Decided I needed a dedicated 3/8 ratchet drive for my truck tool bag and started googling US made tools. Came across a brand called Williams that has some of their lineup made in the US. Anybody have any experience with this brand ? Positive or negative ?

One of the better brands, if I recall correctly.

Positive!
Top quality tools that will last many years of hard use.

I've used Williams brand tools on ships. They stand up!

Williams is owned by Snap-on, USA made, and very good tools. Many are identical to snap-on brand, usually costs a little less, but same quality. I have several of their ratcheting screwdrivers, which are very good.

Williams is good above average stuff. And I own a tool company

I got a Williams screw driver with all the tips many years ago. I used it at work almost daily..
I still have it and it is probably the best tool I have ever had. I use it more than any other not that I am retired.

Williams has a made-in-USA line and a made-in-Asia (mostly Taiwan last I heard) line. Both lines are high quality, but pay attention to the price point and COO, so you don't pay domestic prices for Asian-sourced tools.

For a truck toolbag ratchet, I'd go w/ Kobalt or Pittsburgh Professional. If you insist on US-made w/o breaking the bank, then Wright, SK, and Proto are also worth considering.

In the 1990s I acquired an Ajax floor jack. When I needed parts I was told Ajax / Williams / Lincoln / Snap-On were all the same corporation with a similar product line. It was a great tool ...

quote:

Originally posted by iron chef:
Williams has a made-in-USA line and a made-in-Asia (mostly Taiwan last I heard) line. Both lines are high quality, but pay attention to the price point and COO, so you don't pay domestic prices for Asian-sourced tools.

THIS is absolutely right. Used to be all American, as far as I know. Now a lot of their stuff is made in Taiwan. Its still good stuff, but dont get cought with your pants down paying made in America prices for Asian tools.

I started completing and upgrading my wrenches and ratches with Proto. The quality/price ratio is very high compared to all the premium US brands including Williams. But yes Williams is a top of the line brand, equivalent in quality to the truck brands. If you don't need top of the line, a lot of tools coming out of Taiwan these days are pretty decent. Be sure to check out the Proto high-tooth count ratchets (90 teeth), both std and long length 3/8 drive fixed (not flex) pear head ratchets. This line is 100% US made and top of the line quality. Mac Tools owns Proto. I bought the long fixed pear head high tooth 3/8 drive ratchet, the piece is a work of art. I used it last week under a hood and it was pretty nice. I'm a driveway mechanic but that's my perspective. If an experienced pro tells you otherwise go with that.

Thanks for confirmation. I ordered one on amazon clearly labeled as US made, I had a pile of gift cards so cost was a concern but not really. It was under $30. It’s black phosphate coated, not chrome.

To echo what the others have said, USA made Williams tools are pretty good. I have a 3/8" fine tooth ratchet around here somewhere. It is quite nice and a huge step above Craftsman ratchets made for the last 30+ years.