As some have said on here there shouldn’t be a huge difference with the USA Williams and the snap on. However the homeowner Williams line with the “horizon logo” or not the same at all. Snap on purchased J.H.Williams to be their industrial brand which at times does not need to match the precision of the auto industry yet still needs to be precise and sturdy. It was to compete with Armstrong and Wright brands. I know a lot of the engineers at the Kenosha, WI headquarters which is just down the street from my house and they have explained to me that the differences in tooling between the two brand names are this. Snap on innovation will release new versions and models each year ever keeping up with the market. Blue point USA will then be branded on the year previous molds and dies. So basically last years snap on production. Then Williams will use those molds on the year previous to that. Hence why the tools are much cheaper because new molds are not being made nor is new R&D being out into them. Makes a lot of sense. This is also the reason for the variations in things like “specks”, and the “lines left by an older more worn mold. Hope this helps. I know I really appreciated the information when I got it.
Williams does sell an import line,the model # will be all numbers. The made in USA line will be letters and numbers.Good video! I love Williams ,you cannot beat the quality for the $.
I'm a fan of Williams sockets as well. Like you, I don't need perfection, I want a good socket made of good metal that fits the fasteners I need to loosen. It really is that simple.
I have been buying rusty antique wrenches and restoring them. So far my favorites are all Williams. Instead of going into my collection they go into my toolbox at work. They are either wider or narrower than modern ones and very strong. I believe SO makes modern Williams.
Williams owns snap on or the other way around. Snap on is their mechanics and tool truck brand and williams is more industrial and factory work brand. My dad has williams from 40 years of mechanics and just as good as his snap on
Guy Stuff Garage gave you a shout out during yesterday’s live stream. You should see a sub boost. I shared your link in the description as well. Cheers Brother
GSG--Snap-on owns Williams; Williams is part of the Snap-on Industrial Group. The slight wobble seen in the handle when it's rolled could potentially happen with either brand. To my knowledge, no one at the factory conducts a "roll check" on individual screwdrivers for this flaw. It would appear that the Williams screwdrivers (which only come with black plastic handles) are simply a re-branded version of an older Snap-on handle. I saw your comparison of the handle lengths of two #3 screwdrivers, where the Williams model was supposedly a hair longer than the Snap-on. I think that was due to normal variations in the molding process, and not a conscious effort to make them different. The additional recess you noted on the Snap-on could again be caused by normal variations in construction process on the assembly line. The molds used are probably several years apart, with minor variations, which would also account for this. As an aside, I have a Williams punch holder, #28449, purchased on Amazon, that appears identical to the current Snap-on version in the catalogue. Incidentally, not all Williams sockets are made here; some types and/or sets are made in Taiwan. I've noted a similar roughness regarding the chrome plating on the internal portions of my Snap-on sockets, too. Some came with dark areas and/or minor flash rust, which I suspect occurs as a result of the broaching process. These apparently were not resolved during the tumbling and cleaning processes prior to chrome plating. I've purchased ratchet extensions that were beautifully made, and I've received some that looked like they didn't go through all the finishing steps prior to plating. Oddly enough, they both cost the same amount of money; go figure.
I know this is an older video but if you are still interest the williams screwdrivers that you are looking are snap on screwdrivers. pull a blade shank from the handle, ( like the snap on man does when he replaces a blade ) and you will the Snap on logo and number exactly like the snap on branding. i also got my snap on man to finally admit that they are re-released older style snap on screwdrivers from snap on. down side , he does not warranty them the same as snap on.
I love those handles too. I agree. Would be nice to see them sold for files. Other colors would be cool too. I guess it's like the old model T. You can have it in any color you want as long as it's black.
I love williams I have a whole box full of snap on tools for hundreds not thousands many the finish isn't as good but it last just as long and it's just as strong
Williams makes the screwdrivers for Snap On. The handles in comparison are different in length because the old SDD series handle is much older and more dried out than the new Williams one that has not shrunk up yet. I have a few Snap On SDD series screwdrivers that are not centered in the handles as well.
@Chad Wilkins When you call Williams they answer as Snap On. That is because Snap On is partnered with Williams. None the less It is Williams company and producers who make the product. Whether it is early production or a recent buy out. Snap on does not have a manufacturing facility currently nor have they ever for screwdrivers. They have always been sourced out. Snap On does a good job at manufacturing most of the line of hand tools, but not all of them. Ask me how I know.
