Hello, I know this thread has been discussed before but most I’ve seen are 5 years old so I don’t know if things have changed. If you’ve seen my other thread you know I’m looking for sockets. I think I’ve narrowed it down to S-K or Williams. I’m talking USA Williams but just looking for opinions on fit and finish and ease of warranty. Getting chrome shallow and deeps both SAE and metric 6 points. Also looking for a set of shallow and deep chrome 12 points but only getting 3/8” drive 12 points for now. Looking at either gearwrench or grey pneumatic for impacts.
Williams Vs. S-K
- Thread starter Chasej
- Start date
Finish I’m going to vote Williams USA. With that said, SK are fantastic. I have both.
I haven’t used SK warranty but Williams is pretty short or non existent. Broaching and drive end are indentical to my Snap On. Chrome isn’t as good.
Here is a newer SK vs Williams USA socket. Sorry, don’t have an identical size/drive to compare. I bought both new.
Screwdrivers/wrenches are a different story.
I haven’t used SK warranty but Williams is pretty short or non existent. Broaching and drive end are indentical to my Snap On. Chrome isn’t as good.
Here is a newer SK vs Williams USA socket. Sorry, don’t have an identical size/drive to compare. I bought both new.
Screwdrivers/wrenches are a different story.
bob15
Well-known member
I'll take SK over Williams everyday.
Looking like SK is filling Williams. I’m 100% snap on person like my dad and so on but my wallet isn’t. I’m looking to turn wrenches not collect tools so if SK makes a quality product like so many are saying I ought to try them out. I’ll save money going that route but the only things I’ve seen negative are some quality issues.
What about warranty? Where would you rank SK on a low tier mid tier and top tier scale with snap on being the top? What brand do you think would be a step above sk and a step below?
I haven’t needed to use SK warranty yet but the Williams warranty is fairly short. Pretty standard with industrial brands. Those that have used SK can comment on their warranty service.
For my friends that love the “SO equivalent” USA Williams, they justify their purchases with paying 1/3 of SO price for the warranty gamble. The newer Williams I own are low use tools, like 1/2 12pt deeps and travel box screwdrivers.
I have a good amount of old Williams but that isn’t a fair comparison.
For my friends that love the “SO equivalent” USA Williams, they justify their purchases with paying 1/3 of SO price for the warranty gamble. The newer Williams I own are low use tools, like 1/2 12pt deeps and travel box screwdrivers.
I have a good amount of old Williams but that isn’t a fair comparison.
DSLTRK
Well-known member
I wasn't impressed with the Williams chromies I ordered.
But both Zoro and Williams were great with the returns.
I'd go SK any day. I know their recent sockets are quite tough.
But both Zoro and Williams were great with the returns.
I'd go SK any day. I know their recent sockets are quite tough.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
The exact opposite for me.
Have both, buy what ever is a better deal at the time. Zoro usually has good discounts but it applies to SK and williams, if you're a die hard SO guy get the williams, quality control probably isn't as good and the stamping is different but functionally they're the same from my experience with impact sockets
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Both are of high quality, and will last a long time. If you're a student, warranty should not be a prime concern. Sk will likely be easier if that time comes. No offense, but statistically speaking trades have a very high drop out rate; getting a free replacement 10 years from now shouldn't be a major deciding factor.
What are you in school for?
What are you in school for?
Why not get one of each? In the shop box for 3/8 chrome 6 points, the SAE are SK and the metric are Williams. Honestly dont have a preference between the two, but when working on multiple jobs with tools laid out nice to see if metric or SAE with just a quick glance.
GrayEngineer
Well-known member
I vote SK over Williams. Williams seems to source more and more of their tools from overseas every year, so much so that is becoming a bit of a hunt to buy American made tools from them. This leads me to believe that Williams will become what Craftsman tools has, and if you need to warranty your American made tool you'll get the Orient's finest in return. SK on the other hand is devoted to American manufacturing and takes pride in their name. I have SK impacts, ratchets, wrench, etc. and I have the same in Snap-on tools too; at the end of the day I've never had a Snap-on tool do the job my SK tools couldn't or vice versa. I actually prefer SK impact sockets over Snap-on's, and SK x-frame wrenches are excellent. SK also has semi deep sockets, so they can fill that niche for you as well. Buy the SK pro membership, and you can get a nice socket set for the cost of the membership over the course of a year as well. I did that and have another 1/2" drive shallow socket set from 10-21mm, and cost me $20 for it (student discount was used for this).
