ihateminimumwage
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- Jan 26, 2012
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That stock CAT picture is of the old pre-Supercombo Williams wrenches. The current CAT wrenches will be the same Williams Supercombo rebrands that Ecotech has.
CAT tools
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Thank you - this is great info. Between you and Ecotec, the mysterious CAT wrench set seems to have been solved. Much appreciated guys, very helpful
mjdarg
Well-known member
The sockets appear to be very similar to Snap-On sockets, mine have Snap-On date codes on them. I recently got a few metric hex bits to finish an incomplete set Snap-On set. They were about $7 a piece from the dealer. They look pretty similar to the Snap-On sockets if you ask me. I usually call the dealer and order over the phone. They can check inventory, shipping time, and take payment. I agree the catalog can be a pain to navigate. As an employee, I still sometimes can’t tell for sure who makes the tools 
Firebrick43
Well-known member
There is a metal box somewhere in town that they daily drop off parts to. Some are simple locker style boxes with mechanical 4 digit combo locks. Some are a whole wall section with draws and doors of different size with a single kiosk/keypad. Areas with less parts volume might just be a construction site style job box with a combo lock.
After you pay and the parts come in, they are put in the box and you are called or texted the code to get into the section of the box with your parts in it.
Cat dealers have done it for a long time. Many Ag dealers do it now as well, or at least JD does it around here. Our JD dealer even has one onsite to allow people to pickup parts after hours.
Seriously, thanks for the response. When I dug into it, there was mention of a drop-off box (one is local at a place that uses a lot of heavy equipment) but no talk about how to use it.
I really like the idea of these CAT tools, but the great question always remains for a particular item (I think)...
are they Williams?
are they Snap-on?
If Williams, the smoking deal angle ceases to exist, and it's hard to tell from the pics (screwdrivers and pliers excepted).
Of course, like nearly all of the people on this website, it's not like I need more pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchets, sockets, but shiny objects do beckon once in a while.
are they Williams?
are they Snap-on?
If Williams, the smoking deal angle ceases to exist, and it's hard to tell from the pics (screwdrivers and pliers excepted).
Of course, like nearly all of the people on this website, it's not like I need more pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, ratchets, sockets, but shiny objects do beckon once in a while.
Retired dozer fixer
Well-known member
Same way where I live. Dealer has a drop box in another town usually at a satellite dealer or larger contractor in the area with a CAT lock on the box. Uses machinery key. Picked up hundreds of parts over the years. Handier than driving 75 miles to pick up and no freight charges. Limited to what will fit in box. Usually a Knack job site box
I disagree on the top wrench being Williams. I've had alot of old Cat tools and that upper wrench is just like the Par-X/Blue Point wrenches Snap on sold from the 60's- 70's.They were Williams, not proto. The current "supercombo" was preceded by the "superench" from 1960 to the 90's.
The angle/hydraulic wrenches have been always based on the snap on forgings but not polished
Snap on and Proto both made Cat hand tools. As far as I know the Cat tools made by Williams didn't occur until after Snap on purchased Williams. Vlchek, Billings and Armstrong made tools also, especially the tools that came in tool kits with the machinery.
Ah, so that's the part the confuses me. Special code sent via email? Caterpillar key? Not owning any heavy equipment, I lack the latter.
I guess I should just email the dealer.
Retired dozer fixer
Well-known member
I don’t know if dealers sell keys to just anyone? Keys are generic
My guess is that that's not a huge problem.
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Having owned the plier set, it is not, it is Caterpillar yellow, similar to their machinery
Bummer that the screwdrivers aren't yellow.
The tools that I fear are the sockets. I assume that the wrenches are Williams USA, but can't tell from the pics whether the sockets are Snap-on, Williams, or Williams Asia.
There are no official public links from CAT for the dealer service tools catalog.
The official download location is locked behind a CAT login. There is also no hard copy, digital only.
