Milwaukee Cordless Ratchet

[HaroRider]

I am thinking about buying one of these - 3/8" version. I dont have any M12 batteries only M18.

My question is would it be better to get the XC batteries or just get the basic smaller battery.

I am not taking price into accountability to make my decision. I am taking into account access. Will the XC battery hinder the tools acess too much?

What are your opinions?

 

[Buckgnarly]

I would go with the smaller for sure....the bigger ones will make no difference in power of life span IMO.

 

[Fcvapor05]

People rave about these, but in my opinion, skip it. I have one and after a few weeks of experimentation it got put in the drawer and hasn't moved since.

Breaking a fastener loose and then changing tools again isn't worth it to me.

 

[dnschmidt]

Love mine. I use the standard sized battery since the XC batteries, which I use on everything else that's M12, make the tool bigger and smaller is better in this application. I don't understand the comment about breaking a fastener loose with one tool and then using this to speed it out. This tool is a ratchet, you can use it by hand just as you do any ratchet to break the bolt loose. The tool appears to draw very little current, one of the reasons it's not that powerful and not good for breaking bolts free, so the regular battery last a very long time. No advantage to using the XC battery in this case.

 

[WWheeler]

The M12 3/8" is easily my most used ratchet ever since I got it. I now have a 1/4" too but don't use it near as often. I bring the cordless ratchet out every day on every job and use it every place it will fit, which is almost everywhere with swivel sockets and wobble extensions, etc. Easily the biggest time-saver tool purchase I ever made.

I've not taken it easy on them either. I routinely break loose nuts/bolts with it by hand (unless they are obviously rusted over or large fasteners > ~5/8 or ~15mm) then pull the trigger to spin it off, and likewise I spin it tight and torque it up by hand using the cordless ratchet as well.

They are plenty strong enough to break just about anything free and tighten up by hand that you wouldn't think twice to do with a regular 1/4" ratchet. Maybe they are even stronger than that. I dunno, I haven't broke one yet to test it's limits. Common sense gets me to use a breaker or bigger ratchet when it looks like I should to break something loose, but that's not that often. For almost every thing I just use the cordless ratchet on and off.

I just use the batteries that came with them.

My biggest regret about the M12 cordless ratchet is that I waited so long to get one.

 

[CSRPenFab]

People rave about these, but in my opinion, skip it. I have one and after a few weeks of experimentation it got put in the drawer and hasn't moved since.

Breaking a fastener loose and then changing tools again isn't worth it to me.

????, You're doing it wrong! I use my M12 ratchet all the time to break a bolt loose and then hit the paddle to spin it off. Read the manual!

 

[Sugarfryz]

I have one 4.0 battery and one 2.0 battery, the 4.0 in my case is overkill. I use it everyday and the 2.0 will last me all week. The 4.0 is probably running over 2 weeks at this point and it's bigger.

 

[Hammer1963]

I've used mine for several years with no issues and generally use the 2.0 amp but have used the XC battery when needed. If I am not mistaken there is a new 3.0 amp compact battery, Sounds like the way to go to me.

 

[Dan_s_young]

I love this ratchet, it makes me wonder why it took so long to buy one. I would also recommend a compact battery due to the sizing. I try to not use it to break free too many fasteners (I've broken far too many air ratchets doing this), but from what I've seen the heads are only around $20 bucks, you could keep a spare on hand. Also there is a snap on ratchet head cover that fits this tool perfectly : http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=347073

 

[vettex2]

I have the 1/4" and the 3/8ths drive.
I love them

 

[Bremon]

Compact battery over XC without a doubt.

 

[samss]

This ratchet is great for tight spots. That's what I bought it for and now I grab it before any other ratchet most of the time. +1 for the compact battery.

 

[dalehsc]

I have the 1/4dr ,use it constantly,especially working around dash/instrument panel/HVAC /doors. I have the same regret as WWheeler

 

[F150tech]

I have both 1/4 & 3/8 I use the 2 amp batteries in both, the 4 amp makes them less compact, and in my use of them the extra run time doesn't justify the increased size. Both of mine are used daily and I usually recharge or swap out batteries once a week

 

[XxToolAholicxX]

I still don't know what M12 M18 and fuel 18 difference is.. But I heard they are damn good tools even though they are TaiChi made tools..