As you said the ratcheting mechanism isn’t as smooth as the snap on. I found the same thing on my snap on ratchet vs Williams ratchet. The snap on has finer teeth which allows for less back drag while ratcheting. I definitely like the snap on better but it’s way more expensive
Your williams ratchet is probably a 36 tooth which is the old snap on version the new snap on is dual 80s yes there will be a big difference the snap on is made for precision work the williams is made to beat the he'll out of and give to your grandkids
Do u get tools mailed in USA side or u go buy other side of the border.i thought few time buy tools from eBay and get em mail to USA address save on shipping not too sure about that wonder if u know any way?
I live about 15 minutes from the border. There are a number of companies just across the line in the US that you can have packages shipped to and then drive across and pick them up. They charge a small fee, but it usually well worth it in what you save on shipping.
www.toolsdelivered.com toolsdelivered.com shows all the Williams's tools that are USA made. Very nice way to organize their site. And their prices are great.
Believe it or not teckton has them both beat just email them a picture and new one will be in the mail that day takes like 3-4 days max that's better than most auto part store stuff because the good stuff in never in stock...
As some have said on here there shouldn’t be a huge difference with the USA Williams and the snap on. However the homeowner Williams line with the “horizon logo” or not the same at all. Snap on purchased J.H.Williams to be their industrial brand which at times does not need to match the precision of the auto industry yet still needs to be precise and sturdy. It was to compete with Armstrong and Wright brands. I know a lot of the engineers at the Kenosha, WI headquarters which is just down the street from my house and they have explained to me that the differences in tooling between the two brand names are this.
Snap on innovation will release new versions and models each year ever keeping up with the market. Blue point USA will then be branded on the year previous molds and dies. So basically last years snap on production. Then Williams will use those molds on the year previous to that. Hence why the tools are much cheaper because new molds are not being made nor is new R&D being out into them. Makes a lot of sense.
This is also the reason for the variations in things like “specks”, and the “lines left by an older more worn mold.
Hope this helps. I know I really appreciated the information when I got it.
Interesting but does snap on really come out with a new design every year? I mean flank drive came out in the 70s?
So if you like the older snap on tools here you go
Williams does sell an import line,the model # will be all numbers. The made in USA line will be letters and numbers.Good video! I love Williams ,you cannot beat the quality for the $.
I'm a fan of Williams sockets as well. Like you, I don't need perfection, I want a good socket made of good metal that fits the fasteners I need to loosen. It really is that simple.
Those are the best screw drivers. Williams tools should sell the handles for files and ratchet adaptation.
Julian Ceballos you can get snap on ratchets with the same handles. I have one and its my go to
The Williams WRS-1 ratcheting screwdriver can be found for ~$25 on eBay from time to time. Even comes with Snap-On branded bits.
I have been buying rusty antique wrenches and restoring them. So far my favorites are all Williams. Instead of going into my collection they go into my toolbox at work. They are either wider or narrower than modern ones and very strong. I believe SO makes modern Williams.
tHanks for this. I appreciate that you went and made this video. Big help.
Williams owns snap on or the other way around. Snap on is their mechanics and tool truck brand and williams is more industrial and factory work brand. My dad has williams from 40 years of mechanics and just as good as his snap on
snap on owns Williams
Those Williams Screw Drivers do look a lot like Snap-On! Great Video Brother
Thanks Justin. Much appreciated sir, especially coming form you stay cool man,
Guy Stuff Garage gave you a shout out during yesterday’s live stream. You should see a sub boost. I shared your link in the description as well. Cheers Brother
Sweet! Thanks bro!!!
Thanks for the tool site advisement. Enjoyed your video.
GSG--Snap-on owns Williams; Williams is part of the Snap-on Industrial Group. The slight wobble seen in the handle when it's rolled could potentially happen with either brand. To my knowledge, no one at the factory conducts a "roll check" on individual screwdrivers for this flaw. It would appear that the Williams screwdrivers (which only come with black plastic handles) are simply a re-branded version of an older Snap-on handle. I saw your comparison of the handle lengths of two #3 screwdrivers, where the Williams model was supposedly a hair longer than the Snap-on. I think that was due to normal variations in the molding process, and not a conscious effort to make them different. The additional recess you noted on the Snap-on could again be caused by normal variations in construction process on the assembly line. The molds used are probably several years apart, with minor variations, which would also account for this. As an aside, I have a Williams punch holder, #28449, purchased on Amazon, that appears identical to the current Snap-on version in the catalogue. Incidentally, not all Williams sockets are made here; some types and/or sets are made in Taiwan. I've noted a similar roughness regarding the chrome plating on the internal portions of my Snap-on sockets, too. Some came with dark areas and/or minor flash rust, which I suspect occurs as a result of the broaching process. These apparently were not resolved during the tumbling and cleaning processes prior to chrome plating. I've purchased ratchet extensions that were beautifully made, and I've received some that looked like they didn't go through all the finishing steps prior to plating. Oddly enough, they both cost the same amount of money; go figure.
