Sockets & Ratchets History
Interchangeable sockets, ratchet mechanisms, drive sizes and the Snap-on era.
Who founded Snap-on and when?
Short answer: Snap-on was founded in 1920 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Joseph Johnson and William Seidemann.
Snap-on was founded in 1920 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by Joseph Johnson and William Seidemann. The company's original idea was a set of interchangeable sockets that "snapped on" to a small number of handles, letting a mechanic do more work with fewer tools.
Why were interchangeable sockets such an important idea?
Short answer: Before interchangeable sockets, many mechanics relied on individual wrenches for each fastener size.
Before interchangeable sockets, many mechanics relied on individual wrenches for each fastener size. Sockets that fit common handles reduced the number of tools needed, sped up work with ratchets and speed handles, and became the foundation of the modern socket set.
How did the standard socket drive sizes come about?
Short answer: Square drive sizes of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch became the common standards for socket tools as interchangeable socket sets spread in the early twentieth century.
Square drive sizes of 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch became the common standards for socket tools as interchangeable socket sets spread in the early twentieth century. Standard drives let sockets and handles from different makers fit together, with 3/8 and 1/2 inch becoming the workhorses of auto shops.
Why did deep sockets become a standard part of socket sets?
Short answer: Deep sockets reach nuts on long studs and bolts, such as U-bolts, exhaust studs and some suspension fasteners.
Deep sockets reach nuts on long studs and bolts, such as U-bolts, exhaust studs and some suspension fasteners. They have been a standard part of professional socket sets for decades because standard sockets cannot reach those nuts.
Why were spark plug sockets developed with rubber inserts?
Short answer: Spark plug sockets have a rubber insert or magnet that holds the plug's ceramic insulator.
Spark plug sockets have a rubber insert or magnet that holds the plug's ceramic insulator. This lets the technician lift the plug out of a deep well and start it back in by hand without dropping or cracking the porcelain, which is why special plug sockets became standard tune-up tools. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions when using this equipment.
Why have shops historically kept both 6-point and 12-point sockets?
Short answer: A 6-point socket grips the flats of a hex fastener and is less likely to round off tight or corroded bolts, while a 12-point socket engages in more positions.
A 6-point socket grips the flats of a hex fastener and is less likely to round off tight or corroded bolts, while a 12-point socket engages in more positions. Shops historically kept both, and 6-point sockets became preferred for stubborn fasteners and impact work.
How did the ratchet change mechanical work?
Short answer: A ratchet turns a socket in one direction and freewheels in the other, so the fastener can be turned without removing the tool.
A ratchet turns a socket in one direction and freewheels in the other, so the fastener can be turned without removing the tool. As socket sets spread through the auto industry in the early twentieth century, ratchets greatly sped up assembly and repair work.
Why has the breaker bar remained a staple of mechanics' kits?
Short answer: A breaker bar is a long, non-ratcheting handle used to loosen very tight fasteners.
A breaker bar is a long, non-ratcheting handle used to loosen very tight fasteners. Because it has no ratchet mechanism to damage, it has long been the tool of choice for breaking loose lug nuts, axle nuts and crank bolts.
Why was the speed handle part of early socket sets?
Short answer: A speed handle is a crank-shaped socket handle for spinning loose fasteners quickly.
A speed handle is a crank-shaped socket handle for spinning loose fasteners quickly. It was one of the handles found in early interchangeable socket sets, and it remained useful for removing many bolts on parts such as oil pans and valve covers.
Why did socket extensions become essential as cars changed?
Short answer: Extensions let sockets reach fasteners recessed deep in engine bays or behind other parts.
Extensions let sockets reach fasteners recessed deep in engine bays or behind other parts. As vehicles became more compact and crowded, extensions in many lengths, including wobble extensions, became a standard part of every socket set.
When did flex-head ratchets become common?
Short answer: Flex-head ratchets, with heads that pivot relative to the handle, became common professional tools in the late twentieth century as engine bays filled with more components.
Flex-head ratchets, with heads that pivot relative to the handle, became common professional tools in the late twentieth century as engine bays filled with more components. They let technicians reach fasteners from awkward angles.
When did Snap-on introduce Flank Drive?
Short answer: Snap-on introduced its Flank Drive wrench opening design in the mid-twentieth century.
Snap-on introduced its Flank Drive wrench opening design in the mid-twentieth century. It drives on the flats of a fastener rather than the corners, reducing rounding, and the idea influenced later wrench and socket designs from many makers.
Why did shops end up needing both SAE and metric socket sets?
Short answer: American vehicles long used inch-based SAE fasteners.
American vehicles long used inch-based SAE fasteners. As imported cars grew in popularity and U.S. automakers adopted metric fasteners from the 1970s onward, shops needed complete sets in both systems.
Why did bit sockets become more important over time?
Short answer: Bit sockets hold hex, Torx or other screwdriver-style bits on a socket drive.
Bit sockets hold hex, Torx or other screwdriver-style bits on a socket drive. They became increasingly important as automakers adopted Torx, hex and other internal-drive fasteners that need more torque than a screwdriver can deliver.
Why did Torx sockets become necessary in automotive work?
Short answer: Manufacturers increasingly adopted Torx and External Torx (E-Torx) fasteners on engines, interiors, brakes and body components in the late twentieth century.
Manufacturers increasingly adopted Torx and External Torx (E-Torx) fasteners on engines, interiors, brakes and body components in the late twentieth century. Technicians needed both internal Torx bits and external E-Torx sockets to service these vehicles, so they became standard additions to professional sets.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.