Wright or Proto sockets

[Hiball]

Ive owned tons of tools, and "IMO" Wright carries the best chrome in the business and the very few dealings ive had concerning Wright customer service has been first rate. In all honesty, Proto makes some damn fine tools also and you cant go wrong with either. The good thing about the 2 brands is that you can fine both on the Secondary market for much less than Full Retail.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

He said he wanted USA made tools. Williams, largely, is not.

Charles

If you download the Williams catalog, they'll put a Made in U.S.A. logo next to each set that's Made in U.S.A. The sets that don't have the logo are imported. They make it pretty easy for you to shop U.S.A.

 

[FancyLearnin]

I must admit I am not very familiar with Williams tools. How do you all think the USA Williams sockets compare with the Wright and Proto sockets? Is the chrome as nice as Wright? Is the letter stamping as clear and legible?

It looks like the broach depth is shallower than some others brands (for the deep sockets, obviously). In that category, at least, it looks like it's advantage Wright.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

I must admit I am not very familiar with Williams tools. How do you all think the USA Williams sockets compare with the Wright and Proto sockets? Is the chrome as nice as Wright? Is the letter stamping as clear and legible?

I have two Williams sockets and they're both 3/8" drive deeps. They look very similar to my Snap-on sockets. The only differences that I can see is the lettering style and the placement of the stripes.

 

[kidney]

I have three sets of William's sockets. I have one deep set that is USA made. I also have one metric and one fractional set that was purchased new and the packaging was marked as I think made in Taiwan (it's been a while since I've even thought about those sockets).

If pictures would please the crowd, I'd be more than happy to snap a couple.

Or just look at these auctions.

USA made Williams. The markings are different.

Foreign made


Buyer beware and all that. I got duped by not noticing that there is a difference. I spit just about every time I look and see those damn sockets.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

Buyer beware and all that. I got duped by not noticing that there is a difference. I spit just about every time I look and see those damn sockets.

That's why it's a good idea to pay attention to the part number and to know ahead of time what the coo is of the part number. The Williams catalog makes it easy because they won't have a USA set and an import set on the same catalog page.

 

[kc-steve]

Frankly, I made conscious decision NOT to stock new Williams tools because of the mix of both USA and Taiwan made tools. I have a reputation to maintain. The ONLY Williams I stock on my website are the old vintage stuff and there is absolutely no confusion about where it's made.

As a matter of personal preference, I would chose Wright.

Steve

 

[cgv69]

We all apparently have our favorite brands but in reality, Williams, Wright and Proto all make excellent American made tools and a socket set from any of them will likely provide many years of service with no warranty service needed. I mean really, how often do sockets (even cheap ones) break?

So at what point does price\value factor in? Cost wise how do these different companies compare? From http://www.toolsdelivered.com you can get a 13-piece SAE 3\8" Drive (6pt) standard socket set (WSB-13HRC) for $47.34 and a 13-piece SAE 3\8" Drive (6pt) deep socket set (WSBD-13HRC) for $45.66 for a grand total of $93.

Who has the best prices on Wright and Proto tools and how do they stack up price wise?

 

[woody 73]

All three companies are fantastic:

I had an old williams ratchet that needed parts replaced and the Williams Company sent me back a brand new ratchet.

This week I talked with a very nice lady at proto and she said just send us back the broken socket and we will replace it.

I have heard very good things from others about the service from the Wright tool company.

So in conclusion if you roll the dice you will pick a winner on all three brands.

 

[FancyLearnin]

Philosophically, I like Wright. But the USA Williams sockets look awfully tempting - and you can't beat the price. I just can't get over the short broach depth on the Williams deep sockets. I've had to seek out a deep-broach socket (other than my rusty old Craftsman) for the lug nuts on my truck that are an unusual 2" deep (McGard 84605). Maybe I won't run into long nuts elsewhere, but that makes wonder what else I might run into that is lurking out there that might require a deep broach.

Maybe I should go with Williams standard sockets, and Wright deep sockets...

Thanks so much, by the way, to everyone who has shared their opinion / knowledge.

