Williams vs SK Sockets
- Thread starter Vintage Veloce
- Start date
General Geoff
Well-known member
I have SK's spline-drive 3/8" socket set, which was my first SK purchase, and it was essentially flawless. That spurred me to get the 1/4" drive 60-piece super set, which came with sockets which were missing chrome in spots and had rust on them from the factory. I sent the set back to SK and they sent me another one which was only marginally better, and in fact still had a few small rust spots where chrome was missing, again from the factory. I decided not to push my luck and kept the second set.
The sockets are strong and get the job done, but as you've found out, their overall finish is not what anyone would consider exemplary. That's why I was compelled to go elsewhere for my future socket purchases (I went with Ko-ken, which has flawless finishing). Been very happy with them, and they're right around the same price as SK for equivalent products.
Looks like those Williams sockets are very nice too.
The sockets are strong and get the job done, but as you've found out, their overall finish is not what anyone would consider exemplary. That's why I was compelled to go elsewhere for my future socket purchases (I went with Ko-ken, which has flawless finishing). Been very happy with them, and they're right around the same price as SK for equivalent products.
Looks like those Williams sockets are very nice too.
Koken sets are around the same price as SK equivalent? Links? Maybe something similar to the SK 60 piece 1/4 master set you referenced.
SantaAna12
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I'm not sure how to respond, assuming your going to link something equivalent to the SK master sets? Individual pieced out is fine, but it doesn't appear based off my shopping cart that's it's going to be anywhere close in price.
SantaAna12
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No, thats General Geoff.
That Zeal set I linked is similar in price to SK.
Its quality is much better.
No paint or chrome issues.
That Zeal set I linked is similar in price to SK.
Its quality is much better.
No paint or chrome issues.
I'll let you guys argue paint/QC issues, My concern is the pricing comparisons comments, but the comparable SK 1314 which doesn't skip socket sizes, includes extensions is still cheaper, so not a similar price point, nor set contents.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Wow! The attention to detail is very evident with the Williams sockets. Very nice indeed.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
That one socket that says MD-610 USA; is that the new style logo or the old style?
I believe that is new
I think Williams sockets are the best value there is. They are probably transitioning logos. Both sets I have are mixed
Mixed logo's...
How many Williams QC threads will we have before morning?
LOL
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Cool. I like seeing Williams in all capital letters.
General Geoff
Well-known member
They are similarly priced with products that both companies offer in similar configurations. Ko-ken doesn't offer the range of the SK 1/4 super set in a single product, sadly. If they did I'd have it. A few other product comparisons:
3/8" wobble extensions:
SK
Ko-ken
1/2" chrome sockets:
SK
Ko-ken
3/8" chrome sockets:
SK
Ko-ken
Yep... No where close $$$ When buying SK in Sets, I did some shopping at Frank's also, when you start getting into deep sockets the margin grows considerably in regards to Koken.
motofool33
Well-known member
were the williams taiwan made or usa made?
General Geoff
Well-known member
Even at 1.5x the price, if Ko-ken offered all-inclusive socket/ratchet sets, I'd buy them over SK. I did send Ko-ken some feedback requesting that they make some all inclusive socket sets.
Oh that's fine.. Your free to buy whatever you wish. I was only clearing up some pricing comparison comments. If we are being fair, not trying to piece every component out just to make a point, it's not even close.
General Geoff
Well-known member
Being fair, Ko-ken doesn't (yet) offer the same kinds of complete sets that SK has. So it's not really a comparison.
lilcraigford
Well-known member
The Williams sockets pictured in this thread have "USA" stamped on them.
Really.. Ill be honest, I've seen all types of stances here at GJ, if that is how you want to justify your "Equivalent Priced" stance. I guess we will just have to agree to disagree.
Good Day.
Curious? When you buy a Automobile, do you go to the dealership, or the parts counter to buy all the individual parts? FYI, it's generally cheaper to buy the car as a whole, when considering the labor/time involved with assembling it.
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General Geoff
Well-known member
I said "around the same price as SK for equivalent products," and I cited multiple examples. *shrug*
For better value on full sets (with better overall finish), I've found Grey Pneumatic to fit the bill. I'll be the first to admit that comparing Taiwan-made tools to USA-made tools is also not a fair comparison (if for no other reason than involved labor costs), which is why I left them out.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
OP didn't like how his last thread ended up. He waited and began anew with a stronger argument at-hand, sidestepping the silver paint issue. Why did the worst example above not make it into the silver paint thread? :huh:
If I could go back and buy Ko-Ken instead of SK so many years ago, I don't think I'd have been any better off so far as life of product, nor would I have accomplished more. Either makes a quality product and I'm glad to have choices.
If I could go back and buy Ko-Ken instead of SK so many years ago, I don't think I'd have been any better off so far as life of product, nor would I have accomplished more. Either makes a quality product and I'm glad to have choices.
