Cordless Ratchet Suggestions
- Thread starter BBDartCA
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kctyphoon
Banned
Milwaukee.. for non pro use I wouldn’t bother with the fuel model since even the pros used the regular (smaller) brushed one for years and loved them.
Koblat recently released one also. I had posted that on here in its own thread, but apparently that wasn’t up to managements standards.
There are probably a dozen Milwaukee clones on amazon too, but I’d take the opportunity to get into the m12 platform at least.
If you absolutely will never buy another 12v cordless tool, I’d think about the Earthquake too. Makita has one also..
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DFB
Well-known member
AvE's final say after tearin it down for inspection and also torque testing it against both the brushed Milwaukee and a Snap On unit that the Earthquake unit is quite worthy for the money 
60 ft lbs and a 2.0 battery $99
I have both Milwaukee's and though built very strong the Fuel is a heavy unit to handle and louder running compared to the original ratchet.
60 ft lbs and a 2.0 battery $99
I have both Milwaukee's and though built very strong the Fuel is a heavy unit to handle and louder running compared to the original ratchet.
dnschmidt
Well-known member
HF for the win on this one and I'm a bigger Milwaukee fanboy than kctyphoon.
Rabid Badger
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Makita's ratchet is better thought out than the Milwaukee and Earthquake (more durable trigger switch, less torque/more speed, interchangeable anvil).
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-RW01R1-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Ratchet/dp/B07XPZK13F
https://www.amazon.com/Makita-RW01R1-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Ratchet/dp/B07XPZK13F
kctyphoon
Banned
If the makita was well thought out - they woulda incorporated a place to store the removable anvils on the tool, so you wont lose them.. just MHO
DFB
Well-known member
That Amazon link for me also showed the AC DELCO ARW1201 which is for all purposes the same as unit as the HF Earthquake ratchet. A slightly better deal as has two batteries and also comes one a yr warranty standard.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00729O2HY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The AC DELCO G12 3/8" ratchet kit is quite a deal/single 2.0 battery just $69.95
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBR63QY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I swear if I wasn't fully vested with Milwaukee I would be into the AC Delco stuff.
Makita does build nice tools but in the words my old town mayor they are always a day late and a dollar short coming to market with their stuff it seems. Even with the High Torque offering Milwaukee ruled it over IR in the beginning for a long, long time, Dewalt pulled up second and took their share...then finally Makita came into the game
AvE had pointed the paddle/pin style switch could cause a problem but I can't remember anyone at here on TGJ ever complaining about any issues like getting caught on something or breaking off. Or even switch failure. On the original Milwaukees ratchet head failure was mentioned on those that may have generally abused them
And honestly though the interchangeable head and redesigned trigger switch are nice features who really wants a large slide pack on a ratchet
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00729O2HY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The AC DELCO G12 3/8" ratchet kit is quite a deal/single 2.0 battery just $69.95
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NBR63QY/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I swear if I wasn't fully vested with Milwaukee I would be into the AC Delco stuff.
Makita does build nice tools but in the words my old town mayor
they are always a day late and a dollar short coming to market with their stuff it seems. Even with the High Torque offering Milwaukee ruled it over IR in the beginning for a long, long time, Dewalt pulled up second and took their share...then finally Makita came into the gameAvE had pointed the paddle/pin style switch could cause a problem but I can't remember anyone at here on TGJ ever complaining about any issues like getting caught on something or breaking off. Or even switch failure. On the original Milwaukees ratchet head failure was mentioned on those that may have generally abused them
And honestly though the interchangeable head and redesigned trigger switch are nice features who really wants a large slide pack on a ratchet
Rabid Badger
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If they had done that you'd complain about it being too bulky.
And honestly though the interchangeable head and redesigned trigger switch are nice features who really wants a large slide pack on a ratchet
What disadvantages does it present?
DFB
Well-known member
These are just my own opinions and only because you asked
It a is full 14 inches according to the Amazon site and even slightly longer than the AC Delco which is already longer in comparsion to both Milwaukee's or the Snap ON
Now I haven't ever handled one so can't comment on what the the balance is like with the battery pack on the tool.
