Are these Counterfeit Williams Sockets?

[amandato]

I just got a set of 3/8" drive Williams universal sockets off a popular auction site and I'm suspicious that these are not true "Williams" sockets. The joints are binding, it appears because the edges where the top and bottom meet are not rounded very well. The pins holding them together don't seem "Williams" quality either and all but 1 use a chrome rather than black oxide pivot block (lack of a better description).

Can anyone confirm if these are fakes or just old stock Williams?

 

[SMKS]

I would guess they're real Williams. I've seen other tools just marked with a simple "Williams."

 

[amandato]

And the different pins and center blocks?

 

[woody 73]

I bought a Herbrand tool from a GJ member that was made in china and not in the United States ; so I am not saying that it does not happen every once in a blue moon; but your sockets from the pictures look like the real deal.

If you think about it, I would venture to say that there is not a big profit to be made in counterfeit tools so most people do not do it.

woody

 

[SMKS]

And the different pins and center blocks?

I didn't take the time to look at the current Williams sockets. Your sockets are probably a mix of different production.

 

[Major Ramifications]

Tools are not art. They are commodities made to sell at a certain price. There will be differences from time to time and there will be a range in the quality of each piece, not an absolute.
They are not counterfeit, they are just tools.

 

[TonyCH]

And the different pins and center blocks?

Take a look at this box. The pins are also different in the u-joints. Don't know why but your sockets are not the only set like that.

 

[amandato]

Okay thanks guys!

I contacted Williams (Snap-on Industrial) about the binding issue and they said to ship them in to the warranty department. I'll let everyone know what happens in 4-6 weeks.

 

[Fedwrench]

They're probably real Williams sockets but, if they came in a box as pictured above with Klein sockets from a tool liquidator, it's hard to say if they're first run quality or seconds.
Here's a link to current Williams http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ive-Chrome-SAE-Universal-Shallow-12pt-Sockets

 

[amandato]

Just to update this thread, Williams sent me replacement sockets, no questions asked. The replacements work great!

I've since started buying other Williams tools, this is a good company and I want to support them.

 

[Justin1776]

I've since started buying other Williams tools, this is a good company and I want to support them.

Same here. I was thinking they might have been some Taiwan productions. I don't have my catalog handy at the moment, I'm not sure if Williams has Taiwan swivels or not.

 

[capnrob97]

If you think about it, I would venture to say that there is not a big profit to be made in counterfeit tools so most people do not do it.

woody

Yes, Snap-On is probably the only brand you could make money counterfeiting.

But then again, most Snap-On buyers tend to be tool savy, so they may be more likely to spot a fake than the average Harry Homeowner, who wouldn't be buying Snp-On probably anyways.