Cordless Ratchet

[bubinga]

I have the M12 3/8" Fuel High Speed which replaced the 1st gen Fuel. Couldn't be happier. When the HS got released I wasn't interested in buying it, eventually I started to hate the 1st gen Fuel, slow, heavy, & huge head (but the head size really didn't bother me much). Bought the HS at full price which I pretty much have never done with all my other MW tools, gave the 1st gen to my lil brother. I'd gladly do it again. Faster, lighter, & smaller. Down on torque but that does not matter to me as I don't rely on powered ratchets to break loose fasteners.

Big difference in size,
do you find the smaller one gets in a lot more places the bigger one won't?

 

[bubinga]

What would be the absolute nuts would be a Milwaukee impacting ratchet similar to the air powered SP tools model. The air tool does have the torque to break fasteners free but doesn't break your wrist in the process. HF makes an impacting ratchet that works super for the money as well but the SP tools models are tiny and can do fifty foot pounds.

If I remember right Ingersoll Rand had one like that also air powered

 

[tyyost]

What would be the absolute nuts would be a Milwaukee impacting ratchet similar to the air powered SP tools model. The air tool does have the torque to break fasteners free but doesn't break your wrist in the process. HF makes an impacting ratchet that works super for the money as well but the SP tools models are tiny and can do fifty foot pounds.

Like this - M12 Fuel Impact

 

[jrsavoie]

I have an old Craftsman 1/4" drive rechargeable battery ratchet. It is very compact. I picked it up at a garage sale and didn't think I would use it much.

I have used it a lot. I even had the battery rebuilt when it went bad. I've never seen another battery ratchet that I thought would be as handy.

 

[finn]

Torque Test Channel on YouTube says the Kobalt kicks the Milwaukee’s **** and drags it through the mud, at two thirds the price.

Just sayin…,

 

[jrsavoie]

Torque Test Channel on YouTube says the Kobalt kicks the Milwaukee’s **** and drags it through the mud, at two thirds the price.

Just sayin…,

Variety of tools to go with the batteries is huge.

 

[dnschmidt]

No beef with TTC but the Milwaukee is already pretty big and the Kobalt is quite a bit bigger. Also it has twice the voltage or damn near so these results shouldn't surprise. Size does matter and in this case smaller is preferable.

 

[dnschmidt]

Like this - M12 Fuel Impact

No, That's an impact not an impacting ratchet. You cannot use the Milwaukee as a ratchet. Like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08XZYFT8Z/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Flared Base]

It seems like a lot of people prefer compact size on cordless ratchets. The most compact one that I'm aware of is the OEM tools 24494. It seems like it is extremely low torque when using the electric feature, so it really is just for getting fasteners threaded down and then snugging things up as a conventional ratchet. It came out recently but I haven't heard much about people's experience with it in the real world. The one review on amazon seems like the guy was expecting it to work like an impact which the manufacturer descriptions don't pitch the tool that way. It's a bit much at ~$250 to buy just to try it out so wondering if any journalers have experience.

 

[darkzero]

Big difference in size,
do you find the smaller one gets in a lot more places the bigger one won't?

To be honest no not really. I always see guys complaining about ratchet heads being too big but head size never really bothered me much even when I used to use air ratchets. Extended would be more useful to me. But then again I don't work at a shop anymore and I haven't worked on any modern day engine bays (cars made in the last 10ys or so).

Main things for me were speed & overall size. I hated how slow & heavy my old one was.

 

[dnschmidt]

That OEM is identical to one that TOPTUL sells https://www.toptul.com/style/frame/...&Product_News_Search=&search=cordless+ratchet and I wouldn't touch it with a 10 foot pole. Why, what do you do when the batteries go dead. Five years from now, whether you use them or not, these batteries will be finished. Do you just go down to the HD and get you some new M12's? I don't think so. To me that tool has no redeeming social value.

 

[Black300zx]

Big difference in size,
do you find the smaller one gets in a lot more places the bigger one

Big difference in size,
do you find the smaller one gets in a lot more places the bigger one won't?

For my applications, ratchet length prohibits access before head size does. I imagine this is going to vary drastically user to user

 

[jrsavoie]

Big difference in size,
do you find the smaller one gets in a lot more places the bigger one won't?

I do. I use my 1/4" drive craftsman a lot. I had a 3/8" drive I never used.

 

[Ton ton]

I'm really surprised Ingersoll Rand impact guns and ratchets don't get more love on garage journal. I have played with one in my hand @ a farm show. I liked the Ingersoll Rand 1/2" impact gun but I am waiting for the price to come down.

