Williams tools?

[EricTheTireGuy]

I am looking at getting some new various tools and came across the Williams brand. I was wondering about their quality because they are the manufacturer of Snap on tools as well, but the Williams prices are WAY lower.

Thanks and sorry if this is a repeat question, the search function doesn't want to work on my phone.

 

[Youngguns]

Can't go wrong with Williams.

 

[espyking83]

Williams is genuine professional quality, regardless if the COO is Taiwan or USA. Only drawback is that the trucks don't warranty them, but the process is still simple enough.


Willams best that I have owned and would buy again:
--Ratcheting screwdriver (a must have if you like hard handle drivers)
-Screwdriver set.
-Stubby wrenches.
-Sockets
-Combination wrenches

 

[JKennedy]

Is the majority of their stuff USA? I can't ever find COO when looking to buy their tools like on amazon for example...

 

[EricTheTireGuy]

Thanks! Thats good to know! I may have some socket sets on my Christmas list!

 

[EricTheTireGuy]

How good are their ratchets? They have got to be better than my current Craftsman.

 

[herfalerf]

From what I understand their ratchets are the old snap on 36 tooth design. Also if you go to toolsdelivered.com they will list if the item is USA made or not.

 

[nanofrog]

It's an industrial brand, and is very good stuff. Suspect you'd be happy with their products, especially the sockets.

As per US & Taiwanese COO's with Williams, the US made starts with letters (mix of letters & numbers), while the Taiwanese made is strictly numbers. A lot of duplication IIRC, but I don't think you'd be disappointed with either COO (dimensional specs are the same based on a catalog I've got). Taiwanese is a bit less expensive.

Proto and Blackhawk (both owned by Stanley), SK, Wright, and Armstrong are also industrial brands worth a look IMHO. They're not sold from trucks, which makes them a little less convenient to warranty, but they're also less expensive this way (25 - 50% of the truck brands IME).

 

[Fcvapor05]

Williams tools are very good. Most of the time they are the same design, or very similar, to their snap-on equivalent, with some changes in materials.

 

[stonesfan68]

Is the majority of their stuff USA? I can't ever find COO when looking to buy their tools like on amazon for example...

Their catalog details what is made in the USA.

http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/30/home.htm

Part numbers that have a combination of letters and numbers are made in the USA.

 

[espyking83]

Is the majority of their stuff USA? I can't ever find COO when looking to buy their tools like on amazon for example...

From what I have seen, each tool type has a Taiwan and USA COO. I believe the USA numers start with WS, check on that, I could be wrong.

 

[Farmall450]

From what I have seen, each tool type has a Taiwan and USA COO. I believe the USA numers start with WS, check on that, I could be wrong.

I've heard this before...not quite sure why but it seems to be accurate.

 

[wild cowboy]

The main thing to remember, that so few folks will admit, is that for 90% of the items on the tool truck, there is no real quality difference between the tool truck and USA made Craftsman, except that the tool truck comes to you and has the easy-finance plan and about 5 to 8 times the price.

 

[JDon99]

From what I have seen, each tool type has a Taiwan and USA COO. I believe the USA numers start with WS, check on that, I could be wrong.

It depends on what it is. For example, WSS-xxxx is 1/2" drive SAE sockets/sets, MSS-xxxx is 1/2" drive metric sockets/sets. ALL of the USA Williams part#'s that I have seen have letters and numbers in the part#, whereas the Taiwan stuff is usually a five digit number.

 

[cludwin]

I own Williams USA 1/2" Impact Sockets and their hard handle screwdrivers and they are fantastic. Those two items are top quality stuff.

 

[JDon99]

The main thing to remember, that so few folks will admit, is that for 90% of the items on the tool truck, there is no real quality difference between the tool truck and USA made Craftsman, except that the tool truck comes to you and has the easy-finance plan and about 5 to 8 times the price.

Williams is not really a tool truck brand, it's an industrial brand. The USA stuff is much better than the Cman stuff, I cannot comment on the Taiwan stuff.

 

[wild cowboy]

Williams is not really a tool truck brand, it's an industrial brand. The USA stuff is much better than the Cman stuff

Williams sells well made USA-built tools, as does Snap-On, Mac, Matco, Cornwell, Armstrong, Wright, Proto, Kobalt, SK and Craftsman! (and a few others)

please define "better" - because I haven't seen it in 46 years, except on a couple of items, such as Torx bits, where Snap-On is definitely better made, but that is a very rare case.

 

[Adam.C]

I am looking at getting some new various tools and came across the Williams brand. I was wondering about their quality because they are the manufacturer of Snap on tools as well, but the Williams prices are WAY lower.

I think many people here believe Williams and Snap On to be the same tools with the difference in price attributed only to warranty/customer service. Also, there is a belief that Williams gets the older designs of Snap On tools to avoid competition.

