Williams Sockets

[justin85]

I know this stuff has been asked a ton, but nothing matched what I was specifically looking for.

Found this, but it doesn't really talk about sockets:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=98248

I'm looking to fill in the holes in my socket sets (or buy all new sets ) I currently have all Craftsman sockets, and they have served me well, but i'm looking for an upgrade. I'd love to get all Snap-On, but can't afford to put a second mortgage on the house right now so.... I've been looking at Williams sockets online, and they are dirt cheap (compared to snap-on). To those who own both Williams and Snap-On stuff, is it of similar quality? A worth while upgrade from CMan? I'm only looking at sockets right now, but the ratchets are probably next, lol.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

If they say USA on them they're the same socket as Snap-on.

 

[justin85]

How would you even know... I can't find a COO anywhere on any of the sites I've been to, even the Snap-On industrial site.

 

[franzdom]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=106900

See post #11

 

[justin85]

Well, that pretty much answers the COO question. But, the question remains, do you guys actually recommend Williams Sockets? Only if USA, or are the imports decent also?

 

[SMKS]

You can look in the online version of the printed catalog to find out which items are USA made. They're marked with a "made in the USA" symbol.

I've had USA and imported Williams tools. They've both seemed high quality to me. The imported stuff is generally identical to Blue Point tools, from what I've seen.

 

[mixxmstrmike]

I purchased an imported Williams SAE set from a GJ member and the quality of the chrome and finish is much better than the current Craftsman offerings. While they are very affordable, the quality is above par, in my opinion.

-Mike

 

[PinkLinc]

I'd spend the money on upgrading your ratchets. The difference between a SO dual 80 and a Cman ratchet is night and day. The difference between a Williams and Cman socket is minimal. Just fill in your empty sockets with new Cman. Cheap and very reliable IMO.

 

[justin85]

The difference between a Williams and Cman socket is minimal.

if that's true, then a USA Williams socket must not be very similar to Snap-On after all. Is your opinion based on experience?

 

[jflores]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=138586

Williams sockets are very good.

 

[justin85]

I don't know how I missed that when I searched. That pretty much answers everything I was wondering. Thanks for the link.

 

[PinkLinc]

if that's true, then a USA Williams socket must not be very similar to Snap-On after all. Is your opinion based on experience?

Of course it's based on experience. I'm not just talking out of my a$$ here. I have 1 set of Snap On sockets (3/8 drive 6 point SAE, which we all know are the same as a Williams USA socket) and the rest are Cman. I bought the Snappys to see if they were that much better and for me, they're not. Yes they're very nice and shiny, but the Cmans will turn a bolt and fit the ratchet 99% as good as the Snappys. YMMV.

Edit- Just remembered I have a Williams set also. 3/8 drive 12 point metric set. The old Williams made Kobalts. Great sockets but not that much better than my Cmans.

 

[alvoski]

Williams imports ate identical to blue point. Even the part numbers match.

 

[durallymax]

The advantage the snappys have aside from the finish that I see is when it comes to the deep wells. They slim down all the way instead of just the end. There have been times were this has bit me in the a$$. I can't say I have had a cman socket let me down much. As far as durability over time though, that I don't know.

I do know I blow up their 1/4" u-joints all the time by trying to do too much with 1/4" tools.

 

[arkansasbee]

Are Williams vintage sockets better/worse than new ones?

 

[bob15]

Are Williams vintage sockets better/worse than new ones?

Are you referring to JH Williams tools?

 

[derosa]

I wouldn't trade in my craftsman for tiawan williams, really don't see the difference. Bought a metric 3/8 set in blow molded cases of each and looked them over carefully. the 72t williams was lighter then the 75t craftsman but not by that much. Both were smooth enough and don't seem to have a problem with back drag. Sockets aren't noticebly different. Used the craftsman for replacing all the belts on my riding mower, nothing cracked or slipped, did some similar things with the williams and same results. Craftsman was 20.00 while the williams was on sale for 35.00 which tilts things in craftsman's favor for me. Williams seems overpriced for import half the time for being nothing special.

 

[Pontiac787]

I agree that I wouldn't necessarily trade in c-man sockets for Williams, though the Williams are very nice. I have some of each. If you are looking to fill in gaps you can get some great deals on single Proto sockets from Zoro. Also very high quality.