PearlWhiteGT
Well-known member
Looking to get my first cordless M12 Ratchet soon for general DIY automotive stuff at home. Do you guys recommend the Fuel or Non Fuel version?
M12 Ratchet Fuel vs Non Fuel
- Thread starter PearlWhiteGT
- Start date
Bretny
Well-known member
Fuel. They have no brushes to replace.
DFB
Well-known member
Handle them both...see what you like best for weight an size
In general "break away power" is a pretty moot point...
even a FUEL won't set your pants on fire there!
Weight is a factor. As is cost in general.
Fuel 3/8" is larger, heavier than its brushed counterpart but built much stronger
I have them both...I like them both
In general "break away power" is a pretty moot point...
even a FUEL won't set your pants on fire there!
Weight is a factor. As is cost in general.
Fuel 3/8" is larger, heavier than its brushed counterpart but built much stronger
I have them both...I like them both
signcrafter
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 9, 2012
- Messages
- 12,455
I have the non fuel one and like it. The fuel ratchet has more torque but when I'm using mine torque really isn't an issue. No matter which one you get you have to break the bolt free by hand first and then spin off with ratchet power. I use the tool and just push with my hand to break bolt loose and then pull trigger, just like you do with an air ratchet. I've never had a bolt that my non fuel ratchet couldn't spin out after breaking it loose first. The non fuel is a good deal smaller also so will get in more places.
I'm a fuel guy usually and have a ton of fuel drills, impacts, and other stuff. I got my non fuel ratchet for free as part of a deal. I have no intention of getting the fuel version at this time. Also I want to get a 1/4" ratchet and will go with non fuel due to it being smaller and can get into more places.
I'm a fuel guy usually and have a ton of fuel drills, impacts, and other stuff. I got my non fuel ratchet for free as part of a deal. I have no intention of getting the fuel version at this time. Also I want to get a 1/4" ratchet and will go with non fuel due to it being smaller and can get into more places.
This has been asked so many times. Ideal scenario is to have 1 fuel model and 1 non-fuel if you can afford 2.
The non-fuels are smaller, lighter, and run at higher RPMS. They break easier if misused and have less torque.
The regular fuels have more power and battery run time. Are more durable (probably) but run at a noticeably lower speed and the larger size sometimes makes use a little tougher.
The extended reach fuels are if you need a longer extended version.
The non-fuels are smaller, lighter, and run at higher RPMS. They break easier if misused and have less torque.
The regular fuels have more power and battery run time. Are more durable (probably) but run at a noticeably lower speed and the larger size sometimes makes use a little tougher.
The extended reach fuels are if you need a longer extended version.
Handle them both...see what you like best for weight an size
In general "break away power" is a pretty moot point...
even a FUEL won't set your pants on fire there!
Weight is a factor. As is cost in general.
Fuel 3/8" is larger, heavier than its brushed counterpart but built much stronger
I have them both...I like them both
Ratchet or ratchet impact.......two completely different tools. Most are ratchets not impacts.
Ratchet break fastener by hand and spin it out !!!!! Same on spin it in and torque by hand.
“utilizes a powerful 12-volt motor to produce up to 30 ft-lbs of torque and 250 RPM, giving users the power and speed of a pneumatic ratchet without the air hose”
I have brushed and brushless Milwaukee..........some 7-8 years old, never serviced the brushes.
DIY service brushed is fine and you might safe some cash.........but........brushless are also “on sale or bundled specials” this time of year.
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Same here. I've got a bunch of fuel tools, sawzall, grinder, 4 impacts, but I went non fuel for my ratchets. Use them every day without issue, and have never had them let me down. I'll buy a fuel long neck version when prices come down, but the regular size non fuel ratchets kick *** and aren't expensive at all.
