Milwaukee brushed 3/8ths ratchet- Worth it?

[Banjorear]

I tried searching, but didn't find anything. Admittedly, I could be searching incorrectly.

I have numerous Milwaukee M12 & 18 tools. but I don't have a ratchet yet. Is this one decent or should I hold out for the Fuel version?

M12 12V Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8 in. Ratchet with 1.5 Ah Battery Pack (2-Pack)

 

[subroc]

I have one. It works fine. I am not that hard on it. If it is worth that price, only you can evaluate that. Seems pricey. It wasn't that long ago, that a 2 piece kit including that ratchet and a drill or impact and a couple batteries was less than $100.

I have the brushed screwdriver. I like it a lot. More than my brushless dewalt.

I have lots of brushed tools and like them. Not a brushless snob.

 

[Banjorear]

Thank you. I'm not a strictly brushless guy either. I also have the screwdriver and use it often. I'm going to pass. I agree, it's not a smoking deal and have gone without a ratchet for some time now. I'll wait until a better deal rolls around.

 

[CJM8515]

i have both the 3/8 and 1/4 non fuel and like them very much. they are the older ones that arent high speed or fuel or anything. no issues for me, but i mostly use them for small engine repair motorcycle work

 

[Stelzer]

Non-fuel version is fine as long as you use it within its limitations, but for the price in that link, I don't think there's a tremendous value to be had. I'd rather spend $30 more for the fuel version with only 1 battery & charger vs. non-fuel for $30 less and two of the 1.5 AH batteries. If you already have the Milwaukee battery platform, the Fuel is around $150 bare tool.

 

[mike93lx]

I have the brushed 3/8 and like it a lot. Not winning awards for speed or power, but its faster than a regular ratchet and isn't made for breaking things loose

 

[dnschmidt]

I have all of the Milwaukee ratchets, except for the insider, and I can't tell the difference between any of them. The extended reach FUEL is nice as it can get into places the normal length can't but other than that they all seem to be the same power. You're going to need to break the bolts free by hand and tighten them to final torque by hand basically they are all nutrunners.

 

[subarub4]

That was my first Milwaukee tool it was good I used it sometimes to wrench off to break to loosen, I've always wanted to try the fuel version but I don't use the ratchet enough to justify the cost.

 

[MattV]

That version comes up for sale for $80 canadian for a bare tool all the time. At that price, I'm happy enough with mine in limited use.

 

[ecotec]

That was my first Milwaukee tool it was good I used it sometimes to wrench off to break to loosen, I've always wanted to try the fuel version but I don't use the ratchet enough to justify the cost.

I get that. I usually use the 1/4” m12 ratchets (brushed first gen and brushless extended length). I have the first gen 3/8”, but it still looks new.

I don’t foresee upgrading either of the ones that I have any time soon. I think that they do a pretty good job for what they are. They are terrific for interior work and covers with lots of screws.

 

[Rinspeed]

Thank you. I'm not a strictly brushless guy either.

You shouldn't be, unless you are using them six hours a day the M12 or M18 brushed tools hold up just fine and when they die the brush cards are like $12-14 whole dollars. I own multiple brushed, brushless and Fuel M18 tools and they are all good tools for the money.

 

[rust in the eye]

Pretty sure this is the same one I have. I don't remember it being that expensive, I'd shop around.
It's fine for running down bolts. Breaking things loose with it, by hand of course, it feels as if the case is going to break so I always "choke up" on it. It will run down a bolt reasonably quick and with decent torque.
If I'm doing something with a bunch of same size screws, oil pans, etc. I'll use it, otherwise not much.