paulsomlo
Well-known member
About to make a purchase, interested in hearing from people that primarily use the tool for automotive work. Which size is more appropriate?
Milwaukee M12 Ratchet - 1/4 or 3/8 drive?
- Thread starter paulsomlo
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bowlofturtle
Well-known member
Is the tool the same size minus the drive head?
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yes it is
I have a 3/8 version that I got a deal on, but I would have preferred if it were in 1/4. It is a really handy tool, but it doesn't put out nearly the power that I would expect from a pneumatic 3/8 ratchet. I would say that its power is more in line with a pneumatic 1/4" ratchet, which still makes it a very handy tool in its own right. To your point, it seems to me that if you have to treat it like a 1/4" drive tool, it would probably be more appropriate to buy it in 1/4".
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Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have both versions and I use the 1/4 one the most. It's really a light duty tool and with having 1/4 drive sockets up to 15mm, I feel it performs best in 1/4 drive.
Thedave1164
Member
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- Nov 29, 2015
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- 16
I have the 3/8 and it comes with a 1/4 adapter.
That is the reason I haven't bothered buying the 1/4 version, it is the same size.
That is the reason I haven't bothered buying the 1/4 version, it is the same size.
CORTEZSS69
Well-known member
Same for me..
ImStricken06
Well-known member
They are not the same. The 3/8 has 35ft lbs of tq, while the 1/4 only have 30ft lbs of tq. I chose the 3/8 due to having more sockets of that size than the 1/4. Also, i use 3/8 sockets more often than the 1/4. If i ever need to use 1/4, ill just use an adaptor.
Check out my review on it:
Check out my review on it:
shockwave
Well-known member
I have the 1/4 and use it the most the 1/4 sockets tend to get into tight spots the 3/8 cannot just don't try and loosen a 70ft ibs bolt by hand with it
I do like the snap on over the Milwaukee the head is built a lot better but taller and not as easy to get into tight spots
I do like the snap on over the Milwaukee the head is built a lot better but taller and not as easy to get into tight spots
Like many have said I have the 3/8 and just use an adapter if needed, want to add the 1/4 also but is it worth it to me since I havent run into a clearance issue... Love the tool BTW, use it every time I'm working on one of my cars.
Thank you all for responding.
I noticed the difference in the torque spec between the two drive sizes. I looked at the service parts diagram, and other than the anvil, all other parts appear to be the same, so I'm not sure why the difference. In fact, I think that the different size anvils can be swapped.
At this point, I'm in waiting mode - Home Depot is out of stock on the M12 Fuel 3/8" impact/M12 ratchet combo kit (either drive size), and I've got $125 in HD gift cards to use.
I noticed the difference in the torque spec between the two drive sizes. I looked at the service parts diagram, and other than the anvil, all other parts appear to be the same, so I'm not sure why the difference. In fact, I think that the different size anvils can be swapped.
At this point, I'm in waiting mode - Home Depot is out of stock on the M12 Fuel 3/8" impact/M12 ratchet combo kit (either drive size), and I've got $125 in HD gift cards to use.
ImStricken06
Well-known member
i opted not to get the combo kit. i bought the bare tool, and a 2.0 battery for $150. it was $10 cheaper than the combo kit. (i already have a m12 charger spot in the m18 charger base, and i dont need that flimsy cloth case.)
Mazdaratti3
Well-known member
Same here
Holzarbeiter
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- Jun 22, 2014
- Messages
- 212
I have the m12 and snap-on in 3/8
nevertoomanytools
Active member
- Joined
- Dec 26, 2015
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- 34
1/4 for sure
On top of me using 1/4" drive more the 3/8" ratchet has pretty much the same amount of power. the 1/4" is just about perfect for most 1/4" drive sockets maybe even a little weak on the larger ones. I'd imagine the 3/8" would be pretty underpowered for most bolts you'd use a 3/8" socket on.
On top of me using 1/4" drive more the 3/8" ratchet has pretty much the same amount of power. the 1/4" is just about perfect for most 1/4" drive sockets maybe even a little weak on the larger ones. I'd imagine the 3/8" would be pretty underpowered for most bolts you'd use a 3/8" socket on.
jlipsky14
Well-known member
I just purchased one in 3/8 as that is the size I use the most. I almost never use 1/4. I have not had a chance to put it to work yet.
areyouanywhere
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- Aug 3, 2011
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- 70
I have a 3/8 head in mine but also have the 1/4 head which I will probably be putting in. For the fasteners I use it for 1/4 should work fine, and also it should be easier to access certain fasteners with a 1/4 extension and socket.
1/4 advantage- socket/extension is slimmer, easier access to some fasteners
3/8 advantage- stronger... less likely to twist the anvil off.
I think the 3/8 has more power because the anvil being bigger is able to transfer more torque... or something like that.
1/4 advantage- socket/extension is slimmer, easier access to some fasteners
3/8 advantage- stronger... less likely to twist the anvil off.
I think the 3/8 has more power because the anvil being bigger is able to transfer more torque... or something like that.
ihateminimumwage
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- Jan 26, 2012
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- 3,960
I run the 3/8" daily. Holding out on a 1/4" until they have the technology to build one the size of my mini Cornwell air ratchet.
Ign
Well-known member
I've had the 3/8" for years. Just got the 1/4" and am surprised how much more I use it than the 3/8".
They are the same. The torque increase comes from better torque transfer due to the beefier anvil which is the only difference. The same trick is used to market 1/2" compact impacts as slightly more powerful than their 3/8" counterparts.
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