1/4 cordless ratchets (not M12 high speed)

[2ndGearRubber]

My original 1/4 M12 ratchet was the 2559 long neck, which I was/am happy with. Per the Milwaukee website it appears no longer available, at least as a kit. I wanted a standard length option, but all the M12 Fuel line has in standard length is the high speed model. Despite only 5ft/lb difference in advertised torque, the high speed is just too weak for my uses. The 250 rated rpm on the 2559 long neck is fine. I'd generally trade speed for power, but in 1/4 drive it's not like they make wild power.

The dewalt and HF options look pretty bulky, almost like they're based on a 3/8 drive frame. I have 14.4 stuff, but the snap on CTR814 is rated for the same 35ft/lb, but perhaps has more favorable gearing with lower rpm? It seems like the M12 is all about the speed, which is nice in select situations, but not my normal use. The snap on looks to have a taller head and maybe a bulkier body as well versus the M12 HS.


1/4 seems like the no mans land of cordless ratchets. Few reviews and comparisons, everything is 3/8 focused. I suppose if the Milwaukee website is to be believed, when my long neck 2559 dies I'll be shopping for another non-M12 option for that form factor. Who is using something other than M12 high speed for a 1/4 cordless ratchet?

 

[assassin10000]

The newer insider ratchet has a 1/4" anvil adapter and more torque than both the high speed fuel and 2nd gen long neck.

Per Milwaukee:
Insider - 60 ft lbs
1st gen long neck - 40 ft lbs
High speed & 2nd gen long neck - 35 ft lbs

 

[dnschmidt]

Here you go Scott. It's the old school non-Fuel and not long reach but it's 1/4"

Milwaukee M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4 in. Ratchet (Tool-Only) 2456-20 - The Home Depot

Milwaukee Lithium-Ion Cordless Ratchet is ideal fastening solution for automotive mechanics, maintenance and repair professionals.

www.homedepot.com

 

[vwpieces]

Had the 3/8in m12 non fuel for some time, zero complaints. Wanted one in 1/4dr and all that were available were $160.
Scored another 3/8dr for $50 new and put in a 1/4drive kit bought for $23.

Make what you want.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

The newer insider ratchet has a 1/4" anvil adapter and more torque than both the high speed fuel and 2nd gen long neck.

Per Milwaukee:
Insider - 60 ft lbs
1st gen long neck - 40 ft lbs
High speed & 2nd gen long neck - 35 ft lbs

My post was poorly written. I'm only in the market for the standard length currently, I used the 2559 long neck spec as an example of a satisfactory product.

Insider is more of a 3/8 form factor. We had a few people with them at work, I liked it. If someone wants a long neck and has no other cordless ratchets it's probably the best choice on the market as it gives you the common 3/8 long neck plus the niche pass through and 1/4 uses.

Here you go Scott. It's the old school non-Fuel and not long reach but it's 1/4"

Milwaukee M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 1/4 in. Ratchet (Tool-Only) 2456-20 - The Home Depot

Milwaukee Lithium-Ion Cordless Ratchet is ideal fastening solution for automotive mechanics, maintenance and repair professionals.

www.homedepot.com

That, in 3/8, was my 1st cordless ratchet. IIRC it's still in a toolbox drawer although I may have already converted it to 1/4? I vaguely remember converting it as the test run for how often I'd use the 1/4 standard length, which began my M12 high speed saga? I don't hate the high speed completely, it's probably better than the older brushed model. IMO the high rpm works against me as it makes it much harder to neutral-drop onto fasteners without bouncing off. I think the high speed would be totally fine for me with a gearing change, the 2559 removes plenty with a trigger pull and it's been a great tool. So the HS struggles to remove things without manual interaction, but then makes the neutral-drop harder at the same time. I wouldn't rule out keeping the high speed for trim removal and very light work.


For the time being I'm only interested in standard length, as my possibly soon to be discontinued long neck 1/4 still works fine. If Milwaukee only makes high speed at that time I'd probably have to switch cordless ratchet brands. If they sold a 2559 long neck, as a short neck, I would have been happy to buy that. Right now the 3/8 are both snap on, brute and high output, 1/4 are Milwaukee. The 3/8 snap on are monsters of torque, but I don't want to pay that much to have 2559 levels of torque which I believe is all 1/4 drive will really support.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Looked at MCL1614 from matco. Size is actually close to the M12, aside from the foot shaped battery. I like the flat head, looks like my SP Air ratchets.

