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As a professional mechanic for over 23 years here in Ireland I still take joy and pleasure in my Snap On tools . We only had the choice of Snap On or MAC when I started and my grandfather also a mechanic told me you have to use quality tools you’ve someone’s life in your hands working on their vehicle

This really makes me appreciate my Craftsman tools. My mom bought me their 246 piece kit for Christmas 19 years ago, when I was 17. It was fully loaded with most everything you need. Fortunately that’s when they still made top notch quality tools. I haven’t lost one piece and everything looks and works like new 19 years later. The whole kit was on sale for $200. That Williams looks really nice, but I’ll never buy snap-on.

I buy “made in USA” (otherwise known as vintage) tools at estate sales and flea markets and then re-condition them.

I have a 1/4" snap on ratchet and I love it. It's my favorite, because it operates beautifully and I found it on the side of the road, so it was free.

"Get the best tools you can afford, and you will never ever regret it." Those were the words of my dad to me as a boy in the early 70's which I have lived by all my life. And I have never regretted it. Worked in Engineering at IBM Worked in the trades until I became disabled at work, in 2001. Never regretted it. I will say this, If God blesses you later in life, and you are able to upgrade your tools, do it. You won't regret it, and you'll be a blessing to those who come after you who are fortunate enough to aquire your hard earned collection of tools. They will not go to waste! PS: Nice vice Cody!

After doing this for 40+ years, i can say from experience for the most part, Snap On has made some of the best hand tools. Now, having said that, the value vs performance ratio isn't great. There have always been made in USA tools even today, it's just the selection is less. New Britian, Easco, Bonney, Allen and others made tools that were functionally as good as SO for a fraction of the price. Bonney tools in particular were very close in the fit and finish to a SO. Though all of these and other brands are long absent now, the quality has endured. Wright, SK (at least with the stock on hand), Bondus, Lang, Lisle and others still make quality tools in the US. You are correct in emphasizing that if you are going to keep a tool over the long term, buy the best you can afford. One item that often gets over looked is the warranty. SO only warrants the item to the original purchaser, while many brands will do a replacement without a receipt or waiting for the local tool truck to arrive.

As a 24 year old blue collar dad I’m so here for this series

thanks Cody, this takes me back to what got me into your channel, homesteading videos and your unbiased tool assessments (recommended by a friend for same reason) have kept me watching ever since. there's nothing like picking up a tool for a job that you've had for years and have it fit your hand perfectly, know that it won't let you down. I've lost so many of these over the years when "borrowed" by friends and never returned that I keep them locked up now. I asked my Dad for a tool kit when I was about 8 for christmas (53 now) and still have a couple of the spanners left, not the best quality but my Dad gave them to me so they are priceless. building up a tool kit for Jack will show him you respect he's learnt enough to do his own work. soon as I'd watched I had to see if we could get williams tools in the uk from amazon, glad to see we can get some.

The internals of the Williams look the same as my Snap On F936. 36 tooth ratchet, exact same mechanism. So it looks like the Williams is just the last generation of Snap On. Looks like a very good alternative. Great choice.

Cody, I changed a clutch and drive axle on a Toyota Camry using mostly Craftsman tools. Worked beautifully for years after, I still have the Craftsman tools, and money in the bank because I didn't pay big bucks for Snap -on Tools. I am only a weekend mechanic and don't do this daily. If I did, I might pay the high bucks to keep me in business. My dad had a 3/8 inch Craftsman rachet for years but put on a 4 ft pipe as a cheater bar. He didn't even use a breaker bar but used the rachet like one. It broke, he returned it at the local Sears store and got a new ratchet. They gave him a new one. Reckon that's why they're out of business? Love the teardowns and the explanations. The video was awesome! A professional job as well. Great video! God bless you & your family!

Found my first snap on ratchet at a pawnshop have never regretted buying it, a little scuffed but works great. It’s a little hard to find good deals in these places but they are there if you look and take your time

I bought a set of SnapOn sockets in British Standard 3/8 drive to work on my Triumph Bonneville and MG Sprite in 1964. And I was issued some SnapOns in the AirForce in 1967. Still have them all. Work perfectly.

When I was a mechanic I started out with all matco ratchets. I traded them all in for snap on. I stopped wrenching 7-8 years ago, and I still use my snap on ratchet at home. Love them to this day.

