quarter-inch drive (not)

[PFSchaffner]

This probably falls under the category of 'things everyone knows
but no one ever told me.' My experience is that most quarter-inch
square-drive socket wrenches are more or less mutually compatible,
leaving aside details like pin- vs. ball-detents. The male end is usu
about 0.248-0.252": that said, I don't know what to make of a
Snap-On handle that measures 0.278", and a matching 3/8" socket
with a 0.282" square aperture. The only reason I can think of to make
wildcat sizes is to prevent people from mixing sockets and drivers from
another maker (thereby also making them less attractive to steal).
But maybe there's another reason? Did Snap-On make sockets in a
'just-bigger-than-1/4" series? Or was this a custom job? Picture attempts
to show the oversized Snap-On handle compared with a more standard
Plomb ratchet.  (I think I also own some *undersized* 1/4" extensions,
unmarked but vaguely Cornwell in look, but may have tossed them as
useless.

[EVILDR235]

A number of tool makers made a set of tools in 9/32 drive. Plomb, Snap-On and Williams were three that I know of. I currently own both Plomb and Snap-On tools in that drive size. Plomb is the ones found most offen in the WF series of tools for WWII military war contracts. The 9/32 drive tools probably drove tool owners nuts for years trying to figure out  the story behind them.

EvilDr235

[PFSchaffner]

Thank you. Apparently it is *still* driving owners nuts, if I am anything to go by.

[EVILDR235]

Just went out and checked. Add Craftsman to the list of 9/32 drive tools.

EvilDr235

[EVILDR235]

I once had a Williams ratchet in that size before I knew the story. I ground the head down to fit 1/4 inch sockets. My bad. I probably won't be allowed in Heaven after doing that.

EvilDr235

[Nasutushenri]

My socket set 9/32" drive.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/100761653@N07/12286901575/in/album-72157648744024301/

Henri

[leg17]

I once had a Williams ratchet in that size before I knew the story. I ground the head down to fit 1/4 inch sockets. My bad. I probably won't be allowed in Heaven after doing that.
EvilDr235

Probably not.
Too bad.

[EVILDR235]

I have the same Snap-On speeder. Mine is part number M44. It does not have a G in the part number, so it is probably not a military contract tool.

EvilDr235

[PFSchaffner]

This one says simply "M-4" (and appears to have been overstamped sideways, ? "HSAO")
The socket is an "SM-12F" if that means anything to you.

[Twertsy]

Besides Cman, Plomb and Snappy, I also have Armstrong and Hinsdale in 9/32 drive.

[EVILDR235]

I have in my collection a Snap-On 9/32 inch to 1/4 inch socket adapter part number MVA 6. I have no idea where or when I got it. I  also have another one, but I am not sure where it is at the moment or the maker.

EvilDr235