jh williams screwdrivers

[comedyman809]

anyone know if these are the same exact screwdrivers as the older snap on hard handles.

they look the same, but what about the shank, blade, quality??????


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mrholeshot]

I have some of them and they are just like the Snap-On. I cant tell the differance in the blades. For me the best handle design ever

 

[alex71]

I have a set in both slotted and Phillips. They're decent, but I don't love them. They do look sturdy enough though.

 

[csp]

I have a set that came from an estate sale for $0.50 each. They are my go-to screwdrivers now, along with a set of S-K's for larger screws.

 

[Stuey]

According to what I remember reading, they're not identical but are close enough.

 

[Bolster]

I don't think anybody knows whether they are exact or not. It's a topic that comes up occasionally. Most people have the opinion that Stuey stated: if they're not exact they're close.

I have the PowerGripPlus handle SOs and also the PGP Williams and I can't tell a difference except that my SO P#2 is a little "mushier" than the Williams, but the Williams is newer and has less use, so that likely explains the better Williams driver.

Also the williams has ACR.

 

[wadd1]

These look pretty good for 50 bucks
but wait a minute.....not for Canada eh?

"We're sorry. This item can't be shipped to your selected destination."

we get the chinese Danaher version of this for the same price

 

[Bolster]

The Williams has Anti Cam Out Ribs, the SO does not.

Otherwise I challenge you to find a meaningful difference by looking at them.

On the back of the williams, there is a number: SDP-2-4, as well as the typical warning not to use as a prybar, chisel, or punch.

 

[mrholeshot]

In my head shop I have some Williams (thought they were Snap-On when I bought them) side by side with Black handled Snap-On same shape. they are worn and beat up pretty good but I can't tell from the other when I'm using them. Both just as good and once the white wears off the letters it's hard to tell them apart unless you get them in the good lighting and see where they are stamped with the name. Neither of mine have the anti cam out feature

 

[lipadj46]

With those williams screwdrivers available I'm not sure why anyone would buy black snap on hard handle screw drivers (in the sizes the williams are available in). For $50 shipped on ebay that set seems to be a no brainer. Well besides the whole snap on cachet thing.

 

[mrholeshot]

With those williams screwdrivers available I'm not sure why anyone would buy black snap on hard handle screw drivers (in the sizes the williams are available in). For $50 shipped on ebay that set seems to be a no brainer. Well besides the whole snap on cachet thing.

If I was still working in my shop I would buy the Snap-On over the Williams because of getting screwdrivers serviced. I would pay the extra for that service. Now that I'm retired I don't break them that often. Knowing what a hassle it is to get them replaced I'm more likely not to abuse them. When I had my snap-ons in my shop I abused them like a 2 dollar ******

 

[lipadj46]

If I was still working in my shop I would buy the Snap-On over the Williams because of getting screwdrivers serviced. I would pay the extra for that service. Now that I'm retired I don't break them that often. Knowing what a hassle it is to get them replaced I'm more likely not to abuse them. When I had my snap-ons in my shop I abused them like a 2 dollar ******

Yeah there is that angle too, as far as the non pro goes though williams has a pretty good return policy. Just send it to them, no receipt required.

 

[comedyman809]

i think williams is the best bang for the buck!!!1

snap on has a pretty name, but the williams will give me the same product for 1/3 the price.

if one gets worn or broken, its wont be much to send in for warranty, if not, it is cheap enough to replace by buying the missing/broken driver new.

plus as we all know, williams is owned by snap on so we can have that sense of security when it is needed.

 

[comedyman809]

the only reason to buy the snap on is if your a snap on snob!!!!!

that would be the same guy who went to costco and bought the snap on labeled flashlight, and power washer!!!!!

 

[comedyman809]

mr bolster, that pic is the deal closer for me!!!

 

[Case]

i think williams is the best bang for the buck!!!1

snap on has a pretty name, but the williams will give me the same product for 1/3 the price.

if one gets worn or broken, its wont be much to send in for warranty, if not, it is cheap enough to replace by buying the missing/broken driver new.

plus as we all know, williams is owned by snap on so we can have that sense of security when it is needed.

the only reason to buy the snap on is if your a snap on snob!!!!!

that would be the same guy who went to costco and bought the snap on labeled flashlight, and power washer!!!!!

mr bolster, that pic is the deal closer for me!!!

WTF can anyone say spammer...

 

[lipadj46]

WTF can anyone say spammer...

I don't think so just excitable.

 

[Case]

I don't think so just excitable.

my dog used to be that way... till we got him fixed

 

[woody 73]

Those are the best screwdrivers in the whole wide world...

 

[CamarosRus]

Does Williams have a LONG #2 Phillips

And maybe a SHORT # 2

 

[muskaman67]

i have a set of the williams screwdrivers.....freaking awesome!!! highly recommend them and imo they are just as good as snap on.

 

[comedyman809]

i was fixed on may 31st 2008!!!!


wedding!!!

 

[Bull]

alex71 himself measured these and determined that the Williams and SOs are not identical. One is slightly larger in the handle than the other, but I don't recall the details. We are talking a tiny amount, though.

