FUEL Ratchet

[DFB]

Anybody have any regrets getting a larger, heavier Fuel model?

Overall I have been satisfied with my original 3/8" It does what its supposed to do, quickly runs threaded fasteners on and off after manually breaking them loose. Size generally isn't prohibitive

3/8" drive is what I'm looking at again

 

[DSLTRK]

Reads like you answered your own question on what to do..

 

[DFB]

Reads like you answered your own question on what to do..

Hahaha

Well thinking I can always use a bigger stronger tool, especially at work down at the orchard farm. 1/2" was my original choice but others convinced me to stick with the 3/8"

The little guy generally stays in the home garage mower work, motorcycle some engine bay work.

 

[timboy]

I purchased the standard version used it once and exchanged it for the Fuel version the standard just didn't seem to have enough oomph for my liking.

 

[jshillin]

I have the Non-Fuel 3/8" ratchet and the Fuel 1/4" ratchet. I grab the 1/4" Fuel most of the time and have no complaints. The Fuel definitely has more power, but nothing crazy.

 

[thefoobag]

I love the fuel ratchet, by far my most used tool the past 2 years. It is a bit stronger but i like the instant start/stop rather than the spinning down the non fuel does. Both are great and I hardly use 1/4 inch any more. Granted im a heavy equipment Mechanic so 1/4 might be a better option for you, my 3/8 is used daily and I am 100% satisfied with it.

 

[Tonyuk]

I hate my 3/8 fuel ratchet.

Horrid bulky thing. Not particularly powerful. Give me a good reactionless air ratchet any day.

The only time i use it is inside the cab, where the lack of any air hose is a redeeming feature.

 

[dnschmidt]

I prefer the regular over the fuel for size reasons. I don't use an electric ratchet to tighten or loosen anything. To me these are powered speed handles. Tonyuk is dead right. The SP Air impact mini ratchets are the bomb. 1/4th the size, 4X the speed and 4X the torque. The cordless crowd should concentrate on an impacting ratchet as their next breakthrough tool.

 

[Mr_B]

^^
+1 on above 2 posts
The fuel is a poor effort, horrid head design over engineered after big warranty loss of initial release and still has poor torque level .
Kuani or the astro branded nano air impact ratchet is close to 1/4 the size and lot more torque yet doesn't break or need an oversized head .
I wouldn't give milwaukee any money on this tool until they do a better upgrade to the fuel ratchet .
Battery ratchet is useful but it not a milwaukee gem .

 

[KBigg]

Id buy it again in a heart beat but I never had the non fuel version to compare it to. If your just looking to run nuts/bolts itll do well. If you need some torque then look into the IR cordless angle impacts.

 

[Phantomd]

I've only used my non-fuel for non-pro level stuff. I've not used the fuel version but I don't find myself wanting more torque. Most fasteners may need to be broken loose then the ratchet spins it off. When tightening I've cracked my knuckled once that fastener got suddenly tight, I don't know why more torque would be better?

It was my first M12 tool, I have more now. I love em.

 

[Showkey]

Air or electric Ratchets have their place.........but ........obviously they have limits.
Given the space........ I grab the gun impact ( battery) every time. That said i have not used the air ratchet in years.

Have two m12 ratchets fuel and regular but just ordered this:

 

[DFB]

Ya air may offer better tool options But not really WHAT the discussion was to be about, I'm virtually all battery cordless for tool use so that's where its at for me. Though admittedly both versions the Milwaukee M12 ratchets are lacking some as a reactionless stop should be part of the design. On the other hand the M12 RA impact doesn't do much MORE power wise on breakaway and you can't lock the head for manual control, so that tool is really limited IMO. (I have one of those).

I finally was able to put hands on one of the Fuels in a HD store a short while ago for and my first impression was it was heavy But they are also supposed to stronger built right? Hear stories where the ratchet head can break on the first ones if too much gusto is used.

Fuel tool with free battery for $139 was the current promo deal. The long reach ones look promising but the price is out site I'm reading.

Just as an FYI the HF Earthquake ratchet kit (battery and charger AC Delco clone) 60ftlb is just $99 right now

 

[dacan23]

The ideal M12 ratchet combo is one of the originals and one of the Fuel ones. The non Fuel original ones are smaller lighter and faster. The Fuel ones are bigger heavier and more powerful. One of each is ideal and not in the same size. You can always step up or down with an adapter. Fuel 3/8 or 1/2 and non Fuel 1/4 or 3/8 respectively.

