Almost a year ago, Snap-on renamed the J. H. Williams Tool Group to Snap-on Industrial Brands, affecting how their Williams, Bahco, and CDI Torque products are marketed.
While Williams and Bahco tools were previously advertised as Snap-on Williams and Snap-on Bahco by many retailers and distributors, the official name change means that such branding has become even more widespread.
Michael Carr, director of sales for Snap-on Industrial, has said that “by renaming our business unit Snap-on Industrial Brands we are strengthening the direct link between our distribution brands and Snap-on Incorporated, our parent company. Our intention is to accelerate the pace of innovation and new product introductions…”
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We’re fans of Williams tools, especially their hard-handle screwdrivers, and own a couple of Bahco tools as well. But this move to rename the Williams and Bahco brands does not sit well with us. And we’re still not thrilled with the random licensed Snap-on tools that have appeared in recent years.
We’ve seen a number of complaints on the web already, where buyers of Snap-on Industrial products appear shocked that they didn’t receive bona fide Snap-on tools.
View “Snap-on Industrial” tools via Amazon
Our warning to watch out for Snap-on Industrial tools is not really a reflection of quality. Although they might not match up with Snap-on tools, their quality may still be quite good. Our concern is that retailers and resellers may accidentally (or “accidentally”) leave off the Williams or Bahco branding.
It is obvious that Snap-on is leveraging their name and reputation to further tap into the consumer tool market. It will be interesting to see what happens in a couple of years.
With Snap-on’s name appearing on professional tools, “industrial” tools seemingly aimed at consumers, and licensed tools and products, will they experience growth or will their reputation be diluted?
fred says
I guess it is some further consolidation – but hope that it isn’t a just a ploy to use a venerable old brand to cover goods of lesser quality. Willaims, Armstrong, and others were once all in a league as independent and growing manufacturers fueling their growth by acquiring other smaller firms – only to be acquired themselves. We still use Williams chain tongs – and always thought of them as the best available. Hope they still will be made.
Glen says
The change has allowed china imported “plastic” tools to hit the market bearing the Snap-on trademark. such as the $30 LED worklight sold at Costco.
Bill says
Glen, I agree. Snap On is selling its soul and I sincerely believe that it will cause a downgrading of what people think of the Snap On brand. Cheap crap from China NEVEr holds up in the long term. Products made in Taiwan are, for the most part, far superior.
Dan Richards says
It’s very difficult to discern the origin of Williams products online, especially if you’re not well versed in their catalog. I know I’m not. There’s only two or three B&M outfits I know of relatively local to me that carry the line, so online is the best way to get most of it for me. I like Williams tools well enough, but it frustrates me when I get a tool made in South America or Asia when I expected it to be made in the USA.
Mike I. says
Snap On has spent a century building a premium brand that people willingly pay top dollar for. It baffles me why they would seek to cheapen that brand image by allowing their name to be used on some of the Chinese junk that you now find in every auto parts store. This is the equivalent of Mercedes allowing Yugos to be sold under the MB logo and tri-star.
Someone in accounting is selling out the future of the company to make a quick dollar in this quarter.
BW says
Just looking to make a quick dollar this quarter, huh? Have you compared today’s Snap-on stock to when you wrote that?
Mark says
They are a bigger company because they are buying up the competition and creating monopoly’s . There products have turned into junk. My tool box is full of snap on. But i haven’t bought a tool from that company in almost 10 years now and dont plan on it.
Steve Kaminsky says
Greed
Graham says
Have you looked at Snap On stock (SNA) today? Their model of sub prime financing, which is the hedging that fuelled SNA’s uptick in the past< is crashing down in bad debts.
Doug says
I agree about getting some junk tool being made in China but having the Snap-On name engraved on it.I just bought some J H Williams Eaze-outs and hope they were made in the USof A and not in China.Might be sending them back and asking for a refund if they are.
John Zmuda says
Call Snap On and complain about it on the phone like I did. I spent a life time aquiring, paying and marketing myself as a technician with professional tools. Snap On tools. I am a Snap On stock holder also. Call them up and let them know what we think about whoring out the name and product line for a few bucks. John Zmuda
MadeInUSA says
97% of J.H. Willams tools are still made in the U.S.A. Be sure to check before buying or just return them. My opinion they are still the highest quality tools made. That is all our company buys and very glad about it. When shopping check Williams tech strengths against other tools.