 

[jgelack]

I just picked up the Milwaukee M12 high speed ratchet yesterday! I was going to hold off to see if they’d be offering it in an extended version, but I just couldn’t wait! If they do, I’ll now have an excuse to buy another tool!

 

[dnschmidt]

I just picked up the Milwaukee M12 high speed ratchet yesterday! I was going to hold off to see if they’d be offering it in an extended version, but I just couldn’t wait! If they do, I’ll now have an excuse to buy another tool!

That's the spirit!

 

[javyLSU]

I believe the hf earthquake is the same as the ac delco g series.

100% correct. The batteries are also obviously cross-compatible between the two because they are the same unit with different lipstick, so shop around if you need batteries.

I’ve used most every cordless ratchet on the market except for the Makita, and wound up with a pair of Snap-on ratchets (1/4 long neck and standard length 3/8). They were very much the most expensive of them all, but the combination of features and ergonomics they offer makes them my favorites. If I was buying from scratch I would seriously consider the new M12 high speed ratchets, they seem to have fixed everything I didn’t like about those ratchets (speed, weight, head size, and the option to install a switch that makes the ratchet actually usable with gloves on).

 

[M635_Guy]

I've got the M12 Fuel 3/8" and I've really loved it. Even working on my Mini I haven't had much in the way of clearance issues (at least none that would have been helped with something smaller - e.g. the BMW alternator bolts on my spawn's X5 wanted to push into the fan shroud with just about anything - even a ratchet with a short socket).

With the warranty and the excellent collection of other M12 options (Stubby, Surge, etc.) I heartily recommend them. I toy with the idea of getting a long-neck version, but can't really justify it.

 

[Marlin]

I'm surprised with the number of Milwaukee recommendations. The design of the Milwaukee ratchets shows that they are still a construction tool manufacturer learning about automotive applications. They created a sleek looking head with a recessed reversing switch that if you're not careful can become a permanent fixture of the vehicle you are working on. If you are on a bolt and back the ratchet head up against something that obstructs your access to the reverse switch you are in trouble, with non-recessed switches at least you can slip a thin blade screwdriver in to change direction but not with the Milwaukee. This is a well known application hazard that those designing air and cordless ratchets for automotive use have worked on for years with the best solution being a reverse mechanism that is not directly behind the square and the worst solution being the Milwaukee. Currently there is only one cordless ratchet with a remote located reverse switch which is the Matco sealed head.

 

[M635_Guy]

I'm surprised with the number of Milwaukee recommendations. The design of the Milwaukee ratchets shows that they are still a construction tool manufacturer learning about automotive applications. They created a sleek looking head with a recessed reversing switch that if you're not careful can become a permanent fixture of the vehicle you are working on. If you are on a bolt and back the ratchet head up against something that obstructs your access to the reverse switch you are in trouble, with non-recessed switches at least you can slip a thin blade screwdriver in to change direction but not with the Milwaukee. This is a well known application hazard that those designing air and cordless ratchets for automotive use have worked on for years with the best solution being a reverse mechanism that is not directly behind the square and the worst solution being the Milwaukee. Currently there is only one cordless ratchet with a remote located reverse switch which is the Matco sealed head.

So what you're saying is if you're not paying attention/thinking you can create a small problem for yourself?

 

[Marlin]

So what you're saying is if you're not paying attention/thinking you can create a small problem for yourself?

You're not likely to make the same mistake twice.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm surprised with the number of Milwaukee recommendations. The design of the Milwaukee ratchets shows that they are still a construction tool manufacturer learning about automotive applications. They created a sleek looking head with a recessed reversing switch that if you're not careful can become a permanent fixture of the vehicle you are working on. If you are on a bolt and back the ratchet head up against something that obstructs your access to the reverse switch you are in trouble, with non-recessed switches at least you can slip a thin blade screwdriver in to change direction but not with the Milwaukee. This is a well known application hazard that those designing air and cordless ratchets for automotive use have worked on for years with the best solution being a reverse mechanism that is not directly behind the square and the worst solution being the Milwaukee. Currently there is only one cordless ratchet with a remote located reverse switch which is the Matco sealed head.

On the new MIlwaukee FUEL high speeds they do offer a elevated flipper reversing head. Your argument is exactly the same for people that use non-reversing ratcheting wrenches. The same **** up can happen with them.

 

[jrsavoie]

So what you're saying is if you're not paying attention/thinking you can create a small problem for yourself?