Now its even more complicated with the new extended reach Fuel models.

I'm crazy and I have all 5 and will not part with any of them especially the originals.

 

[paperchasin]

The ideal M12 ratchet combo is one of the originals and one of the Fuel ones. The non Fuel original ones are smaller lighter and faster. The Fuel ones are bigger heavier and more powerful. One of each is ideal and not in the same size. You can always step up or down with an adapter. Fuel 3/8 or 1/2 and non Fuel 1/4 or 3/8 respectively.

Now its even more complicated with the new extended reach Fuel models.

I'm crazy and I have all 5 and will not part with any of them especially the originals.

This is similar to what I ended up doing. I purchased a Fuel 1/2 ratchet with a 1/2 to 3/8 step down if needed. And then I picked up a 1/4 non-fuel ratchet for smaller jobs. One thing I noticed was that I much prefer the use of the 2.0Ah batteries instead of the 4.0Ah extended base batteries. Might ditch the 4.0s for some 3.0Ah in the smaller package.

 

[Zewnten]

Had the regular 3/8, broke the pawl retaining pin, i think from running larger sockets on it, replaced it with the fuel. Thing has been a beast and i can tell it handles the bigger sockets much better

 

[cajunrebel`]

I like the smaller head of the standard version. I dont torque or break torque with it. I mainly use in in areas where a regular ratchet would take forever. I have a micro impacting air ratchet that I use on a lot of things, but my shop air at work is unreliable and I have to drag hoses around and find a working outlet. Maybe once we get a good compressor and run air lines I will bring it to work. But, for now the battery powered is king. If I am doing freelance work out on a flightline somewhere then the battery powered is even better. My compressor at home is gas powered and mobile, but its heavy to load and unload by myself.
If Milwaukee came out with an impacting 1/4" ratchet with a head the size of the regular one, I would throw my air ratchet away.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[wozz]

I watched the fuel ratchets for a long time but haven’t pulled the trigger.

This is what I’m planning to get instead

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L6RWHGD/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jsaw]

I don't use an electric ratchet to tighten or loosen anything. To me these are powered speed handles. Tonyuk is dead right. The SP Air impact mini ratchets are the bomb. 1/4th the size, 4X the speed and 4X the torque. The cordless crowd should concentrate on an impacting ratchet as their next breakthrough tool.[/QUOTE]


Agree 100%

 

[Tech89]

I don't use an electric ratchet to tighten or loosen anything. To me these are powered speed handles. Tonyuk is dead right. The SP Air impact mini ratchets are the bomb. 1/4th the size, 4X the speed and 4X the torque. The cordless crowd should concentrate on an impacting ratchet as their next breakthrough tool.

Agree 100%[/QUOTE]I have two of the 1/4" SP Air ratchets. Absolutely love them. Use them constantly. I agree 100%.

-Pat

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[CR888]

I prefer the regular over the fuel for size reasons. I don't use an electric ratchet to tighten or loosen anything. To me these are powered speed handles. Tonyuk is dead right. The SP Air impact mini ratchets are the bomb. 1/4th the size, 4X the speed and 4X the torque. The cordless crowd should concentrate on an impacting ratchet as their next breakthrough tool.

Shhhh, don't tell anyone, I bought my SP air (made in Japan) reactionless ratchet cheaper than I could a Milwaukee fuel China tool. But my guess is in all seriousness is for every high spec pro grade air ratchet sold more than 30 Milwaukee fuel cordless would sell. I used my M18 fuel impact gun today and it reminded me how crude these cordless tools are, it has 2 power settings 1 which is to low to be of any use then full bore 2 setting. So hard to use any finesse compared to my mini air impact with 3 well spaced out power settings and a spring trigger that gives speed/power control as well. And its heavy holding the damn thing with one hand in an arkward position. And yes the Milwaukee impact was over 2x the price!

 

[jgromada]

As a home DIYer i have a compressor, but really don't want to crank it up unless i have to. Mostly if i have a really stuck bolt I will break out the IR impact.

Otherwise i have the original 3/8 ratchet & it is fine. I recognize the limitation with really stuck fasteners & I accept that. I have had hands on with the Fuel version and i just think for my uses the head is just too big. Its just a nominal improvement in torque to put up with the increased size. Of course your mileage may vary ..............

