3/8 F-4 Speeder Progression

3/8" Drive F-4 progression

There are many of these. They can be seen all the time and there are a number of model numbers and labels with little indication about the differences.  With the tremendous number of these floating around and the varation of part numbers it seems confusing. I see the following differences that help me to categorize these. 

The Length:  The biggest difference between these is length. There is no difference in the same year/s between different models except for length

Differences over time: 

  1. Handle style differences
  2. Square style differences
  3. Logo Differences

The first photo is an F-4 from the early 1930s, under this are 3 F-4 variants. The right most is the same F-4-A (undated) from the late 1930s, Middle photo is an F-4-A from the late 1930s and the right most is F-4-M 1960. The bottom photo shows the same tools, the early 1930s has a ring around the square, this is tapered in the late 1930s and is softened into the 1960s and modern tools

Model number

Description

Length in inches

Date range

F-4

Speeder handle

15

1927 – 1936

F-4 A

Speeder handle

17 3/8

1937-1942

F-4 B

Speeder handle

24

1931-1942

F-4 C

Speeder handle

36

1941-1942

F-4 D

Speeder handle

17 3/8

1942-1946

F-4 G

Speeder handle

36

1942-1946

F-4 H

Speeder handle

24

1942-1946

F-4 L

Speeder handle

17 5/8

1948

F-4 M

Speeder handle

24 ½

1948

F-4 N

Speeder handle

36 ½

1948

F-4L

Speeder handle

17 5/8

1948-1975

F-4LA

Speeder handle

17 5/8

1965-1978

F-4LB

Speeder handle

17 5/8

1995

F-4LBK

Speeder handle
comfort knob

17 5/8

1995

F-4LS

Speeder handle

18 15/16

1965-1967

F-4M

Speeder handle

24 ½

1948-1962

F-4MA

Speeder handle

24 ½

1965-1978

F-4MB

Speeder handle

24 ½

1995

F-4N

Speeder handle

36 ½   

1948-1962

F-4NA

Speeder handle

36 ½

1965-1978

F-4NB

Speeder handle

36 ½

1995

 

3/8 RS-4 (Ratchet Speeder) Early

3/8" Drive RS-4 Cat drawing progression

This photo shows the logos on the F-4 early 1930s, an F-4-A from the late 1930s and WWII period F-4-D. The earlier logos use a larger S and don’t have an underline

This is a hybrid between a ratchet and a speeder. The catalog drawings shows a 1938 drawing and actual. These are pretty easy to ID, the bend in the shaft is more square, tha the rotating handle is the early knurled type. This one is very nice showing little wear and full chrome. These are popular and pricy. 

3/8 RS-4LB (Ratchet Speeder)

Here is the drawing vs the actual. Note 2 types on handles were used at the same time (1960 is the date for both)

This is catalog drawings show the RS-4LB and an actual 1960 example. The handles are not uniform. Both of the handles shown are from 1960. Notice the angle of the bend in the rachet shaft. It has better clearance than the earlier ratchets. 

3/8 RS-4 (Ratchet Speeder) progression

Catalog drawings show 

1st 1939 RS-4

2nd 1955 RS-4L

3rd 1960 RS-4L

This is a hybrid between a ratchet and a speeder. The catalog drawings show the three variants listed. The first is a 1939 Catalog Drawing of the RS-4. In 1955 the RS-4L appeared and the RS-4LS in 1960. 

.

Model number

Description

1937

RS-4

Ferret Speedster Ratchet

1939

RS-4L

Ratchet speeder

1955-1958

RS-4LB

Ratchet speeder

1960-1962