DFB
Well-known member
Is good you make that a point (and I for one completely understand how they are designed to operate)
But always seems that some and even here on TGJ purchase a cordless ratchet (basically the Milwaukee brand as it's the most prevalent one) and somehow expect it to be like an impact wrench generally loosening fasteners by trigger squeeze only. Then statements will get posted like saying it *****. Same goes for a lot of the smaller cordless tools like the RA drill or hackzall you know like won't bore with a 4" inch hole saw or limb out a pine tree
exuberant expectations I guess
Hammer1963
Well-known member
Both are good products. The advantage of the non fuel is a smaller head design and has an overall smaller footprint. The Fuel version runs faster and does have considerably more poop to it for tightening fasteners which is quite handy in some applications, but is somewhat larger. I use both but for different applications. Every tool has limitations. Keep that in mind and you will be quite pleased with either choice.
What do you mean by "runs faster"? The fuel versions run at lower RPMs.
M12 Fuel 1/4 Ratchet 2556-20 40 ft-lbs 250 RPM
M12 Fuel 3/8 Ratchet 2557-20 55 ft-lbs 200 RPM
M12 Fuel 1/2 Ratchet 2558-20 60 ft-lbs 175 RPM
M12 1/4 Ratchet 2456-20 30 ft-lbs 250 RPM
M12 3/8 Ratchet 2457-20 35 ft-lbs 250 RPM
M12 Fuel 1/4 Ratchet 2556-20 40 ft-lbs 250 RPM
M12 Fuel 3/8 Ratchet 2557-20 55 ft-lbs 200 RPM
M12 Fuel 1/2 Ratchet 2558-20 60 ft-lbs 175 RPM
M12 1/4 Ratchet 2456-20 30 ft-lbs 250 RPM
M12 3/8 Ratchet 2457-20 35 ft-lbs 250 RPM
p90puma
Well-known member
1/4 get the fuel.
3/8 get the non fuel.
The non fuel are 100$ CAD here in Canada right now.
3/8 get the non fuel.
The non fuel are 100$ CAD here in Canada right now.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Not really an issue. No one is going to run it long enough to need to replace the brushes.
This is potentially a big plus !
OP
PearlWhiteGT
Well-known member
Thanks fellas, I'll be on the look out for a non fuel 3/8 from now till cyber Monday.
p90puma
Well-known member
Sure if it's torqued down like a beast, but for lots of small fasteners you don't.
Coming from a cramped 135i engine bay, all 4 of the ones I have are a godsend when you don't have to break anything away by hand.
Hammer1963
Well-known member
It means I got confused!
Pretty much this^^^
My vote is the opposite lol
3/8 fuel and 1/4 non fuel
You get additional 20lbs torque this way versus both being almost the same power.
3/8 fuel and 1/4 non fuel
You get additional 20lbs torque this way versus both being almost the same power.
But the non fuel 3/8 is much more compact than the 3/8 fuel. 1/4's are the same dimensions. I'm not concerned about 'oomph' power on tool like this.
Its always for me to determine the best 1 or 2 to have since I have all 5 of them LOL. Wish I felt a need for the extended ratchets, surely I will add 1 prolly in the future, just dont really need them. Will have to pay attention to my next big car job if the extra reach will help.
Also the non fuel doesn’t have an e-brake. Not that it matters in any way. My 1/4 fuel ratchet broke twice in one year. Both times was a friend using it. Once the 1/4 head broke off, the second time, the entire ratcheting mechanism separated from the body. One thing I will tell you, if they break, it *****. Even though they repair it for free, getting used to cordless and then having to return to air is the worst punishment in the world.
Finally I will say that not having to break a bolt loose is a huge factor for me. Sure, I can wiggle my way around in those tight spots, but if you don’t have to because the ratchet can, give that thing a pat on the back!
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Finally I will say that not having to break a bolt loose is a huge factor for me. Sure, I can wiggle my way around in those tight spots, but if you don’t have to because the ratchet can, give that thing a pat on the back!
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Professional Tool User
Well-known member
If I could only buy one of them, it would be the fuel ratchet. It's a bit bulkier, but it has the extra power to break stuff loose so you don't have to break it by hand as much.