 

[kctyphoon]

M12 = brushed 12 volt
M12 Fuel = brushless 12 volt
M18 = brushed 18 volt
M18 Brushless = brushless 18volt, same torque rating as brushed
M18 Fuel = brushless 18v, top tier, highest torque ratings.

M18 brushless and M18 fuel do not use the same motors. The fuel uses their powerstate motors...,

 

[DFB]

Mostly a pair of 1.5 ah compacts should be quite sufficient and 2 .0's or the new 3.0 compacts all the better

Geez I couldn't see very many needing an L shaped XC unless you were far away from power for charging with some kind of site work construction job or maybe for manufacturing production assembly. . Maybe if I was assembling a big greenhouse frame might consider using an XC just because I have a few and the ratchet would probably still fit in my tool pouch just fine.

These cordless ratchets would have been so great back when I was doing power transformers/switch racks assembly. and under bonus pay incentive. All we had for many years was just hand tools, socket ratchets, speedwrenches, Yankee drivers and finally got some air with straight inline nut drivers but we had poly coil lines what pain they were if you let go of your tool when they got stretched out!

 

[jerseykat1]

The M12 3/8" is easily my most used ratchet ever since I got it. I now have a 1/4" too but don't use it near as often. I bring the cordless ratchet out every day on every job and use it every place it will fit, which is almost everywhere with swivel sockets and wobble extensions, etc. Easily the biggest time-saver tool purchase I ever made.

I've not taken it easy on them either. I routinely break loose nuts/bolts with it by hand (unless they are obviously rusted over or large fasteners > ~5/8 or ~15mm) then pull the trigger to spin it off, and likewise I spin it tight and torque it up by hand using the cordless ratchet as well.

They are plenty strong enough to break just about anything free and tighten up by hand that you wouldn't think twice to do with a regular 1/4" ratchet. Maybe they are even stronger than that. I dunno, I haven't broke one yet to test it's limits. Common sense gets me to use a breaker or bigger ratchet when it looks like I should to break something loose, but that's not that often. For almost every thing I just use the cordless ratchet on and off.

I just use the batteries that came with them.

My biggest regret about the M12 cordless ratchet is that I waited so long to get one.

My sentiments exactly.. This ratchet is a HUGE time saver, knuckle saver, frustration buster, get it done tool. If it breaks every year I'll buy another every year unless something smaller and better comes along. It's size is its biggest advantage.

It's one of my 3 favorite tools.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[dlwilson]

I saw several recommendations on several different forums last week, so I bought one off Amazon. It got here today. I already love it. I'm a Ryobi guy, but I just happen to have a M12 driver I got at a yard sale. I replaced the battery on driver and keep it in the garage, but don't use it often. So I already have a battery and charger.

I was doing a transmission pan last week, and all I could think of was how I'd really like to have something to spin those bolts on and off.

 

[Ktmrider83]

To get a bit more torque squeeze the trigger before you put the socket on the bolt, than quickly put it on the bolt. It gives it that little bit extra which is sometimes needed. If not manually break it.. this tool is awesome.

 

[Fcvapor05]

Guess I'm in the minority.

I don't ever use the normal ratchets I have that are similar in length to this guy.. They're just too short. Oh well, I'm a weirdo.

When I have an oil pan or whatever part with lots of bolts to tear down, I use this for quick bolt removal:

and for me it's faster and breaking bolts loose is no problem. To each their own.

 

[hotspaws]

It is so useful especially for header nuts

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[DFB]

I saw several recommendations on several different forums last week, so I bought one off Amazon. It got here today. I already love it. I'm a Ryobi guy, but I just happen to have a M12 driver I got at a yard sale. I replaced the battery on driver and keep it in the garage, but don't use it often. So I already have a battery and charger.

I was doing a transmission pan last week, and all I could think of was how I'd really like to have something to spin those bolts on and off.

