Williams Taiwan sockets vs. Tekton Sockets

[JPF]

I am looking getting a new socket set mostly intended for DIY use. I grew up using my fathers USA Craftsman and grandfathers Snap-on sockets and ratchets. I’m looking at getting my own sets instead of continually borrowing from them. I am debating between starting with a 3/8 drive Williams Taiwan set and a 3/8 drive Tekton set. Any opinions on which is better or quality of each?

 

[Twisted Sid]

I have had a Craftsman set for almost 25 years and they have treated me well. Over those years, I broken a very few but lost more of the set in engine bays and junkyards and needed replacements.
Just last week, I bought all new Tekton sockets SAE and metric 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 deep and shallow all 6 points. I used them for the first time yesterday and I am really liking them. Good feel, good grip, good fastener fitment. The 3/8 sets have good sizing range and would cover most people needs.
My only gripe is I wish the sizing was a little bigger but it's not terribly small and it's far better than my Craftsman ones that are worn off.

 

[getbentMUSTARD]

As far as Taiwan made the Williams sockets are the same as the Blue-Point range. Honestly you'll likely be better served with Tekton and get a more complete kit. If country of origin is something you want to focus on such as USA then the Williams line is a great deal. I personally have tons of Williams USA and Snap on. But also some Tekton and a good bit of Gearwrench (Taiwan) and can't really go wrong with any of those either. Tekton will for sure get you more for your buck though and I haven't heard amazing things about the ratchets included in the Williams (Taiwan) / Blue-Point kits.

 

[JradM]

I think Williams's Taiwan line is overlooked because its not much cheaper than their USA line - and everyone gravitates there.

Nothing wrong with the Taiwan Williams stuff though. Chrome, polish, fit, design... it's all good. I have both Williams USA and Taiwan sockets in my drawer. I can tell them apart easily enough, but not because one is obviously better or worse.

Tekton is good too though - so it's not like I'm suggesting Williams Taiwan line is appreciably better. I can understand your dilemma because, in my view, there isn't much to commend one over the other.

Are you looking for ratchets too?

• The Williams USA ratchets, especially the fine tooth round heads, are a bargain in my opinion. My B52a for example (round head 3/8") is the lowest backdrag ratchet I own - and it's CHEAP! However, the handle is a bit clunky and the polish job isn't great - visually, it could be sold in a dollar store.
• The Tekton ratchets are solid and beautiful. I think the mechanism of the Williams USA is better, but Tekton's ratchets are everything that makes Taiwan ratchets popular.
• Williams Taiwanese ratchets are highly polished, comfortable, have good chrome - honestly I think they are a lot like Tekton. I have three, but one has a defect where the ratchet action feels different in forward vs. reverse and that has soured me on getting any more. Probably a fluke, but once bitten...

That's only if you want to stick with the same brand as your sockets. I love using my Proto ratchets with my Williams sockets.

 

[Mr_B]

buy sockets as socket only sets and ratchets separately.
Toptul do some nice design sockets.
Icon could be another socket option.
Lot of good ratchets from carlyle capri, olsa etc etc .

 

[oldwino]

I have both Williams USA and Taiwan as well as Tekton and any of these should serve you well, especially as a DYI guy.

only potential issue is the rare warranty need. Tekton asks you to email a photo and a replacement is shipped immediately. With William’s you must send broken tool back to them, wait 7-10 days then they ship back replacement. You can be out a needed tool for close to a month

 

[Professional Tool User]

Unless you have technical results from testing the steel, there isn't really any evidence that one made in Taiwan tool is objectively better quality than the other. The quality control of Taiwanese tools is fairly consistent across the board unless whoever contracted the work cut corners, the recalled Icon tools being an example. The last time I compared the two, Tekton tools were roughly half the price. I'd much rather go with Tekton because they are easier to deal with and I can stretch my tool dollars further.

 

[FSUwelder1212]

I’m sure Williams Taiwan line is just fine. But imo unless you are going for their US stuff, which I think is pretty reasonably priced and have a lot of, I can’t see paying a premium for Williams I would pick up the cheaper tekton.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

I tend to agree with the others. I don't have complete sets of either, but have individual sockets from both. As much as I like Snap On (and Williams), I can't see any reason at all to pay the premium over Tekton. I really don't see any reason at all to get them over the Tekton to be honest. It sounds like their warranty is also easier to deal with, which is another win.

 

[Tynee]

I saw an interesting comparison on YouTube (Project Farm) the other day of a bunch of brands of combination wrenches, Gearwrench came out as the bang-for-buck winner. I'd suspect the same could be said for sockets.

Of the 2 that you asked about, I own just a couple Williams and several Tekton sockets. I'd buy more of either with no hesitation, but if I had to choose between the 2, I'd say you're getting the same quality and functionality for less money from Tekton. I've really been impressed with their customer service, too.

 

[mrjaw14]

My opinion is that tekton will be easier if you have to warranty something. I'm not sure that buying Williams Taiwan would be the same as Williams USA in terms of quality, so I would buy Williams USA or Tekton personally.

 

[Fedwrench]

I don't think Williams offers as wide of a range of no skip sizes, across three drive sizes in shallow & deep lengths as Tekton does.

 

[Mr_B]

yeah tekton socket range is good and low cost, like 2.5-3.5 bucks a socket for fairly decent design and manufacture .
Lot of purchase choices in socket on rail sets or boxed sets or individual.
Toptul is nicer socket but not same wide choices or ease of buying .
Hard to go wrong with any of the choices mentioned really .

 

[JPF]

Thank you all for the info! I’m think I’m going to get the Tekton socket set and also get a Williams USA ratchet since it’s similar to what I’m used to.