I know this is an older video but if you are still interest the williams screwdrivers that you are looking are snap on screwdrivers. pull a blade shank from the handle, ( like the snap on man does when he replaces a blade ) and you will the Snap on logo and number exactly like the snap on branding. i also got my snap on man to finally admit that they are re-released older style snap on screwdrivers from snap on. down side , he does not warranty them the same as snap on.
Never knew...thanks, I've got the hard handle type in Snap-on... Black and orange too.
I just inspected my 8 pc set, and none of them have the "handle runout". Iam sure they would exchange it. Nice folks at Williams.
thanks for the video and website, always liked the "classic" style of snap on and can get it there at that website
I love those handles too. I agree. Would be nice to see them sold for files.
Other colors would be cool too. I guess it's like the old model T. You can have it in any color you want as long as it's black.
Great video and I 100% agree with you. Same now in 2022.
That t handle is the most useful tool I ever owned
I love williams I have a whole box full of snap on tools for hundreds not thousands many the finish isn't as good but it last just as long and it's just as strong
Williams makes the screwdrivers for Snap On. The handles in comparison are different in length because the old SDD series handle is much older and more dried out than the new Williams one that has not shrunk up yet. I have a few Snap On SDD series screwdrivers that are not centered in the handles as well.
@Chad Wilkins When you call Williams they answer as Snap On. That is because Snap On is partnered with Williams. None the less It is Williams company and producers who make the product. Whether it is early production or a recent buy out. Snap on does not have a manufacturing facility currently nor have they ever for screwdrivers. They have always been sourced out. Snap On does a good job at manufacturing most of the line of hand tools, but not all of them. Ask me how I know.
Why 12 point? Honest question
Those edges on the Williams you can shave down with a blade or knife, hit with a lil 220 or so sandpaper
As you said the ratcheting mechanism isn’t as smooth as the snap on. I found the same thing on my snap on ratchet vs Williams ratchet. The snap on has finer teeth which allows for less back drag while ratcheting. I definitely like the snap on better but it’s way more expensive
Your williams ratchet is probably a 36 tooth which is the old snap on version the new snap on is dual 80s yes there will be a big difference the snap on is made for precision work the williams is made to beat the he'll out of and give to your grandkids
i like the william's Screw Drivers
It’s like the Toyota Lexus comparison. Or Chevy vs Cadillac.
Great analogy
Hell yah! Buy Made In USA! 🤘🇺🇸
Do u get tools mailed in USA side or u go buy other side of the border.i thought few time buy tools from eBay and get em mail to USA address save on shipping not too sure about that wonder if u know any way?
I live about 15 minutes from the border. There are a number of companies just across the line in the US that you can have packages shipped to and then drive across and pick them up. They charge a small fee, but it usually well worth it in what you save on shipping.
Where can I get Williams USA made tools?
www.toolsdelivered.com
toolsdelivered.com shows all the Williams's tools that are USA made. Very nice way to organize their site. And their prices are great.
Guy Stuff Garage Thank you, Steve. Btw, excellent video.
Thank you kindly sir! All the best
Amazon
Abolox also sells Williams
Snap on own Williams I think
Yes they do
Williams is snap ons industrial brand like mac and proti
Proti
Proto
Williams tools are like blue point it's still made by the snap on tool manufacturing company.
Most of williams tiwan line is identical to bluepoint their usa stuff is just like older snap on
Snap-on warranty is so much better. Williams will give you trouble
Only if you know a tool truck driver otherwise it's the same mail in processing for me
@@thecollector6629 I hear you, but even so Snap-On usually just mails you new without sending old.
Believe it or not teckton has them both beat just email them a picture and new one will be in the mail that day takes like 3-4 days max that's better than most auto part store stuff because the good stuff in never in stock...
@@thecollector6629 ya I really like tekton to.
@@jackhenry290 Not true with me online. They always want my old ones and question everything.
Snap-on made