That original 2401 hex driver was one of my very first Milwaukee M12 tools along with the 2411 hammer drill...

And then the radio

But the 3/8 ratchet wasn't long after that either!

 

[jerseykat1]

I use my Milwaukee ratchet for everything that I can't fit an impact wrench on. I don't turn any nut or bolt by hand if I can fit my Milwaukee in there and it fits into a lot of tight spots. My wrists are much better off thanks to Milwaukee.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I don't own the milwaukee, but have used one. I've also used the snap on as well as the one i own, the 12v ingersoll rand 1/4. The milwaukee and snap on have basically the same form factor, can't say one is better than the other. In terms of performance they're both about the same. Speaking on cordless ratchets as a whole, i love them. I have the larger 20v 3/8 IR which i use for spark plugs, suspension, brakes, etc. The 1/4 i use for bolts smaller than 15mm. IR told me that if you double what the tool puts out, that's a safe, on the lower side number for the manual torque you can put on the tool. I'd say the 70-80 ft lb range on a 1/4 drive is plenty for me, but i haven't pushed it that far. To the person who said that they use a manual ratchet to break the fastener free and then use the cordless, so now they don't use it, what?!!

 

[icu2tsx]

I use my Milwaukee ratchet for everything that I can't fit an impact wrench on. I don't turn any nut or bolt by hand if I can fit my Milwaukee in there and it fits into a lot of tight spots. My wrists are much better off thanks to Milwaukee.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Bought an Armstrong 3/8 drive maxx 88 tooth ratchet because of the hype of the smooth action and low swing arc. I was assembling my table saw stand. As smooth as the Armstrong is after one screw/bolt...I tossed it back in the tool pile and busted out this ratchet. Zap zap project was done. Talk about time saver.

 

[TK-421]

Go with the small 3.0 batteries over the bigger batteries. I think the smaller batteries are perfect for it, and the bigger ones would make it a bit too cumbersome.

 

[jerseykat1]

Bought an Armstrong 3/8 drive maxx 88 tooth ratchet because of the hype of the smooth action and low swing arc. I was assembling my table saw stand. As smooth as the Armstrong is after one screw/bolt...I tossed it back in the tool pile and busted out this ratchet. Zap zap project was done. Talk about time saver.

Nuff said... If it fits, I use it.. Lol

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[trackwelder]

I have a ton of Milwaukee stuff but the ratchet didn't hold up well for me. Milwaukee was great with the warranty and very easy to deal with. In the end I gave it away and bought the Snap On ratchet. It is bigger but it's a much better tool in my opinion.

 

[cool_as_crap]

I just used mine for the first time today, I loved it! I saved a lot of time.
I used it for about 2 hours ta king off accessories from a 454 and only used half of a battery. (Original 1 mah)

 

[tonyciambrone]

I have the 3/8 but I feel like I would rather the 1/4. Doesn't have a ton of torque so driving and breaking 17mm stuff never really happens anyways. it's a good tool, wish the direction lever was on the body of the tool instead of the head.

 

[kctyphoon]

I have the ratchet.. it's a nice toy for me at home. If I were a pro mechanic I'd prob still have the m12, and maybe the IR version too.. really like how heavy duty the IR stuff looks, but the m12 gets rave reviews on here.. hard NOT to get one with all the other great m12 stuff..

 

[gearhead1]

????, You're doing it wrong! I use my M12 ratchet all the time to break a bolt loose and then hit the paddle to spin it off. Read the manual!

What does the manual say exactly?

Soooooo, based on the reviews on GJ, I considered getting one. Being the nerd I am I thought I'd ask the manufacturer if this was ok. According to the manufacturer, this is not ok.

My question:
If the M12 cordless ratchet does not have enough torque to break a fastener loose, does it damage the tool if you use it as a regular non-powered ratchet to break the fastener loose, then squeeze the trigger the paddle switch?

Said in another way, assume you have a fastener at 45ft lbs. Can you break it loose with the ratchet as a regular ratchet first, then use it as a powered ratchet without damaging or limiting the life of the tool?

