JH WIlliams Tools Ratings

[redbarron57]

OK im new here and need some advise. I just started a new job were these guys are having me work out of my own tools. Im dedicated to upgrading my tools but am not sure where to go. My choices are,
Snap on
Mac
Matco
Cornwell
SK
JH williams


I have a mix of Craftsman, Huskey and Kobalt.

 

[SMKS]

Why won't your current tools work?

I have nothing against upgrading tools that are inadequate or upgrading to tools that are functionally superior, but don't upgrade things just to "keep up with the Joneses" in you shop.

 

[arz71]

OK im new here and need some advise. I just started a new job were these guys are having me work out of my own tools. Im dedicated to upgrading my tools but am not sure where to go. My choices are,
Snap on
Mac
Matco
Cornwell
SK
JH williams


I have a mix of Craftsman, Huskey and Kobalt.

Prefer MAC first then Snap-On but have Matco/SK/Cornwell (older Williams) made in USA.

I would stay with USA tools (quality of tool steel) and they hold up.

 

[SMKS]

Prefer MAC first then Snap-On but have Matco/SK/Cornwell (older Williams) made in USA.

I would stay with USA tools (quality of tool steel) and they hold up.

Williams still has lots of tools made in the USA. It's not just older Williams tools that are USA made.

Williams has two tool lines, imported and USA made. Most items are available in an imported and USA-made version.

 

[arz71]

Proto is excellent quality as well.

 

[espyking83]

Total quality:

Snap On
Mac
Williams
SK
Cornwell
Matco

Bang for your buck:
Williams
SK
Snap On
Mac
Matco
Cornwell


Though, it really isnt that simple. Some companies do certain things better than the rest, and all the truck brands have rebranded tools you can find much cheaper elsewhere. You should definitely look towards Wright for wrenches. And being that Matco/Mac/Cornnwell have a lot of their tools made overseas, you should look at Wera, Wiha, Felo, Koken, etc... if the COO isnt as important as it is for some people.

 

[n8n]

I'd start with buying the stuff that you don't have, and upgrading your current collection when things start failing, not up front. More bang for your buck that way. What are you doing and what are you looking to purchase?

 

[Kirbot]

Proto is excellent quality as well.

^^^ This



......Or just keep your old tools.
A shinier set of sockets isn't going to make you a a better mechanic.

 

[arz71]

Williams still has lots of tools made in the USA. It's not just older Williams tools that are USA made.

Williams has two tool lines, imported and USA made. Most items are available in an imported and USA-made version.

I was not aware of they still has the USA line, good to know. I thought they gutted the USA line.

 

[RedneckWelder]

I was not aware of they still has the USA line, good to know. I thought they gutted the USA line.

Nah much of JH Williams is still onshore.

Some of it is Taiwanese, and a little Chinese, but they put US made in the catalog beside the item if it's made in the US.

Most of my hardline is Williams. Great sockets and wrenches.

 

[arz71]

Nah much of JH Williams is still onshore.

Some of it is Taiwanese, and a little Chinese, but they put US made in the catalog beside the item if it's made in the US.

Most of my hardline is Williams. Great sockets and wrenches.

Do you happen to got a link?

Thanks for the info.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Do you happen to got a link?

Thanks for the info.

http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=220692

Matco ratchets look suspiciously similar to Armstrong

Armstrong makes the Matco 88 ratchets. Some of the Matco ratchets are exclusive to Matco (comfort grip, extended length) while Armstrong has a more limited selection.

 

[redbarron57]

Thanks for all the replies. I took the tools from my home to start this job. Id like for them to end up back at my home in decent condition. Im probably gonna thrash some of the tools I have before I get a chance to do that. That is why I am looking to do this. Im doing amusment park maintenance. Its fairly heavy dudty. Way more so than aviation maintenance. (which I used to do) Seems like of all the reveiws I have read no one has anything bad to say about S&K. (Best overall value) Probably have some snap on or bluepoint/williams sprinkled in there. Depending on what value is best. Im just starting my research.

 

[Pumpman1968]

My first experience with a warranty with Williams didn't go well. I bought a 1/4" round head ratty from toolsdelivered.com about a year or so ago....and the mechanism failed. The selector rides on a ball....I believe there is a spring behind it....ball NOT serviceable. Called toolsdelivered...told me to call mfr. Called Snap On Industrial....transferred me to Williams. Williams said mail it in or buy a kit...or call this distributor. Called distributor.....they didn't even know where to look for the part...said they had to call Snap On......see where this is going?

Bought repair kit on ebay on a lifetime tool....oh well....

 

[Kirbot]

If you're going with SK, check advance auto.
Sometimes they're still overpriced, but you can use the coupon codes for some great deals.

Same goes for Gearwrench. I've bought a mess of my tools from Advance, with the TRT41, $40 off $100 coupon code.

 

[arz71]

http://www.bluetoad.com/publication/?i=220692



Armstrong makes the Matco 88 ratchets. Some of the Matco ratchets are exclusive to Matco (comfort grip, extended length) while Armstrong has a more limited selection.

THANKS for the link, downloadin the file for the catalog to check it out!

 

[shockwave]

All the truck brands have there items they are best at.

I would start with snap on they will be best all around
Where Matco is best on universal impacts where snap is best on chrome universals.
Cornwell is usually the cheaper of all the brands make great combo wrenches
Jh williams go with there hard handle screwdrivers

Start with core items like ratchets and sockets

And prybArs and punches look at mayhew they make them for Mac and Matco

 

[arz71]

All the truck brands have there items they are best at.

I would start with snap on they will be best all around
Where Matco is best on universal impacts where snap is best on chrome universals.
Cornwell is usually the cheaper of all the brands make great combo wrenches
Jh williams go with there hard handle screwdrivers

Start with core items like ratchets and sockets

And prybArs and punches look at mayhew they make them for Mac and Matco

MAC knuckle saver wrenches are NICE as well.

 

[redbarron57]

Ok so after some research and thought I have went with SK. So as far as the other box store brands go I dont want to have to guess wether or not something was made USA or not. That includes Stanley, proto, huskey, kobalt, Craftsman, Blackhawk, Williams, Gearwrench and so on. Snap on was my only real alternative but the truck guy is a douche. My first trip on the truck I wanted to spend less than 50 bucks. (thats all I had) he asked me if I had ever been on the snap on truck? He was offended that I didnt want to buy the 300 dollar wrench set he was trying to sell me. I feel great about my descision and cant wait to get my new tools and start using them. All sk tools are us made in their brand new plant in chicago Ill. I mean all of them. These are technician grade tools for a real affordable price.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

You won't regret buying SK. I have a bunch of their tools and they have been great