What are these Sockets used for? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

GOPAPA · 03-09-2026, 02:59 PM

I have had these two sockets for probably 60 years or more and have used the chrome one maybe once,, can't remember what for and for sure it was not for what it was manufactured for ..

Any one got any suggestions of what you have used them for AND also what they were made for

The Chrome one has written on it S-143 and the brand name Wright also
Barburton U.S.A.

The Black one has Mac Or MaL on it and V4-SD U.S.A.

The Both are 1/2 inch Tools

Name: IMG_9138.jpg
Views: 215
Size: 49.2 KB

Name: IMG_9138.jpg
Views: 215
Size: 49.2 KB

Name: IMG_9139.jpg
Views: 215
Size: 45.5 KB

weq92f · 03-09-2026, 03:15 PM

.

Here's something similar below.

https://ebay.us/m/Su7Hkr

Greg58 · 03-09-2026, 03:18 PM

I think they are called drag link sockets.
I have a minty Snap on version.
Greg

GOPAPA · 03-09-2026, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

Here's something similar below.

https://ebay.us/m/Su7Hkr

That's them alright ,, but,, I was thinking that somwhere under a car or truck there is a place to need a screw driver headed socket for suspension adjustment ??? Maybe Not?

**Steeveedee** · 03-09-2026, 03:32 PM

I have an Impact Driver that uses bits like that. Put the bit on the driver, which can be set to right of left turn like a ratchet, and clobber it with a hammer to loosen stubborn fasteners. Like this, but better, as I bought it over 50 years ago.

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-bit-...SABEgJwLfD_BwE

weq92f · 03-09-2026, 03:34 PM

.

They're called slotted drivers, I think... Google AI says:

A 1/2-inch drive slotted socket is primarily used for high-torque, heavy-duty applications requiring the removal or installation of large slotted fasteners, such as specialized machinery screws, industrial equipment, or large plumbing plugs. These sockets offer increased leverage and durability, often featuring hardened steel bits.

-Kevin

weq92f · 03-09-2026, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steeveedee

I have an Impact Driver that uses bits like that. Put the bit on the driver, which can be set to right of left turn like a ratchet, and clobber it with a hammer to loosen stubborn fasteners. Like this, but better, as I bought it over 50 years ago.

.

Yes, the good ol' impact screw driver tool. These sockets would work good with that! My first introduction to this tool was long ago after nearly stripping out phillips fasteners holding the engine cover on an old motorcycle.

-Kevin

**Steeveedee** · 03-09-2026, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by weq92f

.

Yes, the good ol' impact screw driver tool. These sockets would work good with that! My first introduction to this tool was long ago after nearly stripping out phillips fasteners holding the engine cover on an old motorcycle.

-Kevin

Yup, they were great for those heat-welded screws!

GOPAPA · 03-09-2026, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg58

I think they are called drag link sockets.
I have a minty Snap on version.
Greg

That is what I was thinking one way they were used for ,,I thought suspension but I see where they may be used for a tie rod bar or drag link

**LockDoc** · 03-09-2026, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GOPAPA

I have had these two sockets for probably 60 years or more and have used the chrome one maybe once,, can't remember what for and for sure it was not for what it was manufactured for ..

Any one got any suggestions of what you have used them for AND also what they were made for

The Chrome one has written on it S-143 and the brand name Wright also
Barburton U.S.A.

The Black one has Mac Or MaL on it and V4-SD U.S.A.

The Both are 1/2 inch Tools

Attachment 2443753

The wider chrome one at the bottom of your bottom picture is for removing, replacing, and adjusting the drag link and tie rod ends on the 1928 through 1934 Fords. I also have two of them that I have had for 40 or 50 years.

At the arrow In the picture below, you remove the cotter key and use the socket in the slot.....
.

franken · 03-09-2026, 09:47 PM

Shovelhead oil pump. I imagine earlier engines as well.

**3757chevy** · 03-10-2026, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LockDoc

The wider chrome one at the bottom of your bottom picture is for removing, replacing, and adjusting the drag link and tie rod ends on the 1928 through 1934 Fords. I also have two of them that I have had for 40 or 50 years.

At the arrow In the picture below, you remove the cotter key and use the socket in the slot.....
.

I have three different ones like that for the draglink and tierod ends on my 35 Chevy.

