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M12 cordless ratchet?

Yarpo

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Feb 11, 2017
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Minnesota
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.

I've heard that Milwaukee is the only company to do over 1billion in cordless tool sales per year, and they sell that ALONE in lights. Any truth to this? You of all people would know :D
 
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DFB

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Sep 7, 2016
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I have no experience with the M12 oscillating tool or anyone of them for that matter. In all my years never needed one except for maybe a couple of times and always got by with another approach. But when you own a hammer everything looks like nail.

Not buying the ******** in the M12 right angle drill though sorry to say. It will drill a hole as good or better than any of the M12 brushed tools will in comparsion and offer a capability none of those tools can

Its a 12 v powered tool but it will easily drill a large spade in wood and 3/8"" metal just like its pistol grip compadres. Obviously its not a M18 RA Hole Hawg and its performance specs aren't far off from the brushed M18 RA as are the torque level rating of the M12 right angle impact driver compared to the M18 unit either. And dollar wise is less money for both versions.


And just for the whinings in some other thread recently, I went and timed a few cuts with the little brushed hackzall in a SPF 2x4. Took all of 12 seconds with 6 tpi bimetal blade.

For perspective most often I can barely even a load web page in that length of time. :lol:

Now that some comments have been addressed let's keep this thread focused forward on the M12 ratchets that are the subject matter here Fuel or non fuel
 

DFB

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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.

D006-C5-A6-C5-B6-48-F9-AF72-8-D4-F31903871.png

Really overall the M12 lineup is pretty impressive, even if everything doesn't carry the FUEL designation
 

Bagherra

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Virginia Beach, VA
Just so I'm in the right mindset....the FUEL version is the one to get?? I'm planning to get the 3/8" first then add the 1/4"...but from what I hear the 1/4" FUEL and non-FUEL are just about the same?
 

DFB

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Just so I'm in the right mindset....the FUEL version is the one to get?? I'm planning to get the 3/8" first then add the 1/4"...but from what I hear the 1/4" FUEL and non-FUEL are just about the same?

The 1/4" FUEL is rated up to 40 ft. lbs. or 10bs more than the 1/4" non Fuel and 5 ft. lbs. over the 3/8" non Fuel @35ftlbs and the overall size/length is similar but the weight is different

FUEL 3/8" is rated up to 55 ft. lbs. and is progressively larger than it predecessor

These photos have been passed around a few times now for size comparisons... left to right 1/4 brushed, 3/8 brushed, 1/4" FUEL, 3/8" FUEL 1/2" FUEL/
 

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Voi

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Sorry I don’t know how to post links but I see this set on HD now for $218.

Here's the link:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-Charger-2457-20-2553-20-48-59-2420/306643227

And here's another kit with both tools being Fuel:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-Charger-2557-20-2553-20-48-59-2420/306643993

And another similar kit with both being Fuel and the ratchet being 1/2".

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-Charger-2558-20-2553-20-48-59-2420/306644227
 

Bagherra

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The 1/4" FUEL is rated up to 40 ft. lbs. or 10bs more than the 1/4" non Fuel and 5 ft. lbs. over the 3/8" non Fuel @35ftlbs and the overall size/length is similar but the weight is different

FUEL 3/8" is rated up to 55 ft. lbs. and is progressively larger than it predecessor

These photos have been passed around a few times now for size comparisons... left to right 1/4 brushed, 3/8 brushed, 1/4" FUEL, 3/8" FUEL 1/2" FUEL/

Thank you!!
 

Formula

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Oct 17, 2014
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I have the non fuel m12 1/4" and love it. It's going strong almost 5 years now. For 1/4" it's perfect. I feel the snap on 1/4 version is a little too strong, especially for small fasteners.
 

Strouty

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Mar 21, 2010
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Southern Maine
I was looking at these in home depot the other day, I saw the pictures and what people were saying about the 1/4" not being much bigger in the fuel version, but man, the fuel versions look like what happens when someone makes a knockoff of a good tool, they make it bigger because it is too expensive for them to make it smaller and still hold up to the power. I am interested in them, but I am not buying one until they make a fuel version with a regular style and size head. Just to clarify, I am a Milwaukee fan across the M12 and M18 lineup.
 