But I would tend to think from looking at it because of the extended width and bulk for the battery compared to the more slender profile and shorter overall length of a pod style it (1) that you cant actually use the full length of the tool handle for leverage. And (2) that the battery may be in the way in certain applications. It almost like an M18 RA set up
I suppose one could argue that an using an XC battery could possibly present the same issue BUT the option for a slim battery is still available with them
Even with the bulky FUEL model it is shorter overall and I can grip it all the way back to the end with compact battery inserted.
And if that's one you personally like go for it. Especially if your already on that platform. And the OP asked for suggestions so its an option along with the others presented. Like I said before Makita makes nice tools (I own many)
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kctyphoon
Banned
The husky is cheap, but no removable battery.
pwschuh
Well-known member
The real answer is get one from whatever battery architecture you're already invested in. If you're starting from scratch, Milwaukee 3/8".
DFB
Well-known member
I would take one of the Amazon clone's or even something like the Orielly's Power Torque over the Hussy ratchet. You can't beat having a removable replaceable battery when you need it
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/...et/ptt0002/5687998?q=power+torque+tools&pos=5
VinceG
Well-known member
long head Milwaukee its a little more but gets in tighter spaces. https://www.toolsid.com/milwaukee/m...MIwfOJ7ZLK5wIVRb7ACh3LAw32EAQYASABEgLUm_D_BwE
DFB
Well-known member
Ya...Extended Reach Milwaukee is where it's at
Wow
that price is just about a full $100 over what I paid for my reg 3/8" FUEL (and with battery)dsilver1007
Active member
I have the older 3/8 Milwaukee and I also have the 3/8 earthquake.
The earthquake has quite a bit more power but it is heavier and harder to get in tight places. I find myself picking up the Milwaukee more often than not. I chose against the non fuel Milwaukee ratchet since it will be used in tight spaces (motorcycles and stand up jet skis)
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The earthquake has quite a bit more power but it is heavier and harder to get in tight places. I find myself picking up the Milwaukee more often than not. I chose against the non fuel Milwaukee ratchet since it will be used in tight spaces (motorcycles and stand up jet skis)
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Rabid Badger
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First, I want to thank you for your well-reasoned and thought-out argument. Seriously, that's the difference between posting and contributing to a conversation.
That said, I disagree with part of your assessment. I think Makita designed their tool with the assumption that people would use the full length of the body to loosen and tighten fasteners. I have a few reasons for this:
1) The tool clamshell has a ton of internal reinforcement and specifically in the battery area it overlaps, greatly increasing rigidity.
2) There is ample surface area to apply force without pressing directly on the battery.
3) There is no warning in the user manual against using the full length of the tool.
I also think the Makita will hold up to pressure on the battery better than Milwaukee, Earthquake, etc. When you put lateral pressure on a stick battery it essentially becomes a lever trying to force the housing apart. It also puts significant strain on the retention mechanism.
Another bonus from not having the battery in the handle is a much more ergonomic grip.
I do agree that the extra length could get in the way in certain situations.
jgromada
Well-known member
i like the Milwaukee 3/8 ratchet and really like that. Has a light which the HF does not. Not to mention shares batteries with my other Milwaukee M12 tools.
I too got mine early so it is not a Fuel model, but after seeing Fuel i don't want one as the ratchet head is too big. Sure you might not break some stuck bolts but the biggest saving is just spinning stuff off not the initial break of tightness.
I too got mine early so it is not a Fuel model, but after seeing Fuel i don't want one as the ratchet head is too big. Sure you might not break some stuck bolts but the biggest saving is just spinning stuff off not the initial break of tightness.
DFB
Well-known member
All sound points of view Rapid Badger ^^^ (post #17 above)
Oddly enough Makita had that " round pod" insert style battery first (the early white tools) but gave it up when they went to redesign their 12v line into newer CXT 12V MAX slide style battery packs. And a more ergonomic handle design was part of the new concept.
I recall well the chubby handle design on their early 12v line. I went for a DT01ZW and didn't like the grip and it pretty much was the major reason I was swayed by the similar Milwaukee offering at the time the 2462 impact driver. It just felt better in hand to me.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-...less-Impact-Driver-Tool-Only-DT01ZW/205492051
And obviously they do need to make due with what tool design they are fully vested in now,
Its not an uncommon design at all... IR has a parallel slide style battery mount
If Dewalt ever gets one on the market maybe it will be of a similar concept
Of course with the current MAC ratchet the battery is 90 degree to the tool.
