J.H. Williams "Hornet" hand tools

[chopper1]

I picked up this set today at a garage sale.  It's the first one I've seen in "the wild" and according to the label on the one that LG posted it is complete.

[lbgradwell]

Nice!

So did you pay less than $17.95? ;)

[mrchuck]

On the front left side of the box is the name Williams.
I would guess they made this ratchet, with the name "Hornet" as an econ o, line??
Sure looks fine and clean in it's steel box!

[chopper1]

The price was right for the set.  I'm probably going to sell it so, I'm not revealing the price ;-}
From what little I could find on the net, Hornet was Williams economy line. 
The pieces show a lot less wear than the box does.

[OilyRascal]

It all started with the lone ratchet found in the "Oily Shop".  This is the most recent acquisition, and a few pictures of the collection's current state.

Set # 81389



A duplicate set (without paper insert) of # 81389


Set # 81391



Set # 81380



Set # 81491

[lauver]

oily,

Jeeezzz, you don't fool around when you start a new collection.

Did you know that Williams was owned by TRW at one point (before Snap-on).  While under TRW ownership, Williams produced TRW branded tools, and nicely made; I believe these were sold at auto parts stores along with TRW auto parts.   Ready for another collection?  Just a thought....   

[OilyRascal]

Howdy Gary,

I've been fascinated with the Hornet brand since I found that ratchet in the shop.  It just seemed like so little was known, and so few existed, and that nobody really knew anything about them other than being a "Williams" product.  I've enjoyed both researching and finding the tools.  Researching keyword "hornet" is often very challenging.

I did not know Williams owned TRW, and I do NOT need any encouragement in buying more tools.  Thanks for sharing, it's certainly useful information to me.

[OilyRascal]

Set No. 81391 now filled to original.  12 sockets and metal tray 6mm - 22mm 3/8" drive

[lauver]

Howdy Gary,

I've been fascinated with the Hornet brand since I found that ratchet in the shop.  It just seemed like so little was known, and so few existed, and that nobody really knew anything about them other than being a "Williams" product.  I've enjoyed both researching and finding the tools.  Researching keyword "hornet" is often very challenging.

I did not know Williams owned TRW, and I do NOT need any encouragement in buying more tools.  Thanks for sharing, it's certainly useful information to me.

Oily,

Williams did not own TRW... TRW owned Williams as a subsidiary company.   This was back in the days (lasted about a decade or less) when large companies were "diversifying".  This was followed by another decade of the parent companies selling off their new acquisitions.  Funny though, I always thought that TRW and Williams was a good match (i.e. auto parts and automotive tools).  But I guess TRW saw things differently.

At any rate, I've picked up a few TRW branded sockets and have found them to be very good sockets.  Nothing fancy... just excellent quality sockets on the cheap.

[chopper1]

While in Florida last winter I bought two almost NOS Hornet 1/2" drive sets from a guy at a flea market.  He said that he had two or three more like new sets.  I bought other items from him but nothing are obscure as these.  I'm looking forward to seeing what he has this winter.

[OilyRascal]

While in Florida last winter I bought two almost NOS Hornet 1/2" drive sets from a guy at a flea market.  He said that he had two or three more like new sets.  I bought other items from him but nothing are obscure as these.  I'm looking forward to seeing what he has this winter.

Just know if you should decide to part with them that I'm ready, willing, and able.

[OilyRascal]

This is Hornet set # 81381

[Yadda]

This is Hornet set # 81381

Take that Dewalt! Hornet was black and yellow before it was cool!

[john k]

Here I am still looking for a Hornet anything, and no luck.   However did find a Proto amber handled screwdriver this week.