It was a similar video series on the 50 most useful tools that lead me to your channel. I’ve learnt a great deal since and I’ve really enjoyed the journey. Looking forward to the series.

I finally got to buy myself a morakniv companion, and boy, am I impressed. Thank you for your video on the morakniv a few months ago. From now it will be the only everyday use knife I use!!

You are an absolute legend for making these videos and sharing generations of experience! Passing down tools and life lessons from your dad to your son and so on. Plus giving this information and life lessons to people. Well done. Love you videos and all you do!

Back in my day, I did sheet-metal during the day, and hung out at my friends marine outboard shop in Sausalito California. Having a chance to tinker on those motors was fun, and challenging. The salt water is so unforgiving. Learning how to finesse a frozen bolt packed with salt, it’s like doing a magic trick. When you were disassembling, I had the same exact thought about putting that back together. Nice job!

Going to love this series. I am slowly replacing all of my old US Craftsman ratchets with SO. The fine tooth and durability is worth it to me. I’ll keep using my old Craftsman sockets but the old socket wrenches always left something to be desired.

I’m 17 almost 18 and Cody has been one of my biggest role models besides my dad and granddads. I’ve been subscribed for 5+ years and I can’t recall a video I haven’t enjoyed and/or gotten something out of

Definitely going to love this series. I got my first set of ratchets in jr. high, a collection of new and hand me down from my dad and grandpa. Not snap on or Williams, but those ratchets will always mean a lot to me and hopefully I can pass down to my kids one day.

I’m very excited for this series. It’s great that you’ll be handing these down to Jack.

I’m really impressed with the crescent brand ratchet sets

I put a lot of thought into buying a new tool. I love doing research and finding the perfect balance of quality and price. I get the feeling that you're the same way Cody

Back in college when I was first buying tools and heard that craftsman was going overseas, I went and bought the nicest made in USA ratchet I could find. That ended up being the Professional 84T 2548 in a 3/8 drive. Talk about something that brings the fizz back like the same day I bought it. I use it more than my snapon 3/8 comfort grip

Cody, a great idea to give Jack good tools. I am 58 years old and still most of the tools that my father started to give when I was about 10 years old. He was hoping that I stopped using his tools. It mostly worked; they were good trade quality tools that are as good today as when he gave them to me. I now have all of his tools and many of them are far older than me. They aren’t Snap On but the are the Australian equivalent Sidchrome. I have tools from many different countries, I always purchased the best quality that I could afford. It does please me when I pick up a 30-year-old tool and it fits into my hand like a glove. People who never use tools professionally rarely understand how a good fitting tool makes your day. I just hope that Jack learns to appreciate what a true gift a quality tool is.

If you grew up around one or have spent time with actual mechanics, nothing gives you that fizz like a snap-on. It just feels right.

I have been watching your vids for years and always look forward to ANYTHING you post! This is a series that I will be very interested in as I’m starting to upgrade a lot of my tools I have had since I was a teenager. Most of what I have has served me well but it’s time to grow and replace. I am very interested in the brands you mentioned and I have also been trying to find and get information on the ICON brand. The tools are easily accessible, warranty is great, price point isn’t outrageous. They aren’t made in USA sadly but they seem to be decent quality.

This will be a good series. Thanks for thinking about the rest of us out here in the pro homeowner world!

As a former homebuilder, I had a 1/2"-drive SK-Wayne socket set for lag screws and bolts for building decks and laying sill plates on poured foundations. Also used that set on the under-carriage of my truck. Then, I bought the old original Craftsmen sockets. Never had a failure with either brand. Snap-On's high prices have always been a deterrent for me. Cody, even if you are biased, we luv you bro.

I’m excited for this series. Thanks for putting it together!

Thank you Cody for such great content. These are my favorite kind of videos! Keep up the great work, and hello from rainy England.

Thank you for bringing this brand into light for everyone including myself. I will definitely be checking this out as an affordable alternative for quality tools.

Dad was a USA Craftsman guy..I remember going to Sears with him for tools and exchanging tools right at the counter if any thing ever broke. The sales clerk would take the old tool and tell Dad to go pick out the replacement. No questions asked..

I know this video was about tools but still a beautiful video especially when you talk about your Grandad as I love hearing your stories of him and your stories too. I can watch & listen to you for hours. You and family stay safe.

