SNAP ON 5/8 DRIVE RATCHET

[Ken W.]

I found this at an estate sale on Sunday. When I picked it up I thought it was a 3/4 drive.When I got it home it turns out to be 5/8. I'm having trouble getting pics to upload so I'm trying a AA photo. It's identical to this.

[crankshaftdan II]

Ken:
I found a simular ratchet-riveted closed-soaked it in acetone and marvel mystery oil for a month-cleaned with brakeclean and compressed air-re-oiled and it works like a new one.  I think they were originally packed with wheel bearing grease.  JFI............Cranky............Nice find

[john k]

I know this has been discussed before, the reasons or origins of the 5/8 drive.   Was it to dissuade people from pocketing sockets from the work place?   I talked to a fellow that worked for Sioux Tools, in Sioux City Iowa, many of the early Sioux air impact wrenches were 5/8, and I quote:  Sioux thought that only their heavier 5/8 drive sockets should be used on impacts,  as a chrome 1/2 in. drive socket would shatter.   Any other ideas?   That ratchet looks like the same pattern as a 3/8 in. drive one I have, works well.