I think this is military, but can't remember exactly... 3" Octagonal socket

[keykeeper]

Folks,

I had one of these and posted it here several years ago. I subsequently sold it to a member that identified it as being for a military tracked vehicle of some sort to remove the wheel hub nuts. I have since lost his email due to computer switches and such. Can anyone identify this tool?

The slots are for a wrench handle to slide in, to turn the hub nut. I do remember that much. Inside large side is 3", inside smaller side is 2-7/16".

The fellow I sold the first one to was Canadian, and wanted another if I ever found one, for a buddy with the same vehicle. They were for their tool kits.

[Billman49]

Looks like the type of spanner used in the UK to fit/remove electric (immersion) water heaters

[Bus]

Found this in my files:
Wrench for Ford truck (including military) rear axle bearing nuts, BB17033 is the correct part number. Some are marked with the part number, most aren't. The slots are for the jack handle used to turn the socket.

[international3414]

Looks like the type of spanner used in the UK to fit/remove electric (immersion) water heaters

same in usa

[john k]

To remove the big nuts holding the rear axle wheel bearings, on a full floater axle.   In some auto parts stores you may find a whole display of these very similar in appearance.  This could well be military issue. 

[keykeeper]

The one I had before, I sent to Canada. The fellow advised it was for a small, tracked vehicle hubs. Wish I could find his original emails. I may have to fire up my old computer to find his address/contact info again.

Bus, thanks for that info. I will have to search for that, as well.

[cmpman]

I found this thread as I was trolling the internet looking to see how common one of these sockets would be. They are not.

The socket is for the Ford rear wheel bearing adjusting and locking nuts starting in the 1930s. It relates to the larger trucks like the 3 ton. In WW2 Canadian military service, the tool was applicable to all the Cdn military pattern trucks ranging from the 15cwt (approx 3/4 ton) up to the 3 ton. It was also used on the Universal (Bren) Bren gun carrier, which sounds like what your Cdn contact wanted it for.

[lbgradwell]

I have a friend who used to own two Bren Gun Carriers!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAzsR4AzuGI

[Plyerman]

I have a friend who used to own two Bren Gun Carriers!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAzsR4AzuGI

I need one of them for getting my deer out of the swamp.