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King Dick Sockets

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King Dick Sockets

Postby Bod1 » 24 Apr 2022, 11:52

I've just received a King Dick socket, what makes this one different, is that it has the "Hex drive" system. Rather than the normal square drive.
I have Britool hex drive sockets, but have never seen or heard of King dick using this system.
The socket is bright chrome finish, and doesn't look to be ancient, though the hex drive system seems to have been short lived experiment lasting only about twenty years up to early 60's, using rachets, and extensions similar to the square drive system that followed.
Hex drive sockets, with an Allen key were available much earlier, and were the lower cost alternative, to the Britool professional quality.
I have also come across square drive systems, made with odd size drives for specialist trades, to prevent theft,as the drive was not commonly available. (Instead of pinching one socket, the whole set went missing!)
Could my socket be from a specialist set? although the fastener size is bog standard 3/8 Whitworth.

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Re: King Dick Sockets

Postby 9fingers » 24 Apr 2022, 16:58

I've not come across King Dick sockets but recall my dad having some adjustable spanners of that brand.
Rather than the more usual adjustables aka crescent wrenches (US), these were closer to Stilson style moving jaw (with out the teeth and pivoting action)

I might even have one somewhere but prefer to use fixed spanners wherever possible.

Bob
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Re: King Dick Sockets

Postby Lurker » 24 Apr 2022, 17:44

When I worked in engineering, most blokes had a large adjustable spanner of that brand.
But it was mainly so as to facilitate saying in a loud voice “ I need to use my ‘king dick on that” or similar.
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Re: King Dick Sockets

Postby Bod1 » 26 Apr 2022, 17:51

King Dick themselves have confirmed the socket was made in the late 1940's or early 50's, and had gone to square drive by mid 1950's.

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Re: King Dick Sockets

Postby Woodbloke » 26 Apr 2022, 18:08

Lurker wrote:When I worked in engineering, most blokes had a large adjustable spanner of that brand.
But it was mainly so as to facilitate saying in a loud voice “ I need to use my ‘king dick on that” or similar.


I've still...

IMG_6687.jpeg
(136.15 KiB)


...got one! :lol: - Rob
I no longer work for Axminster Tools & Machinery.
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Re: King Dick Sockets

Postby Pete Maddex » 27 Apr 2022, 08:07

Feeling a little bit deflated...

ImageKingDick_zps20ecf696 by pete maddex, on Flickr

Pete

I do have a 55 and 60mm King Dick Ring spanner
Let them eat static


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