few pieces,  1/4"-1/2" ratchets and a few other bits and pieces.

I recall member Snap mom gifting me the 1/4" size to complete the set.

Thanks for sharing that!

[j.a.f.e.]

I love the Par-X stuff and you have some nice pieces skipskip. Thank you for posting.

[skipskip]

I read the  3/8 rat was military?

was Par X made by someone else?

[Uncle Buck]

You mean someone other than Snap-on?

[j.a.f.e.]

I read the  3/8 rat was military?

was Par X made by someone else?

Par-X was made by Snap-on - the ratchet guts are the same as mainline SO. The 3/8 ratchet you pictured was also used as a military ratchet but branded Snap-on. I'm not sure I've seen a Par-X with that handle.