M12 cordless ratchet?

[PartsGuy]

OK, here's my sitch....
I'm a parts manager at a dealership, and I have a *mild* Snap-on addiction. My tool guy shows me the S-O cordless stuff regularly, and I like the concept, but I will NOT spend that kind of money for my cordless toys.
HOWever, I see my techs using battery-op ratchets under dash, and I like the idea of having something for close-quarter work, but can't justify the expense of truck branded cordless for my home shop. (I do side work for friends, family, and such...)

I am heavily invested in the DeWalt 20v line, and am satisfied with it, but they do not offer a ratchet option (that I know of). The M12 Fuel 1/4 or 3/8 rat is appealing to me, but I have 3/8 impact and 1/4 hex bit DW drill-style drivers already....
Do you think that the M12 ratchet offers enough added benefit (in terms of being more compact) to add another battery platform to my box?

And as an aside, I have already graduated from the old 12V Makita orange "pod" drill and trim saw combo and current DW 12V drill/driver kits, which I would LOVE to unload if anyone is interested!

 

[TEKWRX]

I have the non-Fuel 3/8 version and it's awesome. A real time saver. For close quarters work you might want to look at the non-fuel models as they're a bit smaller and you probably don't need the extra torque for interior work.

 

[kctyphoon]

Recently someone posted their snap on guy matched the Milwaukee price.. but imma go out on a limb and say that was for the new fuel kit, and not the older model.

Milwaukee also makes a m12 right angle impact driver with a 1/4” hex chuck. Something to keep in mind..

That said - i think Milwaukee offers enough to REPLACE what you have in your box.

 

[DFB]

Do you want a cordless ratchet or not? Obviously it will reach places your pistol grip tools won't. Since you own no Milwaukee a FUEL ratchet kit lists for around $250.

How much is a Snap On kit for you

There is also other options like AC Delco for less money.

Fuel are more powerful than the Gen 1 brushed (I have one) but sometimes smaller is better.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Even though I don't use mine that much as a truck mechanic, once I used my 3/8 M12 fuel ratchet for that timing belt job on my car, I can see why auto mechanics love them. There are a lot of spaces a full sized cordless impact driver simply will not fit into. If you are willing to pay half of what Snap on charges and can get enough use out of it, buy one. I was on the fence about getting it as I already have a Ridgid 18V drill and impact driver. It took my local tool store running a promotion where the bare M12 fuel ratchet came with a free 4ah M12 battery before I broke down and bought it.

 

[ngk22r]

The M12 fuel ratchet is well worth the money although I have the 1/4 model, it is a beast and I have been putting it through everything and it keeps going. It is very strong for a 1/4 inch.

 

[Iluvbeer]

Milwaukee makes an awesome cordless ratchet that you will nit go wrong with purchasing. Their warranty is top nitch. With that said, if you wanna save a few bucks and match the Fuel capabilities, check out the AC Delco 3/8 cordless ratchet. It’s every bit as powerful and quality as the Fuel at a much cheaper price. I’ve personally ran them both side by side.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Yes, you can get the non fuel for 100 with an extra battery, then you will have an excuse to get the stubby impacts

 

[PartsGuy]

Thanks for the answers, guys! I now realize that my price range is actually the NON Fuel version.... $100-$200, my bad!
My SO dealer is normally around $400 for their 14v kit.
I like the idea of smaller, too. 1/4" is probably better. Not really busting nuts under there, I just hate turning small fasteners with ratchets on my head.... so torque isn't so much my need.
kc, I am avoiding REPLACING my DW stuff.... just maybe adding on (but I see what ya did there, and I can appreciate it!)
I probably ought to try out one of the cheaper under-$100 options out there and see if i really get the use/benefit I hope for, then go for a better unit/platform if so.

 

[gtsgarage]

I went non-fuel in 1/4” and fuel in 3/8”. Kind of small and large. The 3/8” fuel is a big tool. Where possible I much prefer the 3/8” stubby impact. I like the ergonomics more of a pistol grip.

 

[plinker]

Being the Dewalt 20v tools are full size, I dont see how adding a couple M12 tools could hurt. The non fuel ratchet is handy and there is a lot of other tools you could add.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

I have the non-fuel 3/8 ratchet. It is always close at hand and very valuable tool for me. Got mine at Northern Tool and using one of there monthly coupons for an amount over 100 bucks. Good deal.

 

[Trucker88]

Milwaukee blows the competition out of the water with their 5 year tool warranty and I believe 3 year on batteries. You can buy a 5 piece kit at HD that includes the original 3/8” ratchet and 2 batteries for $199. I got it and never regretted it. Also bought the 3/8” stubby impact and now I don’t know how I went so long without them. Milwaukee is in a class all it’s own.


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[LJSE34]

I have the 1/4" M12 ratchet at work and it is one of my most used tools. I bought it together with the M12 impact and drill kit. All together I got the m12 impact, drill and 1/4" drive ratchet, charger and 3 batteries (one was free as part of a promotion) and was out the door at the home depot for less than $300. Just a 1/4" ratchet with charger and battery was $419 from the snap-on truck..... In modern automotive the 1/4" ratchet will be one of your most used tools. Many other techs in my shop use the m12 as well. I use mine every day and it has been perfect. I wouldn't spend hundreds more for a truck brand of these tools.