$622, as a kit with two batteries and a charger. Annoying as I need to buy into a new platform if I go this route. The form factor may have me rethink Dewalt. Not sure I want to pay that much, snap on I can buy just one battery and the tool, ~460 for that route.

 

[KnurledNut]

Looked at MCL1614 from matco. Size is actually close to the M12, aside from the foot shaped battery. I like the flat head, looks like my SP Air ratchets.

$622, as a kit with two batteries and a charger. Annoying as I need to buy into a new platform if I go this route. The form factor may have me rethink Dewalt. Not sure I want to pay that much, snap on I can buy just one battery and the tool, ~460 for that route.

That Matco reverse lever is gold.

 

[jpaw]

Looked at MCL1614 from matco. Size is actually close to the M12, aside from the foot shaped battery. I like the flat head, looks like my SP Air ratchets.

$622, as a kit with two batteries and a charger. Annoying as I need to buy into a new platform if I go this route. The form factor may have me rethink Dewalt. Not sure I want to pay that much, snap on I can buy just one battery and the tool, ~460 for that route.

My buddy was just complaining that his new Matco ratchet was much weaker than his older one. You may see if your dealer has a loaner you can try before dropping that kind of cash.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

My buddy was just complaining that his new Matco ratchet was much weaker than his older one. You may see if your dealer has a loaner you can try before dropping that kind of cash.

Thanks for the input, there's almost no info on the matco ratchets.

I really hate to get into another platform, pay for batteries, etc.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

I have the long necked Milwaukee and hate it, so much that last week I bought a regular sized Milwaukee and a cheap Menards 1/4” air ratchet.

 

[Odd-job]

^Is it scary that I have the same exact Milwaukee ratchets? I personally prefer the non high speed fuel ratchets with a ratchet knob on top. Guessing the original 1/4 non fuel is little weak for 2ndGear's purposes as he's a self admitted tool abuser.

It's more than 10 posts now... where's the air tool fetish person to chime in to make fun of all of us pu$$ies for using electric ratchets inside cars?

I think AI is inventing tools now...

 

[kbeefy]

I have a Mac/Dewalt 1/4. It works fine but I wish it was an extended version.

 

[Szilagyi]

I like my dewalt. It’s 1/4, 3/8, and a 1/4 hex bit drive all in one. It is not a nice skinny long neck, but it works for me.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I like my dewalt. It’s 1/4, 3/8, and a 1/4 hex bit drive all in one. It is not a nice skinny long neck, but it works for me.

I consider that, is it like the m12 insider where it's 3/8 sized but can use a 1/4 insert?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Some data. I took a some 3/8x16 grade 5 bolts and torqued them up in the vise. 9/16 head.


This is the 1/4 HS versus the 1/4 2559 Fuel (older non high-speed brushless).

At 30ft/lb the the HS starts having problems removing the brand new hardware. It will jerk and buck slightly, give it 3 tries and it will run it out.

35ft/lbs the 2559 still removes with no issue, about 1/4 of attempts require a second trigger pull. The 1st seems like you take the slack out of the drive, then hit it again and the bolt comes out. Much less drama than the HS behavior at 30.

40ft/lb stops the 2559 dead, would need a neutral drop or manual intervention.


This ignores the sustained torque aspect. This was done with a 2.0 and HO 2.5, didn't seem to make any difference between the tools. Looks like I need to do the same test with some other options.

 

[Szilagyi]

The anvil opening is something weird like a 11mm hex, that either of the three anvils goes into. They are retained well, and never come free inadvertently. I am surprised by the torque it can put out. I work on aircraft for a living, and it has stripped the threads of a 10-32 nut if I’ve sunk them down wide open, so I usually feather the trigger. The fwd/reverse lever is nice and easy, but also could be switched inadvertently.

 

[Theronswanson]

I've been really happy with my Hercules long neck 1/4" ratchet so far.

 

[SouthernIllinois]

.. where's the air tool fetish person to chime in to make fun of all of us pu$$ies for using electric ratchets inside cars?...

I haven't completely given up on air tools...lol
Most I sold 35+ years ago when I joined the Navy.
Now that I am retired, I am slowly rebuilding my tool collection.

Something nostalgic about the whirl of an air racket....lol

 

[richfinn]

I think what Scott really needs is a regular length 1/4" cordless impacting/reactionless ratchet if such a thing exists, I know air powered versions were available but don't know about electric???

