Williams / snapon?

[tjmonsen5]

I have a few more sets of sockets that I need to buy and I'm thinking of going with Williams this time. They are owned by snapon and the sockets look very similar to snapon. Also, cost about 75% less. I called Williams and asked about warranty and coo. She said USA but couldn't tell me exactly where. Snapon will tell me exactly which factory a tool was made in. I'm curious if the Williams tools are made in snapon plants in either Milwaukee or elkmont? Also, if a tool should break, I would need to pay shipping to send it in to Williams. Wondering what you guys know about Williams. It seems like you can shop around for the lowest prices since Williams does not sell direct.

 

[Automatic Slim]

What drive size are you looking to get? & what size (short, mid, deep)?

I never have been impressed w/ snap on regular sockets (speciality sockets, yes) and never really saw paying such a premium. Been through several, and williams just as good as any, imo. Do like the snappy mid size though at times.

However, it is often not the socket that generates my interest - it is the design. I have gotten pleasure using the proto torque + socket, as it grips the sides and not the edge.

There are lots of options available for a good socket set, snap on is not better, imo, and paying for name; but stooges abound and resale usually good. But for 1/3 the price you have a plethora of options that will give you a lifetime of use w/ other brands as well.

You can do not wrong getting a better deal on the Williams sockets. One advantage of buying snap on tools is the dealer convience aspect. If you do not work at a shop where SO comes by, can be hassle to track the truck or return.

If you lose a williams socket and ruin the set, you won't be nearly as pissed either.

 

[tjmonsen5]

What I need to finish my set is 1/4 drive deep metric. I have craftsman 1/2 drive sockets and I'm not too worried about replacing those. My set of standards is lacking, so maybe ill Williams for those, even though I hardly use them at all.

 

[dirtydogintex]

Not trying to derail this thread but
after some SO deep socket purchases I started looking closer and it appears SO sockets' claim to fame is they're supposed to be smaller in diameter than their competion to fit into 'tighter' places.

Silly me.... the whole reason for buying SO deeps was I'm tired of cracking CMs.... and it appears SO sockets do crack!! I know, I've already bought some....

I'm starting to look again for thicker, stronger wall sockets (nonimpact).
If there aren't any the next purchases'll be Williams from mrowhatever.com because of the cost of new Williams v. used SO.

Suggestions anyone?


BTW new SO and Williams are supposed to grip the flats not the corners like Proto and basically every other dog n his brother!!

 

[Automatic Slim]

Yup tj, in our lifetime their will be a museum dedicated to SAE tools - shameful.

I usu. like the 6 pt. socket in the smalls, and shipping is light - so options of obtainment can be plentiful. Personally, I wouldn't pay retail or even get new, as plenty of sets on ebay and such for next to nothing.

Williams makes some solid tools, no question and since no parts articulate - breakage should be minimal or non-existant; so replacement or return should not factor, imo. If I buy something w/ a warrantied moving part, I like to exchange local instead of snail mail.

Good luck w/ your search and probably wise not to invest heavy in SAE tools, metric go top shelf if you want - they will see alot more use.

 

[kythri]

BTW new SO and Williams are supposed to grip the flats not the corners like Proto and basically every other dog n his brother!!

Pretty much any socket made in the last decade or two has this same feature. The Flank-Drive patent ran out.

 

[petty4243]

was a thread not to long back.... had a video posted showing snapon tools(wrenches) but in same video, also showed williams... both were produced in same forge..

 

[Justin1776]

was a thread not to long back.... had a video posted showing snapon tools(wrenches) but in same video, also showed williams... both were produced in same forge..

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=188250

 

[bob15]

Go look at the Williams website.....you will find that they show which products are USA and the pages that don't show anything or foreign.

Never used Williams sockets (own/use Snap-On & Bonney mainly), but do not like there Supercombo wrenches. I have found the smaller wrenches (9/16" and under) spread easier and the finish peals off, unlike the Snappys I own.


bob

 

[Automatic Slim]

from previous post by toolsdeliverd that i found interesting:

"We are an authorized JH Williams Tool Group distributor dealer and have an online store.

CDI Torque, BAHCO, and Williams are the industrial tool brand of Snap On that is sold through private distributors and not Snap-On industrial sale reps.

Williams tools that are USA made are 100% of Snap On standards in quality and durability, and the "globally" manufactured are equal to Blue Point in every way. Globally produced items in the Williams line have to exceed 80% of the destructive test standard set by Snap-On & Williams industrial USA made line and all have lifetime a warranty.

Globally manufactured means all of Europe, Africa, Argentina, and Asia. All CDI is USA, BAHCO is mainly Europe, and Williams is still mostly USA.

USA made Williams tools are designed for 24/7/365 use on factory assembly lines, heavy construction, military, railroad, ship builders, aerospace, etc.

Williams knows that globally made items are overkill for home users, and great if you are a normal commercial user like an auto mechanic or service tech that does not need industrial use tools, They also know if you are 3 miles down in a mine or if you are an iron worker 80 stories up using a socket or wrench constantly then you would be wise to spend a little more.

At $1.69 billion a year Wabtec (Westinghouse Air Brake) builds industrial products for the railroads, power generation plants, and defense. They buy JH Williams USA line.

Price is what you pay, value is what you get!"

***************

Man, this site has a helluva archive for tool talk = sweet!!

 

[Chuck122]

I may be slightly off topic but as far as value goes SK sockets are great and US made, if that is a concern to you

 

[cide1]

I bought snap on service sets to get the common sizes, extensions, ratchets, u-joints, and breaker bars.in snap on. I filled in many of the missing odd sizes with Williams. Quality is good, and price is good, so not to much to complain about.

 

[alpinewhite]

Call me a rookie but I've never seen the difference between my few snap-on sockets and the US-made Craftsman ones from 10 years ago or so.

 

[tjmonsen5]

Call me a rookie but I've never seen the difference between my few snap-on sockets and the US-made Craftsman ones from 10 years ago or so.

I've turned bolts with a Snap-on socket, that a craftsman couldn't. That is why I have bought Snap-on tools. I'm just a DIY too!