 

[coldfusion21]

After reading this thread I went out and start looking at some wright sets, very nice and affordable too. However Wright does not offer a 3/8" drive metric 12 point deep socket set. And even if you were to buy them individually, they flat out don't sell a 3/8" drive 12 point deep 16mm. So for that set it looks like I'll be purchasing proto (who sells two 3/8" drive metric 12 point deep sets) or Williams.

Thanks for all the opinions posted in this thread. Might have a new Wright fan.

 

[shoturtle]

I would go with the proto over Williams.

 

[frankush]

I've got more than a few wright socket sets in my box and I am very happy with them. Some of them are 30 years old. I have yet to break one. I wouldn't hesitate to buy either, but price would probably be the determining factor.

 

[camarotoolman]

I have goten many Protos warrented at grainger ind. supply. I've had a couple of dicks for clerks, but mostly they have been good to me. Once I got an black finish for a chrome ratchet.

 

[kidney]

That's why it's a good idea to pay attention to the part number and to know ahead of time what the coo is of the part number. The Williams catalog makes it easy because they won't have a USA set and an import set on the same catalog page.

I agree.

I bought them on ebay when I was still a tool noob. Since then I've been a quite a bit more careful about what I'm buying. They aren't bad sockets (spit), just wanted ones made in the USA.

 

[kippieland]

I agree.

I bought them on ebay when I was still a tool noob. Since then I've been a quite a bit more careful about what I'm buying. They aren't bad sockets (spit), just wanted ones made in the USA.

I ran into some extension....I was like you, but now I think they are fantastic! I couldn't argue with the price.....the most expensive was $2.50!

Williams does have nice prices but so does SK. Personally, I think Proto is the more expensive of the five.

 

[cgv69]

After reading this thread I went out and start looking at some wright sets, very nice and affordable too.

Where did you find the best price on Wright Socket sets?

I would go with the proto over Williams.

Comments like that are worthless if you don't give some sort of reasoning as to why?

I don't understand all the Williams hate in this thread especially considering it seems to be focused on simply on the fact that Williams sells both US and Taiwanese made tools. Whatever your feelings are towards the Taiwanese made tools, it has no bearing on the quality of their US made tools.

 

[kippieland]

Where did you find the best price on Wright Socket sets?


Comments like that are worthless if you don't give some sort of reasoning as to why?

I don't understand all the Williams hate in this thread especially considering it seems to be focused on simply on the fact that Williams sells both US and Taiwanese made tools. Whatever your feelings are towards the Taiwanese made tools, it has no bearing on the quality of their US made tools.

Agree. I love my Williams tools.....Taiwan and US.

 

[shoturtle]

Where did you find the best price on Wright Socket sets?


Comments like that are worthless if you don't give some sort of reasoning as to why?

I don't understand all the Williams hate in this thread especially considering it seems to be focused on simply on the fact that Williams sells both US and Taiwanese made tools. Whatever your feelings are towards the Taiwanese made tools, it has no bearing on the quality of their US made tools.

It is a bit easier to warranty if there is a grainger around. And you do not have to double check all the part number to ensure you get a us made socket set. All proto sockets are made in the USA.

Also I have proto and Williams socket. The proto has better chrome between the 2.

Not hating Williams, just proto is a bit nicer of the 2.

 

[FancyLearnin]

Well I am going into this with an open mind. I did not post the original question with any sort of a priori bias. I am currently leaning toward Wright for the deep sockets (they have the deepest broach), and Williams for the standard sockets. The Proto sockets do seem very nice (from the one sample I have), but they are also considerably more expensive that the other two - USA Williams being the least expensive. Williams also has a slightly larger range of sizes in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive chrome sockets.

Does anyone have any USA Williams and Wright that could do a little photo comparison?

 

[shoturtle]

I have Williams deep sockets. I try to post some photos this weekend. What part of the sockets do you want details of? I can also post protos as well. I have proto metric in 3/8 and Williams metric in 1/4

 

[tyndall]

All I see a whole lot of flag waving and talk about who has the shiniest chrome.

While both Wright and Proto are good tools, they are still industrial brands and have the one major industrial drawback - sizes. Like 1/4 drive not going small enough or bigger drive sizes not even being able to fill out a Hansen tray. Another drawback is inconsistency. Such as Wright not bothering to put detents is some sizes or thin chrome on some Protos.