On a side note, I'm a student currently and have wrenched professional prior to my education. I have used a ton of different tool brands, and I am still acquiring new brands as I learn more about various manufacturers I haven't been exposed too. As I've learned more, the more I tend to be less concerned about the brand name on the tool and more concerned with the quality and functionality of the tool. With that said, Snap-on has lost a lot of luster to me as a whole. They do make some tools that are topic the mark (i.e. hd gold torx bit sockets), but others that are average at best (i.e. cordless tools). Do your due diligence, and you'll likely be satisfied with your purchases.
Another friendly reminder buy Koken sockets, especially their zeal line. I consider them to be the best I've used, and they are fairly cheap. The only sockets I'd consider "better" are Nepros, and only because the finish on them is unreal. In use, Koken and Nepros are equal and I'd opt for Koken because they are much lower cost than Nepros.
On a side note, I'm a student currently and have wrenched professional prior to my education. I have used a ton of different tool brands, and I am still acquiring new brands as I learn more about various manufacturers I haven't been exposed too. As I've learned more, the more I tend to be less concerned about the brand name on the tool and more concerned with the quality and functionality of the tool. With that said, Snap-on has lost a lot of luster to me as a whole. They do make some tools that are topic the mark (i.e. hd gold torx bit sockets), but others that are average at best (i.e. cordless tools). Do your due diligence, and you'll likely be satisfied with your purchases.
Another friendly reminder buy Koken sockets, especially their zeal line. I consider them to be the best I've used, and they are fairly cheap. The only sockets I'd consider "better" are Nepros, and only because the finish on them is unreal. In use, Koken and Nepros are equal and I'd opt for Koken because they are much lower cost than Nepros.
Thank you for your response and great write up. I’m glad you brought that to my attention about the craftsman comparison. I agree snap on makes very great tools and I love their ratchets and as I would like to own every socket I need to be smart about this. I think I will go with S-K.
JiminAZ
Well-known member
I have SK and US Williams. Both are great in my book. The only objection I have to my US Williams are that the rollmarks are small and hard to read. The polishing and chrome on the US Williams is a step lower than SK but in no way affects the function of the tools.
You asked above what might be above in the pecking order. Honestly I have been surprised with my Proto chrome sockets and tend to use them most. The chrome is head and shoulders better than Williams and maybe a bit better than SK, without the paint inside the sockets. But the biggest advantage is the size rollmarks are readable for me without reading glasses.
US Williams sockets and sets can be had quite inexpensively if you use the camels and are patient on amazon.
I work in the oilfield and have a lot of respect for the abuse that I see various US Williams tools taking.
I would agree Koken are fantastic. Have bought a couple of specialty sets (low profile Zeal and nut holder sockets). If I was starting over I might just go Koken.
I spend zero time worrying about warranty. I don't make a living with my tools so that is not a factor for me. Likely when I bust a socket it's my fault and I'll just buy another one for $7-10 and get on with life. My impression is that SK will be easier than Williams whether buying or warranting a replacement.
You asked above what might be above in the pecking order. Honestly I have been surprised with my Proto chrome sockets and tend to use them most. The chrome is head and shoulders better than Williams and maybe a bit better than SK, without the paint inside the sockets. But the biggest advantage is the size rollmarks are readable for me without reading glasses.
US Williams sockets and sets can be had quite inexpensively if you use the camels and are patient on amazon.
I work in the oilfield and have a lot of respect for the abuse that I see various US Williams tools taking.
I would agree Koken are fantastic. Have bought a couple of specialty sets (low profile Zeal and nut holder sockets). If I was starting over I might just go Koken.
I spend zero time worrying about warranty. I don't make a living with my tools so that is not a factor for me. Likely when I bust a socket it's my fault and I'll just buy another one for $7-10 and get on with life. My impression is that SK will be easier than Williams whether buying or warranting a replacement.
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Ton ton
Well-known member
Cool thread.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
SK offers a much wider range of metric socket sizes across three drive sizes than US made Williams. Williams' size markings are on the tiny side.
thin_concrete
Well-known member
I have a set of SK SAE wrenches and they’re built very well. They have a good bite and have a good angle on them. I don’t have any personal experience with Williams, but I’ve never heard anything bad about them.
mowkep
Well-known member
Williams for me. Got some great deals on Amazon and toolsdelivered. Weren't there issues with the SK ratchets? Don't believe Williams ratchets have had build quality issues.
paulsomlo
Well-known member
Where do you go to school?
