3/8 F-4 Speeder 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:
- Handle style differences
- Square style differences
- 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 | 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
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.
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Model number | Description | 1937 |
RS-4 | Ferret Speedster Ratchet | 1939 |
RS-4L | Ratchet speeder | 1955-1958 |
RS-4LB | Ratchet speeder | 1960-1962 |