Just admiring a fresh ratchet over a cup of coffee is one of lifes simple pleasures, it just hits the sweet spot of a mans heart. 👌

I have 19 snap on hand ratchets now and I still have the same reaction when I get a new one. Hands down my favorite tools.

So excited to hear about these Williams tools! I love my Snap-on tools, but they are PRICEY! I grew up using and loving Craftsman tools from Sears. They were always American made, reasonably priced, and had a great warranty. With the demise of Sears, the current day Craftsman tools are largely made in China, and are a shadow of their former glory. I have a feeling, I'll be buying some Williams screwdrivers soon to fill some gaps in my kit! Another great video!

Thanks for making this video! Buy once, cry once is typically true, but buying the best you can afford is the best advice. A good tip to saving money on power tools is to buy Ridgid if you can’t quite afford Milwaukee. Some of the Octane models seem to be rebadged Milwaukee tools. I’ve had good luck with them.

Thanks, Cody. Looking forward to this series. BTW, my wife and are are building the tool kits for our three daughters. They each got a Milwaukee drill/driver kit plus some hand tools from Santa to start them on their way.

I’m going to love this series. My Grandpa was a Snap-On dealer back in the late 80’s and early 90’s. I was fortunate enough to inherit some beautiful tools from him but I intend to use your recommendations to fill a few gaps in my tool chest. Thanks!

"Buy once cry once" great one to live by.

when i worked as a mechanic for about 5 years in my early 20's i always used craftsman just cause thats what i could afford at the time and it was quality back then. but there was always something about a snap on ratchet that just gave me the fizz. it was just superior in every way. all the other hand tools didnt bother me so much like wrenches etc, but man a snap on ratchet is hard to beat. it just feels right. that and their ratcheting bit driver. my god i love those 2 tools from snap on. my ratchets got stolen along with my bit driver that i held near to me cause i used it to build my first gaming pc, that kind of thing. so now just 3 months ago a local pawn shop called me and said "hey i heard you were looking for some snap on ratchets and a bit driver, ive got some for sale right now" i rushed down there so fast. got em for a smoking deal and im so happy i have at least some of my snap on stuff back.

I was fortunate enough to start buying tools in the late 90's back when craftsman was still all US made. never had one of those tools fail me even after using them for years in a Shop

This is great timing. My tool situation is a hot mess from losing, breaking, loaning out and I’ve been procrastinating because I didn’t want to drop the coin on USA made stuff just yet.

this is excellent im gonna binge watch all this in one sitting

This is the series I’ve been waiting for! Fantastic content and excellent timing.

I'm really happy you brought up this point. For some of us that would only use them a handful of times a year, the cost of Snap on is not warranted.

saw my first Williams ratchet today at an auto body shop and then i come home and watch this video. Coincidence? I think not!

I wish I had those options, I'm currently building a lawn mowing operation, so alot of the things I buy run into the thousands of dollars, right now but I do appreciate the time you put into this. Because someday after I get things off the ground l will use this information

this is gonns be such an awesome series cody! i love the longer videos

WRIGHT tools is very high quality in my experience, and are a great option in American made tools. Their Wrightgrip wrenches are very well respected too and their Contour grip is second to none in bare steel ratchet handles.

Kudos for getting that stuff together. I never noticed this stuff before. I actually found an old snap on wrench in one of my many tool boxes after this.

Pumped for the series. I’ve wanted to piece together an heirloom level tool kit. Thanks for sharing your experiences.

I loved watching him take apart that snap-on. I learn so much from this channel.

Worked my way through community college as a compressor mechanic for industrial hvac compressors (rebuild of cores). They started at the size of a small 2 stroke motor up to the size of a large propane tank, all using crank and piston. I started out with a 1990's craftsman kit that cost $100. As soon as I could, I moved over to snap-on. It was well worth the money to pick up those tools off the truck, even at minimum wage of $4.50 an hour.

This kind of video is why I stay subscribed.

Professional homeowner here who has never turned wrenches for a living. I bought a small Snap-On pocket screwdriver with the tiny traditional handle at the Indy 500 in 1995. I only wanted Snap-On from that day on. I built up I could collection of snap on before I was married. Best thing ever did was buy those expensive tools beforer anyone was able to tell me they cost too much!

