Snap on comparable to JH Williams?

[stove39]

I am trying to build up a tool box with quality Combo wrenches, 3/8" drive sockets etc. and was wondering if you guys had experience with both brands JH Williams and snap-on and are they really comparable. I know everyone on this forum loves snap on but since they, if not mistaken, make JH williams are they comparable.
I am not a mechanic just would like to buy a good set of tools, superior to craftsman, that will last a life time. I am also looking at s-k tool lines and I seem impressed.
You're opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

[Hyster Gareth]

JH Williams make excellent hand tools!!

They are owned by Snap On and manufacture Snap On's industrial hand tool line. They manufacture really good supercombo wrenches and I have a set rebranded for Caterpillar which should tell you something. I don't think you will be disappointed.

 

[HandyManny]

I think JH Williams is now outsourcing some of it's manufacture offshore these days, but I could be mistaken. But yes I agree that Williams has always made excellent quality hand tools, especially when all their stuff was being produced here. Yes, they do produce and have taken up production of some of Snap-On's handtools since SO closed some of it's domestic factories in recent years here.

 

[thetreshon]

If you're looking at U.S. made (as I saw you mention SK above), note that most of Snap on's stuff is US made, so is SK - I might even think that even though SK makes a smaller line of tools, they probably have a higher percentage of U.S. made tools than Snap on.

Snap on I believe doesn't really have any U.S. made pliers or adjustable wrenches etc., they're all made in what...Spain or Germany? Don't know, don't own any new SO stuff...

I believe a lot of, if not a higher percentage of JH Williams stuff is made overseas than that of Snap on and SK.

 

[JSBriggs]

The Williams wrenches are satin chrome, while the SO are polished. The SO are a bit longer as well. Both are quality.

Ive got a black oxide Williams and SO in there as well.

-Jeff

 

[dandan111]

I have been looking at combo wrenches also. In my opinion the craftsman polished are the way to go for me. Hard to be those prices on the craftsman.

 

[bobcatdan]

Willams has always been a top notch manufacture. As said before, there are two lines, USA and import. Willams does not hide COO, just look for where it is made. A fair amount of SO designs have found their way to Willams, like hard handle screwdrivers and the old 36 tooth ratchets. Willams wrenches are their own design and have a very good reputaion here on GJ.

 

[shoturtle]

The snap on is a nicer tool all in all, and a us williams industrial are great. The none industrial are good, but are not as good as snap on. Their taiwan stuff are good tools as well. But a bit pricey compare to comparable taiwan made tools form lowes and power built.

 

[kams1973]

The Williams wrenches are satin chrome, while the SO are polished. The SO are a bit longer as well. Both are quality.

Ive got a black oxide Williams and SO in there as well.

-Jeff

The Williams wrenches you have pictured look like the older superrenches not the current supercombos.

 

[Roots]

The Snap-On has a better feel IMO and I suspect is slightly stronger. That being said, Williams historically hold up very well under heavy industrial use. Although I personally find the edge along the handle a bit uncomfortable.

 

[otis66]

I have been looking at combo wrenches also. In my opinion the craftsman polished are the way to go for me. Hard to be those prices on the craftsman.

Gearwrench beats Craftsman prices. Craftsman is re-branded GearWrench. get the Gearwrench.

 

[JSBriggs]

+1

I don't know if the length changed when they went to the Supercombos.

Same.

-Jeff

 

[dandan111]

I may take your advise otis. Would you recomend the ratchet type or standard combo gear wrench?thanks.

 

[woody 73]

Back in the day before snap on bought the williams company they made some fantastic tools (see the superwrench pictures above). Today they still make some great tools (from the snap on Co.); but I am not sure about the tools coming from overseas.

I will tell you this if they fail send them back and in a short time you will get a replacement; So I would say that they are on par to each other.

 

[Krokodil]

Just had a look at the Williams impact sockets. Seems nice. Any comments on them? COO?

 

[shoturtle]

I may take your advise otis. Would you recomend the ratchet type or standard combo gear wrench?thanks.

If you were looking at getting the ratcheting wrenches, Blackhawk by proto are actually nicer the the Gearwrench offering. But they are a bit more expensive.