It will be down to whatever someone "leaked" on Google and you can find a link for. My copies are also from 2023 when I worked at a CAT dealer.
Also, the CAT website doesn't have everything, not even close. If a part number doesn't come up, you will have to contact your local dealer and ask them about price and availability.
So I took a trip over to my local CAT dealer and bought/ordered some tools over the parts counter. I handed the clerk a printed list of part numbers that I wanted. It was sort of funny and sad but they only had a printed parts book from 2015 which explained why they couldn't find the individual sockets I had listed (3/8 standard length 12 point fractional 1/4 to 3/4) since I got the numbers from the later catalog posted here. I asked if they could look up the numbers on the computer to see if those sockets existed as a set but the guy said he didn't have the ability to do that and only had the outdated hardcopy but was able to place an order for them at least. I would have tried to order online but had an issue getting an account setup so I decided to see first hand what the experience was like at the counter. I was able to get a few tools at least and the rest should be there later in the week. Also I believe it was a manager that gave me a paper form to apply for an account who mentioned that I could fax it in as an option 
Leaflessshadetree
Well-known member
Doesn't parts.cat.com work for everyone?
That is the main site and from what I can see is everything very, very segmented by region or territory and dealer. Prices and promotions vary by dealer. When you create an account you will have to pick a location and there is a backend process to set an account up with the specified location which takes time. My account is in a weird purgatory state where it is unusable since I tried cancelling/changing locations (I was staying at my parents in another state) so I'll have to go through their support to talk to someone or just try and create a new account under a different email. If you create an account I strongly recommend making sure you have the correct location where you can pick up any parts or tools.
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So I took a trip over to my local CAT dealer and bought/ordered some tools over the parts counter. I handed the clerk a printed list of part numbers that I wanted. It was sort of funny and sad but they only had a printed parts book from 2015 which explained why they couldn't find the individual sockets I had listed (3/8 standard length 12 point fractional 1/4 to 3/4) since I got the numbers from the later catalog posted here. I asked if they could look up the numbers on the computer to see if those sockets existed as a set but the guy said he didn't have the ability to do that and only had the outdated hardcopy but was able to place an order for them at least. I would have tried to order online but had an issue getting an account setup so I decided to see first hand what the experience was like at the counter. I was able to get a few tools at least and the rest should be there later in the week. Also I believe it was a manager that gave me a paper form to apply for an account who mentioned that I could fax it in as an option
Just for fun, I put that plier set PN in google, selected my local CAT location, added it to my cart, and it seems that I could order it online, pay with a CC, and pick it up at that dealer without an account. If I can find a few things I need, I may give it a try as my local place is only ~12 miles away.
A few more tools. I was going to buy the 3/8 swivel socket until I found out the price was essentially identical to the Snap-On version (~$67 + tax). Makes me wonder why the sockets are such a good deal over the Snap-On versions. They are made to CAT's specs so whatever that means. Maybe not as polished and shiny. I don't have any Snap-On sockets to compare with yet. The sets that CAT sells are not fully complete compared with the Snap-On sets. I suppose this makes sense as CAT really only needs the specific sizes to work on their equipment rather than cater to general public tool collectors. The standard length 12 point SAE 3/8 sockets I had to order each individual socket part number as there doesn't appear to be an official set in this case. Also I'm a fan of this pickup magnet (1U-7262). It extends a good ways and is heavy duty. Not sure who make it.
mjdarg
Well-known member
That magnet is likely this Blue-Point magnet. https://shop.snapon.com/product/Magnetic-(Mirrors-Pick-Up-Tools)/Pick-Up-Tool-(Blue-Point)/PT28E
I don't see the SAE, 12 point, 3/8" sockets as a complete set. They are in other groups with more sockets, but yeah it's weird they don't come in just a socket set.
I didn't order much, but I did place an online order thru my local dealer as an individual with a CC. It was supposed to be there in two days but took about a week, which is fine. I did get a confirmation email when it was ready. When I went to pick it up the parts guy was obviously not used to dealing with an individual that ordered a few tools online, and it took a few back-and-forth exchanges for him to go get my order.
