USA williams Vs. Snap on Impact sockets

[Ckengine]

I don't mean to start a brand war or anything with this thread, I am looking for folks that have experience with both the USA Williams and snap on impact sockets. I looked through a bunch of the archive but only found a small amount on these impacts. Just wondering on the difference between the two if any. I need to upgrade my existing 3/8 impacts now that they are being used regularly. Most of my current tools are Snappy or SK with a little import stuff that is slowly being replaced as it wears out (aka my 3/8 impacts). I was thinking of getting the USA Williams as my new box hammered my tool budget for awhile. I like there size offerings better than the SK and there price is much lower than the Snap on sets. I know that Williams is a snap on industrial brand and they seem very similar to the snap on in look but was wondering about quality and durability in the field. I personally will only buy US made tools now.

Thanks Chris

 

[nine4gmc]

6 of one, half dozen of the other. Only matters if you're a brand ***** with deep pockets.

I know you said you'll only buy USA but is bet everything in my pocket that you'd not only spend less and get more but you'd also never have one issue with harbor freight impact sockets. Just had to get the HF post in before anyone else beat me to it...

 

[Conductor562]

You'll get a variety of answers from both people who know what they're talking about and people who are no more qualified to answer than I am to perform a pre-flight check on the space shuttle, but in reality the industrial brands will serve you just as well and for a lot less money than the truck brands. If you don't need a credit account to buy or weekly warranty service to maintain, get the Williams set for a fraction of the price and don't think twice about it.

 

[Ckengine]

5 Years ago had a Harbor freight equivalent 1/2 impact blow apart and send a piece of socket through my boot almost into my foot (than goodness for high quality boots) since then I have been getting rid of all my foreign tools. Ill always pay more for US made tools no question.

 

[afazz]

I have mostly Snapon impact sockets, but I have a few Williams USA single sizes. Here are some comparison photos. They're not identical, but very close. The plating is slightly different but it's hard to capture in photos, and the Snapons seem to be finished a little better (radius corners vs. chamfers, better surface finishes, better deburring).



This is a 30mm Williams vs. 24mm Snapon.


Williams on the left, Snapon on the right.


I haven't had problems with either.

 

[AndrewV]

The offered set of us was/is snap on. Durability is the same, or slightly less.
There is other brands, but yoyou're asking on these. I have snap on 3/8, and I couldn't be happier.

 

[ChevyEFI]

What is wearing out on them? And do you use every size? If you're wearing out 4 main sizes, upgrade those 4 off the truck and never look back.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Try a set of the Taiwanese Williams. You may be be pleasantly surprised. Who doesn't like saving money?

 

[Fedwrench]

my 3/8 drive deep metric impact sockets are US Made Williams in sizes 8-24mm. They perform well. The only issue I have with them which is a complaint across the whole Williams US made line of sockets, is that their size markings are small. They're just as durable as other brands. I think the impact finish on Williams impact sockets is much better than SK. SK tends to become speckled with use whereas Williams doesn't.You may want to consider Proto too. US made and offers a wider range of sizes across 4 drives sizes.

However, by electing to buy only US made impact sockets, you're missing out on two excellent lines of impact sockets, Grey Pneumatic and Sunex. Both hail from Taiwan, offer a very wide range of sizes at great prices. They're very tough too.

 

[ADSR]

Grey Pneumatic and Sunex are what i've started to buy. Very good for the money. Williams cannot be beat for made in USA value. I love williams tools.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I'd go Williams without a doubt. After using Williams sockets, I don't know that I could ever justify spending the extra money for Snappy.

 

[Wamsutta]

I'm surprised I don't see chamfer around the square drive; they look flat across the top.

 

[90zcar]

I must say tho I love how snap on stamps their sizes in huge numbers on their impact sockets. Major selling point for me.
If you are gonna get another brand look into sunnex. I love my sunex impact sockets aswell. Just don't like their tiny size stamping


Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

 

[BFHtime]

I have 10-19mm Williams 3/8 swivel sockets. I also have Snap-On 3/8 swivel sockets in the most commonly used sizes. I have other impact sockets as well.

I think the choice depends on if you are willing to spend more on better tools, or maybe how often you will use them.

I added the Snap-On sockets after the getting the Williams sockets. I had to keep putting nuts back on and off, using my Williams sockets after having no issues with using my friend's Snap-Ons. The nuts would get stuck in the sockets, this is very annoying, when you are trying to work quickly.

Also the Snap-Ons are stamped with size into the socket, while the Williams are stamped on and can flake off with use. I have scratched the finish on the Williams, on the second time I used them. Once the finish is flaked where the size is you won't be able to read the size. Used often enough the writing on the side does not matter so much.

Some of the Williams sockets are drilled a little more than others. Definitely not consistent, but does sometimes give more clearance inside the sockets than the Snap-On.

I have gotten more Snap-On sockets since, but every situation is different. If you think you will use them a lot I suggest Snap-On.