Williams makes some of my favorite tools for sure. The hard handled screw drivers were my favorite style from snap on, and I find the super wrenches all the time at garage sales! Just have to check the CoO, not all Williams stuff is made in the US

I agree with everything you say buddy! You're the man. Im so jealous of your shop! You're an inspiration! I've been slowly trying to build up my tool collection with Snap On and everyone gives me grief for it. But, I'm not doing it selfishly. My thoughts are, whenever it's my time to go, my son will inherit great quality tools that also have sentimental value too them. Same with guns. I don't have a dad and i want to start a tradition of keeping quality tools or guns that will be passed down each generation. I'll never get to see if that plan actually upholds or not but i suppose it's about like planting an oak sapling. You don't plant the oak sapling so you can enjoy the benefits of a mature oak tree. You do it bc it's the right thing to do and for your kids to enjoy... I don't if I'm just rambling or if this even makes any sense or not. Keep up the great videos brother! Much respect to you from Louisville, KY! ✊️💯

The old saying buy once cry once.

I’m 19 years old, I worked at a service shop for 5 years now. I started out taking out trash and doing gopher work. I progressed to doing oil changes and then to steering and suspension work and some engine work too. I am currently in college and I own a bunch of gear wrench, some old USA made craftsman and some snap on and matco. The snap on, matco and even a lot of the gearwrench give me the “fizz” I love my tools and I have put almost all of them through hell and back and they have all held up quite well. Moral of the story is buy quality, take care of it and it will last you a lifetime.

JH Williams are what I currently use at the moment, especially coming out of college and going in as an aviation mechanic, quality tools are the backbone for the work we need to do.

I started with cheap box store tools until I made enough to get the tool truck stuff. At that point my cheap stuff became my loaner/decoy/"art stock" tools for when I need to make something special. I think for work tools or home shop, it's OK to get the good stuff so you get the mechanic's Gucci hand bag vibe where you do most of your work, and keep basic craftsman or other cheap sets out in vehicles or on equipment for when stuff just happens.

Thanks for tackling this subject. It’s possible this will help me organize better. If I have tools that I have actually spent some money on, I might keep up with them better. Possibly.

Awesome man! Fun fact you probably knew but J. H. Williams made the first gen Kolbalt tools. Of course now the kobalt brand is Taiwan but I got the combo 1/4”, 3/8”, and 1/2” ratchets for under $15 a piece. (I think $8, $10, and $12 respectively). I found this out making a “go to” set for my brothers for Christmas.

Now this is the type of content I subscribed for!

Can't wait for the whole series! Thank you Cody!

Looking forward forward to this series. Love seeing quality USA tools at fair prices. Honestly have never heard of Williams tools. I own a small hardware store in Southern ohio and I am going to look into being a distributor for them. Would like to offer an alternative to chinesium made products at decent prices.

Super pumped Cody! I'm about over these harbor freight tools I have. Cost effective and work but no "fiz factor"

Thank you for doing a made in America series. A lot of us are starting out and want to buy quality but made by our fellow citizens.

Cody, you did a really good job with this one. I love the Williams tools but will always have snap-on ratchets, as they are better.

quite detailed to allow me to learn more....... I'm an East Coast guy in Orlando without the snow...... Growing up, craftsman was my grandfather and dad's supply for quality tools. Now, well you know, not any longer.....

I have a suggestion. Once we have all the recommended tools come up with a small project to put them to use. I'm not a tool person but I'm interested in learning and see how to use them.

I have some Williams tools in my kit as well. I believe they are one of Snapon's indistrial brands. So far they have been great tools and have stood up to daily abuse in the steel mill.

The Williams is the old model snapon ratchets. Same as there screwdrivers and a few other Williams tools are the old snapon stuff. Very high quality stuff for sure. I am loving this toolcart build so far!!

European here. Just leaned back, enjoyed and learned what to look for in our hardware stores.

"The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten"

I’m old enough to remember your $100 woodworking kit.

I've been meaning to take time to comment on your previous video so here I am now. lol. I was going to suggest one of those 3/8 ratchets in your kit should be a flex head. It's my go to. Snap-on is great! I have plenty but mainly in the screwdriver, ratchet, hammer categories they are second to none. When it comes to sockets and wrenches I feel there are comparable quality options out there for a homeowner. My go to is SK (USA), Gear Wrench(Taiwan), and Sunex(Taiwan). I learned long ago at a young age the warranty is only as god as the tool. If you want to spend your time at Sears/Lowes/Home Depot getting your tools warrantied rather than getting work done then to each their own. I had made a very similar list for a coworker/friend who wanted to start building up a home kit to do maintenance on his cars and lawn equipment. Just wanted add to your excellent presentation and provide some additional first hand experience. I enjoy all of your content. Thank You and God Bless

Thank you for making this series! Absolute home run Sir!