Oddly enough Makita had that " round pod" insert style battery first (the early white tools) but gave it up when they went to redesign their 12v line into newer CXT 12V MAX slide style battery packs. And a more ergonomic handle design was part of the new concept.
I recall well the chubby handle design on their early 12v line. I went for a DT01ZW and didn't like the grip and it pretty much was the major reason I was swayed by the similar Milwaukee offering at the time the 2462 impact driver. It just felt better in hand to me.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Makita-...less-Impact-Driver-Tool-Only-DT01ZW/205492051
And obviously they do need to make due with what tool design they are fully vested in now,
Its not an uncommon design at all... IR has a parallel slide style battery mount
If Dewalt ever gets one on the market
maybe it will be of a similar conceptOf course with the current MAC ratchet the battery is 90 degree to the tool.
I can't comment on the Milwaukee or Husky, but I have the Earthquake and I love it. It's a little long for some situations, but it's still better than the non-powered method. I use it all the time, and battery life is great. I've thought about getting a second battery, but so far I haven't needed it. I have a Milwaukee M12 inflator, and have thought about getting a Milwaukee ratchet for comparison. With the Earthquake being completely satisfactory I haven't needed to do so.
aka Larry
Well-known member
Since I'm vested in the yellow tools, I'm still waiting for them to offer one of these in their line up.
:Tapping Foot:
:Tapping Foot:
Parrothead
Well-known member
They do, it’s just red and labeled MAC.
https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Powe...e-9736-a4ae011e6980/12V-MAX-Cordless-Ratchets
kctyphoon
Banned
No comment.
kctyphoon
Banned
OP
If you are not yet invested in a cordless tool line, you might want to take the opportunity to think about what you might WANT to get in the future. Consider the entire system of tools (if there is one) that you might be interested in later. If you’re going to buy a ratchet as a first purchase cause you feel like you’ll use it enough, there’s a good chance you might lust over the idea of an impact wrench, or a work light, or a drill..
Any name brand ratchet is gonna be “good” compared to a manual ratchet. I wouldn’t let THE RATCHET decide what battery platform to invest in, IF thats the route you take. All tool companies do not offer all tool options under every battery platform.
If you are not yet invested in a cordless tool line, you might want to take the opportunity to think about what you might WANT to get in the future. Consider the entire system of tools (if there is one) that you might be interested in later. If you’re going to buy a ratchet as a first purchase cause you feel like you’ll use it enough, there’s a good chance you might lust over the idea of an impact wrench, or a work light, or a drill..
Any name brand ratchet is gonna be “good” compared to a manual ratchet. I wouldn’t let THE RATCHET decide what battery platform to invest in, IF thats the route you take. All tool companies do not offer all tool options under every battery platform.
Thanks guys for the great feedback. Leaning towards the Ingersoll Rand. I figure between the IR and Makita, if I do not like it, I could probably sell it used without losing too much money due to the great brand reputation. Would also Tend to like to go cheap in the AC Delco but not a Chevy guy.
lbhsbz
Well-known member
Gone Boating
Well-known member
If you’re not in a rush spend some time on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace and get the snap on... I personally think the button trigger is most intuitive
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Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
uncwstudent
Well-known member
I have the Milwaukee M12 1/4" non-Fuel, 3/8" Fuel, and I've used my dad's AC Delco 3/8" ratchet and I can say that they are all great. The 3/8" Fuel is definitely much more bulky but it's got a little more torque.
As for the M12 Non-Fuel and the AC Delco, I'd say that they were actually pretty close in build quality. The AC Delco has more torque and is actually made in Taiwan and I was really, really impressed with it. If I had not found the Milwaukee ratchets at pawn shops for cheap, I would've gladly invested in the AC Delco line up.
BTW, the Taiwanese company that makes the AC Delco ratchets has nothing to do with GM. They just license the name.
As for the M12 Non-Fuel and the AC Delco, I'd say that they were actually pretty close in build quality. The AC Delco has more torque and is actually made in Taiwan and I was really, really impressed with it. If I had not found the Milwaukee ratchets at pawn shops for cheap, I would've gladly invested in the AC Delco line up.
BTW, the Taiwanese company that makes the AC Delco ratchets has nothing to do with GM. They just license the name.