I use impact swivels a lot more than I thought I would. So much I have impact locking extensions to use with them, and they have been great. Definitely helps save time. This has been my experience. Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Are the thickness' the same for Williams USA vs SO?

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

They are both good tools. Might be the same with the exception that Snap-On ones are given more attention. I done know where I saw that Lowe's Kobalt are made by Williams and might be the exact same thing just rebadged Kobalt as this is common among tool manufacturers. Worth looking into.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am a ToolAholic,Sometimes I regret it,Especially when the Toolman wont give me no credit

 

[MattPersman]

The kobalt thing was true like 10-15 years ago. Now they are imports. Not a terrible tool but OP wants USA.

 

[BFHtime]

3/8 swivels Snap -On left; Williams right.

 

[BFHtime]

More pics first time posting pics so trying figure it out.

 

[BFHtime]

I only know how to post one pic at a time sorry.

 

[BFHtime]

One more

 

[BFHtime]

Another

 

[BFHtime]

snap on left williams right

 

[BFHtime]

Picture

 

[kd3pc]

I see you mentioned 3/8 drive, but I have 1/2", 3/4" and 1" drive in both Williams and SO, and they are as close to the same, I would buy either. I have seen a bit of wear on the drive side, like post #13 shows.....but this is after decades of use. A few more of the Williams are showing some rust as the plating/coating is starting to wear....this is on tools that were bought in the early 70's and used since.

They are functionally equivalent and will hold up to daily use. I, most likely, got my money's worth out of them, as most were second hand.

IF you are not going to over use them, then any of the next tier tools will do you well, and as some have pointed out - try the kobalt or HF stuff. You may be surprised. You may be disappointed.

I chose back then, and tend to do so now, to not use anything but the best I could afford when something stands a chance of being overpowered and broken in my hand. I have enough scars from sheet metal and other hazards to risk a tool slipping or breaking. It does happen.

 

[BFHtime]

Swivel socket

 

[autojohn]

In 1989 the shop I worked in burned down. Had snap on impacts and harbor freight. Still using th hf to this day. The snap on did not survive. I use them everyday

 

[Wamerjamer]

In 1989 the shop I worked in burned down. Had snap on impacts and harbor freight. Still using th hf to this day. The snap on did not survive. I use them everyday

Hi John,do you mean to say that the snaps melted,and the HF didn't ?
You are still using the Harbors that survived that fire today?
Just trying to get clarification.

Randy

 

[Ckengine]

3/8 swivels Snap -On left; Williams right.

More pics first time posting pics so trying figure it out.

I only know how to post one pic at a time sorry.

Intresting this is a pic of a new and old snap on swivel impact. Looks like the old Snap on on the right is the same as what Williams is doing now. Food for thought again While im looking at the USA Williams 3/8 deeps vs the snappys

 

[Zrexxer]

3/8 swivels Snap -On left; Williams right.

All your pictures are comparing a Taiwanese Williams socket to a US-made Snap On socket. The OP inquired about US-made Williams, not Taiwanese.

 

[autojohn]

The snap on sockets all broke when I used them. Snap on said not covered due to fire event.

 

[ADSR]

The snap on sockets all broke when I used them. Snap on said not covered due to fire event.

The fire probably finished the heat treating process HF failed to give them

 

[autojohn]

350.00 8yrs. 19.95 30yrs.

 

[SantaAna12]

The fire probably finished the heat treating process HF failed to give them

 

[rick carpenter]

I'd bet running an impact socket on a gun is one of the most violent tool actions around for common tools (not counting oil & mining 'tool' uses of course). You want quantifiable wear on them rather than catastrophic failure.

It would be interesting if someone could come up with a, say, HF cost per within-spec 'zip' vs a, say, SO cost per within-spec 'zip' and find the break-even point.

 

[stage20]

by your pictures the deep well snap on looks thinner than the williams. sometimes it doesnt matter, but sometimes it does. for the price, id chance it and go williams.

also check ebay for USA kobalt. they are floating around and cripe had some old stock made by williams.

 

[Wamsutta]

snap on left williams right

That socket on the right has a chamfered square drive. I like that feature because it funnels the extension into the female square drive easier.

 

[bushmechanic]

The fire probably finished the heat treating process HF failed to give them

You know, that's funny and all, but...

It could very well be true.

That's assuming that I live in a world where I believe such a tale.

 

[bob15]

Not sure if they are any cheaper than the Williams USA, but I have had great luck with Wright impacts (both 1/2 & 3/8 drive).....another industrial brand.

I do have a set of 3/8 Snap On impacts (and a set of Wright). I would buy the Wright's new (hard to find used) before I would buy used Snap On, unless I could get them for a song and a dance. no real reason other than I like to support the small companies.

 

[bubinga]

I have a set of the USA Williams 1/2" drive deep Impacts, used them professionally for a few years, now have them at home, have never had any problem with any.