Date of Snap-On ratchet

bonneyman · January 05, 2019, 10:48:11 PM

Came across this pair of 1/4" drive rats yesterday. The Snappy could probably use a rebuild kit, but if it's a real oldie I might just leave it as is. Anyone give me a approximate date on it?

Yadda · January 06, 2019, 06:35:37 AM

Definitely keepers! Great find!

bonneyman · January 06, 2019, 08:17:55 AM

Thanks!

The Matco is a keeper for sure. The Snappy will be given a test run, and if I end up not liking it I'm giving it to a family friend who is an S-O guy.

Bill Houghton · January 06, 2019, 09:05:42 AM

Goooogle "Snap On Date Code chart." There's dozens of charts online.

bonneyman · January 06, 2019, 10:24:43 AM

Quote from: Bill Houghton on January 06, 2019, 09:05:42 AM
Goooogle "Snap On Date Code chart." There's dozens of charts online.

Doesn't have a date code. Closest I can get from online info is a military rat, maybe from the 60's. As such it's right on the border of getting a kit and using or giving it away.

Bill Houghton · January 06, 2019, 11:17:55 AM

I've only ever had to look at the date code on a Snappy ratchet once. It took me a while to find it; they seem to have hidden them in creative places. Keep looking.

d42jeep · January 06, 2019, 02:18:32 PM

Those military contract ratchets seldom have date codes and they made them for quite a while.
-Don

EVILDR235 · January 06, 2019, 10:39:22 PM

I have a 3/8 drive of that type of Snap-on ratchet.

EvilDr235

bonneyman · January 07, 2019, 09:07:52 AM

The elongated tear-drop handle makes the rat comfortable and easy to hold for such a short tool. I should probably just call Snap-On and have them send me a kit.

cody6268 · January 07, 2019, 03:09:49 PM

I'm sure that Matco is really comfortable. I need to keep my eyes peeled for one.

bonneyman · January 07, 2019, 07:35:34 PM

Quote from: cody6268 on January 07, 2019, 03:09:49 PM
I'm sure that Matco is really comfortable. I need to keep my eyes peeled for one.

Yes - it's durn near perfect!

I had one probably 6 years ago that I found at a sale. But it had a grind mark pretty deep in the neck up by the head. I couldn't bear it like that so I tried modifying it so I could use it. But that effort failed.
Kinda forgot about it until I found this one the other day. By now I learned that the style has been discontinued by Matco, so I was determined to salvage it. Soak in acetone/ATF for 2 hours and the mechanism broke loose. Clean and lube and she's back to operation. I've also learned that Matco made two 3/8" drive versions and a 1/2" drive. Keeping my eyes peeled for those.

mikeswrenches · January 08, 2019, 05:45:36 AM

No date code on my MV71 either.

Did you try asking on the "collecting snap-on" site? They might be able to help.

http://www.collectingsnapon.com

Mike

lptools · January 08, 2019, 04:12:48 PM

Hello, Bonneyman. Nice finds!!! I don't do a lot of wrenching, so I have never thought about the ergonomics of a tool and its handle. I will be on the lookout for a Matco, although they don't surface much around here. Regards, Lou

Lewill2 · January 09, 2019, 05:12:43 AM

Wright Tool makes a 3/8 drive similar to that MATCO, straight and swivel head. I carry both styles with me for light assembly and startup adjustments on the equipment we install. The swivel head is only 5 1/2 inches long, fit into your pocket nicely. I think it is about 44 tooth ratchet.

J.A.F.E. · January 11, 2019, 01:42:14 PM

Quote from: mikeswrenches on January 08, 2019, 05:45:36 AM
No date code on my MV71 either.

[snip]

The "V" in the MV part number indicates military contract. They are not usually date coded.

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Date of Snap-On ratchet