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I think what Scott really needs is a regular length 1/4" cordless impacting/reactionless ratchet if such a thing exists, I know air powered versions were available but don't know about electric???

Already have an air style - sp-7260rp - it's like an M12 HS in raw power output, but obviously much smaller. It's faster IMO as well. It found its way back into the cart as part of this whole situation. Maybe I'll go back to air.

Agreed someone needs to make such a thing in electric. I would be lining up to buy one. Using my unscientific test above with the 3/8 NC hardware, a 1/4 that could remove that bolt torqued to 40ft/lbs reliably with a trigger pull would be a monster and everything I could ask for. 35 ft/lb, every time removing with no BS, I'd buy for sure as that's more than the 2559 which I find acceptable.


I really like my 175rpm 3/8 Brute (70ft/lbs) and my 200rpm 3/8 High Output (80ft/lbs). Snap on was an obvious choice for 3/8 even with their brushless 60ft/lb model as the M12 with 55ft/lbs has a massive head. The snap-on buck and shake but they power through the rust and locktite very well. If my driver has a CTR814 brushless 1/4 on the truck Monday maybe I can re-do my test to see how it compares.


I'm worried about Matco, they have no direct warranty path on the website, and if the driver/route collapses and I have a problem I'm SOL. It's gotta be tough being Matco, people don't want to buy because they're worried they won't have support, which hurts the profitability of the route, which then makes Matco not come around/die, meaning they have no support.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I like my dewalt. It’s 1/4, 3/8, and a 1/4 hex bit drive all in one. It is not a nice skinny long neck, but it works for me.

How ergonomic is that battery placement? It looks awful but I imagine it's not really in the way of your forearm. Have you broken any drive adapters like TTC did when abusing it manually?


DCFA5001 - that's the anvil part number, $40+, hopefully they don't break.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Already have an air style - sp-7260rp - it's like an M12 HS in raw power output, but obviously much smaller. It's faster IMO as well. It found its way back into the cart as part of this whole situation. Maybe I'll go back to air.

Agreed someone needs to make such a thing in electric. I would be lining up to buy one. Using my unscientific test above with the 3/8 NC hardware, a 1/4 that could remove that bolt torqued to 40ft/lbs reliably with a trigger pull would be a monster and everything I could ask for. 35 ft/lb, every time removing with no BS, I'd buy for sure as that's more than the 2559 which I find acceptable.


I really like my 175rpm 3/8 Brute (70ft/lbs) and my 200rpm 3/8 High Output (80ft/lbs). Snap on was an obvious choice for 3/8 even with their brushless 60ft/lb model as the M12 with 55ft/lbs has a massive head. The snap-on buck and shake but they power through the rust and locktite very well. If my driver has a CTR814 brushless 1/4 on the truck Monday maybe I can re-do my test to see how it compares.


I'm worried about Matco, they have no direct warranty path on the website, and if the driver/route collapses and I have a problem I'm SOL. It's gotta be tough being Matco, people don't want to buy because they're worried they won't have support, which hurts the profitability of the route, which then makes Matco not come around/die, meaning they have no support.

Yeah I'd be apprehensive buying Matco for those reasons. I saw the first ever Matco truck at the shop less than a year ago, and he's already dropped off the face of the earth. Good thing I never stepped on the truck.

 

[jpaw]

I must be outside of the norm because in my 30+ years as a tech my Matco dealers have by far been the most reliable.

 

[Hakeem]

I'm worried about Matco, they have no direct warranty path on the website, and if the driver/route collapses and I have a problem I'm SOL. It's gotta be tough being Matco, people don't want to buy because they're worried they won't have support, which hurts the profitability of the route, which then makes Matco not come around/die, meaning they have no support.

I haven’t personally used it but the website does offer provisions for direct warranty claims:

Any tool or part branded with the Matco Tools (MATCO) name is warranted against defects in materials and workmanship. Matco, or one of its authorized representatives, will, at Matco's option, repair, or replace, any tool or part bearing the MATCO name, without charge, if the defective or malfunctioning tool or part is returned to Matco or one of its authorized representatives. Please be sure to include your name and address with the tool or part, and describe the nature of the problem.

To return a product through matcotools.com you must first Register as a user. You can then Login.

Once registered and logged in, returns can be processed through the Your Account link in the upper right corner of any matcotools.com page.