 

[DFB]

Well Home Cheapo surprisingly delivered that ratchet deal today. I have to say I'm mildly surprised. The heft of the tool and build quality almost makes the original seem like a plastic toy. For me it's keeper and for my outdoor work down at the Orchard Farm ain't nobody running out air hoses just to use a tool.

Like I razz my buddy with the motorcycle shop (he so old school) I'm mobile when it comes to cordless...with my job have to be. You on the other hand can't go more 50ft outside the door air hose in one hand extension cord in the other

Cripes the other day he needed to solder like 4 wires for lights had like 150ft of extension out to his 5th wheel trailer just to use his Weller gun, I said here's my Milwaukee solder iron

 

[CR888]

Portability is cordless strong point, outside the shop they are priceless. Inside the shop I'd rather use a better tool.

 

[jsaw]

Portability is cordless strong point, outside the shop they are priceless. Inside the shop I'd rather use a better tool.

 

[ajchien]

I have the regular 1/4 and the 3/8 fuel.

Yes, I regret the 3/8 fuel and wish I had bought the 3/8 regular.


I first had the 1/4 regular. I was annoyed it didn’t have as much torque I wanted to break bolts free. And when using it to hand-loosen the fastener, I was afraid of breaking the anvil since the leverage from length of the tool is much longer than a regular 1/4 ratchet. I figured theres no way I’m going to break a 3/8 anvil by hand only.


1) the extra torque was enticing. In actual use, the extra torque is does not make a difference. very often, I need to hand break the faster free with the 3/8 fuel tool, before spinning it off.
2) believing the extra bulk size is going to prevent the tool from fitting into tight spaces does not happen very often. If the 3/8 fuel doesn’t fit, it is rare that my 1/4 regular fits. Im often going to a wrench or ratchet anyway.
3) the extra weight is annoying. Especially if your body is in a weird position. I think this is my biggest issue.

Overall cordless ratchets are a positive if you’re looking to get things done faster.

 

[DFB]

I have the regular 1/4 and the 3/8 fuel.

Yes, I regret the 3/8 fuel and wish I had bought the 3/8 regular.


I first had the 1/4 regular. I was annoyed it didn’t have as much torque I wanted to break bolts free. And when using it to hand-loosen the fastener, I was afraid of breaking the anvil since the leverage from length of the tool is much longer than a regular 1/4 ratchet. I figured theres no way I’m going to break a 3/8 anvil by hand only.


1) the extra torque was enticing. In actual use, the extra torque is does not make a difference. very often, I need to hand break the faster free with the 3/8 fuel tool, before spinning it off.
2) believing the extra bulk size is going to prevent the tool from fitting into tight spaces does not happen very often. If the 3/8 fuel doesn’t fit, it is rare that my 1/4 regular fits. Im often going to a wrench or ratchet anyway.
3) the extra weight is annoying. Especially if your body is in a weird position. I think this is my biggest issue.

Overall cordless ratchets are a positive if you’re looking to get things done faster.

Well written real user review...all valid points.



I agree about that weight could be cumbersome but the body build and re designed head strength is it's main feature. I have no fear of cranking hard on it just using manual ratchet action, though the original often gave me pause to do so.

Now I do have to wonder exactly how the claimed torque values are measured as I played around with it last night for a few minutes using a torque wrench to set different bolt/nut/washer combo values seeing where it would break free...

 

[p90puma]

Home gamer here:

I have the 1/4 fuel, 3/8 reg, 3/8 fuel and the 1/4 extended (fuel) should be here this week.


3/8 fuel is fine for some jobs but I use the non fuel 3/8 far more. It's way lighter as previously mentioned and rotates the fasteners much quicker.

The 3/8 fuel head is also quite bulky.

Looking forward to the 1/4 extended.

I still think any of them are almost the best tool invented for car work. The m12 stubby 3/8 impact is in the running there too.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

The biggest complaint with the Fuel models seems to be a bigger head and some added weight. I don't see the higher torque of the Fuel model being an advantage since you're supposed to break the fastener free manually then spin it out with the ratchet. I've used a non-Fuel 3/8" model before in some spots that I wouldn't have wanted the head to be any wider or deeper, that's for sure.

 

[wafrederick]

I have the 1/4 drive fuel ratchet,love it and have not used my 1/4 air ratchet ever since.Getting the long neck version,getting it from Mr. Joe shown on Joe's All Star Tools on Mondays on Koon Trucking's youtube channel