Though these are commonly held beliefs, I've never seen evidence of this being the case. It is possible that materials or heat treat processes are different. No way to tell from the videos we all poured over. The hard handle dimensions seem slightly different, which challenges the belief that Williams got Snap On's obsolete molds.

I would seriously consider Williams tools as their basic designs are similar to Snap On's, which I generally like. My guess is, small differences if any between the 2 brands may never amount to anything for most people.

But I have no evidence that is the case. Personally, for tools like screwdrivers that are subject to wear and tear, I think having the highest quality possible and a lifetime warranty from a company not likely to go under any time soon may well be the best value, even at Snap On retail prices. This may also be true for some sorts of pliers, possibly hammers, prybars, torx and allen bits and non-user serviceable ratchet wrenches.

For the other stuff- sockets, wrenches, who wears that stuff out? Repair kits are available for Snap On ratchets so inexpensively, I've only ever bought SO ratchets when they are on super good deals. Otherwise, you can get really nice second hand stuff on ebay, replace the guts for a tenner and you are good. Some guys even get the guts for free.

My advice is to compare new Williams with used Snap on. You may find like-new Snap On for similar or possibly lower prices than new Williams.

 

[EricTheTireGuy]

I think many people here believe Williams and Snap On to be the same tools with the difference in price attributed only to warranty/customer service. Also, there is a belief that Williams gets the older designs of Snap On tools to avoid competition.

Though these are commonly held beliefs, I've never seen evidence of this being the case. It is possible that materials or heat treat processes are different. No way to tell from the videos we all poured over. The hard handle dimensions seem slightly different, which challenges the belief that Williams got Snap On's obsolete molds.

I would seriously consider Williams tools as their basic designs are similar to Snap On's, which I generally like. My guess is, small differences if any between the 2 brands may never amount to anything for most people.

But I have no evidence that is the case. Personally, for tools like screwdrivers that are subject to wear and tear, I think having the highest quality possible and a lifetime warranty from a company not likely to go under any time soon may well be the best value, even at Snap On retail prices. This may also be true for some sorts of pliers, possibly hammers, prybars, torx and allen bits and non-user serviceable ratchet wrenches.

For the other stuff- sockets, wrenches, who wears that stuff out? Repair kits are available for Snap On ratchets so inexpensively, I've only ever bought SO ratchets when they are on super good deals. Otherwise, you can get really nice second hand stuff on ebay, replace the guts for a tenner and you are good. Some guys even get the guts for free.

My advice is to compare new Williams with used Snap on. You may find like-new Snap On for similar or possibly lower prices than new Williams.

I will definitely be keeping an eye open for deals on used Snap on products. I have been doing a ton of research and have most of their prices embedded in my brain for pawn shopping.

 

[espyking83]

Don't forget about Bahco either. Replaced all of my ratcheting drivers with them. Their adjustable wrenches are great too. Awesome sockets for the price. Recently picked up a new 3/8" set off of Ebay for $14.

 

[neonlazer]

Note at 1:47-1:50, They are stamping Williams on the socket

I was disappointed that Williams does not seem to make a 6pt 1/2" USA socket set, why I have no idea.

 

[JDon99]

please define "better"

Better finish, detents, smaller deepwell sockets that can fit deeper into an opening due to the shape of them. There's nothing wrong with the USA Cman, they get the job done, I have a bunch of them myself. The OP was asking about Williams in the first place, not Cman.

They are no match for Facom

 

[cheechi]

The main thing to remember, that so few folks will admit, is that for 90% of the items on the tool truck, there is no real quality difference between the tool truck and USA made Craftsman, except that the tool truck comes to you and has the easy-finance plan and about 5 to 8 times the price.

This is 100% off topic. You really have to stop this BS already. We all know you hate your SO truck or whatever. Just get over it.

I own both Williams USA and Williams Taiwan sockets. apples to apples either one is a good choice for a pro. The USA ones are more beefy, and more costly as a result. The difference isn't terrible though. The warranty is the same regardless. The Taiwan sockets have a more 'shiny' finish than the USA ones, if you happen to be shopping someplace that doesn't specify.

Both toolsdelivered.com and industrialsupplydenver.com specify the COO or respond quickly if you contact them about it.

I was disappointed that Williams does not seem to make a 6pt 1/2" USA socket set, why I have no idea.

This is only true for metric. I have the 1/2" 6 pt SAE set.

 

[JDon99]

Note at 1:47-1:50, They are stamping Williams on the socket

I was disappointed that Williams does not seem to make a 6pt 1/2" USA socket set, why I have no idea.

I wanted the 1/2" 6pt Metrics as well, I ended up biting the bullet and getting a set from SO. I don't understand why most industrial suppliers do not sell 1/2" drive metric in a 6pt.

 

[JKennedy]

Been looking on amazon.. Prices are very reasonable for a USA industrial brand!