 

[ericb445]

I love my 3/8 M12 ratchet, It where to break tomorrow I'd rush out to get another.

 

[AreYaSerious]

It's pretty incredible to be honest. Have a 3/8 drive going to save up for the 1/4 drive version.

 

[KnurledNut]

The Dewalt 12v batteries and charger you already have will fit the MAC ratchet.
Just another option to consider.

Heres a link to a nice comparison member sbebenelli did between the SO, MAC and Milwaukee:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336600

 

[pioneer1]

Milwaukee blows the competition out of the water with their 5 year tool warranty and I believe 3 year on batteries. You can buy a 5 piece kit at HD that includes the original 3/8” ratchet and 2 batteries for $199. I got it and never regretted it. Also bought the 3/8” stubby impact and now I don’t know how I went so long without them. Milwaukee is in a class all it’s own.


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I cant find that 5 piece kit for $199 , got a link?

 

[Trucker88]

It comes and goes on the Home Depot website every 2 weeks or so. This is a pic of my order. Hope that helps you to locate it. The sets now includes flashlight as well but it wasn’t available when I ordered my set.


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[Trucker88]

I believe you can set a notification to alert you when back in stock.


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[KillNThrill24]

I love my m12 ratchet. It has a surprising amount of forward torque too. It doesn't have a lot of breakaway torque, but get the nut/bolt cracked loose, and it zips the rest off with no issue. I'm impressed with it honestly. I've only ever used air ratchets prior to.

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[Trucker88]

I don’t o


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[Trucker88]

Sorry I don’t know how to post links but I see this set on HD now for $218. If you have some time to wait the set I purchased has been available on and off for the last 2 months so I am confident it will pop up again. If you go on HD website and put M12 in description those sets are the first things to pop up.


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[nbpt100]

I have the 3/8 non fuel. Very happy with it. It is rated for 35 Ft-Lbs. As someone said you can use it like a hand ratchet to break the fastener free and then use the motor to spin it out. I have been using it outside working on snow blowers and it works fine in the cold.
Planning on using it to do my timing belt too once we get into spring weather.

The other benefit of this over an air ratchet is that when you max out its torque it just stops. As with an air ratchet it jumps and you smash your fingers.
My only complaint is that the LED light does not have a wide enough beam. If using a deep socket or extension the area is not illuminated or at least not very much.

This is the tool I purchased at HD on a black Friday sale for 119. It included a soft case and a 1/4" adapter.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/Products/Power-Tools/Fastening/Ratchets/2457-21

For the home or occasional user Husky and HF have offerings in this area too ......for even less money. I am more than happy with the Milwaukee but for those on a tight budget there are other options.

 

[Trucker88]

The Dewalt 12v batteries and charger you already have will fit the MAC ratchet.
Just another option to consider.

Heres a link to a nice comparison member sbebenelli did between the SO, MAC and Milwaukee:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=336600

That thread is 2 years old. Milwaukee has since released 2 more ratchets with significantly more power. Lithium technology has come a long way in 2 years. I am pretty sure that Snap-On is no longer holding the 1st place trophy the OP gave it.


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[f121]

Would suggest popping into your local HD and having a heft on the fuel and non-fuel ratchets before you buy, I was amazed how big the fuel version is.

The other advantage to buying into the m12 range is you can get the stubby impact and under hood light, both are really good.

 

[WittHay]

The Milwaukee non-fuel cordless is the perfect ratchet for dash work and other light duty work.

The longer ratchets are better for a lot of engine work . You have reach way in between fans, pulleys and belts. Snap-on has released a long neck version. Mac is probably the best quality but it has a slow speed compared to Snap-on

 

[Bryanthegreat]

The MAC ratchet uses the Dewalt 12V platform if you have the 12v line you could pick up the bare tool.

 

[Bagherra]

This thread comes in at a good time for me...

I'm looking into a cordless ratchet and I'm thinking the Fuel version is my way to go....Just gonna be wrenching on my bikes and my truck....

 

[theoldwizard1]

The M12 fuel ratchet is well worth the money although I have the 1/4 model, it is a beast and I have been putting it through everything and it keeps going. It is very strong for a 1/4 inch.

This is kind of a plus and minus. The previous generation non-Fuel ratchets are smaller and lighter. Potentially a benefit for a 1/4" ratchet. The Fuel version ar larger and more powerful. Same for the 3/8"

The prices on the non-Fuel version have dropped a lot !

 

[Hagatronics]

I'm not a Milwaukee fan boy:
Their M12 right angle drill is meh..
Their M12 multi tool is total rubbish, but
Their M12 ratchet is fantastic

 

[ngk22r]

This is kind of a plus and minus. The previous generation non-Fuel ratchets are smaller and lighter. Potentially a benefit for a 1/4" ratchet. The Fuel version ar larger and more powerful. Same for the 3/8"

The prices on the non-Fuel version have dropped a lot !