David Owens says
I love snap on brand stuff and buy it when I can. But recently the Blue Diamond (or whatever it’s called) line has become very cheap, made in China crap. I now avoid that line.
Jester Mclarpet says
Yes, Blue Point used to be fairly good tools but now they’re just Strap-On’s vanilla tools.
Larry Smit says
We have only purchased Williams Tools for over 3 generations. Almost 100% of Williams Tools are still made in good ole America. Super strong and still have Lifetime Warranties. We like buying 1 tool 1 time. Nice. For our Industrial Company Williams is the only tool to have on the production lines.
Danny Glover says
I find this article very misleading. Most Snap-on and almost all J. H. Williams tools are made in the U.S.A. Very fine tools for ANY job.
Stuart says
An analogy would be Stanley Black & Decker describing Black & Decker tools as “Dewalt Black & Decker.” Or all Stanley tools being described as Dewalt Stanley. What do the tools being made in the USA have to do with that?
JWW says
I just looked at buying J H Williams wrenches they were made in Taiwan.
Scott Johnson says
Williams Tools that start with a letter are American. Tools that start with a number are not. Most of the tools start with letters. We like the Life Time Warranty at our company. Although we have never had to use it in over 81 years of business, I think.
John says
The point of it is: There are those of us that have prided ourselves and shops by only using professional tools made in America by Snap On. Williams tools might be just fine too, I’m not as familiar with them. It’s the crap that I saw made in China at Sam’s Club with the Snap On name that is the outrage. Diluting their brand to make a few extra bucks off of the general public is just plain wrong!
chad says
folks, welcome to the real world. The tool trucks are fading more quickly and technicians are shopping around for value as well as quality. Technicians don’t make the same level of money as they once did and newer technicians aren’t spending the money on Snap-on, Matco, or Cornwell and Mac is almost gone. Snap-on is leveraging itself to make the transition by diversifying. Heck, I can’t even find a Snap-on rep on a regular basis anymore and they don’t want to honor their warranties half the time. What good is a lifetime warranty if the company fades away i.e Sear and Craftsman.
Tim says
Sears and Craftsman are now being in China. I started seeing real shiny Craftsman tools and bought some but when I realized they were made in China I took every one of them out of my tool boxes. Same warranty but I’m going to give them to my sons for some starter tool boxes. I’m true American.
Terry says
We have found Williams (now Snap on) honors the lifetime warranty with no questions asked. Good prices, solid quality, made in U.S.A., life time warranty. What else do you want? We buy other tools from time to time and the top name brands are ok, but not made in the U.S.A. anymore. With J.H. Williams just buy the part numbers that start with a letter, not a number.
Hector Rivera says
I would like to see Williams Tools at Sears
Stuart says
There are plenty of SKUs available via Amazon and other distributors. Unfortunately, if these were at Sears, there wouldn’t be very many sales.
Mike Benton says
I’ve been a mechanic, automotive and aircraft, since I was 18 years ol, now 64, and I have used all manner of tools, brands, etc. The worst tools we had in the USAF were made in Taiwan, really bad. Then we got Snap-Off (Snap-On) tools much better than Taiwan made, but, I have Craftsman (Penncraft, Riverside) that are at least 50 years old, some used by my father in the 1940s and 1950s, all of which are still in use, sure I’ve broken some, ok a lot, but I have broken many more Snap-Ons during the same time frame. Snap-On ratchets have round handles which sipn around in my hands, there open/box wrenches have tapered grip which cut into my hands, Craftsman are squared handles, and wrenchs are rounded so they are more comfortable. If I break a Craftsman, I got to sears in town and get a replacement, Snap-Off I have to wait until the truck comes around. Snap-On IMHO is not worth the extra money. Arm chair mechanics will argue the point ad naueum, but in the long run I will save time and money. If you have the time and money to throw away, Snap-On is an ok tool, if not spend wisely. A broken tool is worthless, no matter the brand, availability and expense are the keys to productivity.