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PartsGuy

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OK, so here's my update..... I fondled some stuff at Home Depot, liked the compact size (and prices) of the non-Fuel version, and a week or so later, I found a refurb 3/8" kit online.
Since i saved a bunch on the refurb, I also picked up an extra pair of knockoff batteries, and a 1/4" anvil kit, all for what HD wanted for the 1/4" drive kit.

Today I was glad I jumped in, because my wall furnace blower motor needed a little refurb of its own.... and that M12 made short work of those buried screws inside the housing. No chance in hell my Dewalt pistol grip drivers would have fit in those recesses!
Thanks to all who commented and made suggestions, it was very helpful to me!
 
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DFB

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3 different times I had too get to the banjo fittings for the loader hydraulic lines on my John Deere's Selective Control Valve (SCV) there is an access plate to remove on the rear fender first and it's behind the rear wheel. I can barely reach my arm in there between the tire and fender never mind working a ratchet back and forth to undo all the fasteners. The Milwaukee shined, one tug to crack the bolt loose and spin them right out. Same getting it back together, finger start then good to go! :D
 

nbpt100

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Oct 19, 2016
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OK, so here's my update..... I fondled some stuff at Home Depot, liked the compact size (and prices) of the non-Fuel version, and a week or so later, I found a refurb 3/8" kit online.
Since i saved a bunch on the refurb, I also picked up an extra pair of knockoff batteries, and a 1/4" anvil kit, all for what HD wanted for the 1/4" drive kit.
!
Nice find!
Let us know how those knock off batteries work out.

When you say a "1/4" anvil kit" do you mean a 3/8 drive to 1/4 drive adapter or a replacement Milwaukee Anvil that is a 1/4" drive? thanks
 

JVB

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Feb 27, 2014
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N.W. PA
Nice find!
Let us know how those knock off batteries work out.

When you say a "1/4" anvil kit" do you mean a 3/8 drive to 1/4 drive adapter or a replacement Milwaukee Anvil that is a 1/4" drive? thanks

The knockoff batteries are hit or miss. It will run my fuel hammer drill but not my small fuel impact driver . Luckily I just bought it to keep in my Bluetooth speaker and it works well in that. Seems to hold a charge just as well as all the other batteries.
 
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Millwrong

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Feb 4, 2018
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Canada
I have a 3/8 non-fuel M12 ratchet, and I absolutely love it. Zero regrets purchasing that tool.



I also have one knock-off battery, and it works great, except for that about 1/2 of the times I shove it in the tool, it won't latch correctly. But as far as charge goes, It's no worse than an actual M12 battery.
 
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PartsGuy

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Oct 18, 2018
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nbpt, the "head" of the ratchet is the same between the 1/4 and 3/8, and can be interchanged. I grabbed a 1/4" anvil service kit (Milwaukee p/n 42-06-1005) to convert the ratchet over. I haven't swapped them yet, but its on my to-do list.

Showkey, I generally don't leave batteries unattended, OE or aftermarket. I charge them while I'm in the shop working, and turn off the power strip in my box before I head back into the house.
 

shockwave

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Oct 23, 2012
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Marietta,ga
For a light duty use I would recommend the non fuel 1/4 ratchet will be your best bet for size and you will not need a lot of power for these

I personally use the snap on newer 1/4 ratchet the speed in power are unmatched but keep in mind I use this for a living where the difference in price has paid for itself but for side jobs the m12 will be your best bet just my opinion on this topic
 

GSMotorrad

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Mar 8, 2012
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420
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.

I just ordered the fuel ratchets in both 1/4 and 3/8 and added a third "bare tool", (a 1/4 stubby impact, already have the 1/2 stubby) for 20% off the whole deal at CPOmilwaukee.

BUY 2 BARE TOOLS, GET 10% OFF
BUY 3 BARE TOOLS, GET 20% OFF


Been wanting to try powered ratchets, but also love taking my sweet time with hand tools, and using impacts when there's enough clearance. I think they might end up being my new favorite thing. Can't wait to get them.

Got a bunch of new sockets to go with my new drive tools too :thumbup:
 

kblee27

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Aug 27, 2015
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Location
Singapore
I have a M12 non-fuel 1/4" ratchet that I used all the time.
Torque is not much of a problem, when you can just locked the mechanism and use the length as a lever.

The bigger 3/8" don't get much use.
 

JVB

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Feb 27, 2014
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N.W. PA
I just ordered the fuel ratchets in both 1/4 and 3/8 and added a third "bare tool", (a 1/4 stubby impact, already have the 1/2 stubby) for 20% off the whole deal at CPOmilwaukee.

