I have the Snap-on made Williams sibling. Mine is the S-53A, a longer 15" version. It's unfortunate CAT only offers the 11".
Mine uses the same 72t mechanism as the CAT which is totally different than the old Superratchet dual pawl design of its predecessors. This uses a single dynamic block pawl with the post and heart spring design common in Facom and several other brands. It also has rubber seals to protect against ingress and uses oil instead of grease.
I also have an older dual pawl version from the time period when Snap-on had acquired Williams but before they changed to the modern design. These tools dropped the "J.H." from the Williams name and the font changed to a very basic typeset.
The newer version looks similar from a distance, but has been completely redesigned in all but general shape. While the classic has an impressive timeless design, I do prefer the new less rounded I beam shame of the body and the full bright polish finish.
I don't think I would like the smooth, straight, round handle of the CAT. It's BEGGING for a black hard handle like the screwdrivers.
I'm okay with the coke bottle shape of Cornwell and Wright and the smooth handles of Snap-on because they are contoured and the swells provide some hand placement, grip and control.
My Williams S-53A has a knurled handle, but it is much less pronounced than the older versions. I prefer the more aggressive old knurling. The vintage Williams actually offered a hard acetate handle option but its very rare to come across. A friend of mine had one.
So which one is better and why the warranty?
If I could only have one, I would keep the old version.
First, they are obsolete and I could always buy the new version.
Second, the dual pawl mechanism is tried-and-true. Its proven to be extremely reliable, has a very smooth and user friendly action and is mostly bulletproof. The new heart spring design is much more finicky, has some minor known issues, and may not stand up to abuse as well.
Third, the sound. Let's just say if the modern 72t version sounds like a 5.0 Coyote engine, the old dual pawls sound like a Formula One engine. Even if you aren't a good mechanic, your ratchet will sound badass and you'll pass with flying colors.
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The CAT warranty? What to say.... That's a hard one to analyze.
But honestly, they offer a repair kit and its probably not expensive. Better yet, the Williams repair kit is probably more common at distributors and easier to acquire. IMO, the issue with all of these Williams roundhead ratchets is the handles bending. I have a theory they were originally designed to yield in the narrow body portion before the mechanism broke. I have seen dozens of them bent, probably by cheaters.
As a matter of fact, my S-53A is bent. The mechanism still works fine. But I know nothing about how that happened.
I like all these roundheads and wouldn't consider any of them a bad choice.
If you really want to up your mechanical game and improve your patience at the same time, go get a handful of the old ones and tackle the spanner nuts. It's a real good time!