Mike Benton says
P.S. Sorry for the typos above. I have started to use a lot of Harbor Freight tools lately and have been happy with them, they are inexpensive and quality is good, but for the price you can buy 2 of everything and replce them cheaply. They ain’t pretty but they “git ‘er done”.
John Garrett says
Just went by Sears and couldn’t find one wrench made in USA ! The only thing they had that was made in the states were some screwdrivers , go figure !!!
john says
I sent a broken Williams ratchet back to Snapon for repair ( truck would not do it). The old one was 40 years old. I just got a new one back from them and what a peice of junk. Stamped USA, knurl is horrible, plating is thin. None at all on dial. I would never buy one after seeing this. Wish i could post a picture
Tim says
Be sure to only get the Williams tools that start with a LETTER not a number. Ones that start with a number are not well manufactured. Ones that start with a LETTER are industrial grade and made in our good ole U.S.A. Large difference.
Rob says
We only buy J.H. Williams that start with a letter from http://gptooling.com and never have any problems. The numbered tools are made in Taiwan and are cheaper to buy but are also made with weaker steel and crack a lot easier. Made in U.S.A. is still the best. Cost more but you only buy (1) set and you are done.
Dan says
Best tools you can buy. Just get the U.S.A. made ones. Solid USA H.D. metal and H.D. design. No crap metal.
Bob says
I had my 15/16 in. combo wrench came up missing so I ordered another on Amazon on one side it has 1230SC Williams USA on the other 15/16 SUPERCOMBO 15/16 so what you all are telling me is that mine is made somewhere in Asia? I’m confused!
Stuart says
Nope, the 1230SC should be made in the USA, and that’s confirmed by the “USA” that’s marked on there. I believe all of the SuperCombo wrenches are made in the USA.
The Williams 11130 and 11230 wrenches, on the other hand – those are going be to the imported 15/16″ wrenches.
Tim Thorson says
Best hand tools I have ever used. In maritime supply for many years over 30 years ago, and US flag vessels specified JH Williams. Anything else, they simply would not accept. No one to return a crappily made tool to when you are mid-ocean.
Garrit says
The company I work for is a distributor of Snap-On Industrial Brands. A fast and loose rule for determining the country of origin for Williams tools is; if there are letters in the part number it is domestic (USA), if there are only numbers it is globally sourced (usually Taiwan). There are a few exceptions but that covers probably 95%. With many “name brand” tool manufacturers making tools overseas Williams offers their Global line to stay competitive in the market. The Willaims Global line is near identical to Blue Point tools off the Snap-On truck. As someone who has put hands on much of the Williams line (and personally bought and used many hand tools as well) I will say I prefer the domestic tools. My CDI torque wrench is the best I have ever had. As a distributor I find it frustrating that their domestic line is not as broad as their Global, with some socket configurations and sizes only available in an import. All in all my experience with Snap-On Industrial brands over the last few years has been very good, the tools are excellent quality, the service and support as a distributor has been outstanding and they have been expanding their tool lines with every new catalog we get. In my opinion Snap-On Industrial tools are a great buy for the do-it-yourselfer and professional alike. P.S. If you have any warranty issue you cannot resolve with a local distributor I would urge you to contact Snap-On Industrial directly. Older Williams tools are also still covered under warranty.
R Stocker says
I think that everyone is getting their knickers in a knot.
Bacho tools were a Swedish Company. In the 1950’s Swedish steel was considered to be the best in the world. I have some of their socket sets stamped USA and they work very well in my machine shop. In 20 years I have not had one problem with them. Then again I have all the major brands and I only have spilt cheap Chinese socket or USA Craftsman. There is a difference in tools. I have found that the 70’s sockets form Japan and newer are very good in quality. Snap-on has never advertised Snap-on tools and industrial that I have ever seen. Anyone who uses tools knows that all the companies own many brands and that the location they are manufactured changes all the time. It does not matter where they are made. What matters is the quality that is given to the manufacturing. This is a global economy and don’t you forget that most companies would not exist if they did not have international sales.
