3/4" Ratchet - Williams & SnapOn Interchangeability

[Spudland_Dave]

So I'm about the pull the trigger on the SnapOn L872 3/4" Ratchet head with the 36" Handle...on another post here I saw the Williams 3/4" Drive H-51AB head posted...That got me to thinkin...hmm..they sure do look the same, but I want to be sure they ARE the same. Mainly so I can get the 36" Long Snappy Handle as it doesnt seem Williams has the longer handle?


Williams 3/4" Catalog Page: http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/DSN/wwwsnaponindustrialbrandscom/Content/PDF/SOIB%20-%20CAT2%20282.pdf

SnapOn L872 Head: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=hand&item_ID=636860&group_ID=674949&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

While we're talking 3/4" Drive...I'm open to any other ideas (except Craftsman) if you know of any better ratchets out there, i'm all ears.

 

[kunkernator]

From what I understand, most of the Williams USA made tools (which those heads appear to be) are made on the same assembly line as Snap On's equivalent. It is a safe bet, but I would find someone who knows more than me, or try to get your hands on one.

 

[SMKS]

It looks like the bore inside the head and the handle may be different diameters.

The Williams catalog says this on the page you provided:

Note: Head Bore and Handle End Diameter: 13/16"

The Snap-on ratchet head doesn't say the size of the bore.

But, the handle says this:

Dimension A, Dia., inches 15/16

So, the heads look the same, but it appears the Williams uses a 13/16" handle, while the SO uses a 15/16".

But, that's just my interpretation of the catalogs. You may need to contact them to find out for sure.

 

[Trash Mech]

There is also a 3/4 head that accepts the 13/16 handle available from SO

 

[rusty65]

I think the old snap on 3/4 ratchets had the 13/16 bore for the handle and the new snap ons have a 15/16 bore.

 

[CaseyJoes.]

The older smaller diameter SnapOn 3/4" handles are very tough, but springy when really pulling on hard. Some people dont care for that (and in some situations for good reason). I think that might have something to do with why they stepped the diameter up a bit.

 

[Trash Mech]

L712T is the SO head I have with the 13/16 opening. I got it new about 6 years ago, it came with a push button release but when it failed my dealer replaced the guts with the standard pin retention the big drives use. Now the top of the drive is flat rather than a button. My handle is 36 inches long and flexes, but still transfers a lot of torque.

 

[mvptrukin]

If you could find the old style L72RL handle(35" long) which had a 13/16" diameter that would work with the Williams 3/4" drive ratchet head. I have seen them on EBay go for more than the new L872RM handle (36" long) but one went for $40 back in Jan. It hasn't been that long ago that SO changed the handle diameters.

 

[Buckgnarly]

As stated above, the Williams uses the smaller diameter handle. i have also looked into this myselfas hte 872 head is tough to find cheap!

 

[Diesel_Tech_1989]

If the Williams uses the 13/16" bore I think SO still offers a stepped handle thats 13/16"on one end and 15/16" on the other. At least they did when I bought mine a few years back. As far as opinions on the difference in handles I have used both and own the 15/16". mine may flex less but it still flexes like crazy. If the Williams is priced right I'd give it a try.

 

[mvptrukin]

The OP had mentioned in another thread he was interested in a 3/4" drive ratchet with a 36" handle but you are correct--you can get a made in USA Williams 3/4" drive ratchet head with a 20" handle for $100 less than the SO ratchet head alone.

 

[redwrench60]

Here's the problem with the Snap-On 3/4" ratchets and I assume the Williams also, they have that Loxsocket feature on the drive to retain the sockets instead of a friction ball. It works great with Snap-On sockets with the push button release but ***** with all other brands of 3/4" drive sockets which have to be pried off the ratchet.

Because of this I got Cornwell's 3/4" ratchet head and 34" handle. Fully assembled it's about 40" long and it's USA made and very tough. I keep a 35" piece of proper diameter black iron pipe stored on the handle for really big leverage when needed. It's quite a bit cheaper than the Snap-On, even when not on sale (I got mine on sale) But none of this matters if you don't have a Cornwell dealer.

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...BL-%2d-3{47}4”-Ratchet-Head-Industiral-Finish

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...=HAH5LB-%2d-Handle-34”-O.A.-Industiral-Finish

 

[volaredon]

While we're talking 3/4" Drive...I'm open to any other ideas (except Craftsman) if you know of any better ratchets out there, i'm all ears.

I like my Armstrong 3/4" drive stuff, I also have a 3/4" (I think it's an) SK ratchet.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Here's the problem with the Snap-On 3/4" ratchets and I assume the Williams also, they have that Loxsocket feature on the drive to retain the sockets instead of a friction ball. It works great with Snap-On sockets with the push button release but ***** with all other brands of 3/4" drive sockets which have to be pried off the ratchet.

Because of this I got Cornwell's 3/4" ratchet head and 34" handle. Fully assembled it's about 40" long and it's USA made and very tough. I keep a 35" piece of proper diameter black iron pipe stored on the handle for really big leverage when needed. It's quite a bit cheaper than the Snap-On, even when not on sale (I got mine on sale) But none of this matters if you don't have a Cornwell dealer.

Hmm, I didnt know of the Loxsocket feature...from here on it, I do plan on SnapOn sockets (and some MAC's).... problem with the Cornwell isnt the tool, its the price. Without biting the hand that feeds me, all I'm gonna say in a public place such as GJ is I wont be paying MSRP thru my connections....Which is why I was going SnapOn in the first place.

Diesel_Tech, when you say yours flexes like crazy...do you still like your ratchet? Would you buy it again?

 

[Peoria Man]

I have a Wright 3/4" ratchet; its a roundhead unlike the ones posted above. I like its knurled handle. Its a big and heavy monster - too bad I don't get nearly as much use out of it as I thought I'd get.

 

[small]

Sorry to bump such an old thread just looking for a replacement kit and for a Williams H51A and saw this in a Google search.

I noticed references to the Williams 3/4" drive being made in the USA yet I'm finding them to be made in Taiwan also. Here is a link to one seller. Not sure at all but a search using product number will bring me also to a snap-on site that suggests its made in the USA.

At any rate in my case the designs have changed and I need a kit for the older series H51A NOT; A1, AB, 2. I guess I'm gonna just start a different thread asking about one. But thought this info might be of value.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...rive-Tools-3-4-Inch-Drive-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/Cat-20-1-193/Drive_Tools.htm

 

[Wakefield]

If I remember right Industrial Supply Denver website indicated which of its Williams was USA
I think over the years Snap On 3/4" drive stuff has had 3 different handle thicknesses (the kind where they sell pieces for using the same handle for ratchet,breaker bar and sliding T. ) Perhaps at least one of those matches Williams.