PDA

View Full Version : J. H. Williams Superrench combination wrenches

Autoguy
05-02-2009, 03:51 AM
I wonder when J. H. Williams closed down before SO bought the name rights.I have a vintage WILLIAMS superrenches combination set and 3/8 incomplete socket set made in USA it is of good :thumbup:quality but is WILLIAMS comparable to SO, PROTO, BONNEY in terms of their tools quality and longivety. I am talking about the old Williams.
Merkava_4
05-02-2009, 04:01 AM
I am talking about the old Williams.

Yes ... you're talkin' about some serious tools now. :thumbup:
RRmech
05-02-2009, 08:37 AM
My father had a complete set of Williams combo wrenches back in the 60's.
I remember using them as a kid, when he and I (about 2% "I") restored an old German Opal back in 1963.
After he died in 2008.....my SISTER kept the wrenches!?
Probably sold them on flea-bay?

Steve
krusty the clown
05-02-2009, 08:53 AM
AFAIK jh william's did not shut down. snap on bought them as a working company. williams has always been a quality tool.
lbgradwell
05-02-2009, 12:34 PM
AFAIK jh william's did not shut down. snap on bought them as a working company. williams has always been a quality tool.

That's right, Krusty; Williams was acquired as a "going concern". Any reduction in the quality of Williams has been Snap-on's doing...
kindyr
05-02-2009, 12:40 PM
Not to thread jack, but Since Williams came up while I'm looking for info. I have a Williams Superrachet, B-52. It's probably the nicest rachet I've ever used, and got it for free when an uncle passed away.

Are these sealed units or is there a way to open it up to relube it? I love the rachet and would prefer to keep it as solid as it has always been for me.
lbgradwell
05-02-2009, 01:06 PM
Are these sealed units or is there a way to open it up to relube it?

The ring around the direction switch unscrews from the body. Tap it with a hammer and punch...
kindyr
05-02-2009, 02:16 PM
Awesome. I wondered about that being the case, but didn't want to try it and damage the case.

Thank you!
eric87
05-02-2009, 03:01 PM
are these what you are talking about :bounce:
Autoguy
05-02-2009, 11:32 PM
are these what you are talking about :bounce:

Yes exactly they are the same as yours even the 3/8 in ratchet .
Uncle Buck
05-02-2009, 11:36 PM
Top shelf product there. Williams always has been (I only speak of their line made in America of course) don't know anything about their import line, and really do not care too!
Merkava_4
05-02-2009, 11:40 PM
That's right, Krusty; Williams was acquired as a "going concern". Any reduction in the quality of Williams has been Snap-on's doing...

From where I'm standing, the quality of Williams has gotten better since Snap-on took over. I haven't seen any of the imported stuff, but the domestic stuff I've seen at Gordon Industrial has been excellent; many times mirroring Snap-on.
lbgradwell
05-02-2009, 11:45 PM
It's principally the imported stuff to which I refer...

Still, old JH Williams is pretty much universally-praised, but I've seen complaints about the newer stuff. I can't say whether it's justified or not as I have no experience with it.

But I've never heard anyone claim it's better!
petty4243
05-02-2009, 11:48 PM
are these what you are talking about :bounce:

i need to raid your box and finish my supperrench set lol:beer:

need one of those 5/8 and a few others lol
Autoguy
05-03-2009, 12:23 AM
i need to raid your box and finish my supperrench set lol:beer:

need one of those 5/8 and a few others lol


:shocking:

I have the complete set from 1/4 to 1 1/8 in orange vinyle roll.I remeber its original price was around 150$ but I paid only 75 since it was the last set and no body was interested in buying it as the salesman qouted. a similar Proto costs around 230 $ and much respected tool name here than even Snap_on.
petty4243
05-03-2009, 07:31 AM
:shocking:

I have the complete set from 1/4 to 1 1/8 in orange vinyle roll.I remeber its original price was around 150$ but I paid only 75 since it was the last set and no body was interested in buying it as the salesman qouted. a similar Proto costs around 230 $ and much respected tool name here than even Snap_on.

throw us a pic sometime, mine are not in a roll, have 3/8-1 1/8.... missing 5/8, 7/8 and 15/16... just started working on double boxends and open ends
eric87
05-03-2009, 02:18 PM
i just got back from the swap meet i found a 25/32 combo wrench only one i saw there
Paladin
05-03-2009, 07:24 PM
The VAST majority of my metric and SAE combo's are Williams Supercombos. They are excellent wrenches! :thumbup: