Snap-on There is a difference

[Sharky]

Yes, there is a difference. Price.

Snap-on 10mm, 1/2" drive impact, deep 6 point. $36

Williams 10mm, 1/2" drive impact, deep 6 point. $10


Want to guess who makes Snap-on sockets, wrenches & screwdrivers. . . . JH Williams

Snap-on owns JH Williams

Williams on left. Snap-on right. Exact same socket.

Full set of 1/2" drive, deep, 6 point impact socket set, 16 pieces. . . Williams about $200
Snap-on (you have to buy extras for a 16 piece set). . . About $900

Yea, I have switched.

 

[TimeBandit]

Williams is made / labeled by Snap On to sell thru the industrial channels, Like Grainger.

Some of it is now taiwan / china, not USA, it depends. I've seen USA and China.

J.H. Williams Tool Group - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Sharky]

All the sockets I have got from Williams are USA made.

 

[SoCalDave]

@H20 Toie
Your thoughts?

 

[SoCalDave]

All the sockets I have got from Williams are USA made.

I have full sets of Williams sockets/ratchets. Good.quality stuff.

 

[TimeBandit]

This one Taiwan:

Years ago they were all USA. Some now are imported.

ProTorQueTools

www.protorquetools.com

 

[Rajobigguy]

All the sockets I have got from Williams are USA made.

Me to.

 

[HNL2LHC]

This is a bogus thread. Everyone knows all 10mm sockets vanish. Thus it is impossible to have a photo of one, let along two.

 

[COCA COLA COWBOY]

Have you seen Val the Snap On Truck Girl?

Val Tools | Tool Truck Content on Instagram: "The truck for the week #snapontooltruck #musthavetools #cooltoolsformen #sockets #creatorsearchinsights"

3,346 likes, 73 comments - val.tools_ on January 12, 2025: "The truck for the week #snapontooltruck #musthavetools #cooltoolsformen #sockets #creatorsearchinsights".

www.instagram.com

 

[Rajobigguy]

This one Taiwan:

Years ago they were all USA. Some now are imported.

ProTorQueTools

www.protorquetools.com

You might notice that Snap-On tools don't necessarily say "made in USA" anymore either. Many have changed and say "US Quality" which is a bit more vague and could mean that there are manufactured to ISO 9001-9003 stds. but not necessarily made in the US.

 

[HST4ME]

My snap on ratchets used to last years, now I can wear them out in a few months. Thankfully after almost 40 years I have very little need to step on the truck other than to warranty junk.

 

[H20 Toie]

@H20 Toie
Your thoughts?

I only have Snap on tool boxes, i never stepped foot in a snap on truck

 

[Happy Smitty]

I went from craftsman to snap-on to icon. So far no complaints on icon.

 

[Sharky]

HarborFreight is really stepping up their game with the Icon line.

I'm half tempted to contact Harbor Freight corporate and suggest mobile tool trucks. I wouldn't mind being a test mule.

Load up a Penski truck with a box on the back and start mobile tool sales.

 

[jetboatperformance]

I have Snap on Mac, Matco ,"Acme", Craftsman, Milwaukee , Chicago Pneumatic, and even a few Harbor freight pieces I still work out of the rollaway I bought from sears when I went on the line at Chrysler in 79' Tools are important and good tools last but Its the hands, knowledge, training and experience that make a Technician

 

[DarkJuJu]

Sam tooling but different hardness of materials used?

 

[4Waters]

Yes, there is a difference. Price.

Snap-on 10mm, 1/2" drive impact, deep 6 point. $36

Williams 10mm, 1/2" drive impact, deep 6 point. $10


Want to guess who makes Snap-on sockets, wrenches & screwdrivers. . . . JH Williams

Snap-on owns JH Williams

Williams on left. Snap-on right. Exact same socket.

View attachment 1469977 View attachment 1469978

View attachment 1469979

Full set of 1/2" drive, deep, 6 point impact socket set, 16 pieces. . . Williams about $200
Snap-on (you have to buy extras for a 16 piece set). . . About $900

Yea, I have switched.

Does Williams offer a lifetime warranty?

 

[Sharky]

Does Williams offer a lifetime warranty?

Good question. Don't know

 

[Cray Paper]

I used to have a lot of Snap-On wrenches, sockets and ratchets in the late 80's, most were stolen in 92. Still have the Snap-On toolbox. I bought Craftsman Professional Series wrenches, ratches and sockets in the early 90's from Sears when they were still US made, and the quality and feel was the same as Snap-On at a much lower price. I wasn't using them for making a living then so didn't mind the suggested lower quality.

