Snap-on VS. Williams sockets: a side by side comparison

[@captaingold1685]

No, there is metric USA made sets from Williams. 3/8 Shallow: MSB-12HRC MSB-20HRC 3/8 Deep: MSBD-12HRC MSBD-19HRC They also do 12 point versions of the shallows and 1/4 shallow and deep metric sets.

[@stever5887]

With the Snap-on set, you get 1/4" through 7/8" sockets, with no skips, in 3/8"-drive. It seems that Williams has the "old school" versions of Snap-on sockets and screwdrivers. That black-handled set is based on Snap-on screwdrivers from the late 80s to early 90s and are great for the money. Some folks prefer the hard handles over the newer Comfort handles, so these would be right up their alley. I just bought a set of Williams shallow impact sockets off Amazon, from 7mm to 19mm (made in the U.S.A.), and you can't tell the difference from ten feet away.

[@texacajundiy]

I have the Williams 19pc screwdriver set in my Amazon tools list. I do wish the handles were blue instead of black though. Can't believe I just typed that, and worse, meant it. Imagine the look on a 1930's Snap-on man's face if someone were to say to him, "One day your descendants will sell the same tool in 10 different colors, pink even!"

[@austingoleman9431]

I like the hard plastic handles better than the comfort grip found these yesterday just wish they came in bright orange

[@zachthompson5113]

The Williams USA made and the snap on are made on the same line at the same place. That’s from my snap on industrial rep. I have both snap on and Williams USA made impact sockets and the broaching and everything is the same. The chrome is made at the same place as well. Williams also makes USA metric as well. Hard to beat the same warranty for more money.

[@path3848]

Except Williams doesn't come by your shop one a week or a phone call away, not knocking Williams their great I have plenty from McMaster Carr, but if I have to warranty I have a feeling it ain't gonna be as easy

[@jamesstephenson2346]

@@path3848 that's why you pay the extra hundreds of dollars.

[@bajamedic]

Identical because they are the same. You pay extra for the knurling. Made on the same line. I run all my chromes from Williams USA and fill in the missed sockets with SnapOn

[@stryder751]

Snap-On owns Williams tools, and if I remember right Williams makes Kobalt tools for Lowes Home Improvement. Snap-On bought them in 1993.

[@texacajundiy]

This is correct.

[@prevost8686]

The Shop Williams offers made in the USA products as well as China made crap. You have to make that distinction when making comparisons. USA made Williams products are coming out of the same factory as Snapon’s stuff. The offshore junk is usually made by the lowest bidder. Some have tried to say that the stuff coming out of Snapon’s factory with the Williams brand on it “probably “ is made of lesser quality steel which is bullshit. It’s not worth Snapon’s time to try to run two different steels on one line . The only difference is that you’re not paying for a tool man to come around weekly to service your account.

[@chrisjones6165]

@@prevost8686 it's Taiwan like bluepoint not China No USA but not China either. Look at Williams part numbers along with blue point and ull see what I mean

[@darrenporsch]

@@prevost8686 that's pretty much what I said to someone else who did a comparison post there's no way snap-on spends the money to have two different sets of metallurgy to run on the same production line. A lot of companies make private label tools for other companies and just put the other company's name on them.

[@jakp8777]

I just bought a Williams 24mm deep socket for the Jeep wranglers oil filter from McMaster, it’s made in USA and identical to my friends snapon sockets.

[@DaroffApFire]

They're identical because they're the same socket, just with different stampings. Snap-On owns Williams, and they manufacture them in the same facility.

[@spannerssockets6308]

I just buy impact rated 6 point sockets sets from the likes of US Pro. More than adequate. The walls being thicker, they have the strength for the toughest jobs. I do have some 30 year old Snap On 12 point sockets, 3/8 and 1/2 but being 12 point are rubbish on rusted in fasteners and are now redundant. I have a set of Snap On imperial comby spanners, also redundant due to the advent of metric but the handles were too thin to get a comfortable grip.

[@shiningstaer]

I’m thinking about going all Williams from Amazon, save myself a couple grand, then get just semi deeps from snap on

[@texacajundiy]

For pliers go Channellock, then, NWS, the Knipex to save some $. Get all your nice ratchets slowly on Ebay.

[@hardhead5674]

I like this video quite a bit. I wonder if the metal that the Williams sockets are made from is the same as Snap-On? Can you do a hardness or scratch test on the inside of the two socket brands to see if they are at least the same hardness? A different metal may be a reason for the different color. I have heard that the Williams are USA sockets but I am not sure what that means. How do you know for sure that the Williams are made in the USA? I'm not convinced by the letter/number stuff in the video. Does the package they came in say 'Made in the USA' or are the sockets only stamped with 'USA'? Are the Snap-On USA made as well? How do you know? From what I know 'Made in the USA' is a legally protected marketing term and if a product does not say that on it or on its package, then it may not be made in the USA, even if USA is written on the product in some way. I may be wrong about that. Does anyone know for sure how this works and where these sockets come from?

[@texacajundiy]

I actually do, from a news info-mentary on maglight. Maglights are fully made in USA EXCEPT for the led. Since it’s a critical component of the product, can’t say USA.

[@shramj]

Thanks for the information, looks like Williams is making USA made Metric sockets

[@scottthetoolenthusiast4785]

Thanks for the comparison. I’m in the market for some sockets.

[@texacajundiy]

Glad to help. I was expecting a decent set. I was really surprised to see identical quality.

[@vtharpe44]

Noticed the accent before you finished your first sentence. Is it wrong that I'm more inclined to trust someone who talks like me? Been debating between these brands and was under a different impression. Thanks from Lafayette cher.

[@texacajundiy]

My undergrad is from ULL. Graduated from Breaux Bridge.

[@vtharpe44]

@@texacajundiy ULL here too! Mais dat's a small world yeah!

[@texacajundiy]

Yes it is.

[@cartersawesomechannel7867]

I have metric USA made Williams 3/8 sockets

[@georgesnyder5337]

There are Williams metric made in USA. not sure what you are on about there.

[@_P0tat07_]

If only the Williams sockets came in those magnetic tray the snap on ones came in

[@zorgzev96]

Snap-On is worth it for the warranty if you work in the automotive field. I run Snap-On at work and Williams at home. Used to have cheap Taiwanese stuff but I just don’t care for it anymore.

[@ricker76er]

Very informative. Thanks!

[@jeffreyheinzelmanjr3317]

Well snap on makes williams

[@texacajundiy]

Really?! Kidding. Yeah I assumed most knew that.

[@shiningstaer]

Hi James!! @5:06

[@gtolex86]

19mm vs. 3/4" is not comparing apples with apples...

[@texacajundiy]

Thanks, I was pretty clear that a 3/4 is 19.05mm and the two were as close as any in the set. If you were comparing Snap-on to Willams and only had a Snap-on metric and a Williams SAE set which two would you look at?

[@CollideFan1]

Snap-On is overrated and overpriced. I'll gladly buy Williams over them. I already own some of their ratchets and sockets is next on the list

[@jimbobottleneck890]

Not the same...chrome on the snap on looks much better.

[@texacajundiy]

If you stare at $300 in your wallet for 10 seconds then look at them, those Williams USA get REAL shiny!

[@Speed04GT]

I have both the snap-on and USA Williams sockets and can’t tell the difference in the Chrome plating.

[@fredluden2298]

TexaCajun DIY 😂😂😂

[@jamesstephenson2346]

Thats the difference. Snap on has an extra layer of chrome and more finish work. They are functionally identical, cosmetic no. Depends on if you use tools, or stare at them