GOPAPA · 03-10-2026, 11:28 AM

Great Expaining I got here ..hope it clarifys to others who has these heavy duty slotted screw head tools in their tool boxs like me ,,,,, doubt I ever used them for nothing ..thx all for the imput about them,

**knuckle-nurse** · 03-13-2026, 10:36 AM

I use them to change gear oil on outboard motors. Made a special one to remove handlebar end nuts on old Harley springer handlebars.

03-09-2026, 02:59 PM	#1
GOPAPA Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Nampa Idaho Posts: 7,862	What are these Sockets used for? I have had these two sockets for probably 60 years or more and have used the chrome one maybe once,, can't remember what for and for sure it was not for what it was manufactured for .. Any one got any suggestions of what you have used them for AND also what they were made for The Chrome one has written on it S-143 and the brand name Wright also Barburton U.S.A. The Black one has Mac Or MaL on it and V4-SD U.S.A. The Both are 1/2 inch Tools __________________ When you learn a thing a day you store up smart.

03-09-2026, 03:15 PM	#2
weq92f Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: What are these Sockets used for? . Here's something similar below. https://ebay.us/m/Su7Hkr Attached Images __________________ 67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold

03-09-2026, 03:18 PM	#3
Greg58 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Valley, NE. Posts: 1,064	Re: What are these Sockets used for? I think they are called drag link sockets. I have a minty Snap on version. Greg __________________ ________________ 1970 GMC Sierra Grande, 2500 133" wb, 402, 4spd. 2007 GMC 3500 SRW 4x4, Crew cab, Duramax/Allison. (Sold} 1987 Chevy Suburban 2500, Silverado, 2wd, 454, t-400 2023 Chevy Silverado LT 3500, crew cab, longbox, 4x4 Z-71 Duramax.

03-09-2026, 03:32 PM	#5
Steeveedee Ram-A-Lam-A-Ding-Dong Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Simi Valley, CA Posts: 11,899	Re: What are these Sockets used for? I have an Impact Driver that uses bits like that. Put the bit on the driver, which can be set to right of left turn like a ratchet, and clobber it with a hammer to loosen stubborn fasteners. Like this, but better, as I bought it over 50 years ago. https://www.harborfreight.com/6-bit-...SABEgJwLfD_BwE __________________ ~Steven '70 Chevy 3/4T Longhorn CST 402/400/3.56 Custom Camper Simi Valley, CA

03-09-2026, 03:34 PM	#6
weq92f Registered User Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Dallas Texas Posts: 3,848	Re: What are these Sockets used for? . They're called slotted drivers, I think... Google AI says: A 1/2-inch drive slotted socket is primarily used for high-torque, heavy-duty applications requiring the removal or installation of large slotted fasteners, such as specialized machinery screws, industrial equipment, or large plumbing plugs. These sockets offer increased leverage and durability, often featuring hardened steel bits. -Kevin __________________ 67 C10 fleet fuel injected '70 402, 700r4, 3.73 posi 07 335 sport turbo 6sp 94 Trans Am GT LT1 6sp posi -- sold after 22yrs 99 540 sport V8 6sp -- sold 73 240z L24 4sp -- given to friend 68 C10 step 350/350 3.73 open -- sold

03-09-2026, 09:47 PM	#11
franken Registered User Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Somewhere Posts: 3,363	Re: What are these Sockets used for? Shovelhead oil pump. I imagine earlier engines as well.

03-10-2026, 11:28 AM	#13
GOPAPA Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Nampa Idaho Posts: 7,862	Re: What are these Sockets used for? Great Expaining I got here ..hope it clarifys to others who has these heavy duty slotted screw head tools in their tool boxs like me ,,,,, doubt I ever used them for nothing ..thx all for the imput about them, __________________ When you learn a thing a day you store up smart.

03-13-2026, 10:36 AM	#14
knuckle-nurse Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Tugaske SK Canada Posts: 330	Re: What are these Sockets used for? I use them to change gear oil on outboard motors. Made a special one to remove handlebar end nuts on old Harley springer handlebars. __________________ 72 Cheyenne C20 BB, air 70 Suburban 20 BB, air, buckets 68 CST C20 air, buddy buckets 72 Jimmy 2wd 72 Blazer 4wd air 4 speed



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.