Fort almost went under in the US in the early 80’s but it was their European marked that carried the company. There a tens of thousands of examples. The only way a country can gain wealth is trading with other countries. Read your early American history on how the settlers failed at Socialism the first year they were here until the Governor let the people grow all they could and sell and trade what was left over because the first winter those who did not produce and they ran out of food. Socialism does not work and never will.
There is nothing wrong with advertising all their non Snap-on brands as Snap-on Industrial. Everyone knows the difference and if you don’t you really don’t use tools. Craftsman has an Industrial line or did. Not sure if it still exist. Most lines have an industrial line. Most of the tools are black but they all have them.
If they have a life time warranty and meet your needs what is the problem?
There is a difference in most tools. Wright and Snap-on make wrenches that will not round the head off of a Number 8 bolt. Look up the test on U-tube. Many companies have joined in and are making wrenches that bight off the edge.
Wright tools might not be polished and as well chromed but they will to the same job as Snap-on 100% of the way at a fraction of the price. All USA made.
Snap-on bought Blue point for the their wrenches. They used them at the top of their line for years. Not they are all made in China.
for 80% of all jobs a Craftsman as rough as they are will do the job just fine. I used them in Construction for 40 years. For the construction bolts one uses a Spud Wrench.
Just my 3 cents worth. A penny for Obama inflation.
With the internet all the information in the world is at your finger tips. Don’t blame a company because you did not do research and your home work.
Before the war Honda made war equipment and other things. Mr. Honda told the company to use the best steel there was and they did. Honda engines are unbeatable. I will take the true Honda line over a US engine any day. I have 8 of them.
It is so easy to complain. Just because you read some jerks review means nothing. I love reading reviews. 95% of them are written by people that are dumb clueless people and they grumble about everything but the product. Just return the product and know what you are buying over the internet before you buy. Buyer beware.
Retired Architect, General Contractor, Farmer and business owner. I have over 200 thousand dollars worth of tools. I am sorry you did not do your homework. LOL
D says
Engines are made from cast iron or aluminum.
Danny France says
JH Williams C-clamps are the best clamps made. And made in the USA!!
Ted says
Easy solution, try the best hand tools “Wright Tools’ still made in the USA and hard to believe still family owned
Gary Drago Sr says
To Mr. Honda man,
you can take your Hondas and shove um.
my grandfather’s brother died at Pearl Harbor. I WILL NOT buy anything from Japan….. enough said…..
Mark says
I bought a snap on car buffer. I have used snap on buffers for 30 years and loved them. I ended up needing another one and my god what apiece of junk. I used it one time and returned it. I couldn’t even believe what a piece of garbage they turned into. Spent a little more and got a German Flex. Thanks Germany for making good quality tools. America corporations are into ripping people off nowadays. Don’t buy American if you want nice stuff .
Rich says
I don’t think I should have to be an expert in global economics just to buy a hand tool. I have been an automotive technician for 34 years and have tried a wide variety of name brand tools and they all have their strengths and weaknesses. The only constant was that when a dealer sold me a “snap on” tool it said snap on on it! And was made in the USA. I recently bought a tool on line advertised as snap on and when it arrived it said “Williams / Taiwan on it. I wasn’t happy with the seller. They sold a cheap tool under a snap on branding and didn’t think it was necessary tool let the consumer know it wasn’t made in the USA, and that it wouldnt be warrantied by your local snap on dealer. That’s just wrong.
Roller Derby Ref says
My great uncle was in the Bataan death march and a POW. The timing belts on the Honda’s you love so much go out at around 60,000 miles. An American made vehicle with a timing chain usually lasts the life of the vehicle. I love my TJ. Guess what happens when you flip your car?
HC says
The Bahco warranty isn’t worth a damn unless you bought the tool from a truck. I bought some side cutters through Amazon and they don’t want to give me the time of day now that they broke.