Of the two brands, Wright is (slightly) higher quality but Proto is easier to obtain and get warranty. With Wright's detent problem, I'd give the edge to Proto. Or go with SK and get good chrome, better consistency and more sizes.

 

[FancyLearnin]

What part of the sockets do you want details of? I can also post protos as well. I have proto metric in 3/8 and Williams metric in 1/4

I think a good shot of the broach area would be helpful, as well as the detent area, and a good side shot.

Thanks for being willing to help!

 

[FancyLearnin]

All I see a whole lot of flag waving and talk about who has the shiniest chrome.

I wouldn't call it flag waving. I would call it offering their opinions/preferences about the various brands, which is exactly what I asked everyone for.

While both Wright and Proto are good tools, they are still industrial brands and have the one major industrial drawback - sizes. Like 1/4 drive not going small enough or bigger drive sizes not even being able to fill out a Hansen tray.

You are right about that with Wright. Proto has a greater variety than Wright, but only marginally so. But their size range is probably big enough for my needs.

Or go with SK and get good chrome, better consistency and more sizes.

This is no less flag waving than anyone else.

I guess I haven't really considered SK because based on a small set I bought a few months ago they just didn't seem as nice as, say, Proto or Snappy that I have seen. Nothing specific that I can point to, just an overall sense. But it is entirely possible that I have a pre-Ideal, from just before they went belly-up set when they are known to have had quality issues.

 

[vintagefan]

I really have no idea what you are basing your comments on? Yes, Williams sells both USA and Taiwanese made tools but it's not as willy nilly as you make it out to be. Matter of fact, it's pretty easy to tell the difference. USA made tools have letters in the model # where as the Taiwanese made tools have all numbers.

Want to make it even easier, just buy from http://www.toolsdelivered.com/ - not only do they have the best prices on Williams tools (and Knipex too) but they list the COO of every tool they sell.

The Williams catalog that you can access online clearly shows which tools are made in the USA.

Also, I don't suspect they're going to make Williams fullly imported. They've clearly made the choice to offer a low-cost Taiwanese line and a premium USA made line. I think they know some customers want USA tools.

Also, Wright has a line of imported tools, their Cougar brand.

But I will say, if I were in the OP's position I'd probably choose Wright, if they're all similarly priced. If they vary in price, I'd look for whichever brand I could get the bet deal on.

Guys, I'm not trying to be/sound rude here, but none of this is news to me. As I said in my previous post, I'm FAMILIAR with Williams' lineup. I'm quite aware that they have both USA and Taiwan tools, also that they have an online catalog that shows COO.




In response to cvg69, I'm basing my comments on reality.

My point was that both Wright and Proto seem to have more tightly controlled COO in their main line than Williams does. I was just making the point that if COO was a serious concern, then Williams may not be the best choice.

All I see a whole lot of flag waving and talk about who has the shiniest chrome.

Since when is supporting domestic manufacturing "flag waving". I was under the impression that it was just a smart choice.

Also, very high quality chrome is generally an indication of very high quality stuff underneath. If the manufacturer can't even be bothered to properly finish a tool, what makes you think they paid any care to the forging, heat treatment, or the steel that they used?

 

[cgv69]

It is a bit easier to warranty if the is a grainger around. And you do not have to double check all the part number to ensure you get a us made socket set. All proto sockets are made in the USA.

Also I have proto and Williams socket. The proto has better chrome between the 2.

Thanks for the followup. Now I can understand where your recommendation comes from. I really don't see or understand the big issue with the part numbers? Check it once, make sure you buy the US made set and go on with your life. Use the money saved to buy other great tools.

Well I am going into this with an open mind. I did not post the original question with any sort of a priori bias.

Believe it or not, nor do I. Currently I only own SnapOn, MAC and Craftsman but I'm getting ready to order some new sets as well. I don't want any more MAC or CM and SO's are just out of my price range. I was getting ready to pull the trigger on some Williams sets when this thread came up but I am still open to other, possibly better options?

