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Williams "premium" phillips head screwdrivers (not so good)

Steve_P

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Sep 15, 2010
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5,182
Ok, just bought a set of Williams "premium" phillips- the style with the black hard plastic handles. I'm NOT impressed. IMO, they pretty much **** for quality on the tips. I am not sure what I'll do; they're definitely going back, either for refund or I might try an exchange. I just ordered some Wihas so if they look good I might just stick with them and abandon Williams. I'm obviously disappointed that what I consider an expensive USA mfg driver was so poorly ground. Yeah, I know it's not snap on price, but for what I consider a good amt of $ these are not good.

CSC_0547.jpg

the #1 above looks good to me

CSC_0548.jpg

the above #2A doesn't look good

CSC_0549.jpg

above #2B looks bad also...note this is a different #2 than above

CSC_0550.jpg

ok, the third williams #2 next to what I consider a properly ground #2. Dunno who made this but you can see the ID marking.

CSC_0551.jpg

and, yes, I'm sorry, my very slightly used Harbor Freight $1 screwdriver has a tip that is better ground than the Williams that cost 7X as much. Not good. And, I've had another set of HF before and they actually wore fairly well, MUCH better than a set of crapsman "professional" that cost 5X as much.

CSC_0552.jpg

again, not good

CSC_0553.jpg

the #4 looks ok although I didn't try it.

On the poorly ground #2s, I clamped a new #2 screw in the vise and could tell the difference. The HF screwdriver bit in with no play as did the driver tip. The williams #2s had noticable play.

The set of slotted williams drivers i received look fine but it's obviously easier to grind a slotted tip than a phillips.
 
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lipadj46

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Jan 25, 2010
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1,044
I don't know my #2 and #3 look fine and more importantly work fine. They don't look like those that's for sure.
 

Ben Iv

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Jul 23, 2010
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Oklahoma
Hmm I just orderd a set yesterday. Guess ill see what happens, mabie you got a bad batch or sompthing.
 

Ben Iv

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Jul 23, 2010
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Location
Oklahoma
Got mine today, love em. clearly no problems with the #2:thumbup:
 

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Steve_P

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I got my Wihas a few days ago and the phillips tips look/fit awesome. Sending the Williams back for a refund.

Hopefully the Wihas will wear ok.
 

3 at 8

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Dec 1, 2008
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N. E. Ohio
Well; this post isn't encouraging. I ordered both six peice sets from amazon. The slotted ones arrived today. FWIW the largest one (12") is not as depicted in the photo. Mine has a square shaft, not smooth chromed (more of an rough industrial silver I guess), there is no hex at the base of the shaft and the tip is not treated the same as the others. I dont think it would be a dealbreaker, just passing on my observations as It's allways a bummer when the picture dosent match the product. I assume my phillips set will arive tomorow or soon after.


Williams slotted: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NHI24E/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
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Steve_P

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the shaft is square (for whatever reason) on the largest slotted as you said. And the finish doesnt' match- way different level of chrome... Not sure if you'll ever use such a beast but I agree it'd be nice if it matched the others.

I hope your phillips tips look better than mine did.
 
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superautobacs

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Oct 31, 2008
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Vancouver, BC
Another unimpressed Snap-on PH#2 owner here. Maybe Williams got the bad batch or "seconds" :confused:

The square shank flat blade is constructed that way to cope with the stresses involved with prying things apart. :D
 

fordbroncodave

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Sep 15, 2009
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4,555
don't get pissy that you bought the williams screwdrivers for 1/4 the price of a set of snap ons.

ideally they are the same screwdriver but attention to detail has tapered and it is reflected in the price for the set
 

superautobacs

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Oct 31, 2008
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....and in the meantime, the Europeans can do it near flawless for a similar price than Williams. hrmm...


Oh btw, on one of the Williams screwdrivers, they couldn't even insert the shank plumb with the handle!
 
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Monte

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Dec 23, 2008
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Germany
dang even the gold plated ones :shocking::shocking::shocking:
The gold alone on these drivers is worth $27 :D
 

pep

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Mar 1, 2010
Messages
469
dang even the gold plated ones :shocking::shocking::shocking:
The gold alone on these drivers is worth $27 :D

LOL. Hey dude, it's the USA. We borrow money from China, buy PB Swiss and Nepros for 70% off, and then have a shot of tequila with a beer back before bedtime.

It's a simple life, yet complete.
 
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