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Williams has made strong, trusted tools
for industrial professionals with pride since 1882.
The Williams History
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It’s first factory in Red Hook, Brooklyn, NYC, revolutionized drop forging, “blacksmithing by machinery,” to ensure all pieces were created with the same consistency and quality. Due to their precise manufacturing process, Williams’ products were used in the countless industrial shops of 19th century America. From turning out tools for bicycles, sewing machines and more to the production of golf club heads for a growing America.
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Products unique in quality, arrangement and refinement meant everything to the early Williams brand. The Red Hook factory was spotless. It was advanced for its time, from recycling oil to having its own fireproof architecture and private fire department. With Williams attention to detail and precision, Williams won special praise for its distinctive, highly-polished sycamore wood display during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
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Originally J.H. Williams, an American made brand was shipping products to various countries like Chile, South Africa and France as early as 1905.
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In 1914, Williams moved its flagship production facility to Buffalo, New York, where it employed 800 workers.
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Superwrenches drop-forged from selected alloy steel in box and open-end patterns were quickly accepted by mechanics because of their light, balanced designed and great strength.
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In 1936, Williams introduced a flexible wrench system called “super” sockets which included sockets, handles and accessories ranging in size from 3/16” to 3-1/8”
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During their centennial year in 1982, Williams introduced the industry’s first modular flat and socket wrenches. That year they also included a complete line of tool sets for the offshore energy industry.
Their modern thinking and drive for better designs drove their product innovation.
- When flat wrenches proved ineffective in special applications, Williams invented the 15° offset wrench to improve access and leverage.
- We invented the largest pipe wrench in the world at the time that was unique in size, capacity and power.
- As American electronics technology expanded, Williams introduced some of the first industrial application-specific sets: the “Combination Electrical Wrench Set” with a sliding t-handle drive, four double end wrenches, and eight sockets, all in a case that fit in the palm of a technician’s hand.
- Williams “Superrench” wrenches and entire line of “Super” ratchets, sockets, and tool boxes set the 20th century standard for the hardest working industrial hand tools.
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Williams Today
SNA Europe
Today with world-class factories across the United States, Williams’ heritage of high-quality, industrial-focused tools continues to deliver a brand of tools that is ready to work. Whether in the field, suspended at height or in the plant, we are performing along side you everyday. Williams is your trusted, strong and valued Industrial Workhorse.
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