I’ll be building a kit for each of my boys to give them when they’re older. This will be a valuable resource! Also loved seeing that Williams ratchet! Didn’t know about those

I had never heard of Williams tools, I have been looking for some sort of tools to work on my motorcycle with I'll probably end up going with them, thanks!

I was a carpenter in SoCal for 7 years back in the day where I realized my basic tool buying strategy. Buy the best you can afford and buy a little beyond what you can afford. That way you pay for it once. When I became a doctor and had more money, I didn't buy Snap-On because I was not worthy. If I wrenched for a living, yes, but since I didn't, Craftsman was plenty good. (The old Sears Craftsman from thirty years ago.) I buy stuff that gives me the 'fizz'. Tools, guns, stuff. I want a stiffy when I handle it.

Thank You - I started my upgrade process. My Williams screwdrivers arrived today. Got the 8 piece set. Will give my sons my non ProHo items for their home starter one day!

Thank you for this great video! Can't wait to get started on my kit!

Playlist saved to my library. Williams flex head ratchets saved to my amazon wish list. Looking forward to this series!

Through the years I have a decent lot of tools. All snap on, maco and all my power tools are milwaukee. Iv bought 60% of my hand tools used. All the milwaukee I bought new. Still to this day I have never had one fail.

I have had them all and I will say snap on screwdrivers are awesome, ratchets all break the same way. I work on 30, 40 year old unground automotive lifts, heavy equipment, and gas stations and at the end of the day snap-on does hold up the best but they all break. I have been impressed by SK and the new Milwaukee sets. At the end of the day you get what you pay for

Excited for this series. Will you cover organization and storage at the end?

Buy once cry once. I’m a true believer is saving for the best tool you can buy. I’m 42 and have SO, SK, and many others that were my grandfathers and my dads. I still use them professionally. I’ve bought my own tools since I was about 16 and I still use them. I’m not tied to one Brand. Just a good quality tool. I buy singles from pen shops and second hand stores - many covered in funk and rust for a dollar or so. Clean them up and your good to go. My dad gives me buckets of old crusty tools and I get to work cleaning them up. Amazing what good tools can endure.

Just got an 11” SK ratchet, very similar to the Williams, but with fine teeth. Worked great so far👍🏻

I've got a set of Snap-On Imperial 1/2" drive sockets with the breaker bar and ratchet where were my grandfather's, don't use them much, but they are my prized possessions. I have a brake line wrench made by Snap-On, it's my go-to tool for that job.

Been doing auto mechanic now for 12 years, master tech at a dealer for half that time. Cornwell, Matco and Snap-on are the only ones that show up anymore with a tool truck. Mac did for a little, but hasn't returned in my area. I've found the 3 tool trucks that show up for me make outstanding ratchets, sockets and wrenches. A few ratchet wrenches I've had an issue with the common size, Other then that I split an impact stocked in half once. Really don't use the tool trucks for warranty that often. I use the Pittsburg Harbor freight stuff for home the random few times I need to do something or help a neighbor. The Pittsburg works just outstanding for that, and I've been told if an issue comes up go back to Harbor freight and get it replaced or depends how long ago you got it. But don't use it enough to need to worry about that yet. It really is buy what you can and if a tool truck stays in your area keep them there with some business, if you have a issue you have a better shot at it getting resolved.

I have a few Snap On ratchets. My overall favorite is my flex head 1/4 inch ratchet with a 3/8 head installed by the local truck. A close second is my flex head long handled 3/8 never broke it jet even with a 18” cheater bar on it!

Thank you for this series.

As a professional homeowner I’ll have to agree Snapon may not be necessary…. but it is the very best and always a pleasure to use. My grandad was also a mechanic and when I was very young he’d always tell me if you own Snapon tools it’s as good as money in the bank. 20 years later I have a full set of Snapon tools and I don’t regret a single purchase.

The finer tooth models *should* be stronger because there is more surface area touching.

One of the best ratchets I ever used was an Anderson That thing survived for several months in a dust collector pipe being blasted friction material.

Williams line of tools is an Industrial line that Snap-On owns. Not all of Williams tools are USA made some are made in Taiwan.