Blackhawk 7/16" socket speed wrench

[Northwoods]

Picked up one of these reversible ratchet speed wrenches--model 39995--the other day.  Another forum mentions something about Blackhawk making an unsuccessful play to replace 3/8" and 1/2" with their 7/16" drive.
Who can tell me when?  And all the details?
BTW, what is the purpose of a reversible ratchet speed wrench?  My arm works both ways!

[bonneyman]

You might want to check Alloy Artifacts website. They may have some info.

What I have read is they were claiming the 7/16" drive size in the steel they were using was strong enough to be used in typical 1/2" drive applications. And it was plenty big enough to replace 3/8" drive, too. But I don't think it took off like they wanted.

First of all, all of your existing sockets would be worthless - you'd have to buy their proprietary 7/16" drive sockets. And I don't think mechanics were thrilled with that prospect.

Some ideas stick, some don't. Just how tools go.

[Northwoods]

You gave me some good advice, Bonneyman.  AA has a host of info on the ill-fated 7/16" venture.  Even allowed me to date code my wrench to 1942.  These were first sold in 1938 and fizzled out, likely, in the late 50's.
Thanks so much.

[CRTDI]

Northwoods,

PM sent.

[EVILDR235]

I think it's funny that metric tools use drive sizes that are not metric. Hey Bubba hand me the 16 MM drive 22MM 6 point socket. Darn, that is not gonna work. Hand me the metric Crescent wrench.

EvilDr235