As dumb as it sounds, I really only wanted the 1/4"socket spinner/driver that was $13. I've wanted the SO version forever, but I've refused to pay the $40+ for it; it's now $48, which is just insane.
As dumb as it sounds, I really only wanted the 1/4"socket spinner/driver that was $13. I've wanted the SO version forever, but I've refused to pay the $40+ for it; it's now $48, which is just insane.
A few more tools. I was going to buy the 3/8 swivel socket until I found out the price was essentially identical to the Snap-On version (~$67 + tax). Makes me wonder why the sockets are such a good deal over the Snap-On versions. They are made to CAT's specs so whatever that means. Maybe not as polished and shiny. I don't have any Snap-On sockets to compare with yet. The sets that CAT sells are not fully complete compared with the Snap-On sets. I suppose this makes sense as CAT really only needs the specific sizes to work on their equipment rather than cater to general public tool collectors. The standard length 12 point SAE 3/8 sockets I had to order each individual socket part number as there doesn't appear to be an official set in this case. Also I'm a fan of this pickup magnet (1U-7262). It extends a good ways and is heavy duty. Not sure who make it.
I have a magnet that looks like that which I bought from Zoro a few years ago; it was listed as Proto, so maybe Ullman, or similar, makes it.
I didn't order much, but I did place an online order thru my local dealer as an individual with a CC. It was supposed to be there in two days but took about a week, which is fine. I did get a confirmation email when it was ready. When I went to pick it up the parts guy was obviously not used to dealing with an individual that ordered a few tools online, and it took a few back-and-forth exchanges for him to go get my order.
As dumb as it sounds, I really only wanted the 1/4"socket spinner/driver that was $13. I've wanted the SO version forever, but I've refused to pay the $40+ for it; it's now $48, which is just insane.
It's nice that the blades and driver head are all square to the "face" of the handles, most of the CAT and Williams hard handle screwdrivers I have are every which way. I had guessed the effort to line them up was a Snap-on price thing.
cody1325
Well-known member
I didn't order much, but I did place an online order thru my local dealer as an individual with a CC. It was supposed to be there in two days but took about a week, which is fine. I did get a confirmation email when it was ready. When I went to pick it up the parts guy was obviously not used to dealing with an individual that ordered a few tools online, and it took a few back-and-forth exchanges for him to go get my order.
As dumb as it sounds, I really only wanted the 1/4"socket spinner/driver that was $13. I've wanted the SO version forever, but I've refused to pay the $40+ for it; it's now $48, which is just insane.
Looked and looked for that same spinner handle, but couldn't find it (main reason, CAT calls it a "Driver Socket")--$18.20 here. Looks like much of what you have is basically my list (they have the six-piece screwdriver set in-stock at my store) except for a couple pairs of pliers.
Looks like I've lost my Snap-On pocket prybar for good. It's being replaced with the Lang set, as the Snap-On dealer's schedule at the shop by me and mine don't match up that often. However, at under $5, you really can't beat the 6V-9124 as a light duty prybar and pocket screwdriver. I can buy four of them for slightly more than just one Snap-On. Kind of wish Williams and CAT would have a rebrand of the Snap-On mini prybar. The clips on most others simply don't last. Gotta warranty my Macs--they both pull out constantly even after repeated gluings. I presume the CAT is similar to Snap-On's.
the blue point magnets I have were made by ullman, including one that looks just like that. Ullman make, or made, a couple magnets that have that three screw joint, in different lengths. one of them has part number 1, if I remember right.
I was able to find the "driver socket" because someone posted a picture of it earlier in the thread and I got the PN from it; never knew it existed before this thread. For whatever reason, there is no Williams version of this with the same square hard handle. Yes, there is a Williams version of this tool, but not with this handle, which is what I wanted.