1/4 non-fuel is barely smaller than the Fuel 1/4 model.

Most people assume the Fuel 1/4 is drastically bigger when it is barely longer and the head can still get in tight places. When you hold them side by side the only thing you notice is the weight.

 

[DFB]

1/4 non-fuel is barely smaller than the Fuel 1/4 model.

Most people assume the Fuel 1/4 is drastically bigger when it is barely longer and the head can still get in tight places. When you hold them side by side the only thing you notice is the weight.

I've seen the similar size comparison also between the two models. And although there is a larger difference in the 3/8" versions, personally if I was to purchase 1/4" drive unit it probably be the FUEL now with that one.

Thanks for pointing out the weight difference Something not often mentioned before that I can really recall

 

[Yarpo]

I've used mine a ton at my new job and am going to add the 1/4" fuel to compliment my 3/8th non fuel, I cant imagine being an auto mechanic without one. Maybe my hands and wrists wont be destroyed now!

That said, every time I crank on mine I feel like I'm destroying the thing as the battery and body of the ratchet just don't seem beefy enough to break free medium sized fasteners (13-15mm) with...but its held up.

Id absolutely recommend them, and as others stated the warranty is damn good. Just buy two if its a concern, as Id hate to work without one while its being warrantied.

 

[Lucky13driver]

The M12 ratchet is on my to buy list. I have some nice air ratchets but every once in a while the hose can cause me some difficulties.

 

[kctyphoon]

Thanks for the answers, guys! I now realize that my price range is actually the NON Fuel version.... $100-$200, my bad!
My SO dealer is normally around $400 for their 14v kit.
I like the idea of smaller, too. 1/4" is probably better. Not really busting nuts under there, I just hate turning small fasteners with ratchets on my head.... so torque isn't so much my need.
kc, I am avoiding REPLACING my DW stuff.... just maybe adding on (but I see what ya did there, and I can appreciate it!)
I probably ought to try out one of the cheaper under-$100 options out there and see if i really get the use/benefit I hope for, then go for a better unit/platform if so.

Dont bother with a cheaper unit.. seriously.. if you go with the brushed m12, youre talking a minimal difference in price when its all said and done, and youre then giving up the benefits of ALREADY having a battery/charger you can (you will) expand on later. That would be wasting money. This is your first “investment” into a platform - and a platform with the most 12v choices at that, and also the best 12v choices too. That point is not even debatable. There is a reason MIlwaukee has a huge following in here - and its not just “brand loyalty”.

Also - if nobody mentioned it, Milwaukee does not make a rubber boot for the brushed m12 ratchets - but Snap On has one that fits on there perfectly, and its really cheap too. I have it on mine.. someone will be along shortly to post that part number if you want it..

 

[kctyphoon]

I'm not a Milwaukee fan boy:
Their M12 right angle drill is meh..
Their M12 multi tool is total rubbish, but
Their M12 ratchet is fantastic

To be fair - you have some of the more underwhelming tools in that lineup. Ones that would compare to any other 12v out there.. the Milwaukee thing is a double edged sword - cause they offer a lot of “impressive” 12v tools, and some are just “12v tools”.. sometimes people expect too much from a 12v, sometimes they get more then they thought they would..

Case in point - i have an older craftsman 12v multi tool - that i would NOT replace with an m12 Milwaukee for the reason being they will basically be the same tool.. compare an older craftsman 12v impact driver to a new m12 fuel - it’ll be a big difference. The new m12 stubby 3/8 impacts offer more torque that the first m18 fuel 3/8 impact.. let that sink in a for minute..

 

[kctyphoon]

That thread is 2 years old. Milwaukee has since released 2 more ratchets with significantly more power. Lithium technology has come a long way in 2 years. I am pretty sure that Snap-On is no longer holding the 1st place trophy the OP gave it.


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The m12 batteries will be the same regardless of when they came out. Lithium has nothing to do with it. The only benefit is larger capacity packs being available, but a 2.0 / 4.0 pack will be the same today as it was 2 yrs ago.

The only thing to change m12 wise, was the launch of the compact 3.0 (same size as the 1.5 or 2.0) and the launch of the 6.0 (same size as the original XC 3.0 / and 4.0 pack)

The newer ratchets are a completely different tool, not just an upgraded output.

 

[trs71]

It's a nice ratchet, I've got lots of Milwaukee but it's still kind of big for engine work.

I still use my SKIL 2372-01 1/4 ratchet- way more often, since you still have to break bolts free manually. IDK how it still works 10+ years old. Best cordless tool I've owned (Most used).

 

[kctyphoon]

What’s sad - is this isn’t even all of it.. thats an old pic. if you do a lot of dash work, theres an m12 soldering iron you might like.. a cordless soldering iron.. the m12 tire inflator in nice too. Underhood light, grease gun, lights - NOT “a light”, i mean “lightS”.... then theres the m12 heated jackets or hoodies. But if you want Milwaukee sunglasses youre fucked..

I think if i was a mechanic that worked under cars while on a lift, I wouldn’t go a day without the m12 rocket light.