 

[Davefr]

anyone know if these are the same exact screwdrivers as the older snap on hard handles.

they look the same, but what about the shank, blade, quality??????


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NH5F30/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I can tell you this is the best bang for the buck in screwdrivers. The Williams versions are tough as nails.

If they aren't exactly Snap On they're extremely close. I'd get them before they're gone. They're likely on closeout as Williams is going China.

I use Williams for everyday abuse and PB Swiss for precision work.

 

[ImportTuner]

I can't tell the difference between my Snap On and Williams if they were not marked ..

 

[alex71]

alex71 himself measured these and determined that the Williams and SOs are not identical. One is slightly larger in the handle than the other, but I don't recall the details. We are talking a tiny amount, though.

I measured the williams and a snap-on SDD, both just about new with almost no wear on the handle. The williams was a little shorter and fatter as I recall. The snap-on was an SDD series with a yellow handle. Maybe the yellow plastic molds differently, who knows... I do know that the snappy feels better in my hand. At least I think it does, maybe I'm just pshyching myself out

 

[Tatsuya]

I have plenty of screwdrivers lying around and I just bought these anyway. I could cry at my own self-pity. I have a problem.

Oh, right. I'll rationalize it by thinking the ones I have now ****.

 

[Speed-Racer]

I have both the Snap-On and Williams screwdrivers. The blades are the same quality, the handles are slightly different a little longer or shorter. We are talking about a 1/8in -1/4in longer, maybe a updated design. You can search the archives for the Williams vs. Snap-on screwdriver thread. If you break a williams tip, you could purchase a blade from a Snap-On dealer.

The blades are identical IMO, this is a very high quality screwdriver. I have to agree with an earlier post, better order these soon. The newer Williams screwdriver are made off shore and this design will be discontinued one day in the future.

I still hope snap-on brings back the complete screwdriver instead of making you purchase the handle and blade separately.

 

[GrantCee]

I picked up an 8" #2 phillips from the local Williams dealer last week. He told me that it was the last one they had amongst their 4 stores, and that the SKUs of all the black handled models had been discontinued by Williams.

(For those in the Willamette Valley - Industrial Welding in Salem still has a few miscellaneous models left.)

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

Just picked up the eight piece set from Amazon. If these are as nice as my SO hard handles (and I fully expect that they will be) I'll probably be grabbing another set or two while they're still available!

 

[mrholeshot]

alex71 himself measured these and determined that the Williams and SOs are not identical. One is slightly larger in the handle than the other, but I don't recall the details. We are talking a tiny amount, though.

I can measure 2 out of the same set and they arn't exact. My older black handles are .020 smaller than my green ones

 

[rocco]

the Phillips # 2 tip profile on mine seem off? it strips just about every screw it turns!
the flat blades however are probly the nicest i've ever laid my hands on.

 

[billymade]

Call Williams; I'm sure they will get you a new one!

http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Content/19.htm

 

[rocco]

Call Williams; I'm sure they will get you a new one!

http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Content/19.htm

does the warranty extend to Canada? these where bought new off ebay.

 

[kursplat]

i'm in. rationalized by deciding i'll treat these like someone who collects new toys. never use 'em, keep them in the original pakage and put them on ebay in 5 years for 3x what they listed for...







actually i think i'll use the hell out of them and pass them on to my kids some day

 

[Bolster]

the Phillips # 2 tip profile on mine seem off? it strips just about every screw it turns!

Am I the only guy to notice he said his #2 strips, and he's showing a #3?

Yeah, a #3 driver in a #2 screw would definitely give you some problems. But I wouldn't blame the screwdriver.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Am I the only guy to notice he said his #2 strips, and he's showing a #3?

Yeah, a #3 driver in a #2 screw would definitely give you some problems. But I wouldn't blame the screwdriver.

I thought the tip looked like a number 3, then I read the handle which verified it. Have the wrong picture up maybe?

 

[walrus]

... I do know that the snappy feels better in my hand.

My snappies are old and my Williams are new, so maybe thats it but I agree the Snap Ons feel better in my hands also. The Williams are nice drivers though and I use them in my shop all the time.

 

[apong23]

Just ordered my set, thanks for the reviews and link.

 

[rocco]

Am I the only guy to notice he said his #2 strips, and he's showing a #3?

Yeah, a #3 driver in a #2 screw would definitely give you some problems. But I wouldn't blame the screwdriver.

yes, it is the # 3 pictured, those are just old pics that i had taken when i first got them and where still on my computer @ work, haven't gotten around to take a pic of the now used # 2.
i'm no idiot, i don't use the # 3 where a # 2 goes...

i do indeed have a problem with the #2 tip though, the tip profile seems much steeper if that makes any sense when i compare it to the Wera's, Kleins, Westwards, Stanleys and P&R that i have in my box and use all the time. The #3 tip is perfect as is the #1 and the flat blades are among the best i've ever laid my hands on. i might try filing it down a shade to make the profile of the others to see it that helps.