It's just that from what I've found so far, Wright or Protos will be considerably more expensive. If they are clearly better tools then maybe they're worth it but most of the reasons given so far for selecting Wright or Proto over the Williams are for reasons other then quality (unless your count shininess as a quality feature).

I would really like to see an apples to apples comparison so if anybody can post pics of both brands (using recently made examples) side by side that would be great. I've asked this a couple of times already but I would still like to know who's got the best online prices and selection for Wright and Proto? That way I can fairly compare prices as well.

 

[bcradio]

Since when is supporting domestic manufacturing "flag waving". I was under the impression that it was just a smart choice.

A smart choice is buying the best product at the best price regardless of COO

 

[kippieland]

I guess I haven't really considered SK because based on a small set I bought a few months ago they just didn't seem as nice as, say, Proto or Snappy that I have seen. Nothing specific that I can point to, just an overall sense. But it is entirely possible that I have a pre-Ideal, from just before they went belly-up set when they are known to have had quality issues.

That is AWAYS an issue with SK. You either get the pre-Ideal not so great or the new SUPER great. Not sure how you could aviod that...maybe ask for manufacturing dates etc. Either way the new SK is as nice as the other two you are looking at.

 

[FancyLearnin]

...I would still like to know who's got the best online prices and selection for Wright and Proto? That way I can fairly compare prices as well.

The best prices for Williams can be found at ToolsDelivered.com. The best price for Wright I have found is at ToolUp.com - if they have what you're looking for. But they do not carry every Wright part. Amazon actually has some good prices for Wright, and seems to have a larger selection. One other option is eBay. Hardware Sales Inc. is the seller - they also have a website. RoyalSupply.com has every piece Wright makes, but they are a little more on most things.

ToolUp is also the best place I've found for Proto. They seem to have almost everything Proto makes.

 

[shoturtle]

Here is the williams socket, I left the proto's at work. I post them next week. The williams seem to rust inside more then the proto's and I am very good at using tool clean after uses.

 

[cbracer]

wow, that's inexcusable the rust that is. The inside is more important than the outside. I'm in a similar boat as a lot of people in this thread. I want decent tools but not at snap-on / mac prices. I want American made, and no skipping sizes like CM. Armstrong is normally really expensive, but those kits in blue blow molded cases are reasonably priced at $120 / $150 for 1/4" or 3/8" and Armstrong has almost all the sizes. But because they make the CM sockets people think they can't be as good. Then there's SK which offers all the sizes, can be expensive at retail prices but with online prices $150 will get you a nice full 3/8" set. Williams doesn't seem to really do it for me for some strange reason. Wright is a tad more. Proto is more but has nice chrome. The stamping on the proto isn't very clear for size labeling. The stamping on the SK is more difficult to find the size because all the other stuff in the same area, you're rotating the socket looking for the size. CM misses sizes. SK also does these random inside socket painting because the chrome plating doesn't cover completely. It's less noticeable on CM and Armstrong. Not sure about proto, maybe they don't do the painting / corrosion protection because they have good enough chrome. European companies also make sockets but they are expensive too. I guess a good prices American socket is going to comprise quality too much. So if we want American we buy Snap-on or we buy Taiwan. hmmmm......

 

[shoturtle]

This is the proto 17mm 3/8 dr deep socket.

 

[MarkH]

Have used Wright on the farm for many years. Survives the mobile and machinery toolboxes. For wrenches have used the satin for that purpose. Tools pounding against each other tear each other up. I guess 90% of the are a Wright - old Craftsman split.

With careful shopping we got many Wright sets at decent prices. Have some in the shops that could make jewelry. We never have had any complaints about the ratchets not holding sockets from any of our employees. Proto, SK is good just have not gotten as good a deal on them. Other brands are out there but harder to find locally.

 

[Justin1776]

I'v been buying USA Williams because:
Affordable
Damn near identical to my Snap-On sockets
Nearly everything they make is available at Toolsdelivered.com
extensive list of hardline tools

Just my .02

 

[cbracer]

This is the proto 17mm 3/8 dr deep socket.

Those look nice. Thanks for the pictures. I'm almost at the point of buying a set of everything then returning all but one after I decide which set I like best.....