The tiny screwdrivers were ~$3 each for me
. I typically use screwdrivers like this for light prying duties, but I picked up the small Mac pry bars, so I might not use these much for prying. I'm a DIYer and don't carry them in my pocket, so I removed the Mac clips. And yes, they come off easily.I'm in East TN, so I'm surprised the prices are so different if you're in VA. Obviously, your dealer isn't as nice as mine LOL. However, the local Toyota dealer marks up parts prices at like 25% over list, so I guess your Cat place is similar.
I also have the Lang pry bars and like them- good proportions. Much more HD than the Mac, but I have most of the mini pry bar selection and use almost all of them; I use Mac the most, the Mayhew the least.
I debated getting the basic Cat three-piece plier set as posted earlier in the thread, but I have so many pliers that I actually exercised some self-control for once. But I'll probably give in and buy them in the future
. Not because I need more pliers, but I don't have any SO pliers, so....
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Funny you mentioned that. I did pull and reinstall the two blades from the small screwdrivers. They were as bad as you could be out of sync, like 25* off of the handle faces. The large screwdriver is unaltered from how I received it.
My Williams slotted drivers were all good, but none of them were as small as the tiny Cats. Or, I guess, kittens.
I debated getting the basic Cat three-piece plier set as posted earlier in the thread, but I have so many pliers that I actually exercised some self-control for once. But I'll probably give in and buy them in the future
I almost hate to do this and I haven't had a good opportunity to say just how awesome the needle nose pliers are and they aren't even the fancy new three position parallel grip ones. They excel at holding all manner of small metal clips. I've used them on three occasions already where no other plier I have in my already full plier drawer could even come close. Whatever small part you need to grip just does not slip. I was a skeptic at first as a first time Snap On/CAT buyer but they are absolutely worth it.
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KnurledNut
Well-known member
Been a few days since we discussed this, but I just came across this listing that confirms Proto did in fact make some CAT wrenches.
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
mjdarg
Well-known member
Older CAT ratchets were Proto pearheads. Identical except for the brand marks and PN.
Years ago I missed out on a CAT Snap On box at the local CAT dealer in Mesa, AZ. It was the KRL Master series not the cheap stuff they have now. Correct CAT yellow and the usual CAT serial numbers not Snap On's. Whenever I'd ask the Snap On truck guys about them, they'd have a puzzled look on their faces when I ask about them. I think even Vidmar had a run of CAT yellow boxes if memory serves me. If me I just purchase the Snap On stuff. Unless it's a specialty tool or I work for CAT and get the discount. I know some people like themes for their tools but I just need durable and easily replaceable for my stuff. Don't get me wrong I do enjoy finding antique or long forgotten brands, but it better be a great deal$
Hannahranga
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- Mar 8, 2023
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- 211
It's definitely dependant on your personal circumstances but considering my local cat dealer does 24/7 pickups it's easier than trying to chase a snap on truck around.
Firebrick43
Well-known member
Zimbo in post 23 is probably correct, that cat sold both in the 80’s, snap on models as a higher end and proto as the value line.
My 3/4” cat branded snap on made ratchet is 1979 by the date code on the head. So they have been doing it for at least 45 years
Speed-Racer
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- Aug 25, 2008
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Do you know if that 1/4 driver is available in a 3/8. The catalog is impossible to follow.I didn't order much, but I did place an online order thru my local dealer as an individual with a CC. It was supposed to be there in two days but took about a week, which is fine. I did get a confirmation email when it was ready. When I went to pick it up the parts guy was obviously not used to dealing with an individual that ordered a few tools online, and it took a few back-and-forth exchanges for him to go get my order.
As dumb as it sounds, I really only wanted the 1/4"socket spinner/driver that was $13. I've wanted the SO version forever, but I've refused to pay the $40+ for it; it's now $48, which is just insane.
Should be 239-6824
I was told at one point they offered two lines. The cheaper one was Proto and the more expensive one was Snap-on/Williams.
That wrench is probably from the 1990s if I had to guess.