Williams vs Snap On Sockets

[HomeTheaterMan]

I need to replace my 1/2" chrome shallow metric sockets. I've been using Craftsman USA sockets for years with great luck, however I recently had them go missing. My first thought was that I'd upgrade to a used set of Snap On but it looks like I can get the Williams even cheaper. Is there a difference other than the stamping? How is Williams if you ever need a warranty replacement? (I know they are the same company, just different lines.) SK is another consideration, but something keeps bringing me back to SO. What's you guys thoughts?

 

[rsanter]

Williams is good quality stuff

bob

 

[T45]

Snap-on chrome is outrageously priced in 1/2 drive IMHO. I would go with USA williams on this one. In other drives, Snap onhas the edge if you have the money or the inclination to care about the absolute performance.

 

[M6erfan]

If your gut says SO, get the SO. You'll never be disappointed...

That said, I'm not sure what metallurgy/performance differences, if any, are between Williams & Snap on

 

[bob15]

That said, I'm not sure what metallurgy/performance differences, if any, are between Williams & Snap on

I'm not going there on that one. There is a search tool on this site for all to find, read and take in.

 

[M6erfan]

I'm not going there on that one. There is a search tool on this site for all to find, read and take in.

I've read the threads. From what I gather there is nothing definitive, only conjecture and guessing...

 

[bob15]

OP, you will probably never be happy if you buy anything but the Snappy set because you keep going back to it. If you want Snap On, look on: e-bay, pawn shops, GJ classifieds, swap meet, flea markets, etc.

If you really think you will not regret buying another brand, I would look at SK & Wright tool. I also think you (and many people on this site) are thinking too much into warranty issues and putting it too high on the list of concerns.

 

[bob15]

I've read the threads. From what I gather there is nothing definitive, only conjecture and guessing...

Just not worth bringing up for the 643rd time....IMHO

 

[lugnut71]

I have both, the Williams usa sockets are great! Almost identical to snap-on.

 

[Derek420]

The old kobalt USA made by Williams is awesome and more so like snap on, they have same font but bigger and the snap on date code stamps, also the chrome and everything else is same. I have a lot of Williams USA nwer and older and snap on and they look different to me in all ways except the flank drive on the newer USA. The Williams Taiwan is also very nice and look shinyer than the USA. Also got Hornet made by Williams from 78-83 in mint that you would think we're brand new and are USA that are great. What I'm saying is you can't go, wrong with Williams you won't regret it and you get same warranty. If they we're **** I'd have all snap on but I love them. The hornets are very rare kinda and the Williams kobalt is my most favorite Williams and most snap on like but are also kinda hard to find. I'd buy the Williams brand new and save cash and get same warranty over used Snap on because you technically don't get a warranty at all unless you lie and be a crook or got a cool snap on guy. Good luck on your choice but I think it's easy or try wright they are USA all the, way and very nice quality and strong and cheaper than snap on and warranty is great. I got a ton of those and love them the best. Just another brand to consider

 

[M6erfan]

If you really think you will not regret buying another brand, I would look at SK & Wright tool. I also think you (and many people on this site) are thinking too much into warranty issues and putting it too high on the list of concerns.

Might as well add ProTo to the list, nice sockets...

Just not worth bringing up for the 643rd time....IMHO

Agreed!

 

[woody 73]

My two cents for what it's worth...

I have used both the Williams and snap on sockets and both are very nice except...I get fast service on replacing the snap on and the Williams people are very nice on the phone but it took a very long time to get replacements, mind you that is ok with me because I carry tons of spare items, but anyone in a hurry you are out of luck unless they have gotten better from a few short years ago.

 

[ptschram]

My two cents for what it's worth...

I have used both the Williams and snap on sockets and both are very nice except...I get fast service on replacing the snap on and the Williams people are very nice on the phone but it took a very long time to get replacements, mind you that is ok with me because I carry tons of spare items, but anyone in a hurry you are out of luck unless they have gotten better from a few short years ago.

Said it better than I could!

I CANNOT under any circumstances warranty anything made by Williams. Regardless of it being the same company, I am contractually forbiddden from doing anything with Willimas tools.

What this means is that if you break one, ANY Snap-On truck/franchisee can replace your Snap-On sockets. You'll be mailing your Williams.

 

[T45]

TLDR: Because you are asking this question you cannot afford snap on, and should just buy wiliams. The only folks who should be paying snap on prices for 1/2 drive chrome are people not worried about cost (period). If you even have a minor hesitance about meeting a budget, skip the snap on. Plenty of rich people care about budgets, and yes they should skip snap on too.

Possible exception (maybe) if you are using 12 points for aviation/aerospace work with a hand-tool requirement and lots of expensive hardware.