I've done it.

 

[M635_Guy]

You're not likely to make the same mistake twice.

I try really hard to learn lessons from my mistakes.

I mean seriously - it's a vastly useful tool that makes a lot of jobs easier and faster. Yes, I made the mistake you referred to... once. A regular ratchet might have put me in the same situation, but the speed/"auto-ness" of the ratchet got me there before I knew it. It took me a minute to figure out how to get myself out of the situation, and I've never done it again. It was probably the most harmless reminder to take a quick moment to think before using any power tool.

 

[M635_Guy]

I've done it.

Oh I've done it. I just didn't blame it on the tool (and probably won't do it ever again - it definitely doesn't factor in my willingness to buy another one or recommend it)

 

[Marlin]

I mean seriously - it's a vastly useful tool that makes a lot of jobs easier and faster. Yes, I made the mistake you referred to... once. A regular ratchet might have put me in the same situation, but the speed/"auto-ness" of the ratchet got me there before I knew it. It took me a minute to figure out how to get myself out of the situation, and I've never done it again. It was probably the most harmless reminder to take a quick moment to think before using any power tool.

No doubt that cordless ratchets are great and useful tools, I'm just pointing out an inherent flaw in the design which would be avoided by those familiar with the actual application. On paper the recessed switch looks great, it is sleeker and is not sticking out where it could get interfered with while rotating but in use it could cost you hours.

On the new MIlwaukee FUEL high speeds they do offer a elevated flipper reversing head. Your argument is exactly the same for people that use non-reversing ratcheting wrenches. The same **** up can happen with them.

It's good that they realized the issue and offered a fix.

 

[joel63]

I've got a couple different Milwaukee's, Here's my findings on using them.

M12 3/8 non fuel,
Not much torque, great as a nut runner. Big time saver when dealing with hardware already loosened manually and for assembly work. A 1/4 drive kit can be installed in a spare ratchet and saves using an adapter at times. It is bulky in that application but it has been useful for me. The 3/8 I'm using currently is from '17 and showing it's age some, it is a daily use tool though.

M12 3/8 fuel (1st gen?),
More torque then the non-fuel version, about 35-40 ft lb vs maybe 20ft lbs, it could potentially break off a 6mm bolt (or feels like it anyway). Definatly bulkier in the head, I've not run into any clearance issues yet, But I'm mostly using it for brake jobs at the moment, some other stuff too, but no under hood work to speak of. I've only had it about 6weeks & got it used from the Matco guy.

The 3/8 fuel is similar in torque to the Snap-on unit the boss has. S-O is less bulky but the trigger is smaller.


M12 1/2 fuel,
Great for larger bolts (12/14mm) that are taking a bit of effort to remove (locite, rust, ete..), I think it could potentially snap off an 8mm bolt. Bulk & size havent really been a problem. Main use is caliper bracket bolts and some suspension. Kind of front heavy and a bit of a club. Got it as a gift from work last Christmas.

Summary,
If I was buying these over again, I'd go with the non fuel in 3/8 and also get the 1/2 drive fuel. I was dubious as to how useful the 1/2 drive unit would be, but it actually is very handy at times. A 3/8 fuel could be the best of both worlds depending on how you plan to use it.

The Snap-on & Matco battery ratchets are nice, but more expensive then I think their worth for my purposes.


I would agree.

Excellent review. Thanks.

 

[DerekV]

What would be the absolute nuts would be a Milwaukee impacting ratchet similar to the air powered SP tools model. The air tool does have the torque to break fasteners free but doesn't break your wrist in the process. HF makes an impacting ratchet that works super for the money as well but the SP tools models are tiny and can do fifty foot pounds.

Milwaukee has a patent for an impacting ratchet. I was digging through their patents a while back (approx. a few months before the M12 Fuel RA impact was released IIRC) and stumbled upon it. Posted about it in the Milwaukee thread whenever that was. I remember feeling bummed when the M12 Fuel RA came out, to find out it did not ratchet like the patent described. So it may be in the works, who knows. My theory: it seems like their idea of the ratcheting impact mechanism would be prone to reliability issues if it actually had decent power, which they ran in to, and are still tuning the recipe to get a solid performer that doesn’t grenade in 6 months without an obscene price tag (meaning, even more obscene than typical Milwaukee)…just my theory.

