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The Snap-on ratchet family drive size edition

Started by j.a.f.e., Feb 11, 2025, 04:45 PM

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j.a.f.e.

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.

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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.


Words my mother told me: Never trust anyone in a better mood than you are.

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking - General George S. Patton

Uncle Buck

Taught me something there Steve. A couple of those sizes I had never heard of!
Better hold onto something boys cause i'm fixin ta stand on it!

j.a.f.e.



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.
Words my mother told me: Never trust anyone in a better mood than you are.

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking - General George S. Patton


j.a.f.e.

Words my mother told me: Never trust anyone in a better mood than you are.

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking - General George S. Patton

Uncle Buck

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!
Better hold onto something boys cause i'm fixin ta stand on it!

j.a.f.e.

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.

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

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Words my mother told me: Never trust anyone in a better mood than you are.

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking - General George S. Patton

Hickory n Steel

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 ?
I have a hammer addiction,  and a 1/4 ratchet addiction, and a pry bar addiction,  and a screwdriver addiction, and well I just have an addiction to hand tools in general.

j.a.f.e.

#8
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.
Words my mother told me: Never trust anyone in a better mood than you are.

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking - General George S. Patton

Uncle Buck

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!
Better hold onto something boys cause i'm fixin ta stand on it!

j.a.f.e.

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.
Words my mother told me: Never trust anyone in a better mood than you are.

If everyone is thinking alike, then somebody isn't thinking - General George S. Patton

Uncle Buck

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.

 👍
Better hold onto something boys cause i'm fixin ta stand on it!