how smooth are the newer williams ratchets?

[monster1]

Specifically the USA made ones. For the price and that they are designed and built snap on should be a no brainer but they don't have a button release or fine teeth like the Taiwan version. Anyone here have these and if so how smooth are they? Is there a fine tooth rebuild kit available?

 

[el tanque prohibido]

They're the same smoothness as the Snap-on 936 series because they use the exact same ratchet kits.

 

[kapster]

I'm curious on this myself, never used a snap on ratchet but if they're anything like the duralast copies they're pretty nice. Is it worth 3x's the cost to get dual 80 snap ons?

I've really been eying the usa williams ratchets after picking up the williams supercombo wrenches, very nice stuff.

 

[njride]

they are basically the snap on 936 series(the previous gen to the dual 80's).

I think they are the best deal around even though I haven't bought one since I finally upgraded to dual 80's and armstrong maxx flex heads after using the cman raised panels for diy stuff for years. Look at the prices of the used 936 snap ons on ebay, those usa williams are seriously one of the best deals around in my opinion. I'm gonna buy one in 1/2 inch flex head soon to complete my set of ratchets.

 

[monster1]

They're the same smoothness as the Snap-on 936 series because they use the exact same ratchet kits.

Just so I can get a better understanding, how smooth is it compared to a cmans rp?

 

[Bart Simpson]

Specifically the USA made ones. For the price and that they are designed and built snap on should be a no brainer but they don't have a button release or fine teeth like the Taiwan version. Anyone here have these and if so how smooth are they? Is there a fine tooth rebuild kit available?

The current Williams USA made pear head ratchets are ALL 36 tooth and are the same internally to the 936 series Snap On ratchets.

There is no fine tooth rebuild kit available.


The inside of a Williams M-52EHA 1/4" drive 36 tooth ratchet.

Click pics to enlarge.





They are plenty " smooth " enough for some ...maybe not enough for you ?
If in doubt there are other " smoother " alternatives like the Dual 80 etc.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Just so I can get a better understanding, how smooth is it compared to a cmans rp?

That's like comparing a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud to a Suzuki Samurai.

 

[Fedwrench]

That's like comparing a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud to a Suzuki Samurai.

Spoken like a former member here that used a different kind of tank as his ID.

However, the 36 tooth models are fairly stiff when new but, smooth out with use. It really wasn't that long ago that the 36 model was the industry standard. They're very strong and durable. Depending on where you shop for Williams, they can be a true sleeper value. Try toolsdelivered.com for price checks.

 

[kapster]

Is there any strength issues with the dual 80 or are they pretty equal there?

 

[monster1]

That's like comparing a Rolls Royce Silver Cloud to a Suzuki Samurai.

I wasn't comparing the two, just using the cman as a point of reference.

 

[SMKS]

People seem to be forgetting that Williams has two lines of USA made ratchets.

They have the pear head 36 tooth.

And they have the 72 tooth round head.

The 36 tooth is a little stiff for my tastes, but I've never tried clipping the spring.

I've owned older Williams Superratchet round head ratchets and I really like them. I haven't owned the newer round heads, which use a different mechanism.

An ebay seller has the 3/8" drive round head ratchets in industrial finish for $23 shipped, which is a pretty good deal.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300622288690?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[straightup]

I just recieved my 1/2" long handle ratchet from toolsdelivered. I haven't used it yet, but I think this ratchet will be my favorite.
The handle contour and quality of finish and chrome is outstanding. Mine isn't stiff at all. I also bought a 1/2 extension set and a couple sockets. I know I'm really going to like this one. In fact, I'm going to be ordering a couple others very soon.

Probably the best $39 I've spent on tools.

 

[Scout Driver]

Take a 936 or Williams 36 tooth ratchet, take it apart and clip about 2 coils of the little spring that creates the tension in the ratchet. Add some lube and you will have a smooth ratchet.

Scott

 

[Obie]

I picked up the B-52EHFA (3/8" Drive Flex Head) and I love it. Its for the home tool box, but still sees a good bit of use. Its the smoothest 36 tooth ratchet I've ever used. ToolsDelivered.com has it for $36.95

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-B-52EHFA-Hand-Tools-Sockets-Drive-Tools-3-8-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

 

[wreckerman5357]

Is there any strength issues with the dual 80 or are they pretty equal there?

Dual 80 is considerably stronger from what I have seen. The 936s and Williams are strong, high-quality ratchets, but the Dual 80s do not give them anything. The Dual 80 design is stronger, smoother, and has less swing arc. It beats the 936 in every category of ratchet performance. Their is a reason Snap-On does not sell the 936 anymore, given the choice no one would decide to get a new 936 over a new Dual 80. The Williams is a steal for the pro e though, bot saying its not good, just that the Dual 80 is better.

This makes sense when you consider the pawl design. The teeth are smaller but there are more engaged and therefore you have a stronger mechanism. Think about a Ford 9", the 31 spline axle is stronger than the 28 spline axle because there are more splines to hold the power.