 

[dnschmidt]

Milwaukee has a patent for an impacting ratchet. I was digging through their patents a while back (approx. a few months before the M12 Fuel RA impact was released IIRC) and stumbled upon it. Posted about it in the Milwaukee thread whenever that was. I remember feeling bummed when the M12 Fuel RA came out, to find out it did not ratchet like the patent described. So it may be in the works, who knows. My theory: it seems like their idea of the ratcheting impact mechanism would be prone to reliability issues if it actually had decent power, which they ran in to, and are still tuning the recipe to get a solid performer that doesn’t grenade in 6 months without an obscene price tag (meaning, even more obscene than typical Milwaukee)…just my theory.

Obscene, dude have you ever heard of Snap-On, Festool or Mafell? You want to see obscene I'll show you obscene.

 

[thaxboyd]

So I got the Craftsman... it came yesterday and so far seems like a good quality tool. Unfortunately I have 2 engine swaps to test it on. LOL

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W1L415S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[M635_Guy]

Milwaukee has a patent for an impacting ratchet. I was digging through their patents a while back (approx. a few months before the M12 Fuel RA impact was released IIRC) and stumbled upon it. Posted about it in the Milwaukee thread whenever that was. I remember feeling bummed when the M12 Fuel RA came out, to find out it did not ratchet like the patent described. So it may be in the works, who knows. My theory: it seems like their idea of the ratcheting impact mechanism would be prone to reliability issues if it actually had decent power, which they ran in to, and are still tuning the recipe to get a solid performer that doesn’t grenade in 6 months without an obscene price tag (meaning, even more obscene than typical Milwaukee)…just my theory.

Or it was a shield patent.

A company that has a 5 year warranty has a lot of incentive to focus on quality. You seem to allude to a quality problem I've never heard of...

 

[DerekV]

Or it was a shield patent.

A company that has a 5 year warranty has a lot of incentive to focus on quality. You seem to allude to a quality problem I've never heard of...

You seem to be over analyzing what I said. Firstly, as mentioned, my theory is just a theory, i.e. your guess is as good as mine. Secondly, while there are lots of things lots of people have never heard of, one (obviously) has never heard of problems associated with a cordless impacting ratchet because these tools do not currently exist. Thirdly, the tool as laid out in the patent is very complicated and seemingly delicate, lots of pawls IIRC which to me seems like a lot of delicate parts for an impact tool. That doesn’t allude to it being impossible or to imply that “Milwaukee’s quality *****” — it suggests the difficulty of bringing a powerful/durable/functional, 5 year warranty’d tool like this to existence without an unreasonable (for Milwaukee, anyway) sticker price. That is what I’m speculating about. After all, this is a tool forum to talk about tools.

 

[M635_Guy]

You seem to be over analyzing what I said. Firstly, as mentioned, my theory is just a theory, i.e. your guess is as good as mine. Secondly, while there are lots of things lots of people have never heard of, one (obviously) has never heard of problems associated with a cordless impacting ratchet because these tools do not currently exist. Thirdly, the tool as laid out in the patent is very complicated and seemingly delicate, lots of pawls IIRC which to me seems like a lot of delicate parts for an impact tool. That doesn’t allude to it being impossible or to imply that “Milwaukee’s quality *****” — it suggests the difficulty of bringing a powerful/durable/functional, 5 year warranty’d tool like this to existence without an unreasonable (for Milwaukee, anyway) sticker price. That is what I’m speculating about. After all, this is a tool forum to talk about tools.

I dunno brother - I don't think I was over-analyzing your over-analyzing. Do I have to agree with you for us to get along? You've down-graded Milwaukee pricing from "obscene" to "unreasonable", both of which I disagree with, but it's a start...

 

[DerekV]

I dunno brother - I don't think I was over-analyzing your over-analyzing. Do I have to agree with you for us to get along? You've down-graded Milwaukee pricing from "obscene" to "unreasonable", both of which I disagree with, but it's a start...

Haha…ok

 

[plinker]

I'm surprised with the number of Milwaukee recommendations. The design of the Milwaukee ratchets shows that they are still a construction tool manufacturer learning about automotive applications. They created a sleek looking head with a recessed reversing switch that if you're not careful can become a permanent fixture of the vehicle you are working on. If you are on a bolt and back the ratchet head up against something that obstructs your access to the reverse switch you are in trouble, with non-recessed switches at least you can slip a thin blade screwdriver in to change direction but not with the Milwaukee. This is a well known application hazard that those designing air and cordless ratchets for automotive use have worked on for years with the best solution being a reverse mechanism that is not directly behind the square and the worst solution being the Milwaukee. Currently there is only one cordless ratchet with a remote located reverse switch which is the Matco sealed head.

