Williams Taiwan sockets

[Tom.C]

Ok so I'm looking around for some high quality chrome sockets, right now I'm kinda focusing on 1/2" drive and I want it all the way up to 1-1/2" shallow and deep, I can't justify spending 1k+ on snap on so I was looking at sk, proto, and williams, so far the williams seem to be the best price for what you get but still at over $100 a set I feel like Taiwan made should be cheaper, does anyone have experience with these? Are they worth it?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VMSE2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[6PTsocket]

If Williams is over priced why not American made SK for similar money. The warranty is known to be good and the quality is there. Williams was once an American company that went under. SnapOn bought it and over time shifted production to Taiwan. Gearwrench is another company that went from US to import. They are both somebody's lesser line. SK is nobody's second line. Stanley owns Proto. I don't what their story is these days. They used to be good. Apex, who owns Gearwrench also owns Armstrong which is top quality,comperable to SnapOn, but priced accordingly

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Wamsutta]

I got a Taiwan Williams spark plug socket off ebay. I like it. Probably the best $6.00 I ever spent.

 

[Fedwrench]

Gearwrench is another company that went from US to import. Apex, who owns Gearwrench also owns Armstrong which is top quality,comperable to SnapOn, but priced accordingly

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Gearwrench was never a US made company. The only US made item in their line up was their micrometer torque wrenches but, sadly they are now chinese made.

I don't think Armstrong can be compared to Snap on. The overall quality of Armstrong is comparable to US made Craftsman but, Armstrong is no where near Snap on quality.

Back to the op's question, yes Williams Taiwan sockets are good quality but, if you're looking for SAE, let eBay be your friend and shop around for the best deal.

 

[southalabama]

I'd get the S&K.

I'd get a gearwrench before I bought those williams. I recently got a set of williams 1/4 inch of amazon on a closeout of $10.00. They are okay but certainly not the $50 original price.

 

[1950mercury]

If Williams is over priced why not American made SK for similar money. The warranty is known to be good and the quality is there. Williams was once an American company that went under. SnapOn bought it and over time shifted production to Taiwan. Gearwrench is another company that went from US to import. They are both somebody's lesser line. SK is nobody's second line. Stanley owns Proto. I don't what their story is these days. They used to be good. Apex, who owns Gearwrench also owns Armstrong which is top quality,comperable to SnapOn, but priced accordingly

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Wrong wrong wrong....

 

[Tuc04]

Gearwrench was never a US made company. The only US made item in their line up was their micrometer torque wrenches but, sadly they are now chinese made.

I don't think Armstrong can be compared to Snap on. The overall quality of Armstrong is comparable to US made Craftsman but, Armstrong is no where near Snap on quality.

Back to the op's question, yes Williams Taiwan sockets are good quality but, if you're looking for SAE, let eBay be your friend and shop around for the best deal.

I always thought Gearwrench was only off shore, but I recently found out that their pinless impact sockets are made in USA. From my understanding the are the same as the Matco, Armstrong, and Craftsman pinless impacts. I bought the 1/2 drive metrics from Cripe. I haven't had a chance to use them yet, but they sure look nice. Item number is 84936.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Williams Taiwan are excellent sockets. Used mine professionally for years with zero issues. Same sockets as the Snap-on Blue Point line. That Amazon price is BS, look at ToolsDelivered for good pricing on Snap-on Industrial tools.

http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ts-Drive-Tools-1-2-Inch-Drive-SAE-Socket-Sets
(Currently out of stock, but they restock pretty fast)

 

[four.cycle]

1/2" drive SAE shallow?
best deal you're going to find this week:
Indestro 13-pc 1/2" drive 12-point SAE set - 7/16" - 1-1/4" (they didn't go up to 1-1/2")
new NOS
$40.00 incl. shipping now. 0 bids now. ends Sun. 12/04 16:55 PST
http://www.ebay.com/itm/192038899257?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

 

[Fedwrench]

I always thought Gearwrench was only off shore, but I recently found out that their pinless impact sockets are made in USA. From my understanding the are the same as the Matco, Armstrong, and Craftsman pinless impacts. I bought the 1/2 drive metrics from Cripe. I haven't had a chance to use them yet, but they sure look nice. Item number is 84936.

My oversight, You are correct. I forgot about the pinless impact sockets. They are made in Armstrong factories. They are basically the same as the other brands you mentioned but, without the high vis markings. Unfortunately, Gearwrench doesn't offer the same wide range of sizes that MATCO does and doesn't offer pinless in 1/4 drive. there are probably a handful of other specialty tools that still might be US made like feeler gauges from Gearwrench killing off KD tools. Cripe had great prices on those pinless impact sets.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I don't have any experience with Williams Taiwan, but if you're looking for a good quality Import I would recommend GearWrench.