Haven't bought a Snap-On tool since, sucks to hear that they have offshored the construction of them. The tools I used to work with felt special in my hands.

 

[McKay]

I used to have a lot of Snap-On wrenches, sockets and ratchets in the late 80's, most were stolen in 92. Still have the Snap-On toolbox. I bought Craftsman Professional Series wrenches, ratches and sockets in the early 90's from Sears when they were still US made, and the quality and feel was the same as Snap-On at a much lower price. I wasn't using them for making a living then so didn't mind the suggested lower quality.

Haven't bought a Snap-On tool since, sucks to hear that they have offshored the construction of them. The tools I used to work with felt special in my hands.

Agreed, I have full sets of craftsman professional wrenches from 95-96 and they are excellent. Better than older snap-on wrenches i have but not the newer flank drive plus stuff. They were excellent wrenches for the time.

 

[Rajobigguy]

I used to have a lot of Snap-On wrenches, sockets and ratchets in the late 80's, most were stolen in 92. Still have the Snap-On toolbox. I bought Craftsman Professional Series wrenches, ratches and sockets in the early 90's from Sears when they were still US made, and the quality and feel was the same as Snap-On at a much lower price. I wasn't using them for making a living then so didn't mind the suggested lower quality.

Haven't bought a Snap-On tool since, sucks to hear that they have offshored the construction of them. The tools I used to work with felt special in my hands.

Back in the 70’s, maybe into the 80’s Craftsman hand tools were made right here in the US by Proto in Los Angeles.

 

[Kbach]

Does Williams offer a lifetime warranty?

Yes but from what I remember you have to send it to them.

I have this 8pc Williams screwdriver set I bought for about $60 several yrs ago

https://www.zoro.com/williams-williams-screwdriver-set-8-pieces-100p-8md/i/G7259730/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=surfaces&utm_campaign=shopping%20feed&utm_content=free%20google%20shopping%20clicks&campaignid=21407295990&productid=G7259730&v=&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADw3hZeNWkEX8D7oLvG_XLRLM9EoN&gclid=Cj0KCQiA-aK8BhCDARIsAL_-H9klpdYGH4obGv2tsHZOXkeHFCYKNcv7r1KDLcTmYdPw_MJFUIZgY4kaAoQEEALw_wcB

Same set but only 7pcs from Snap On is $243

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[petie6464]

This entire thread is Blasphemy!

 

[liquid addiction]

Have you seen Val the Snap On Truck Girl?

Val Tools | Tool Truck Content on Instagram: "The truck for the week #snapontooltruck #musthavetools #cooltoolsformen #sockets #creatorsearchinsights"

3,346 likes, 73 comments - val.tools_ on January 12, 2025: "The truck for the week #snapontooltruck #musthavetools #cooltoolsformen #sockets #creatorsearchinsights".

www.instagram.com

I can’t believe this fell through the cracks and still only reply’s about the tools.

 

[oldman]

I can’t believe this fell through the cracks and still only reply’s about the tools.

Meh at best.
Wouldn't make me buy expensive tools.

 

[welldigger00]

This thread sux. Coming from the guy with an overpriced old ass seahorse day cruiser…

 

[rrrr]

I have some Williams sockets that belonged to my grandfather. He was a heavy equipment and diesel mechanic.

 

[Pivot]

I have good tools. Not high end snap on stuff but not from pep boys either.
I'm not a mechanic. So 95% of my entire tool collection get touched once a year or less.
Think about it, there are socket sizes in your box that you haven't used in 5 years.
The chance of these breaking or failing in your lifetime is near 0.

If your occupation is wrenching on things then yeah it's worth the investment. For typical guys around the house and garage projects a 60$ socket is kinda ridiculous. Exception for lug nut or breaker bar sockets

There are specialty hand tools that are worth the money. Everyday sockets, wrenches. screwdrivers etc I go middle of the road. Home dump and lowes stuff is just fine for me.

Cordless power tools, that's different for me. All milwaukee at this point.

 

[DarkJuJu]

Once bitten twice shy, just picked up some ICON Torque bits, this snapped before 20lbs. I like their geared wrenches but I wont by another ICON bit set after this.