IMO, it boils down to a couple things, Mainly cost and sometimes availability.

Milwaukee is defiantly less out of pocket then a truck brand and may be a better deal then others only having one battery (assuming you buy a kit). Black friday type deals also dont usually apply to tool trucks, so unless you have a student discount or similar, the price difference is large.

Snap-on CTR761 , two batteries, charger, 496.95$
https://shop.snapon.com/product/14....thium-Cordless-Ratchet-Kit-(Green)/CTR761CGK2

Matco MCL1638, two batteries, charger, 497.50
https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...IVE-HIGH-SPEED-RATCHET-KIT-2-BATTERIES-GREEN/

Milwaukee 2657 or 2557, two batteries, charger, 259$
https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/milwaukee-2567-22
https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/milwaukee-2557-22-m12-fuel-ratchet-kit

Makita RW01R1, one battery, charger, 229$
https://www.acmetools.com/shop/tools/makita-xrw01sr1

Ingersoll rand R3130, one battery, charger, 340$
https://www.zoro.com/ingersoll-rand...erm=4586131721909088&utm_content=All Products


The option of any one type of battery working in any tool is a factor to some, the likeliness of having multiple tools of the same brand that take the same battery is important to a lot of people for various reasons. Matco & Snap-on would be ideal if all you were doing was mechanic work, they dont offer a circular saw though, which may be a consideration to someone. Also, having a different type of battery for every cordless tool would get very old very fast. Even three different ones would be obnoxious.

Regarding availability, Tool trucks arent an option for some. Where as Home depot (or other) is just down the road for most. But both are a click away.

I dont disagree that Milwaukee (and others) could stand improvement in some areas, but it's a trade off (that can be annoying at times).


Backing yourself in a corner, as it were, is just something to watch for. Can happen easily, but especially if you are not paying attention. BTDT, have a couple of t-shirts.

 

[Marlin]

IMO, it boils down to a couple things, Mainly cost and sometimes availability.

Milwaukee is defiantly less out of pocket then a truck brand and may be a better deal then others only having one battery (assuming you buy a kit). Black friday type deals also dont usually apply to tool trucks, so unless you have a student discount or similar, the price difference is large.


Backing yourself in a corner, as it were, is just something to watch for. Can happen easily, but especially if you are not paying attention. BTDT, have a couple of t-shirts.

Agreed, they definitely have an upper hand on many with cost. I guess the learning for them from this product is to make sure you understand the application thoroughly before releasing a product. Perhaps more VOC and/or hiring of old air tool engineers to teach them what they don't know.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm trying to figure out EXACTLY what they don't know. People complained about the low speed. Milwaukee introduced the high speed. People complained about the flush rotation switch, they introduced the raised rotation switch that can be bought for $35. Their battery is already slimmer and longer lasting than most and still they introduced the M12 3.0 compact battery that has the same juice as the XC battery. The head on the Fuel was too big and they made it smaller. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU GUYS WANT!!

 

[darkzero]

I'm trying to figure out EXACTLY what they don't know. People complained about the low speed. Milwaukee introduced the high speed. People complained about the flush rotation switch, they introduced the raised rotation switch that can be bought for $35. Their battery is already slimmer and longer lasting than most and still they introduced the M12 3.0 compact battery that has the same juice as the XC battery. The head on the Fuel was too big and they made it smaller. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU GUYS WANT!!

NOTHING! Now that I have upgraded to the 3/8" High Speed that I use 3.0 compacts with, I'm happy, it's almost everything that I wanted in a cordless ratchet, no complaints here. There's not one MW tool currently on my list to buy anymore, I have everything that I need/want..... for now anyway.

 

[Rabid Badger]

I'm trying to figure out EXACTLY what they don't know. People complained about the low speed. Milwaukee introduced the high speed. People complained about the flush rotation switch, they introduced the raised rotation switch that can be bought for $35. Their battery is already slimmer and longer lasting than most and still they introduced the M12 3.0 compact battery that has the same juice as the XC battery. The head on the Fuel was too big and they made it smaller. WHAT THE HELL DO YOU GUYS WANT!!

Swappable anvils and an ergonomic grip.

 

[kelpaso1]

So I got the Craftsman... it came yesterday and so far seems like a good quality tool. Unfortunately I have 2 engine swaps to test it on. LOL

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08W1L415S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I wouldn't want that thing with the huge battery hanging off the end.