Dewalt 20V Ratchet

[mrvm]

Anybody own or have used the Dewalt 20V ratchet? Specs state it’s got more torque than the Milwaukee ratchets but is bulkier mainly due to the bigger battery. I got the M12 1/4” ratchet and want to add a stronger 1/2” version and there’s a decent deal at HD. Any opinions appreciated as the shelves are barren so no touch or feel is possible.

 

[FlaGman]

I bought one from HD last year for the same $199, it came with a free 4 amp hour compact battery at that time. I am happy with the tool, but it is a little bulkier than I hoped. The compact battery is a big plus because although the regular batteries work they make the back end pretty fat. I don’t have a Milwaukee to compare it against.

 

[liliysdad]

I tried both the 20v and the 12v and kept the 12v. The 20v doesn’t really offer anything over the 12v other than bulk. I never saw the need for a 1/2 cordless ratchet as anytime I am dealing with fasteners that size I can typically use an impact.

 

[whateg01]

The stores around me will get a tool out for me to look at.

 

[finn]

I have two Milwaukee fuel M12 ratchets, a regular plus a high speed, and an extended length Dewalt 20v with the Powerstack battery.

The extended length is useful, but heavy, and a lot more powerful than either of the Milwaukee impacts. The reversing switch on the Milwaukees is a pain to use, but they offer a kit (for a price) to remedy the problem.

Both are good products.

 

[Bagherra]

I have two Milwaukee fuel M12 ratchets, a regular plus a high speed, and an extended length Dewalt 20v with the Powerstack battery.

The extended length is useful, but heavy, and a lot more powerful than either of the Milwaukee impacts. The reversing switch on the Milwaukees is a pain to use, but they offer a kit (for a price) to remedy the problem.

Both are good products.

Link to kit?

 

[finn]

Link to kit?

Don’t have a link, but there was a discussion here a few months ago, and I saw the kit on the Milwaukee site, and from a vendor. It basically replaces the recessed selector knob with a knob that protrudes above the profile above the head.

 

[mike93lx]

Is this it?

Milwaukee M12 1/4 in. High Speed Ratchet Tall Shift Knob Assembly 49-06-2566 - The Home Depot

Grant a complete upgrade to your cutting accessory at jobsite with Milwaukee M High Speed Ratchet Tall Shift Knob Assembly.

www.homedepot.com

 

[finn]

Is this it?

Milwaukee M12 1/4 in. High Speed Ratchet Tall Shift Knob Assembly 49-06-2566 - The Home Depot

Grant a complete upgrade to your cutting accessory at jobsite with Milwaukee M High Speed Ratchet Tall Shift Knob Assembly.

www.homedepot.com

That’s one. They are available for 3/8” and 1/2”, too.

I suspect I saw them on the HD site, too.

 

[oilslick]

Dewalt makes a cordless ratchet with a sealed head and swappable 3/8 or 1/2 inserts. It’s tuff as hell, only had it for a month so we’ll see about longevity. It’s got way more power than my brushless snap on 3/8 and Milwaukee ain’t even close.

 

[dnschmidt]

Size matters. To me the 12V Dewalt is superior to the 20V, a finding shared by the Torque Test Channel. I don't understand the fascination with torque with respect to cordless ratchets (I do with impacts but not ratchets) as it's a true ratchet that can be used to loosen or tighten fasteners by hand and then run in or run out which to me is their primary purpose. I don't want a cordless ratchet than can tighten a spark plug to 60 ft-lb thereby stripping out my aluminum head. That's why I prefer the Milwaukee high speed which admittedly is low on torque but so what. One of the reasons I stopped using air ratchets is the wrist breaking action that occurs when they stop. ASTRO now makes a long super high torque air ratchet that's the last thing I would ever buy. I own at least 10 impacts that can do the heavy lifting. I will admit to a fondness for the small SPAir impacting ratchet as it can get into places others can't and and impacting mechanism doesn't kill my wrist.

 

[decableguy2000]

I have the 3/8" 20v, balances well with a small powerstack, but still bulky. I have a 1/4"12v on order right now. I have snapped a few small bolts with the 3/8.

 

[Willie Makeit]

I have the 20V version in 3/8" ... I don't us it as often as I thought I would when i purchased it.

 

[richfinn]

I settled on the Milwaukee Fuel M12 high speed 3/8", very happy with it (nice compact head compared to the regular version).

An extended 1/4" high speed will be next power tool purchase for me.

I have an old Snap-On FAR70 which frankly has too much torque for working on modern cars, it's more about speed and accessibility with these tools in my opinion, everything is more compact and uses smaller low torque fasteners nowadays.

I have cordless impacts if I need to bust loose tight bolts.