Came across this pair of 1/4" drive rats yesterday. The Snappy could probably use a rebuild kit, but if it's a real oldie I might just leave it as is. Anyone give me a approximate date on it?
Definitely keepers! Great find!
Thanks!
The Matco is a keeper for sure. The Snappy will be given a test run, and if I end up not liking it I'm giving it to a family friend who is an S-O guy.
Goooogle "Snap On Date Code chart." There's dozens of charts online.
Quote from: Bill Houghton on January 06, 2019, 09:05:42 AM
Goooogle "Snap On Date Code chart." There's dozens of charts online.
Doesn't have a date code. Closest I can get from online info is a military rat, maybe from the 60's. As such it's right on the border of getting a kit and using or giving it away.
I've only ever had to look at the date code on a Snappy ratchet once. It took me a while to find it; they seem to have hidden them in creative places. Keep looking.
Those military contract ratchets seldom have date codes and they made them for quite a while.
-Don
I have a 3/8 drive of that type of Snap-on ratchet.
EvilDr235
The elongated tear-drop handle makes the rat comfortable and easy to hold for such a short tool. I should probably just call Snap-On and have them send me a kit.
I'm sure that Matco is really comfortable. I need to keep my eyes peeled for one.
Quote from: cody6268 on January 07, 2019, 03:09:49 PM
I'm sure that Matco is really comfortable. I need to keep my eyes peeled for one.
Yes - it's durn near perfect!
I had one probably 6 years ago that I found at a sale. But it had a grind mark pretty deep in the neck up by the head. I couldn't bear it like that so I tried modifying it so I could use it. But that effort failed.
Kinda forgot about it until I found this one the other day. By now I learned that the style has been discontinued by Matco, so I was determined to salvage it. Soak in acetone/ATF for 2 hours and the mechanism broke loose. Clean and lube and she's back to operation. I've also learned that Matco made two 3/8" drive versions and a 1/2" drive. Keeping my eyes peeled for those.
No date code on my MV71 either.
Did you try asking on the "collecting snap-on" site? They might be able to help.
http://www.collectingsnapon.com
Mike
Hello, Bonneyman. Nice finds!!! I don't do a lot of wrenching, so I have never thought about the ergonomics of a tool and its handle. I will be on the lookout for a Matco, although they don't surface much around here. Regards, Lou
Wright Tool makes a 3/8 drive similar to that MATCO, straight and swivel head. I carry both styles with me for light assembly and startup adjustments on the equipment we install. The swivel head is only 5 1/2 inches long, fit into your pocket nicely. I think it is about 44 tooth ratchet.
Quote from: mikeswrenches on January 08, 2019, 05:45:36 AM
No date code on my MV71 either.
[snip]
The "V" in the MV part number indicates military contract. They are not usually date coded.
Quote from: J.A.F.E. on January 11, 2019, 01:42:14 PM
Quote from: mikeswrenches on January 08, 2019, 05:45:36 AM
No date code on my MV71 either.
[snip]
The "V" in the MV part number indicates military contract. They are not usually date coded.
Agreed, and I don't believe Snap On will honor any warranty for it either.
It seems to be a mixed experience. Technically they are not warranted. Some dealers don't seem to know or perhaps care and will rebuild them or give out kits. I called corporate to buy a kit and they sent it free despite my offer to pay - even helped figure out which kit it took.
I have a lot of those small Matco"s. Love them!
The Snap-On is probably from the 1950's.
I also have some of them in 1/4",3/8",1/2" sizes.
Hard for me to use as I do not like the handle type.
Quote from: bonneyman on January 07, 2019, 09:07:52 AM
The elongated tear-drop handle makes the rat comfortable and easy to hold for such a short tool. I should probably just call Snap-On and have them send me a kit.
Funny I just saw this thread
Got off the phone with Snap-on a few minutes ago looking for a part, one of the screws fell out somewhere, for my circa 1958 1/4" ratchet.
There are no parts to be found. I just wanted to replace the missing screw which they wouldn't send me, just a kit, that they say won't fit, or a whole new one - which I don't want as I much prefer the old chrome
Shouldn't be too hard to come up with a screw that fits, just have to brace myself for the ordeal of sifting through the huge coffee can of tiny nuts and bolts.
Or you could use it as an excuse to go to a decent hardware store. ;-)
Quote from: Sudsy on January 25, 2019, 03:39:07 PM
Quote from: bonneyman on January 07, 2019, 09:07:52 AM
The elongated tear-drop handle makes the rat comfortable and easy to hold for such a short tool. I should probably just call Snap-On and have them send me a kit.
Funny I just saw this thread
Got off the phone with Snap-on a few minutes ago looking for a part, one of the screws fell out somewhere, for my circa 1958 1/4" ratchet.
There are no parts to be found. I just wanted to replace the missing screw which they wouldn't send me, just a kit, that they say won't fit, or a whole new one - which I don't want as I much prefer the old chrome
Shouldn't be too hard to come up with a screw that fits, just have to brace myself for the ordeal of sifting through the huge coffee can of tiny nuts and bolts.
I wouldn't call that an ordeal - I'd call that relaxation! :grin:
I've got an 18" galvanized drain pan just for searching through coffee cans and jars. :-)
Quote from: Northwoods on January 25, 2019, 04:27:54 PM
Or you could use it as an excuse to go to a decent hardware store. ;-)
Around here ?? LOL
One very small Ace hardware and a bunch of big box stores