Wiliams ratchet Opinions

[Coach James]

I saw the Williams B52, etc, ratchets mentioned in a post about C-man RHFT ratchets. I didn't want to hijack the thread so I started this one.

Any opinions on these and the current B52, B53 offerings?

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ols-1-2-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Ratchet-Drive-Tools

Thanks

Coach

 

[Thax]

Im not sure on the current production. I use a B52 made in the 70's or so professionally. Its my go to non long length 1/2 ratchet. I love it , smooth and feels tough as nails.

 

[Beerman]

Not sure about the current offerings. However I prefer the older, B52 superratchet to almost any other I own. I've sold several here to other members and no one has been disappointed.

Major improvement over C'man teardrop.

 

[byoungblood]

I'm not sure if any of the round head Williams ratchets are still made new any longer. Most likely any place that has them just has old stock.

Snap On bought them some while ago and replaced all of their ratchets with rebadged 36t Snap On style ratchets. Shame, because most of those round head Willams were 80t ratchets.

 

[slip knot]

The new round heads are different from the old ones. I have some of each and prefer the older ones. they seem smoother.

 

[65k10]

I have a B-52A which would be the 3/8 drive version of what you linked. While it might look kind of like the old Williams ratchets, the mechanism is like a 72 tooth Facom. They did however add an o-ring under the selector end (and maybe the other end, but I forget) to help keep dirt out which I think is a good idea. On the other hand I think it makes the head a bit bigger than a similar Proto Facom style ratchet, so take your pick of what you'd rather have I guess.

I don't think they are anything special, but for they don't cost that much and I was under the impression that the Facom mechanism is a fairly well proven design. If you have the money, give one a shot and see what you think.

 

[SMKS]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224651

I've had one for several years and I really like it. The pear head williams have way too much drag. The round heads are much better.

The pics are gone from my post, but as noted the newer ones use a single-pawl Facom-style ratchet mechanism.

 

[65k10]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=224651

I've had one for several years and I really like it. The pear head williams have way too much drag. The round heads are much better.

The pics are gone from my post, but as noted the newer ones use a single-pawl Facom-style ratchet mechanism.

Here's a thread that does a good job of showing the internals of one.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=192799

Oops: I see you linked to that thread too in the thread you linked.

 

[crackit]

I have an old B52 superratchet, and while it is not my go to ratchet, that's just my personal preference. It is indeed a fine ratchet.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have an old B52 superratchet, and while it is not my go to ratchet, that's just my personal preference. It is indeed a fine ratchet.

My thoughts as well.

 

[dirt_dobber]

funny I saw this thread. I was doing some toolbox clean and organization and just listed a great pair of ratchets in the classified section for both the 3/8" B52 and it's little brother the 1/4" drive the M52. here is the link http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=6395585#post6395585