If you decide you would like US made I don't think you can go wrong with any of the usual suspects: SK, Proto, Wright, or Williams. One item that may give one an advantage over another is if you have a local B&M dealer for one of them, make warranty easier, and if you loose a socket in the middle of a job you can run out and pick up a replacement.

 

[johndeereman]

I have a set of Williams 3/8'' impact sockets which have been flawless. I also have a lot of Gearwrench both chrome and impact for the money all have been awesome.

 

[jptbay]

Look at Genius. They are a Garage Journal Alliance vendor and will sell direct.

I have a bunch of their sockets and the quality/value is great. Made in Taiwan. Lifetime warranty.

SS-422S is a 22 piece SAE short set that goes from 5/16 to 1-1/2".
http://geniustools.net/setdisplay/7613/2

 

[buckwheat_la]

Look at Genius. They are a Garage Journal Alliance vendor and will sell direct.

I have a bunch of their sockets and the quality/value is great. Made in Taiwan. Lifetime warranty.

SS-422S is a 22 piece SAE short set that goes from 5/16 to 1-1/2".
http://geniustools.net/setdisplay/7613/2

Pricing?

 

[Adam.C]

I bought a set of 12pt chrome 1/2" drive metric Snap On sockets on eBay for about $100 brand new. Most Snap On socket sets (and ratchets) can be had for around $100 in like new condition on eBay or Craigslist. I wouldn't worry about warranty implications of buying used Snap On. I've bought 3/8" drive from the truck on special for about $100. Many pros only pay retail when they are desperate for a tool. Otherwise, just about everything can be had 40% off.

Point being don't pay big money for second tier tools. I say buy cheap or buy used Snap On (or other truck brands).

 

[John in OH]

I'm a pimp for the US-made Wright tools! Their pricing is probably in line with US made Proto, Williams, Armstrong, SK, etc., but one HUGE advantage in my view is the large size stampings on their tools. No squinting or constantly wiping off crud to see the size. Equal to SO quality but hundreds less in cost.

May cost more than you want to spend, but at least check them out as they are great US tools.

 

[notlob]

Pricing?

https://lmgtfy.com/?q=SS-422S+Amazon

 

[6PTsocket]

Gearwrench was never a US made company. The only US made item in their line up was their micrometer torque wrenches but, sadly they are now chinese made.

I don't think Armstrong can be compared to Snap on. The overall quality of Armstrong is comparable to US made Craftsman but, Armstrong is no where near Snap on quality.

Back to the op's question, yes Williams Taiwan sockets are good quality but, if you're looking for SAE, let eBay be your friend and shop around for the best deal.

Different strokes. Many should be going to SnapOn annonymous meetings. The price is partly well earned and partly the incredibly expensive distribution system. I have used Armstrong wrenches that are as beautifully plated, finished and precision fit as anything out there. It is entirely possible to make something as good as SnapOn. They are not made of some magic alloy. Professionals use them because they are good and they get the customet support. From there, the reasoning goes, if the pros use them they must be the best. They break, too. Are you sure that some of that Gearwrench stuff was not sold as KD at some point? I am talking about when it belonged to Danaher.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[firworks]

I've got a couple of 1/2" sets of Williams / Blue-Point made in Taiwan and they're some of the nicer sockets I own. I would have no worries grabbing them if you can find a deal on them.

 

[Roberts210]

Wright or S-K. 'Merican made.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Different strokes. Many should be going to SnapOn annonymous meetings. The price is partly well earned and partly the incredibly expensive distribution system. I have used Armstrong wrenches that are as beautifully plated, finished and precision fit as anything out there. It is entirely possible to make something as good as SnapOn. They are not made of some magic alloy. Professionals use them because they are good and they get the customet support. From there, the reasoning goes, if the pros use them they must be the best. They break, too. Are you sure that some of that Gearwrench stuff was not sold as KD at some point? I am talking about when it belonged to Danaher.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

If you're saying Fedwrench is a Snap On fanboy, that's pretty far off from the truth...If I misunderstood, my apologies!

However, while the armstrong wrenches are nice, take a look at the 36T ratchets from armstrong or their sockets. They are some of the worst options available for hand tools. The ratchets are the same poor design in the Craftsman RP ratchets, and the sockets have the worst plating of any tool company in modern history. The armstrong and armstrong made craftsman sockets I had all started rusting within in a year- not even my cheap northern industrial impact sockets (which aren't even chrome plated, just black oxide) rusted that fast.

The 88T ratchets are pretty good from armstrong, as well as their wrenches. Pliers and screwdrivers are nothing special, but nothing bad either. Solid choices for the price. Pinless swivels are excellent.

But those sockets are still HORRID.

As far as Williams Taiwan, would they really be any different than Gearwrench or Tekton? I'd go for SK, Proto, or Wright, and then probably just one of the well known Taiwan brands that was cheap if I were in the OP's situation.