DFB
Well-known member
Ya with the 1/4" FUEL being approx. the same overall length as the originals, I would also go with the Fuel there if using 1/4" sockets for general wrenching chores was my preference.
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Now just speaking for myself I generally don't use 1/4" much, but the original ratchet in 3/8" has done everything I have needed with 3/8" sockets or adapted up to 1/2" (and even sometimes reduced it down to 1/4" but not often)
And putting the ratchet into application like to get at the fender of my JD with the tire still on to remove the access plate to then remove the banjo bolts for my hydraulic line with barely no room to swing a ratchet...it was a champ
And has handled everything in my home garage just fine, lawn tractor deck removal, replacing a water pump in my SUV, and at work fan bolts and radiator shroud removal on the 40hp JD for that water pump etc. Seriously makes short work of certain stuff. About the only place it didn't fit for me was up in the neck area of my HD to remove the nuts on the long stud that secures the front of my FLH gas tank. That's a PITA to wrench off...try holding the nut on one side and turning a ratchet on the other
Unless ur like a reach around pro
So either model will spin off nuts bolts just fine once they are HAND loosened with the tool.
I did get the stronger built FUEL model for my farm job as the fasteners on most of the equipment I need to maintain are usually rusted, dirty and average 3/8 or better in size, plus I generally use 1/2" sockets. Things like 3pt tillers and mowers, sprayers and water pumps etc.
So with an adapter in mind I choose the 3/8" drive model for a slightly smaller size over the 1/2 version also. The price was a lot less (like $20 plus my buy was a bare tool special with free 2.0 battery thrown in) and the rated torque difference was minimal maybe 5 ft lbs I think
I did purchase the FUEL version for its xtra build strength I figured I could chance breaking the head or body of the original on some of those jobs
it is nice to have though when you're working on rusty things. A lot of times ill break something free by hand and about halfway through the fuel ratchet still doesn't even cut it. gotta break it free again with a hand ratchet or the fuel and it gets to be a pain.
DFB
Well-known member
OP
PearlWhiteGT
Well-known member
Would you guys recommend the 3/8 over the 1/4 for my first one for general automotive stuff?
Lately I have been getting pissed at the stubbies as extensions or sockets are always falling off.
First one and perhaps only one, I would say non-fuel 3/8 for general stuff, maybe Fuel if you need the power. For years before the Fuels came out, 95% of the time it served my needs. I use to use the M12 Fuel 3/8 impact for anything that needed power or manual ratchets.
Wrong tool for the job.........choose wisely:
First one and perhaps only one, I would say non-fuel 3/8 for general stuff, maybe Fuel if you need the power. For years before the Fuels came out, 95% of the time it served my needs. I use to use the M12 Fuel 3/8 impact for anything that needed power or manual ratchets.
p90puma
Well-known member
Yes.
ajchien
Well-known member
Milwaukee is addictive. I wouldnt worry about it. You'll have both soon.
Macneil
Well-known member
I have the non fuel 3/8 and when I was working as an automotive mechanic on a bunch of ford pickups i didn’t go very far without that tool. Did plenty of engine work with it. It’s smaller than the fuel and the difference in torque wasn’t enough for me to justify getting a bigger tool.
It won’t break every nut or bolt loose on its own but I’ll use my hand and the ratchet to break it free then spin it out with it.
Buddy and I were working on a V10 ford putting a new top end on it and we both laughed saying we felt like we worked for Ford on the line when using the m12 ratchet. Once it stopped spinning, it was torqued enough for our liking and onto the next lol.
Great tool and I often said I don’t know how I “mechaniced” without one before.
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It won’t break every nut or bolt loose on its own but I’ll use my hand and the ratchet to break it free then spin it out with it.
Buddy and I were working on a V10 ford putting a new top end on it and we both laughed saying we felt like we worked for Ford on the line when using the m12 ratchet. Once it stopped spinning, it was torqued enough for our liking and onto the next lol.
