Gearwrench vs Williams - Is shallower better

[Tsquare]

Newbie to this forum and it has quickly become my favorite forum to read during the day - great information from lots of experienced hands.

I am in the process of updating my sockets. I recently sent back a large set of Craftsman USA easy read sockets, because I could not get past how poor the quality of the finish was on these sockets (sorry Craftsman fans, I been Craftsman loyal for 35 years and they have lost me)

I do not wrench for a living, a weekend DIY'r so I do not need the best. I have been considering Gearwrench and Williams. I noticed that the shallow 3/8 Gearwrench Sockets have considerably less bolt clearance depth then the shallow Williams 3/8 sockets. When I look at the Gearwrench Sockets they look well made, but small compared to the Williams. I am use to more of what I would call a traditional sized 3/8 shallow socket like the Williams.

Has anyone noticed this difference regarding the Gearwrench sockets vs others and does it make a difference?

 

[BajaBound]

I have an entire blue point 1/4 and 3/8 socket set in MM and SAE and they are fantastic. They are clones to the Williams coo Taiwan. Just this last weekend we did a full suspension build at my house and those there where extremely impressed with the quality. I am currently in the process of buying Williams 1/2 to replace all of my craftsman sockets. I have the Williams 1/2 extensions and they are clones to the BP counter parts. I give them a 10 and for me the weekend warrior they are beyond awesome. As for gearwrench I think they are top notch as well. I love my gearwrench tools that I have and would not hesitate going with them but my OCD is keeping me with the Williams line as I also have a full set of USA supercombos wrenches that I am in love with. New Holland tractors also has a killer bit set that is a clone to Williams Blue Point and it is a great addition to my box. I hope this gives you some help.

 

[senor fozz]

FOr my personal pref in this situation. I would get the shallower of the two. THen pick up 12 point mid depth(2 birds on stone). This way you have shallowest for tight areas and 12 points if you run into 12 point faasteners

 

[Brownsfan]

Yes I have noticed this with Gearwrench and Kobalt as well. Same is true for 1/4 drive as well. They are a lot less shallow than even USA craftsman. That's why I stuck with my USA mate Craftsman sockets. Now I still may upgrade to USA Williams. Basically snap on sockets with the Williams name.

 

[CWP1616L]

Shallow sockets are primarily for bolt heads anyway aren't they? I mean chances are if you're taking off a nut you're gonna be using a semi-deep or full deep socket anyway.

 

[Tsquare]

Thanks for the replies - spent the last couple of weeks considering what makes the most sense for my needs. I considered realistic usage, quality, cost, convenience to buy / update, I wanted USA Tools, but realize we live in a global community and that is only going to become more so in the future and finally, I wanted what I liked the best - regardless of all the other considerations.

This is what I went with - I purchased a set of 3/8 shallow and mid-depth sockets in Sae and Metric with a 1/4 and 3/8 120 tooth flex handle soft grip rachet(s) from Gearwrench. The reason for choosing Gearwrench is the the price, quality, unique socket depths compared to the American made brands and the overall design of their sockets and ratchets. Lastly, I believe they are an up and coming tool company that will be around for a long time.

I also, went back to Craftsman - I purchased a 255 piece mechanics set for 180.00 - All Made in the USA. This purchase was made after I realized it was the quality of the laser etching on the sockets that troubled me, the non-laser etched sockets from the USA are really almost identical to my 35 year old Craftsman sockets (except for the color), I still have all the sockets from my original set, never broke a one. I placed my old socket next to the new socket and when I compared the quality of the casting and finish, they are the same, its un-canny. I think we believe the finish was better back in the old days, but I think other companies just raised the level of finish on their tools through the years and Craftsman never did (for example the Gearwrench sockets are flawless in their finish). The bottom line for me - for the price, you cannot beat what you get in this set - 160 USA sockets (w/ a nice selection of 6pts) 3-serviceable USA made ratchets, and USA made raised panel wrenches and not a lot of wasted extras in this set, But most importantly I was able to stay Craftsman loyal - that sounds ridiculous, but loyalty is loyalty and it means something to me. No regrets, very happy with my decision, these tools should provide the needed update to keep me wrenching of a long time going forward