1929 introduction – shows thick set with tapered angles
Starting in 1927 with smooth socket walls and recessed tops in Catalog F (1929) these sockets seem to remain the same. Shown is a set of these, and they are matched, but 2 have no logos (early manufacture) and the sockets with logos have the underlined Snap-on. This are seen in Catalog F (also 1929), but not in Catalog G (also 1929). The next series are changed to straight walled sockets.
Standard Flank
Size
Date Range
F-080
¼
1945
F-100
5/16
1945
F-120
3/8
1927-1946
F-140
7/16
1927-1946
F-160
½
1927-1946
F-170
17/32
1931-1946
F-180
9/16
1927-1946
F-190
19/32
1931-1946
F-200
5/8
1927-1946
F-220
11/16
1931-1946
F-240
¾
1931-1946
3/8 Second Series 1929 style change
Left is the catalog drawing from 1939 vs the photo
The second series ran from1929 to 1936/7. These have light knurls and a larger logo. The S is enlarged and it is underlined. These were redesigned in 1939. The markings are of various depths and the friction ball holes are not uniform against the logos.
3/8 1939 style change
Top is a 1939 set with the logos below
This series started the chrome plating. It deepened the knurls, and added the rib between the knurl and the smooth area. This rib can be very defined or missing randomly. The finish on these changed during WWII to a zinc or an oil finish. These are darker and very common. Snap on tools were used extensively during the 1942 – 1945 period and flood swap meets and other places even now
3/8 SW deep socket
Top is a 1939 set with the logos below
There are listings and I think there exists deep sockets with the 1929-1937 style, but I have not seen them, These are SW deep sockets from the later period
Sockets
Size
Date Range
SF-120
3/8
1939-1945
SF-140
7/16
1931-1946
SF-160
½
1931-1946
SF-180
9/16
1931-1946
SF-190
19/32
1931, 1939 – 1945
SF-200
5/8
1931-1946
SF-220
11/16
1931-1946
SF-240
¾
1931-1946
SF-260
13/16
1931-1942
SF-280
7/8
1931
SF-300 ½
15/16
1931
SW-320 ½
1
1931
3/8 Single Hexagon Sockets
1941 catalog Drawing
Single Hexagon Sockets. The description explains that certain types of nuts and bolts can be under sized and require a single broached socket, because a double broached socket slips. It also explains that Parker-Kalon self taping screws also require this type of socket
3/8” Square Drive Sockets
Size
Date Range
Single Hex
FS-120
3/8
1941-1945
FS-140
7/16
1941-1945
FS-160
½
1941-1945
FS-180
9/16
1941-1945
FS-200
5/8
1941-1945
3/8 Early Square Sockets
1942 catalog drawing vs 194os socket
F series 1945 catalog picture vs actual. I don’t have any other sockets predating 1939, but it seems there are at least 2 styles and maybe 3.