Great tool and I often said I don’t know how I “mechaniced” without one before.
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Nocturncal
Active member
I'm the same. I've got the 3/8 fuel and the 1/4 non fuel. Love the setup for doing motorcycle work.
For this tool I think 1/4" is the most useful. The body is so short you wont be using it to break loose much more than 12/13mm by hand anyway. 90% of the time its taking out 10mm. 3/8" is overkill for that size and as stated the fuel 3/8 is huge. The 3/8 head is actually identical to the 1/2 anvil version. That's how overbuilt they made it.
My 2457-20 3/8” (non Fuel) was a bit of a disappointment. Not the replacement for my Blue Point air ratchet that I hoped it would be, despite being roughly the same overall size and weight. The head size of the Milwaukee is smaller but that’s not a factor my current uses when the overall body isn’t smaller.
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I finally saw in person what the Fuel version is like and that's probably more like it. I'm less disappointed in my current ratchet but I wish it was 1/4" drive. Not sure if I want to spend what it takes to convert it. I'll just use an adapter for now.
I'm suspicious of the 1/2" drive version of said Fuel ratchet, I don't know if it really has the torque to justify that offering. My 2457-20 (non fuel) doesn't have as much torque as I'd like to see from a 1/4" drive ratchet. The Fuel version is probably fine for a 3/8" ratchet. 1/2" drive just seems like too much to ask. I'm mainly comparing against air driven ratchets that I've used.
I'm suspicious of the 1/2" drive version of said Fuel ratchet, I don't know if it really has the torque to justify that offering. My 2457-20 (non fuel) doesn't have as much torque as I'd like to see from a 1/4" drive ratchet. The Fuel version is probably fine for a 3/8" ratchet. 1/2" drive just seems like too much to ask. I'm mainly comparing against air driven ratchets that I've used.
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I wouldn't really choose the FUEL vs. regular or the 1/2" vs. 3/8" for torque. I chose the FUEL over the regular because it's a beefier design - it's more useful as a ratchet because it is built more robustly then the regular one. I'm not reefing on it, but will see if I can crack a nut manually with it if the power won't do it. But if it's not coming off relatively easily manually, I'll grab a regular ratchet (or a breaker bar) to get to started. I'll also power-tighten it down to where the FUEL stops and manually tighten it a bit with the tool in preparation for a torque wrench, but if something needs to be guten-tight I switch to a traditional too. Net: I'll use it manually for light/medium tasks, but anything requiring real grump starts with a manual tool. I'm no pro, but this fits well into my workflow.
I chose 3/8" because 1/2" is my "impact platform" and I can have my chrome 3/8" and impact 1/2" sets out and not swap sockets from one tool to the other a lot (my pet peeve for some reason). 3/8" offers enough range that seems to cover the uses I have for it - bigger is pretty much all impacts and smaller is usually going to be a roto/swivel head where I can start/finish the fastener like a normal ratchet and pivot to spin it quickly off/on. I don't have any real desire for a power tool there for some reason - I feel like I'm faster with the roto ratchets for what I'm doing with 1/4".
As far as size, I just haven't cursed it yet. I get that it looks so much bigger than the regular, but for me it just hasn't been an issue in use.
afm
Member
I use 1/4" drive for almost all engine bay tasks. I used to prefer my non-Fuel 1/4" ratchet (2456) over the Fuel because it fits a few more places, but the newer Fuel extended-reach 1/4" really is the best for getting at tight spots. The length is rarely a downside since you (generally) don't need to move the handle.
As others have mentioned, 1/4" Fuel is both no bulkier than a 3/8" non-Fuel and more powerful.
As others have mentioned, 1/4" Fuel is both no bulkier than a 3/8" non-Fuel and more powerful.
I get that but I was hoping to replace my air ratchet, and it's not up to the job I use the air ratchet for, i.e. it doesn't deliver similar torque.
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