Kasper The Loyal American says
I think, after reading the posts left here, especially Mr. Honda Lover Man, That folks got off track a bit from the real point! It’s not about economics or socialism or war time differences in tools and motors. The point of this thread was supposed to be about the name brand becoming owned by Snap-On, and folks were concerned that the tools were being produced as the companies cheap line of tools, therefore ruining both names pretty much! The name Williams Tool Co. used to mean Quality Tools that were produced in USA period. America used to be the highest quality of any product that could be purchased. Yes things bought here cost a little more but you knew what you were getting and usually you were getting a guarantee with your product! This is one of many ways the USA dominated the rest of the world, in top quality manufacturing and this helped our economy and gave Americans work that allowed families to pay their taxes! Yes of course wartime manufacturing took a turn for everybody, usually for the best because it fueled the economy in ways, they needed more men to work, they were being paid top dollar by the Gov. and they spared no expense and got top quality products manufactured right here in this country. The topic of this story was over the concern of the Williams co tool name has become the generic line for Snap on, like great value is to walmart. It wasn’t the Kraft, or coka-cola anymore, even tho it is being sold as the industrial line. Now, to explain this a little, Yes all companies buy each other up as they try to dominate but it’s usually now because it’s all that they can afford in trying to cut costs and diversify into other countries and ofcourse be able to market to all levels of spenders. If the guy who can spend a hundred on a tool would buy from them all the way down to the fellow who could only afford to spend five bucks on a tool, well, they want their business too. So, there you get a company who will try to be able to fill that global market demand. Especially since the internet is at the finger tips to most, it really makes it easy for companies to do this and now it seems one company just wont sit back and let others do this without jumping in and doing it themselves. It’s the type of dog eat dog compotition these sad companies participate in nowa days… Yes it sucks. When you bought a USA tool in the past, regardless of the brand almost, you knew you were getting something of value, something that was built well. Older Craftsman tools were the thing to own, they were made in the usa, cost an arm and a leg, never any cheaper, and you could return it no questions asked. It used to be the same with snap on, same with williams etc… The thing is now is bring the companies back to america! Make the other countries inferior to us and raise the bar of expected quality in craftsmanship and production of our manufactured goods! All Americans should buy USA homeland made tools and work here for these companies! We don’t need to buy from these end user products from other countries, let them have to buy from us! We may need to import fuel and some materials from other countries, but we don’t need to buy anything that’s been “made” by them. Make them inferior to us. We’d be on top again first and foremost in production and manufacturing with real true quality products. It has become such a normal for these companies to do this practice in manufacturing, all the companies have been leaving this country for decades, well it’s time we take it back! And this here goes for the guy that said something about not going to buy american and would buy honda, Screw you dude, you are what is wrong with this country. You wanna buy cheap stuff from another country then to bust your ass with your brothers in this one and spend your money on something you can be proud of, knowing you can be part of the solution! It’s sad I tell you! I think I’ll hold on to All my older tools that were made in this country. I’ll never be able to buy anything like that again if folks like that have their way. Every thing will be coming to us from other countries and we’ll be a poor ass broke down people in our home land… No pride I tell you! None!! Do your due diligence, don’t buy crap from another country. Make damn sure it is manufactured in this one and distributed in this one. Don’t give our money away, our power to some third world communist hole! Nough Said!
Edward Romero says
I’m a retired mechanic with mostly Snap-on
Tools. I have a Williams S-41 1/2” breaker bar although not pretty and has to be around 60 years old . It has a female end at the handle where you can attach extensions for all the leverage you need. I attached a floor jack handle to it and she held up and broke the nut loose. I wouldn’t trade it for any other breaker bar. Williams is some tough stuff. My brother in law ran the the western United States Snap-on Division and he also said Williams is on hell of a tool
Elmer Risher says
S-K Hand Tools is an American tool company located in Sycamore Illinois U.S.A. Parent organization is Ideal Industries. They do not have any foreign affiliations. There products can be purchased online at sktools.com or Grainger Industrial Supply among other authorized SK tool providers. Quit wasting your time and give them a call 800-822-5575. No I’m not some sort of rep., I just know an excellent U.S.A. American made tool when holding one. Thanks to our Military Vets for making holding one possible. Buy American it will make a difference in your life and it will make the difference in an a American workers life. Oh! They also have a line of Metrics just in case you no longer have a choice in what you have to work on. But their still made in U.S.A.