Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: harwill on May 14, 2013, 12:13:56 PM

Title: Hex Drive socket set?
Post by: harwill on May 14, 2013, 12:13:56 PM

Got one of these complete and many pieces but was wondering what the history behind it is?  I can recall seeing them for sale in Western Auto store and Firestone stores in the early fifties - seemed to be popular then.  Just wondering...

Title: Re: Hex Drive socket set?
Post by: Papaw on May 14, 2013, 04:54:21 PM

Offered by Indestro/Duro, and several others. There are lots of them around. Look in Alloy Artifacts.

Title: Re: Hex Drive socket set?
Post by: Wrenchmensch on May 14, 2013, 09:07:42 PM

As another suggestion, clean off the hex handle and look at it closely for a patent date stamp or a manufacturer's stamp.  These things were popular from the 1920s through the 1950s.

Title: Re: Hex Drive socket set?
Post by: harwill on May 14, 2013, 11:20:36 PM

I looked on the ratchet handle but did not look on the Hex handle.  Will do.  Thanks.

Title: Re: Hex Drive socket set?
Post by: harwill on May 17, 2013, 11:17:57 PM

OK, checked the hex handle and the ratchet and the sockets and the tray - nothing.
But the shape and checkering on the sockets IS reminescent of Indestro...
So I'll buy that.  Sure would hate to have to use that stuff on a serious job!

Title: Re: Hex Drive socket set?
Post by: eddie hudson on May 18, 2013, 06:33:44 AM

How about a picture of a socket?

Title: Re: Hex Drive socket set?
Post by: harwill on May 19, 2013, 10:54:38 PM

I started to take a picture then decided it was more complicated than a single picture!
The more I dug around, the more different styles I found.  Some had sizes stamped as fractions, others had the fractions expressed as dashed numbers.  Some had cross hatch knurling, straight bar knurling and knurled banding at different heights.  Then I discovered the "Alloy Artifacts" listing for Indestro/Duro.  Looks like I've got pieces of at least four different sets! But there's not much doubt what they are even if they are not labeled.  I think my goal will be to match up one complete set and offer the residue to some other poor struggling soul!

Title: Re: Hex Drive socket set?
Post by: Wrenchmensch on May 20, 2013, 10:37:05 AM

Attaboy!!

Title: Re: Hex Drive socket set?
Post by: keykeeper on May 20, 2013, 04:37:40 PM

I believe New Britain also made some of these as well!!