If you are getting standard combo, the Gearwrench are not bad. But you can still find NOS craftsman professional at the stores for about 90 dollars. They are very well made, and US made.

 

[shoturtle]

I'm not sure they're rebranded. Aren't the open ends different between Craftsman and GearWrench? Craftsman has the fat "lobster claw," while Gearwrench doesn't.

The fat lobster claw is only on the stubbies.

 

[shoturtle]

Not sure but the taiwan made metric set I looked at on saturday were not as big as the lobster claw stubbies that was hanging next to them.

 

[stove39]

thanks a lot for all your reviews but one that i found interesting that i'd like to clear up. Is the general consensus true that gear wrench makes better quality combo wrenches than craftsman. It seems reasonable but i thought gear wrench was only reputable with their ratcheting wrenches, is there other stuff good as well? I think i am pretty much set on buying a s-k ratchet set but now i want to lock in my combo wrench set

 

[TheGrooveking]

Just had a look at the Williams impact sockets. Seems nice. Any comments on them? COO?

I have 3/8" and 1/2" drive metric shallow and deep Williams in my work box and they have taken a beating! More than a few techs borrow them since metric fasteners are the minority around here, so thru this I am sure the receive no TLC but have never shown any wear. I bought them McMaster Carr a few years back, they had good pricing and since they are local I was able to pick them up.

TheGrooveking

 

[stove39]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O1530A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Is there a reason that this is so cheap??

 

[otis66]

I may take your advise otis. Would you recomend the ratchet type or standard combo gear wrench?thanks.

I would recommend both. I peffer reg non ratcheting combo wrenches but the GearWearnch ratheting wrenches are very handy.

 

[otis66]

I am trying to build up a tool box with quality Combo wrenches, 3/8" drive sockets etc. and was wondering if you guys had experience with both brands JH Williams and snap-on and are they really comparable. I know everyone on this forum loves snap on but since they, if not mistaken, make JH williams are they comparable.
I am not a mechanic just would like to buy a good set of tools, superior to craftsman, that will last a life time. I am also looking at s-k tool lines and I seem impressed.
You're opinions are greatly appreciated.

Williams wrenches do not compare to Snap On wrenches. If you are comparing Snap On to Williams get the Snap On.

 

[otis66]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002O1530A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Is there a reason that this is so cheap??

This looks like a Blue Point china made socket set. GearWrench would be better and most Auto parts stores carry GearWrench. If you have to by from Tiawan/PRC/China go with GearWrench.

 

[otis66]

Those Williams combo wrenches were once branded Craftsman over 20 years ago. You will save money buying the Snap On wrenches because If you buy those Williams wrench you are still going to want and buy the Snap On.

 

[Chamkila]

check here, great post.............. wrenches can go wrong with craftsman ratcheting wrenches, sockets sk, drivers williams, ratcheting driver snapon, driver tools williams,


http://www.*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$*@#$/index.php?topic=1878.0

 

[Chamkila]

hopefully it works

 

[bcradio]

Is the general consensus true that gear wrench makes better quality combo wrenches than craftsman.

It depends here. I think many people (including myself) would say that the USA made Cman Pro combo wrenches are better than Gearwrench, but the raised panels and China made wrenches may not be as good as Gearwrench.

 

[Chamkila]

ok.....................

it doesnt work




just google


a tale of two ratchets

and its the first link

 

[plinker]

I have a set of S-K combo wrenches in metric, 7-19, they are nice wrenches. I've had no issue's.

The William's super Combo's are one the best combo wrenches available due to the Flank drive style open end and the thick beam. They are more comfortable then the Snap-on wrenches, IMO. They do get a bit heavy the larger the wrench, FWIW, but they feel solid. I would suggest buying a single wrench in a common size and trying it out.

The William's impact socket line (from what I've seen) has two line's Taiwan & USA (at a bit more cost) I dont have any but either COO should be good quality.