SantaAna12
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http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644009749/
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYC9U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
A better example. This is the one I actually bought.
I'm with you General.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYC9U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
A better example. This is the one I actually bought.
I'm with you General.
Come on guys.. Are you really going to cherry pick deals, ignore shipping costs, etc.... Yes.. You found a comparison set of 1/4 sockets for about the same price. Now.. Piece together the Koken equivalent to match even the 44 SK set that can be had for $130. It's Ok to buy other brands, it doesn't matter what the justification is, just don't expect me or anyone else believe that they can be had for the same price, outside of buying each socket individually, It's Just not happening.. EOD
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Williams US made are nice but, I feel they lack the size selection in 6 point metric chrome sockets that PROTO and SK offers. Additionally, I feel that the size markings on Williams sockets are a lot smaller than what PROTO and SK uses but, that's just me. 
B_Bimmer
Well-known member
Hiball, thank you for defending reality. I don't know where you get the patience, but I appreciate it.
panknuckshovel
Well-known member
OP, Williams sockets are fantastic and if you can do it get the ratchets.
Wifey got me 3/8" standard, extended and flex along with the 1/4" for christmas. As posted in the other threads......All USA, built like a tank, solid as a rock, and 36 teeth that are smoother than your prom dates thigh.
Wifey got me 3/8" standard, extended and flex along with the 1/4" for christmas. As posted in the other threads......All USA, built like a tank, solid as a rock, and 36 teeth that are smoother than your prom dates thigh.
Attachments
Where did she get them from?
Bruce57
Well-known member
I got a Williams MSB-12HRC 12-Piece 3/8-Inch Drive Metric Shallow 6 Point Socket Set from Amazon for Christmas for my home box. They run about $55, are USA made, and the quality is excellent. A comparable SK 13 piece (includes 7mm which the Williams doesn't) set runs $71.
ibedayank
Well-known member
lets not forget china williams..
im not a fan of sk or the williams sockets. all of the sk stuff i own or have ever seen or used always has chrome issues, whether rusted or chrome flaking, or just tarnished chrome from use.
id go proto for sets if i were buying new, but im not sure how complete it would be compared to the sk.
id go proto for sets if i were buying new, but im not sure how complete it would be compared to the sk.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
demolitionman
Well-known member
Just stumbled across this thread. I've got some US Williams sockets on the way.....wish they were available in 6pt 1/2" drive. Can't believe they aren't but ah well, I'm patiently awaiting my 3/8" set. I was planing on going with Wright Tool, but the pricing seemed to far off. Hell, I didn't even really need another set, but I've been using my 6pt craftsmans as bearing and bushing drivers for too long. At least I'll take care of these.
This thread is essentially a rerun of the prior thread by the OP with the addition of some love for Williams sockets. Pretty much everyone agrees Williams and Koken make great tools including sockets. And they look very good too. And as a consumer, you have to be satisfied with your purchases and choices.
But outside of the interior looks, no socket was attached to a ratchet nor a comparison of fit on a nut or bolt was made nor was a nut or bolt ever turned with the SK sockets. I've said it before and I'll say it again, before I came onto this forum, I never looked inside of my sockets other than to wipe grease and dirt out of them when I used them. I have some great looking sockets - Gearwrench, SK (older and pre-bankruptcy) among them and I have some crappy looking sockets - Craftsman (single and double detent). And all of them have worked very well for me; haven't rounded off bolts and nuts; haven't cracked or broken except in one case of blatant abuse by me; and I have used the hell out of most of them. I didn't judge them by their looks before using them - I just used them and found out that they did the job.
To each their own.
But outside of the interior looks, no socket was attached to a ratchet nor a comparison of fit on a nut or bolt was made nor was a nut or bolt ever turned with the SK sockets. I've said it before and I'll say it again, before I came onto this forum, I never looked inside of my sockets other than to wipe grease and dirt out of them when I used them. I have some great looking sockets - Gearwrench, SK (older and pre-bankruptcy) among them and I have some crappy looking sockets - Craftsman (single and double detent). And all of them have worked very well for me; haven't rounded off bolts and nuts; haven't cracked or broken except in one case of blatant abuse by me; and I have used the hell out of most of them. I didn't judge them by their looks before using them - I just used them and found out that they did the job.
To each their own.
Brownsfan
Well-known member
I agree PJNJ. Until I joined this forum I never even so much as looked at any finish of a tool. Also I have never seen more of an obsession with warranty. If you are new here you would think tools are failing at an alarming rate and a Congressional inquiry is needed. I never gave warranty a thought.
espyking83
Well-known member
Love when people try to passively advertise their blog; like it's too difficult to copy and paste it here.
Also putting money on the assumption you bought your SK at ~ 30% the MSRP from an Amazon 3rd party or some overstock site.
Also putting money on the assumption you bought your SK at ~ 30% the MSRP from an Amazon 3rd party or some overstock site.