 

[firworks]

These are 3/8" but I imagine the same Williams "line" as the 1/2" you are looking at:
View media item 65499View media item 65498

 

[Tom.C]

Wow firworks those things look nice, I think I'm gonna try and find the williams sockets at a lower price than amazon, I really like them.

 

[cheechi]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6118239&postcount=66

As far as Gearwrench, when the brand first came out, they replaced KD Tools USA made line. All things considered, moving a line of tools offshore they did it better than most (all?) by changing the branding, doing it with quality, and taking feedback properly. Several 'first run' GW tools were not as good but subsequent batches fixed the mistakes and didn't take years to get around to it.

I bet you a good KD socket vs a good GW Taiwan socket vs a good GW China socket, you are going to notice differences yes but all 3 are going to work within the same parameters and hold up the same or very close to the same amount of stress. I'm not a tool abuser so this might not be true for everyone but at least for me, I have all 3 use all 3 and Im happy with all 3.

 

[slip knot]

I've used the Gearwrench sockets and the Williams imports and find them both to be top notch tools.

Toolsdelivered.com has been the best supplier for affordable Williams sets for me.

 

[JDon99]

I use some of the Williams Taiwan socket sets at work, very nice qaulity. I have a bunch of brand new sets that I will be selling soon, pm me if interested.

 

[WWheeler]

If you're saying Fedwrench is a Snap On fanboy, that's pretty far off from the truth...If I misunderstood, my apologies!

However, while the armstrong wrenches are nice, take a look at the 36T ratchets from armstrong or their sockets. They are some of the worst options available for hand tools. The ratchets are the same poor design in the Craftsman RP ratchets, and the sockets have the worst plating of any tool company in modern history. The armstrong and armstrong made craftsman sockets I had all started rusting within in a year- not even my cheap northern industrial impact sockets (which aren't even chrome plated, just black oxide) rusted that fast.

The 88T ratchets are pretty good from armstrong, as well as their wrenches. Pliers and screwdrivers are nothing special, but nothing bad either. Solid choices for the price. Pinless swivels are excellent.

But those sockets are still HORRID.

As far as Williams Taiwan, would they really be any different than Gearwrench or Tekton? I'd go for SK, Proto, or Wright, and then probably just one of the well known Taiwan brands that was cheap if I were in the OP's situation.

We use those 36t Armstrong & their sockets, wrenches, pliers, etc, at work in a 24/7 industrial setting all day every day (ab)used by lots of different hands and they hold up at least as good as any other industrial brand. We use Armstrongs right beside Williams and Wright and Proto and none fare noticeably any better than any other. We don't care about finish. We care about tools that get the job done and don't need replaced often if ever.

The only brand tool that's made it out onto our floor that anyone has had any issues with is the Rock River **** that Fastenal is pimping these days. They somehow recently weaseled their way into our purchasing department but that didn't last long. Complete throwaway junk all of it.

 

[T45]

Ok so I'm looking around for some high quality chrome sockets, right now I'm kinda focusing on 1/2" drive and I want it all the way up to 1-1/2" shallow and deep, I can't justify spending 1k+ on snap on so I was looking at sk, proto, and williams, so far the williams seem to be the best price for what you get but still at over $100 a set I feel like Taiwan made should be cheaper, does anyone have experience with these? Are they worth it?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VMSE2I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you want cheaper consider just buy to 1 1/4. Those extra large sizes are what will cost you extra bucks. Frankly, you can buy the highest quality sockets for $100/set if you stay in normal size ranges.

Then buy whatever you want for the giant sizes--they are unlikely to break and tolerance issues are far less important. Just like with wrenches, spend money where it is needed, and don't park money on stuff that is less critical or little used.

Also look at USA NOS. Lots of deals on SAE sets for like 50-60 range. You lose the flank drive, but whether that is critical is sometimes a function of your work.

 

[Tom.C]

If you want cheaper consider just buy to 1 1/4. Those extra large sizes are what will cost you extra bucks. Frankly, you can buy the highest quality sockets for $100/set if you stay in normal size ranges.

Then buy whatever you want for the giant sizes--they are unlikely to break and tolerance issues are far less important. Just like with wrenches, spend money where it is needed, and don't park money on stuff that is less critical or little used.

Also look at USA NOS. Lots of deals on SAE sets for like 50-60 range. You lose the flank drive, but whether that is critical is sometimes a function of your work.

Actually I was mostly looking at these higher quality set for the larger sizes, the stuff I work on typically starts at 15/16 and moves up from there, the reason I want a decent set it because I have them in impact already but they warp from the breaker bar abuse, and the cheap sockets I have explode. I would quite literally use every socket in that set on a weekly if not daily basis