Williams B-52EHA

[AceofSpad3s]

Due to my sickness not being satisfied from yardsales, I am looking for some more ratchets to buy online. Was thinking either Koken or a Williams B-52EHA, maybe a DT80 kit too. I like the handle design, length and price on the williams, how is the smoothness and backdrag on them? How does the Williams compare to other coarse designs like SK/indestro roundheads and the old proto pear heads?

 

[WWheeler]

Someone can correct me if I'm mistaken but I believe the Williams B-52EHA is essentially the same as my old Snap-on F936, and I believe the repair kit from Snap-on should fit it also.

The F936 is an extremely dependable 36t ratchet. Take it apart, clean it up and give it a fresh coat of Superlube and she's smooth as any ratchet. If the Williams version is anything like the Snap-ons were, they can use a clean and lube even when brand new. Don't know why but ALL of my Snappys were either totally dry or close to it, like if they put any lube at all in there it's just a dab on top of the gear AFTER it was assembled. The Dual80s these days are no exception. Get a thin layer of lube spread around under the gear and pawl and the difference in backdrag is night and day. After a year or so of turning you'll know when it's time to repeat.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

They are identically parts interchangeable internal wise, with some differences to the handle and shape of the head being the only differences from what I read.

 

[Wamsutta]

That Williams B-52EHA is a close cousin of the Snap-on the F936. It has heavy back drag and it is not very smooth, but it's precisely made with a mechanism set at very close tolerances. No slop whatsoever. It's quite possibly the strongest 3/8 drive ratchet in the world.

 

[kythri]

It's pretty damned smooth for a 36 tooth ratchet, and really doesn't seem like it's got a ton of back-drag.

I'd honestly rate is as smooth as some 60 or 72 tooth jobs.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

That's a shame to hear about the back drag. However, the long handled 1/2 ones do catch my eye, so the strong mechanism would be more important. Probably won't get much use right now though, not until I find a older truck since I don't use much 1/2 on my car.

 

[Wamsutta]

If you want a ratchet with no back drag, the Cornwell JR30 is it. It almost feels like a gearless ratchet. I don't know how strong they are though.

 

[Tonyuk]

My williams 3/8 had a lot of back-drag when i first got it, i spun it with a drill for about 10 mins on different settings and then put a bit of moly grease in, which smoothed it out a bit. Still has a decent bit of drag though, but its a great ratchet.

The koken ratchets are meant to have very little back drag, even with a low tooth mechanism.

The smooth handle on the williams is comfortable, but can be slippy at times.

 

[gtlaw]

I believe the Williams are being put together with the wrong spring. Mine was so stiff I could barely flip the selector switch. When I took it apart I found the spring was made of very heavy wire for a spring of such a small diameter and it was so long it was probably almost bottomed out. If this spring is correct then maybe the bore it sits in isn't being machined to the correct depth. I cut half of it off and now it works perfect.

 

[californiaHank]

I like my Williams S52 ratchets (1/2" drive version of the ones you're looking at). They started out a bit stiff when new, like all the Snap-on 36 tooth ratchets, but got much better after a bit of use and some lube. A well broken-in one is really nice - a bit heavy, but strong as heck, and quite smooth.