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Williams vs. Snap on Screwdriver Handles

Speed-Racer

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Aug 25, 2008
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I just received my Williams 6 piece Phillips screwdriver 100P 6PDset in the mail today, the straight set is backordered.

Upon first look they are identical to the Snap-on’s. After comparing them up close, I had to pull out a digital caliper to compare with my first generation Snap-on and one second gen. I noticed a few differences. Comparing the large #4 Philips, the shank where a ½ wrench could be used for extra torque on the Snap-on is .375in tall vs. .300in for the Williams, a ½ open end wrench fits fine on both. This could be due to the age/design difference, SSDR64 USA No 4 vs. SDP 4-6 USA NO 4.

To put that in viewable terms, the open end width of my Snap on OEX16 wrench is .24in. The Snap On shank allows a second ½ wrench to grip about half the shank(.24in+.12in = .36in), the second wrench on the Williams grips only about a quarter(.24in + .06=.30in). The box end of my OEX16 is .367 wide, perhaps the Snap on shank was designed to completely engage the shank with the box end. For the number 2 Phillips, you cannot see the difference maybe .232in vs .220in for the Williams.

The only second gen Snap On Phillips I own is a SDDP31, the blades are again identical lengths, the shank height on the Snap on is .210 vs .172, we are talking maybe 1/32 of an inch difference in shank height. Shaft dia difference on the Number 1 & 2 Phillips is thicker by .003in, for the #4 is thicker by .008(.373-.365), but that may be due to 10-20 years of occasional use or different machining.
The handle on the Williams is .105 longer, a little under a 1/8 of an inch. The black plastic handles may be .024in difference in width at the widest point 1.044 vs. 1.020. I can tell the used Snap-on is a little smoother due to use and wear. It is very hard to see the difference when holding them together. If you put them on the desk, point them at each other, the Phillips tips are the same height.

The No. 1, 2 and the stubby have the anti camout ribs.

The stubby has three flats. If you think of a clock face, you can grip 12, 4, and 8 on the back. The inner flats are 2, 6, and 10 on a clock face ( just noticed that) sorta a double triangle vs. four sides on the older series, the overall length of the stubby is 3.5in.

During the measuring and comparing I found myself picking up a Williams thinking it was my Snap on. The black plastic handles, chrome finish and tips appear to be identical; the tips have the same great grip on a screw. They feel right in your hand, the balance is right.
The machining groves on the plastic are identical, same with the machining in the front where the blades are inserted. They appear to be identical. If not for the board, I would put them in my tool box and never bother to measure them. I really don’t think you could see the differences with a picture. I have rambled on more than I intended.
 
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kwhitelaw

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Feb 24, 2008
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...fighting urge to buy these screwdrivers and forget about the search for black handled SO's.....

got a link? thanks
 

billymade

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I think they basically are identical, thats why I keep recommending them to members on this board; instead of being ripped by crazy bidding wars on ebay. The only downside is warranty issues, if you are a tech and deal with the Snap-On truck; I don't know if they would warranty them. I would assume if you had a good working relationship with your dealer they would do it for you; I don't know if they could be sent into williams for warranty exchange or through your industrial vendor. I wonder if our resident Snap-On dealer would comment on wether technically, they exchange williams or that would be up to the discretion of the local dealer.... good deal and the same screwdrivers, aside from the logo and inherent warranty issues.... by the way could you tell us which vendor you used to buy them; post links if you can...

Lastly, speed racer some pics showing the side/side comparisons that you tried with your other genuine Snap-On screwdrivers would be nice and educational to those considering the purchase...
 