Warranty Information | Matco Tools Customer Service

Use these links to learn more about Matco Tools warranty information, like Limited Product Warranty, Misused and Abused Product and Important Notices.

www.matcotools.com

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I haven’t personally used it but the website does offer provisions for direct warranty claims:

Warranty Information | Matco Tools Customer Service

Use these links to learn more about Matco Tools warranty information, like Limited Product Warranty, Misused and Abused Product and Important Notices.

www.matcotools.com

I wanted to hate on Matco for having me make BS accounts and whatnot, but that's similar to what Milwaukee would make me do, probably Dewalt too.

Dewalt dcf500 is really interesting, maybe my local Lowes has one I can check for size against the m12 HS.

Dewalt is 3 years tool warranty, snap on is 1 year, matco is 2.

Battery warranty is the same, 3 Dewalt, 1 snap on, matco is 2.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

CTR814 + 1 battery (use my current charger) = 342 + 118 = 460 +tax

Matco MCL1614, kit with 2 batteries and charger = 622+ tax


DCF500 kit has 1 battery and charger, would like 2, so 290 for the kit with 38 for another 2amp battery = 328+ tax



Dewalt makes more power, ~$300 less, interchanging head is a gift and curse, no neutral drops allowed for sure. Is there any case for Matco? Although I'd really hate to find out the DCF500 can break adapters with a trigger pull, those would be expensive fuses.

 

[Steve_P]

I understand the dealer/warranty concern about Matco, and I agree, but as above, you can also call them for warranty service. I'm not saying this is as good as having a great dealer that has shown up weekly for ten years, it's not, but they did answer the phone when I called. I only needed a rebuild kit for a ratchet, but I just told the guy what I needed, and he sent it out, no questions asked other than my shipping info, no charge, and I had it in 1-2 days via UPS. For a $$$ warranty issue, I'd imagine you'd have to put in more effort than I did, which is understandable.

Still, saying that, that's a lot of $ in comparison to the DeWalt.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I've sent in an adaptor from the Matco ball joint kit, took like 2 weeks but got a brand new one in return. Also got a few rebuild.kts in the mail....but yes, Matco guys have been few and far between.
If you decide to go Matco let me know, might be able to help you on that price.......

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Got some data today. My dealer didn't have an 814 on the truck, but did have the discontinued ctr714 he used as a demo. 714 is brushed, 814 brushless.

Same test as before with the 3/8 NC hardware, the 714 easily removes 35 AND removes 40ft/lbs. 45 is a no-go, it tries, but just wiggles and jerks back and forth.


$180 for the nearly new demo ratchet, 120 day warranty rather than one year. That's a bit less than 50% off MSRP. The price and the torque sold me.


BUT I noticed working on a Trax, the light is flickering. Makes me wonder if it has a trigger issue. So my 50% off ratchet demo model, is going to be getting a rebuild under warranty. That's life sometimes, at least I found the power level I was looking for.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

 

[Buckgnarly]

I'm 100% Milwaukee EXCEPT ratchets and 3/8 14V gun are Snap On. Don't think anyone beats their cordless ratchets.

 

[Snapped-off]

Do they use a switch/lever on the back of the head for direction?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Do they use a switch/lever on the back of the head for direction?

Correct. The snap on and Milwaukee use a mechanism like a round head ratchet. The Matco and Dcf500 Dewalt use a paddle switch sort of like a modern pear head ratchet, just placed lower.

 

[Snapped-off]

Correct. The snap on and Milwaukee use a mechanism like a round head ratchet. The Matco and Dcf500 Dewalt use a paddle switch sort of like a modern pear head ratchet, just placed lower.

That's the only thing I dislike about my Makita ratchet, it's got a pear head style reverse lever, but you have to rotate it 180°.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have those magnetic ratchet knobs on my SO ratchets...make switching way easier!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Final update:

I used the 714 for this week, despite the trigger. It's a beast. I pulled the 6" long M8 bolts right out of a Hyundai 2.4 compressor bracket, pulled the compressor mounting bolts, it's great.

I did ask my dealer what the warranty was post rebuild, and it's 120 days. I have no idea how this Demo unit 714 was treated, so perhaps my longevity concerns were tainted by bad luck.

I decided today to pay the extra $100, 280 total, to get a brand new 814 with the 1 year warranty. Still ~20% off and I got the power I wanted. 714 will go back, be rebuilt, and hopefully someone else will get a great deal on it.