BUY 2 BARE TOOLS, GET 10% OFF
BUY 3 BARE TOOLS, GET 20% OFF


Been wanting to try powered ratchets, but also love taking my sweet time with hand tools, and using impacts when there's enough clearance. I think they might end up being my new favorite thing. Can't wait to get them.

Got a bunch of new sockets to go with my new drive tools too :thumbup:

Good deal on them. Trying to hold myself off as I really only need 1 tool but a deal is a deal, right? :shocking:
 

GSMotorrad

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Mar 8, 2012
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I probably didn't need three tools either, but adding that third tool doubled the savings from only buying two bare tools. I basically got free rubber boots for all three drive tools, it covered all the sales tax, and then some change on top of that.

I always end up close to $500 everytime I order anything Milwaukee, but I'm a loyal fan.
 

gtsgarage

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Oct 31, 2017
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482
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California
I just ordered the fuel ratchets in both 1/4 and 3/8 and added a third "bare tool", (a 1/4 stubby impact, already have the 1/2 stubby) for 20% off the whole deal at CPOmilwaukee.



BUY 2 BARE TOOLS, GET 10% OFF

BUY 3 BARE TOOLS, GET 20% OFF




Been wanting to try powered ratchets, but also love taking my sweet time with hand tools, and using impacts when there's enough clearance. I think they might end up being my new favorite thing. Can't wait to get them.



Got a bunch of new sockets to go with my new drive tools too :thumbup:



If the non fuel tools were included I’d be placing an order but I have most of the fuel tools already. I want the cutoff wheel, the polisher sander and the m12 rocket light.
 

lbhsbz

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Jan 13, 2010
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Long Beach CA
I picked up the PowerTorque 3/8" ratchet at Oreilly...I'm just a home gamer at this point...no professional wrenching for me anymore. It was $60 or so, and works great. Might be an option if you're not using them all the time.
 

f121

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Dec 8, 2018
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It's always worth the extra cost, because brushless is awesome. It's like instead of a 4 AH battery, you're getting the power of an 8 AH battery, for free, without any weight penalty. Yes, the heads are larger on the ratchets, but I don't care and I won't wait for new revisions with smaller heads in the near future, sure to come - because I want/need them now.

That would be the case if the tools were identical, however the m12 fuel ratchet is a lot bigger than the non-fuel. In general I will always buy brushless if I have the option, but after handling both, I bought the non-fuel.

I’m not convinced the brushes wearing out is really an issue, I’ve never had the brushes go in a cordless tool before the batteries gave out! Plus with brushless you have much more expensive switches and controllers.
 

ngk22r

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May 28, 2010
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AZ
That would be the case if the tools were identical, however the m12 fuel ratchet is a lot bigger than the non-fuel. In general I will always buy brushless if I have the option, but after handling both, I bought the non-fuel.

I’m not convinced the brushes wearing out is really an issue, I’ve never had the brushes go in a cordless tool before the batteries gave out! Plus with brushless you have much more expensive switches and controllers.

The 1/4 models are very close in size, no where near being “a lot bigger.”

The brushless model is a hell of a lot more powerfull.
 

gregpack

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Feb 1, 2015
Messages
245
I love my non fuel M12 ratchet. I work in tight spaces and I'd take it over an impact any day. If a bolt is tight all it takes is a turn or two by hand and it zips off.
 

paperchasin

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Feb 6, 2019
Messages
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SoCal
I picked up a Fuel 1/2" ratchet over the holidays and that thing is a beast. I chose the 1/2" over the 3/8's because I figured they were similar in size and I could simply step down the 1/2" to a 3/8" if needed. Why in the world are those protective boots so expensive?? For the price of the Fuel ratchet these things should've been included!
 

dacan23

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Apr 15, 2014
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RI
Yeah its too bad they dont come with the boot, but $20 isnt bad in my eyes.

There are sellers on ebay who sell them in multi piece which can be a good deal when theres an ebay coupon. I got a 3 pack of the M12 fuel stubby boots that way for less than $50.

I picked up a Fuel 1/2" ratchet over the holidays and that thing is a beast. I chose the 1/2" over the 3/8's because I figured they were similar in size and I could simply step down the 1/2" to a 3/8" if needed. Why in the world are those protective boots so expensive?? For the price of the Fuel ratchet these things should've been included!
 
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