Par-X Tools

[J.A.F.E.]

I will try and reconstruct the Par-X stuff I posted in case anyone is interested.

Par-X was made by Snap-on as a budget line - I am thinking probably more as a way of selling something rather than let the customer off the truck empty handed. Just about the entire line was retired forgings or sometimes current forgings but the fit and finish was not as good as main line Snap-on. It was a limited line and pretty basic. The line included 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 and 3/4 drive tools, screwdrivers, DOE and combination wrenches, single ended line wrenches and a couple top chests and one roller. Metrics were available in the combination wrenches and in some of the drive sizes. Most of the tools were not date coded but some do turn up.

The ratchets used the same guts as Snap-on of the same era and drive size. The forgings were similar (except 3/4 which was almost the same). Standard 30 tooth repair kits work perfectly in the ratchets. There were only standard handle ratchets as far as I know. Never seen a long, stubby or flex handle.

The early screwdrivers and socket drivers used the old octogrip design but in gray instead of black as Snap-on had used. There were a few that came through in a translucent amber with the octo grip design (if you think you've found one don't get too excited quickly - Snap-on made a line of screwdrivers in the mid 50's called Par-V and it's easy to mistake the two). Later screwdrivers and drive handles used the square clear amber handles as in the pic below Snap-on used on nut drivers and some specialty stuff (and a few screwdrivers).

Par-X was made mid/late 60's to early/mid 80's but is not in the catalogs although there was at least one four page supplement the dealers had. Dealers had the option of selling them and not all did. The warranty was similar to Snap-on but in theory you'd have to pay the difference (50% of Snap-on list) if the piece was replaced with a Snap-on replacement. Some tool sellers seem to know Par-X was made by Snap-on and seem to think they carry the standard Snap-on warranty. They do not and did not. Many at Snap-on are not even aware the brand exists - after all it was last made about 35 years ago.

Snap-on phased out the Par-X name and replaced it with the same tools with the same part numbers but branded Blue Point and those lasted through the mid 80's or so.





Please feel free to post up any Par-X you have.

[jabberwoki]

I`ll look forward to your Monday post.

[DeadNutz]

This 7/16 combo is the only Par-X I have I think. I got it with a bunch of tools I bought that had been donated to our EAA chapter.

[slip knot]

I picked up a couple of ParX wrenches from an estate sale yesterday. They've got lots of toolbox rash but still good usable tools. I don't see them very often around here and when found they've usually been well worn.

[J.A.F.E.]

I'm interested in your impressions of how you like them as users.

I seem to find them in cycles. I won't see any for a long time and then I see tons.

[J.A.F.E.]

Got some additional pix to post.

Two Snap-on Octo-Grip 1/4 drivers and a Par-x. The Par-X was made some time after the Octo-Grip was doscontinued. I think Snap-on was crafty using older designs to produce their budget line.

[J.A.F.E.]

The later Par-X drivers used the square amber handle. I personally like these a great deal. They are nice drivers if you can find them and in my book, desirable.

[J.A.F.E.]

The 1/4 ratchets were p[retty much the same through the Par-X years when the brand changed name to Blue Point the part numbers stayed the same but there were some minor differences.

The location of the unknurled part of the handle moved slightly and the selector switch changed from metal to plastic (I think it's plastic anyway). Usually the drive gear of the Par-X are black oxide but sometimes chrome and vise versa on the Blue Point versions.

The Blue Point is the top ratchet and the Par-X on the bottom.

[Snaparxon]

Here is JAFE's tool box, at least that is the plan. For now I'm holding it for him

[J.A.F.E.]

Take good care of it.

[Snaparxon]

Take good care of it.

It hasn't seen daylight since I received it and unpacked it and packed it into the basement. I'm going to put some owners marks on it I think

[J.A.F.E.]

The fancy word for that is provenance.

[J.A.F.E.]

Par-X ratchet family.



UR72 (bottom) next to an LV72 (yes it's military). The finish is not quite as good on the Par-X but they are otherwise pretty much the same. The internals will swpa between them.

[CRTDI]

Wow! Super nice ratchet collection. I’ve never seen the 3/8” or 1/2” versions before. I’m sure those took a while to find.

[J.A.F.E.]

At one time they weren't too hard to find but I haven't seen any for a while.