 

[sonvolt]

Been looking on amazon.. Prices are very reasonable for a USA industrial brand!

Not all Williams is USA, some of it is Taiwain. I have both and they are good quality

 

[bob15]

I am looking at getting some new various tools and came across the Williams brand. I was wondering about their quality because they are the manufacturer of Snap on tools as well, but the Williams prices are WAY lower.

Thanks and sorry if this is a repeat question, the search function doesn't want to work on my phone.

You have that backwards....Snap On owns Williams.

I personally am not the biggest fan of their wrenches. I have found that their smaller sized combo wrenches (1/2 and 7/16 mainly) spread more than the Snap On's. The larger sizes, no issues. Also have had issues with the satin chrome pealing on several wrenches as well. On their boxed end, they look closer to a Bonney Loc-Rite than a Snap On. Also, my Williams set is 15-16 years old.....maybe that has changed.

Also the Williams wrenches do not have the same hardness on Snap On either. I have put both companies' wrenches on the hardness tester at work and have found a significant difference between the two.

I do not own any of their sockets, ratchets, etc.

Their are two other companies I would buy from before Williams.....

 

[JDSV]

Also the Williams wrenches do not have the same hardness on Snap On either. I have put both companies' wrenches on the hardness tester at work and have found a significant difference between the two.

Their are two other companies I would buy from before Williams.....

You wouldn't happen to still have the numbers from that test do you?

Also, if you do not mind me asking, which other brands would you choose?

 

[bob15]

You wouldn't happen to still have the numbers from that test do you?

Also, if you do not mind me asking, which other brands would you choose?

If time permits today at work, I will try and re-run the test. I believe I posted numbers on this site a year or so ago.

Other brands before Williams (and not including Snap On): SK and Wright. If you don't care about a warrenty (I don't), Bonney. Sorry, I'm not a fan of Proto.

 

[monomach]

Both Williams US and Taiwan are very good.

If you really want the US ones, look for part numbers with mixed numbers and letters. Taiwan stuff is only numbers.

I noticed that rule seems to break down with large wrenches. They all have just numbers for the part number, but they're domestic.

 

[yowzer]

I have a bunch of Williams sockets and some other odds and ends, both US and Taiwan. My only complaint is cosmetic - some of the US chrome sockets have this weird circumferential band around the outside that looks all scratched up, even though it's smooth. Doesn't interfere with how well they work, so I don't care too much.

 

[EricTheTireGuy]

Don't forget about Bahco either. Replaced all of my ratcheting drivers with them. Their adjustable wrenches are great too. Awesome sockets for the price. Recently picked up a new 3/8" set off of Ebay for $14.

Never heard of them before. I'll definitely take a look. Thanks!

 

[GreaseMonkey45170]

Lets see some pics!

 

[_Stang_]

From the snap on website...

Snap-on also offers the Williams brand of hand tools. Williams, founded in 1885, has been a subsidiary of Snap-on Industrial for over 15 years. The full assortment of Williams hand tools can be seen at jhwilliamstoolgroup.com.

 

[motofool33]

im working on a full socket set of williams, unfortunately i didn't find out about dual company origin until after i had purchased 4 sets of sockets.

everything except the last row of 1/2" sockets are williams all bought off of ebay for stupid cheap

i didn't notice the 3/8" deeps were 12pt until they arrived, auction didn't specify but for 28$ im not gonna complain.

ill be ordering the USA deeps i found the 19 piece set for as low as 92$ online or 12 piece set for 54$

 

[yowzer]

Here's a socket with that band I mentioned, next to one without (Bonus B-52A ratchet):

And an oddity:

This is a US made 1/2 inch swivel. Does the detent remind you of anything?

 

[jdmstr]

the williams import line is just re branded blue point tools there a great deal.

 

[Exceller8]

I just picked up a couple of USA Williams 8 point sockets off Amazon to replace a couple of sizes that were beat up. I am really happy with the quality and the price was very fair.

 

[Biomed]

I am looking at getting some new various tools and came across the Williams brand. I was wondering about their quality because they are the manufacturer of Snap on tools as well, but the Williams prices are WAY lower.

Thanks and sorry if this is a repeat question, the search function doesn't want to work on my phone.

The search function doesn't work on the GJ forum either. If you want to search for older threads here on GJ use Google. In the Google search box type site:garagejournal.com and then the term(s) you would like to search for. For example, to search for Williams tools you would type the following in the Google search box:

site:garagejournal.com Williams tools

Works great! There are a ton of old threads with useful information. Seems like the same questions come up over, and over, and over and over.

 

[panknuckshovel]

I had the Williams 3/8 ratchet B-52EHA before someone in the neighborhood decided they needed it more than I did. I got it to replace my Craftsman when their warranty turned useless. Great piece with a very smooth action.