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Stanger

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Alton, IL
Thanks for the detailed comparison. I really like the feel of my Williams. Unfortunately I haven't been able to test them yet.:(
 

eschoendorff

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I think they basically are identical, thats why I keep recommending them to members on this board; instead of being ripped by crazy bidding wars on ebay. The only downside is warranty issues, if you are a tech and deal with the Snap-On truck; I don't know if they would warranty them. I would assume if you had a good working relationship with your dealer they would do it for you; I don't know if they could be sent into williams for warranty exchange or through your industrial vendor. I wonder if our resident Snap-On dealer would comment on wether technically, they exchange williams or that would be up to the discretion of the local dealer.... good deal and the same screwdrivers, aside from the logo and inherent warranty issues.... by the way could you tell us which vendor you used to buy them; post links if you can...

Lastly, speed racer some pics showing the side/side comparisons that you tried with your other genuine Snap-On screwdrivers would be nice and educational to those considering the purchase...




Yes please... would love to see what you are seeing....:thumbup:
 
OP
S

Speed-Racer

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Pictures

<a href="http://s395.photobucket.com/albums/pp34/Speed-Racer09/" target="_blank"><img src="http://i395.photobucket.com/albums/pp34/Speed-Racer09/Tools003.jpg" alt="Speed-Racer09" border="0" /></a>

Hope this works... feel free to post them in a better way.
 

billymade

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Tools005.jpg


Tools006.jpg


Tools007.jpg
 

billymade

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They look pretty much identical when comparing the right generation to each other; comparing the first general hard handle isn't a good comparison, because by definition it is different. As far ask I can tell they are the same and a good value; could you post a link or tell us the vendor you purchased the set from? Thanks for all the pics/review!!!!
 
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Vinko

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could you post a link or tell us the vendor you purchased the set from? Thanks for all the pics/review!!!!

+1. Thanks and please post your source, if you can.


Vinko

PS. Maybe it's just me, as I don't remember what the "look" of the S/O out of the box, but the texture of my black and green SO hard handles is slightly different from the Williams. The Williams has a slightly more brushed/textured look compared to the SO, which seems more slick on the surface. At least it looks that way in the light. Maybe it's not discernible to the touch.
 

eschoendorff

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+1. Thanks and please post your source, if you can.


Vinko

PS. Maybe it's just me, as I don't remember what the "look" of the S/O out of the box, but the texture of my black and green SO hard handles is slightly different from the Williams. The Williams has a slightly more brushed/textured look compared to the SO, which seems more slick on the surface. At least it looks that way in the light. Maybe it's not discernible to the touch.

My Snap On hard black handles have a texture... almost like a fake wood grain...
 

eschoendorff

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Maybe it depends on the generation of hard handle. My hard handles with the script Snap On logo are smooth while the ones with the latest logo have the textured grips...
 
OP
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Speed-Racer

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I received the straight screwdrivers that were back ordered. Really good quality, the largest was replaced with a square handle blade. Williams is discontinuing some of the black handles styles. You may want to place an order in case they drop this style. The six piece set was around $35 delivered.

I have laid a Snap-on 1/4 round head ratchet and a 3/8 flex with the first gen plastic handle for comparison. A little off topic, I have had the 3/8 flex since new, its my favorite ratchet. That is the handle Snap-on should bring back, IMO.

If I had to place this order again, I would skip the largest Phillips and straight blades, the prices are the same for the sets or individual pieces.
 
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Speed-Racer

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john w, the green ratcheting driver is also Snap-on...... It is really easy to confuse these with snap-on, that's why I grabbed the violet one to compare. For the price, $5 each it is a good way to cannibalize for ratchet handles and have a spare screwdriver shank. But I am not sure how to glue or epoxy them on, I am considering trying to mod a chrome handle to plastic, maybe a bead of silicone.
 

john w

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Aug 29, 2008
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Damascus, MD
Thanx for the info. I think that nissan-crawler and moose both have swapped handles on these- maybe they'll chime in.
 

Vinko

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Looks good. Don't care for the squared shank on the largest screwdriver.

So you used all2ools.com? Or do you not want to say on a public message board?
 
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Speed-Racer

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I wanted to follow up and let everyone know the Williams screwdrivers are holding up after 6 months of use, they are just as good as my Snap-on's. Wish Snap-on or Williams would bring back this handle design on the new ratchets.
 
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