 

[bonesfab]

Once bitten twice shy, just picked up some ICON Torque bits, this snapped before 20lbs. I like their geared wrenches but I wont by another ICON bit set after this.

View attachment 1474184

Those are where there is a difference with Snap on. Yes I am a snap on whore.

 

[TimeBandit]

To make matters worse there are several shapes of torx bits now depending what you're trying to remove.

Make sure you have the right one or an impossible to remove fastener will be destroyed.

 

[ChrisV]

I buy snap on so I can fund his boating. Also I’m just a brand whore and he comes by every week so makes my life easy.

 

[Rajobigguy]

Once bitten twice shy, just picked up some ICON Torque bits, this snapped before 20lbs. I like their geared wrenches but I wont by another ICON bit set after this.

View attachment 1474184

As far as I'm concerned there is only one company that makes those kind of bits that aren't junk. Apex tools are the only ones that I buy. I've used their 3/16" bits on a IR twin hammer impact ( over 400 ft lbs.) and they survive without distortion.

 

[lbhsbz]

The only people that feel that Snap-On tools aren't worth the money are the ones who've not earned a living with Snap-On tools.

sure, some of their stuff is bunk, but the majority of it is second to none.

 

[dribble]

Wright tools and Bonney tools have also manufactured for the Big 3 (Snap On, Mac, Matco) in the past

 

[dribble]

The only people that feel that Snap-On tools aren't worth the money are the ones who've not earned a living with Snap-On tools.

sure, some of their stuff is bunk, but the majority of it is second to none.

I have earned a living with Snap On, Mac and Matco. I was doing a tranny service for a friend on a pickup once with 10 mm pan bolts. I broke a Snap On 1/4 in socket, then broke a Mac 1/4 in socket. Then loosened the stuck bolt with an old Craftsman 1/4 in socket. These days if I need a hand tool, I just go buy Icon. Are they as good? No but they’re close. I just bought a 1/2 in drive swivel head ratchet for $49. $265 from Snap on.

Also, getting a tool distributor to warranty a tool when you’re not giving them 100 bucks a week is like pulling teeth. I now just to bring it to a shop I know and let them get me the new tool when their distributor comes around, so I don’t have to deal with their shitty attitude.

 

[lbhsbz]

I have earned a living with Snap On, Mac and Matco. I was doing a tranny service for a friend on a pickup once with 10 mm pan bolts. I broke a Snap On 1/4 in socket, then broke a Mac 1/4 in socket. Then loosened the stuck bolt with an old Craftsman 1/4 in socket. These days if I need a hand tool, I just go buy Icon. Are they as good? No but they’re close. I just bought a 1/2 in drive swivel head ratchet for $49. $265 from Snap on.

Also, getting a tool distributor to warranty a tool when you’re not giving them 100 bucks a week is like pulling teeth. I now just to bring it to a shop I know and let them get me the new tool when their distributor comes around, so I don’t have to deal with their shitty attitude.

I don't care about warranty....most of the time I don't need it. A few years ago I threw away a bucket of broken Craftsman sockets. I had to no desire to replace those as I can't stand deep broach sockets. I have a couple broken snap-on sockets, I throw those away too and just order more. They've done considerably better for me than anything else, and they're better to use.

Find 10 craftsman sockets from different batches / eras....the stampings are all over the place....some nice and deep, some too light to even read. Snap on is consistant. Mac used to be pretty good, but Matco can fuck right off (I've never met a Matco dealer that wasn't an asshole).

Gearwrench is horrible as far as the stampings....I just threw away 3 racks of those sockets because I hate them so much.

The only one that holds a candle to Snap-On, IMO....is Stahlwille

Every single "overpriced" snap-on tool I've bought has made me a lot more money than I paid for it.


I also have a $600 radiator flush tool.....know how much money that's made me since it works way better than all the other shit ones out there?

 

[DLC]

I can’t believe this fell through the cracks and still only reply’s about the tools.

I could spend all day on her truck !

 

[DLC]

I find socket warranties funny - how often do you break a socket ?
So much talk about the warranty when your not turning wrenches every day

Wear and tear happens every few years a new screw gun / impact is needed if your framing every day ! Tools get beat up and hopefully make you a LOT of money if your in that line of work.

 

[Outdrive1]

I love that snap on deep well sockets are shouldered. I almost never use a shallow socket. I like a deep well and an extension, at all times. A fine tooth Snap On ratchet is all I want to use as well. Everything else feels like junk.