 

[gearhead1]

Milwaukee response:

Thank you for your email. The ratchets that we offer are not meant to be used as a hand tool to loosen nuts before using the ratcheting mechanism. This can damage the anvil part of the ratchet and that would not be covered under warranty if the anvil breaks.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to assist you,

Dan Cronce – Customer Experience Technical Support Advisor
Milwaukee Tool

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Wow. Well, glad IR not only recommends it and gives a Very fair guideline, but also warranties it. I retract my statement about using it as a manual ratchet, apparently not.

 

[kctyphoon]

Just about everyone uses the m12 to break nuts free.. in the case of it not being covered - I believe someone had posted replacement heads and they were only like $30 or so.. (don't hold me to that price). Some pros use the m12 like this daily, with no bad experiences, some do wind up damaging the heads.. this should be done with some "common sense" in mind I would guess.. if you feel like you're REALLY putting some weight on a stubborn bolt, maybe swap out to wrench just to break it loose, or a regular ratchet..

If pros are using it daily and your personal use won't be anywhere near that, I'd think you be ok so long as you exercised a little restraint on how hard you push it.. it's not a breaker bar, some standard ratchet manufacturers might advise the same thing for their own products (you wouldn't do that with a ratcheting wrench either). For some people I'm sure the time and effort it saves might be worth the chance of having to eat one down the road considering it's only $100 for a bare tool, and the service parts aren't very expensive for the anvil. I wouldn't let that email deter you..

Edit - here's a replacement anvil "service kit" for $32
http://www.ereplacementparts.com/anvil-service-kit-p-944824.html?osCsid=uu66eh676eagks05k237qeadb7

Another for $25
http://www.greatlakespowertools.com...3-8-in-Anvil-Service-Kit-for-p/42-06-1030.htm

Here's a 3 pack of the 1/4" anvils for $45..
http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=182363325865

 

[paradoxical3]

I have the M12 ratchet and it was extremely useful while doing this tonight. There were countless nuts and bolts that my M12 fuel impact could not reach that the ratchet made quick work of. It probably saved me an hour in hand-turning wrenches. Is it absolutely mandatory? No. But is it incredibly useful? Absolutely.

 

[gearhead1]

Paradoxical, thanks for posting. I agree, since so many aren't having problems, as long as you use some common sense, it should be fine. I'm not going to use it to break lug nuts or head bolts loose.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Paradoxical, thanks for posting. I agree, since so many aren't having problems, as long as you use some common sense, it should be fine. I'm not going to use it to break lug nuts or head bolts loose.

I'm sure to a level it's just a canned response for CS, since they expect some folks will probably put a 2"ID cheater pipe over their ratchet and expect warranty for whatever 'pops' first.

I use mine as a ratchet to break stuff loose daily, with no issues yet. If it's too stubborn, out comes the flex ratchet, and then spin it off.

 

[WWheeler]

Regardless of what the manual says or what Milwauykee customer support recommends, what I wrote previously on this thread regarding the M12 cordless ratchets stands:

[...] I've not taken it easy on them either. I routinely break loose nuts/bolts with it by hand (unless they are obviously rusted over or large fasteners > ~5/8 or ~15mm) then pull the trigger to spin it off, and likewise I spin it tight and torque it up by hand using the cordless ratchet as well.

They are plenty strong enough to break just about anything free and tighten up by hand that you wouldn't think twice to do with a regular 1/4" ratchet. Maybe they are even stronger than that. I dunno, I haven't broke one yet to test it's limits. Common sense gets me to use a breaker or bigger ratchet when it looks like I should to break something loose, but that's not that often. For almost every thing I just use the cordless ratchet on and off. [...]

I know this because my coworkers and I have used my M12 cordless ratchet this way on thousands upon thousands of fasteners, at work, all day, every day, for a couple years now. I've not yet seen one break or need an anvil replaced / repaired. If & when it comes to that this tool will have proved its value many many many times over.

It really only takes a modicum of common sense to have a feel for what you can and can't do manually breaking free and tightening with this tool.