What is Ferret ?

[DaytonaJohn]

I bought 2 tools on eBay. I wanted one of them and the other tool is a 3/8 inch drive breaker bar. It says FERRET F-5-C and Snap On. What does the FERRET mean ?

[rustynuts]

Snap-on used the Ferret name to describe what the tool can do.
"Ferret wrenches squeeze into the closest places to get those hard to reach nuts and bolts that defy the ordinary type of wrench. They were originated by Snap-on to make quick easy work on the many jobs in cramped places on modern day cars. The name "Ferret" exactly describes the adaptability and efficiency of these tools"
The above is from the 1939 Snap-on catalogue.

[DaytonaJohn]

Over on the Garage Journal web site someone wrote this :

Snap on was one of the pioneers of the 3/8" drive, and a lot of their tools from that early era had ferret on them because they could "ferret in" where 1/2" drive couldn't fit. It's why their 3/8" drive tool ratchet part numbers start with F.

[Oldtuleguy]

That's a very good description. A ferret is a critter that can weasel into a small spot, and in the 20s everything was 1/2 drive or larger, with some exceptions. 3/8 drive was a small drive size with substantial strength which made it very useful for tight spots. The first sets had no ratchet, and it was not until 1929 snap on finally produced the f7 3/8 ratchet. Here is an early set, pre ratchet,pre date code, maybe 1926
..

[00fxd]

Thanks for this, but one further question. When referred to as "Ferret" should one understand that it is then 3/8 drive? Or is there exceptions?

[Oldtuleguy]

As far as snap on goes ferret tools are 3/8 drive.