You cant really go wrong buying William's, S-K & Wright. They are all make really good tool's at fair price's.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

I am probably in the Minority but I liked my Metric Williams Super Combo wrenches so much that I sold my Snap On flank drive plus Sae set so that I could buy the Sae Super Combo's..
Even at the risk of more of a hassle if I have to warranty out any of the wrenches even though I doubt that will happen because I have not had any problems with my Metric set in the last 4 years..

Both are USA made and equal in quality I just think it is preference on which feels better in the hands of the user IMO


I would keep the craftsman wrenches you already haveand keep using them and get Flex head ratcheting wrenches

 

[otis66]

Do you have any evidence of this? I've never heard this before nor have I seen any Craftsman wrenches that appeared to be rebranded Williams wrenches.

No. But I remmeber seeing them at Sears and I thought the were so ugly I passed on them. I did buy the SK/Craftsman Pro wrenches. I believe they were the first or 2nd generation craftsman Pro wrenches before Danaher and before SK.

 

[87FoRunner]

This looks like a Blue Point china made socket set. GearWrench would be better and most Auto parts stores carry GearWrench. If you have to by from Tiawan/PRC/China go with GearWrench.

I have the 1/4 drive Williams set and I would say it is slightly better quality than the Gearwrench brand sockets I have... no drastically better, but still.

I am forwarding the metric set to a buddy to buy.

 

[otis66]

thanks a lot for all your reviews but one that i found interesting that i'd like to clear up. Is the general consensus true that gear wrench makes better quality combo wrenches than craftsman. It seems reasonable but i thought gear wrench was only reputable with their ratcheting wrenches, is there other stuff good as well? I think i am pretty much set on buying a s-k ratchet set but now i want to lock in my combo wrench set

I belive all or most of the new Craftsman line of tools are being made in Tiawan/China by Danaher/Apex/GearWrench. I'm not buying any Craftsman tools made in China. Also There are Auto Parts stores all over that sell GearWrench. GearWrench has a huge selection of tools,check out there web site. If you have to buy tools made in China/Tiawn go with GearWrench. Oh yeah the quality of GearWrench is top notch. I just paid $32.00 including tax for a 1/2" drive GearWrench ratchet. I can but two GearWrench ratchets for $64.00 if on brakes I have a back up until I can get a warranty. That is still way cheaper than $140.00 for a Snap On ratchet without a USA stamp.

 

[bcradio]

Not sure but the taiwan made metric set I looked at on saturday were not as big as the lobster claw stubbies that was hanging next to them.

I'm not sure if you are talking about Cman combo wrenches, but if so I am only aware of all of them being made in US or China.

 

[TwoInch]

i caught that too. i have not seen a polished wrench from taiwan from craftsman

edit - or any wrench for that matter.

 

[shoturtle]

Went back, my mistake. It was a gearwrench set, got mixed in with the craftsman set. They were reorganizing for the new stuff.

 

[Krokodil]

So how would I know which impact sockets were made where? The website does not help at all.

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

Just had a look at the Williams impact sockets. Seems nice. Any comments on them? COO?

For Impact sockets
If the Part #/SKU is just #'s COO is Taiwan
If the Part # /SKU starts with Letters like MS, TS, WS & ect COO is U.S.A.

Like this impact set is U.S.A for $33.50
http://www.powertool-box.com/Willia...-Drive-Shallow-6-Point-Impact-Socket-Set.html

 

[Link-Belt]

I am trying to build up a tool box with quality Combo wrenches, 3/8" drive sockets etc. and was wondering if you guys had experience with both brands JH Williams and snap-on and are they really comparable. I know everyone on this forum loves snap on but since they, if not mistaken, make JH williams are they comparable.
I am not a mechanic just would like to buy a good set of tools, superior to craftsman, that will last a life time. I am also looking at s-k tool lines and I seem impressed.
You're opinions are greatly appreciated.

Not everyone on here likes Snap-On. And my personal opinion from professional experience is that Snap-On is not superior to Craftsman. My classic Craftsman RPs have seen way more abuse and have held up to or passably out performed Snap-On. The good thing about Snap-On is only in a professional setting because of the tool availability when the truck comes to you however you pay dearly for that luxury. Craftsman will perform just as well if not better then Snap-On in a perfessional setting and no question more available to the home DIY Guy at a fraction of the price.