Anybody have experience with the Williams B-52EHA and Armstrong 11-972. Both can be had for ~$30 but I can’t find many reviews on either, especially the Armstrong. I have a small craftsman set in my tool bag that I really like but I’d like to ditch the raised panel for something better that’s USA made. Of the two which is the better ratchet?
Williams vs. Armstrong 36 Tooth
- Thread starter Pig_Pen
- Start date
plinker
Well-known member
Both are very good ratchets, nothing wrong with either. Maybe a slight edge to the Williams as it is still available and has common repair kits (Snap-on 936 series). Armstrong handles are very comfortable, especially in 1/2 drive.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I know many people might disagree with me but, I feel the only good armstrong ratchets were their Maxx series and the round head fine tooth quick release ratchets. I just don't care for their regular models. You might not find many Armastrong reviews since, they've been out of production for a couple of years now.
The Williams 36 tooth has a great crisp ratcheting action that gets butter smooth with use. However, they're heavier than their snap on brothers, and I feel that their handle design can be quite slippery when covered in coolant or ATF. It's still a good ratchet though.
The Williams 36 tooth has a great crisp ratcheting action that gets butter smooth with use. However, they're heavier than their snap on brothers, and I feel that their handle design can be quite slippery when covered in coolant or ATF. It's still a good ratchet though.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
I have a 1/4" 36 tooth Armstrong ratchet. Looks like a very nice little ratchet and the handle is very nice in the hand. The guts are sloppy ****, making the ratchet pretty ******. Got it brand new, tried different lubes, still a pile of ****. No direct experience with Williams, but considering they are basically the old 36 tooth snap on, I can't see how they can't be miles ahead of Armstrong. Also Armstrong is dead so if you break it, you're getting a GW from my understanding.
AreYaSerious
Well-known member
If Armstrong was still being made, Armstrong, I like the way they look.
Williams are kinda bulky, but they are very well made and they are still being made. So I'd go Williams.
Another suggestion, If you want USA made the SK LP90s ratchets are a nice ratchet and you can buy the 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 for about $200. $65 for the 3/8 alone. However it all depends on your budget and what you want.
Williams are kinda bulky, but they are very well made and they are still being made. So I'd go Williams.
Another suggestion, If you want USA made the SK LP90s ratchets are a nice ratchet and you can buy the 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 for about $200. $65 for the 3/8 alone. However it all depends on your budget and what you want.
I have the Williams 52-ELHA (long handle version) and Armstrong 11-972. Both ratchets are excellent. My Armstrong is from the 80's so I'm not sure how the new ones compare but mine is smooth with low back drag. When new, the Williams has more back drag but it will loosen up when it breaks in.
I'd give a very slight edge to the Armstrong.
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
I'd give a very slight edge to the Armstrong.
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
Wamsutta
Well-known member
That's an easy one. The Williams 36 tooth (based off the Snap-on 936 series) will be superior in both strength and function.
Do you own either? Are you basing this solely off of Williams being owned by Snap On?
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
lakelandcat
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 25, 2017
- Messages
- 7,327
Look for a 72 tooth it will get a grip in a tighter place
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
Why not consider a Cornwell ratchet as well? Low tooth count, but works great!
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
The Armstrong is pretty much the same guts as your Craftsman RP,minus the quick release on the Crafty.So this will not be the upgrade you are looking for.
I have both,the Williams is stiff when new,but breaks in ,the Armstrong is clunky ,like they could have tightened up their tolerances.
I have both,the Williams is stiff when new,but breaks in ,the Armstrong is clunky ,like they could have tightened up their tolerances.
Negen
Well-known member
The Armstrong has a really nice contour grip. I have a brand new 1/2" flex head that is really nice. Same handle as the Armstrong 90 tooth round heads but different than the Maxx access 88t ratchets. The 36 is clunky and not smooth.
Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app
Sent from my G8141 using The Garage Journal mobile app
Wamsutta
Well-known member
My Brother has two of the Armstrong ratchets and I have two of the 936s. The Armstrong is a nice ratchet, but it doesn't have the finesse and precision of a 936.
bobcatdan
Well-known member
Looks are deceiving. The Armstrong 36 tooth ratchets look like very nice ratchets, but the guts are **** that after using mine, I'd point someone to HF for a ratchet first.
Interesting. I've had a 3/8" drive Armstrong since the 80's and a 1/2" S-91 made in the 60's and both still work great. They are in my truck box and are used fixing tractors etc. Probably had the roughest life of any of my ratchets.
The HF ratchets aren't bad but unless I needed the high tooth count... there's no way I'd take them over my Armstrong's.
Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app
MadMark
Well-known member
The older Armstrong pearhead ratchets had the same guts as the Snap On 800 series.
They were strong with a good grip, but only 32 teeth.
Before the Maxx series came out, Danaher bought Armstrong in the 1990's and changed the internals to a 36 tooth. That's the bad one.