Which double offset box set? Williams vs Proto

[CobraChevelle]

I was dead set on getting the j.h Williams MWS-BWM10 from a site for 166$ but ran across a proto set # J1100S-M for 208$ from zoro but If I wait for there 25 or 30% off it will be even cheaper.

Any pros or cons? Better buy out there for the money?

 

[Bierisch]

I would think, if you could get the Proto set for cheaper, and it has more wrenches, to get that one as they would both be good quality I'd think.

 

[ssdave]

Looking at both, there's no comparison. I'd get the proto over the williams anytime.

I have similar proto wrenches, and they're great. The Williams look all rough and cobby, not nearly as nice to use as the proto. Plus, I like the expanded range of the proto, vs the double ended same size Williams that skips a lot of sizes, since the wrenches only have one size each instead of two. I think I'd get a lot more use out of the Proto. Only advantage to the Williams is if you need the non-offset end for something. It is extremely rare that that feature would be worth anything to me.

 

[bmrtoyo]

I was dead set on getting the j.h Williams MWS-BWM10 from a site for 166$ but ran across a proto set # J1100S-M for 208$ from zoro but If I wait for there 25 or 30% off it will be even cheaper.

Any pros or cons? Better buy out there for the money?

Proto!

 

[LXCam]

Proto here too. But is Stahlwille or SK an option?. I really like my extra deep DB's metric Stahl's I picked up this past year. Man I use them a ton more then I ever thought I would. The SK's are nice and right in line with the few Proto's I have in a DB, but they are just not the same. Thought I'd toss that out there for consideration.

This set shipped was $130~

 

[CobraChevelle]

For the extra deep I was looking at hazet or something cheaper like proxxon. I can get hazet shipped from Germany for $100 total or $56 for proxxon. I like stahlwille but more $$$

I am looking at proto or Williams for a set not as deep vs the others. I Want to have both.

Thanks so far

 

[Wamsutta]

Definitely the Proto set.

 

[Fedwrench]

I have the PROTO full polished metric box end set and they have nice thick beams and excellent chrome. Be patient and wait for a zoro sale to get some great wrenches.

 

[Tinner]

I have the PROTO full polished metric box end set and they have nice thick beams and excellent chrome. Be patient and wait for a zoro sale to get some great wrenches.

I have the same set purchased from Zoro. Their sale prices on Proto are hard to beat. Excellent quality.

I haven't seen enough recent production Williams wrenches to comment or compare.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Anyone have some pictures of the Proto double box end wrenches from the side? Want to see how thick the beams are.

Also, what is the offset on them? How has that worked for people?

I'm currently in between the Proto and Snap On Double Box end Wrenches...

 

[malykaii]

I agree the price is a little steep on stahlwille, but they are damn nice. The offset is nice deep and the rings are thin. Gets into some tight places.

Link to the $100 Hazets?

 

[ssdave]

I'm currently in between the Proto and Snap On Double Box end Wrenches...

You couldn't go wrong with either of them. I have both Proto and Snap-on sets of DBE, and I really can't say which I like best. All of them I have are older, so not a direct comparison to the full polish Proto referenced in the original post. The Snap-on are also late 60's or early 70's, so not the same as today.

I have three different sets of Proto. The long pattern deep offset box, then the ones that are barely offset but still long pattern, and then the lightly offset short pattern. I like them all, but prefer the light offset to the deep offset.

I have the short and long light offset in Snap-on. They're about medium between the two offsets of Proto. I don't think I quite like them as well as the Proto light offset. Again, I think that's a preference for the straighter wrench.

To be absolutely honest, I think the thing I like most about the DBE is the length of the long ones. That, and the handle shape, allow you to turn stubborn fasteners with less pressure on your hands. That's why I also prefer the almost straight ones to the deep offsets. The deep offset ones twist.

I also like the shape of the short proto ones. They are particularly nice if you put them in your pocket, they are nice and smooth, unlike a combination wrench. They are really handy for being light and small. They are very thin also at the head, for tight clearance areas.

I'd suggest trying both types if you can find someone that has them, and see which you prefer from the standpoint of how and what you would use them for. I think that would make much more difference than the quality or the cost.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I got the proto set as an amazon warehouse deal for $130 a while back... felt like I stole it. It's well worth the zoro price, especially on sale, you will not be disappointed at all.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I'm looking at the Metric set (http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...Polish-Metric-Offset-Box-Wrenches---12-Point/)

I believe (from looking at the catalog) these are the equivalent to the slightly offset long pattern SAE ones (they are in the same section in the pdf). I wish I could get my hands on some locally, but that's never going to happen. No Proto distribution (besides grainger, and they'd never let me hold one) and the Snap On dealer is unlikely to care about me (even though if he sold them at the same price as the corporate website, I'd buy a large set from him rather than online).

The Protos look like they might be a 30 or 45 degree offset, which is way more than I want. I want something similar to a standard combo wrench (10-15 degrees, which is what snap on sells). But I'd like to avoid SO prices if there are good alternatives out there.

 

[ssdave]

I'm looking at the Metric set (http://www.protoindustrial.com/en/i...Polish-Metric-Offset-Box-Wrenches---12-Point/)

I believe (from looking at the catalog) these are the equivalent to the slightly offset long pattern SAE ones (they are in the same section in the pdf). I wish I could get my hands on some locally, but that's never going to happen. No Proto distribution (besides grainger, and they'd never let me hold one) and the Snap On dealer is unlikely to care about me (even though if he sold them at the same price as the corporate website, I'd buy a large set from him rather than online).

The Protos look like they might be a 30 or 45 degree offset, which is way more than I want. I want something similar to a standard combo wrench (10-15 degrees, which is what snap on sells). But I'd like to avoid SO prices if there are good alternatives out there.

What you are describing are my favorite wrenches. They're a 15 degree angle offset, with no lateral offset. I have never found any in metric, only SAE. I have a full set in SAE. They appear to not be available from the Proto website anymore. Here's a link to a couple that are for sale elsewhere:

http://www.downwindmarine.com/Proto-Box-Wrenches-12-Point-p-91002855.html

 

[Jerryrigged]

I've had a set of the Proto industrial for years. Really nice tools to use. Granted I used them in an industrial setting over thirty years ago and only use them now occasionally for home use but I think you will really like them.

 

[Loscaldazar]

The Proto set are 45 degree offset according to customer service at Proto. Guess I will be looking to Snap On for their 15 degree offset box end wrenches. Might pick up a set of zero offset too, but looks like a few places offer those.