 

[FancyLearnin]

Well I decided to bite the bullet and buy a set of Wright deep sockets just to see how they were (I will end up buying a full line of 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 SAE in both standard and deep of whatever brand I decide to go with in the end). They were delivered yesterday. I have Wright ratchets, but these are the first Wright sockets I've owned. I will probably buy a similar set in Williams USA and Proto for comparison - just because I'm crazy like that. I can always sell the ones I don't want to keep, right?

With all the talk about Wright sockets, my hopes/expectations were pretty high. I am a little disappointed with the set I got - but only a little - and I must point out that I am picky picky picky.

Here they are as they arrived:







The outside looks nice, the chrome is high quality, and I really like the large and consistent size stampings on this SAE set. There is, however, one inclusion in the chrome on the 3/4" socket that you can definitely feel when you run your finger over it.

A look at a few of the insides:

Note that the larger sizes (>= 3/4") have a deep broach (technically not a broach, but that's what they call it), whereas the smaller sizes (<= 11/16") are shallow broach. I don't understand this design choice, as it is inconsistent and just plain doesn't make sense to mix and match broach depths like that. It should not have come as a surprise to me - the broach depths are listed right there in their catalog.


The inside of the larger sockets is somewhat rough, as you can see in the picture below. Not terrible, but I would expect a world-class manufacturer of sockets to do better. Still, it's light years ahead of Craftsman - you could use those as sandpaper - if you could turn them inside out! None of the Taiwan sockets I've see are anything but glass-smooth.


The inside of the 5/8 socket has some surface rust. Obviously not a functional issue, but these are brand new and I would expect better. I've heard of this issue with SK (especially in their pre-Ideal days), but did not expect it from Wright.


Finally, there appears to be a sharp edge at the bottom of the broach on one of the smaller sockets (really hard to see in the picture). It's as though the bore wasn't completely deburred or reamed out after forming. Again, not a functional issue, just interesting to see on what I consider to be a high-end socket.


And before all you grumpy types decide to chime with with "Who cares? I don't care what a tool looks like, they all turn fasteners the same", that is not really the point. I like nice things and expect high quality when I pay for it. None of the aforementioned issues is a deal breaker. I was not really expecting Nepros-like quality, but I was hoping to at least _approach_ Nepros. Nevertheless, I think I will still pick up a Williams USA and Proto set to see if I they are even better. I may end up selling 2 of the 3 set here on GJ, so keep an eye out.

 

[FancyLearnin]

That does not look like rust to me.

It's rust. It doesn't look like rust in the picture because the flash washed out the color, but it's rust.

 

[FancyLearnin]

This is about as good as I can do without a DSLR camera. The color still doesn't show accuracy. It is reddish. It looks like some of the chrome flaked off a little and some surface corrosion started. I can throw it in the FTIR at work and verify for sure, but that is not necessary. Point is, I don't think a premium socket should come this way, even though it does not impact function.

 

[bcradio]

I was not really expecting Nepros-like quality, but I was hoping to at least _approach_ Nepros. Nevertheless, I think I will still pick up a Williams USA and Proto set to see if I they are even better. I may end up selling 2 of the 3 set here on GJ, so keep an eye out.

Sorry, but I can pretty much guarantee that wright has as good or better quality than Nepros. You need to give wright more of a chance before you start making claims like this after only seeing one set.

 

[FancyLearnin]

...I can pretty much guarantee that wright has as good or better quality than Nepros.

Please tell me how you can guarantee that. Do you have a lot of Nepros and Wright tools? If so, can you please give me an unbiased comparison?

You need to give wright more of a chance before you start making claims like this after only seeing one set.

[Sigh] I am giving Wright a chance. That's why it was the first brand I purchased after getting feedback from everyone in this thread. And please read my post again - I was not making any claims. I do not recall saying "Wright does not have good chrome". What I said was I was not expecting it to be on par with Nepros. Having an expectation is not a claim. However, painting with a broad brush that you guarantee Wright is better than Nepros is not only a claim, it is dogma.

I would agree for the most part that Wright has great chrome. The Wright ratchets I have are beautiful. As it is on my big SK breaker bar, and the one lonely Proto socket I have. I believe Nepros is the world standard for chrome, but this takes nothing away from Wright.