 

[Outdrive1]

As far as boxes go, it’s hard to say anything is better than a Snap on box. It’s literally the standard that everyone else is comparing themselves too. “My Ikon does this”. Ok good for Ikon, my old Snap on box did that 25 years ago and still functions and looks like brand new. Let compare in 20 more years, hopefully yours is still under warranty…

 

[dribble]

As far as boxes go, it’s hard to say anything is better than a Snap on box. It’s literally the standard that everyone else is comparing themselves too. “My Ikon does this”. Ok good for Ikon, my old Snap on box did that 25 years ago and still functions and looks like brand new. Let compare in 20 more years, hopefully yours is still under warranty…

The current Icon performs better than my 25 year old Mac did 25 years ago. And yes the Icon has the same Lifetime warranty as Snap On

 

[dribble]

I don't care about warranty....most of the time I don't need it. A few years ago I threw away a bucket of broken Craftsman sockets. I had to no desire to replace those as I can't stand deep broach sockets. I have a couple broken snap-on sockets, I throw those away too and just order more. They've done considerably better for me than anything else, and they're better to use.

Find 10 craftsman sockets from different batches / eras....the stampings are all over the place....some nice and deep, some too light to even read. Snap on is consistant. Mac used to be pretty good, but Matco can fuck right off (I've never met a Matco dealer that wasn't an asshole).

Gearwrench is horrible as far as the stampings....I just threw away 3 racks of those sockets because I hate them so much.

The only one that holds a candle to Snap-On, IMO....is Stahlwille

Every single "overpriced" snap-on tool I've bought has made me a lot more money than I paid for it.


I also have a $600 radiator flush tool.....know how much money that's made me since it works way better than all the other shit ones out there?

I throw away broken Craftsman but not broken Snap On. I do have a Craftsman 1/2 in drive clicker torque wrench that my mom bought for my brother in 55 years ago. It is in the case and came with a book of torque specs going back to 40's though 70's vehicles. A few years ago I bought a new Proto 3/8 in drive hand calibrated torque wrench. I recently tested the calibration on the Craftsman using the Proto. They were both dead nuts identical. Back when Sears actually sold some decent tools.

 

[lbhsbz]

I throw away broken Craftsman but not broken Snap On. I do have a Craftsman 1/2 in drive clicker torque wrench that my mom bought for my brother in 55 years ago. It is in the case and came with a book of torque specs going back to 40's though 70's vehicles. A few years ago I bought a new Proto 3/8 in drive hand calibrated torque wrench. I recently tested the calibration on the Craftsman using the Proto. They were both dead nuts identical. Back when Sears actually sold some decent tools.

Depends who made 'em for Craftsman....they were simply a brand with no manufacturing whatsoever....and jumped around over the years through lots of suppliers. I've got craftsman wrenches made in Japan, for example. They just sent out specs for quote, until sometime in the 90s when they got all bougie

 

[Rajobigguy]

Depends who made 'em for Craftsman....they were simply a brand with no manufacturing whatsoever....and jumped around over the years through lots of suppliers. I've got craftsman wrenches made in Japan, for example. They just sent out specs for quote, until sometime in the 90s when they got all bougie

True. For many years Craftsman hand tools were made by Proto and other than not being smooth and polished were the same quality as the Proto line. I think it was in the early 80's that Sears started contracting with Asian company's to produce their hand tools and the quality started going downhill.

 

[Dalton]

Where does blue point fall in all of this?

 

[lbhsbz]

Where does blue point fall in all of this?

Blue Point is just re-labeled import stuff, usually a cheaper version or something that Snap-On doesn't have under their branded line and needed to fill in.

 

[Bigbore500r]

This is a bogus thread. Everyone knows all 10mm sockets vanish. Thus it is impossible to have a photo of one, let along two.

You don't own 10mm sockets, you just borrow them for a fleeting moment in time

 

[bilz]

Most of my tools are Craftsman from the late 70s and 80s. I have some proto wrenches as well. I have 3 snap on tools,
One is a 1/2 breaker bar, a u joint swivel and a 2 1/8 crows foot(traffic signal head wrench). The breaker does feel cery strong and is a good to in tough times
But my Craftsman stuff is still hangin'.

 

[Rajobigguy]

A lot of my automotive tools are snap on, most of my larger nut turners are Proto, a fair mix of HF for around the house stuff and way too many different brands to list for special purpose things.