At a local community college because there was no way I could pay for MMI. I looked at the course materials and they all had the same books. Met with my instructor and he has a bunch of marine experience so I’m being taught by a mechanic not a teacher and then finally I know I’ll learn more in the field than I will ever in a classroom.
iagsxr
Well-known member
Yeah, no. They have both a domestic and an import line. Blame the resellers for not making it clear which you're getting.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
All numbers are taiwanese blue-point equivalent, letters and numbers are USA made. Both are good tools.
Bigblue&Goldie
Well-known member
I personally feel USA Williams is one of the best bargains in hand tools. Snap On engineering and manufacturing at an import price point. I've got various Williams socket sets, pliers, and ratcheting screwdriver.
They are also up front on where stuff is made. Their catalog pages tell you what is USA made and what isnt. Toolsdelivered.com is a great place to buy from, and they even list COO in the descriptions.
They are also up front on where stuff is made. Their catalog pages tell you what is USA made and what isnt. Toolsdelivered.com is a great place to buy from, and they even list COO in the descriptions.
mrjaw14
Well-known member
I have USA craftsman, then I bought SK, now I'm buying Snap-On when I can find BOGOs. Not a darn thing wrong with my SK's. My thoughts are this: I am going to put the CMAN either in a truck kit or sell them. the SK's come in nice blow molded cases, and I keep them in it to take when I need "good" tools to work on something for a friend, or when I need to take the tools to the work. When I can get the work to the tools it gets Snap-On. Only way I can afford Snap-On is BOGO's though. I wanted the Williams USA big set, but I just couldn't do it. so SK it was for that.
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
You really cannot go wrong with either one.
Warranty is the same for both,you have to mail them in.
I purchase from SK,Williams,Proto,Facom, Ridgid,Knipex,etc . What I feel a brands particular offerings are either best in class or the best value offered.
I work in facility maintenance (HVAC) not as a mechanic.
Warranty is the same for both,you have to mail them in.
I purchase from SK,Williams,Proto,Facom, Ridgid,Knipex,etc . What I feel a brands particular offerings are either best in class or the best value offered.
I work in facility maintenance (HVAC) not as a mechanic.
I have both SK and USA Williams. And as said, Williams may have better machining but the size stamping is tiny; its blended in with the PN and half a novel of numbers and doesn't jump out. SK wins with this and also has more brilliant plating , which I believe is hexavalent vs trivalent chromium. Hex is brilliant blue old school.
Jackson James
New member
Almost true, but not quiet; many USA made Williams wrenches and various other tools do not have a letter prefix. It’s worth a look at the catalog to see their offerings, all USA made products are clearly marked. And as previously stated Williams offerers and extensive line of high quality domestic tools. I just order my first Taiwanese Williams tool, a 3/4 SAE Socket/Ratchet set, I will relay my experience with this product after some abuse. [emoji41]
Oh, and someone else said it too, PROTO is not to be overlooked. SK may be flash, but in my opinion you are paying for their form, rather than function which does not make a whole lot of sense to me when it comes to tools.
demarpaint
Well-known member
I have SK and US Williams sockets. They're both good, but if I were to add pieces to my set I'd buy US made Williams. I like my SK ratchets a lot too.
cherrybomb
Well-known member
I agree,I also have Proto added to the mix,I have Proto and SK ratchets,both excellent.I tend to look at the use of the socket,if it is seldom used,Williams USA is a bit cheaper than Proto.My short observations, since I have all three,I'm constantly running my own test.You can't go wrong,None have let me down.Zoro is a place to check out.
Mecha
Well-known member
Proto and SK. They both make fine tools that last and last. Get fancy with your ratchets but sockets from any reputable US manufacturer will make you happy. I don't have Koken but drool over it constantly.
Also, and I recently advised a friend to do so, try to find the SAE stuff used in a good brand, then look for the metrics new.
My buddy got Wright wrenches new for a great price on eBay and then got Wrightgrips new for metric off Zoro. He was very happy.
Also, and I recently advised a friend to do so, try to find the SAE stuff used in a good brand, then look for the metrics new.
My buddy got Wright wrenches new for a great price on eBay and then got Wrightgrips new for metric off Zoro. He was very happy.