William 966H T Handle wrench

[AlexNGreen]

Long time lurker but came up with this T-handle wrench and have been unable to figure out its purpose.

As you can see in the pictures it is labeled-
"966H Williams U.S.A 1/2"


Disregard the Ford wrench merely a forum appropriate prop.

[scottg]

Welcome Alex
I don't know exactly what the wrench was originally purchased for. But since you're new I'll take a guess. :) 

  A valve wrench for gas or refrigeration or any valve you needed to turn, but wanted the valve handle in your pocket when you were done,
   so some kid didn't come along behind you and wake up the neighborhood in an unpleasant manner?
 
Any bolt in a deep hole you needed to turn frequently enough to warrant a dedicated tool?   

All drums from bongos to kettle drums use keys like this.

  Basically a 1/2" socket on a T handle, just what you thought.
yours Scott

[lbgradwell]

They were called "Straight Pattern 'Superior' Socket Wrenches"...

[AlexNGreen]

Thank you for the replies. I happened to talk to an old machinist today and recalled they were for a lathe tool post.

Maybe somebody can ID this ratchet. Happened across it and was curious. Curiosity didn't kill the cat but it will kill my wallet.

[lbgradwell]

Must surely be Moore Drop Forge/Easco...

[AlexNGreen]

I think its definitely Easco and after mulling it over all day. I believe it is the ratchet portion of a torque wrench.

Murphy's law if I had never posted this stuff I would have never figured it out.

[wvtools]

You could buy them with or without the T handle.  I had a whole set of ones without the T handle, but had a real hard time selling them.  I may still have them somewhere in one of my antique mall booths.

[AlexNGreen]

You could buy them with or without the T handle.  I had a whole set of ones without the T handle, but had a real hard time selling them.  I may still have them somewhere in one of my antique mall booths.

If you happen across them I would love to see a picture and possibly a price.

[wvtools]

I do not have those pics on my computer anymore.   I checked my Ebay software, and I had them in my Ebay Store in 2007.  I only go to my antique mall booths every 3 to 6 months, and I just went to both last week.  I may go to the one in Princeton, WV in a few weeks, but I will probably not go to the one in VA until September or October.