Milwaukee M12 Ratchet or Impact Driver

[Chevy350]

I currently don't own any Milwaukee stuff and have been looking at the M12 Right angle Die Grinder and Ratchet or Impact Driver for mainly auto work then general around the house stuff (not so much on the ratchet, if I go that route).

Would there be any advantage to the ratchet over the impact driver other than getting into narrower areas? Im assuming the impact driver could easily fasten/unfasten nuts/bolts?

On a separate note there seems to be a few M12 impact drivers to choose from any input on these? Milwaukee like Dewalt doesn't seem to do a good job with comparisons...(and if they do I missed it on their site).

 

[WileyBob]

I've got a Milwaukee M12 ratchet (model 2560-20), a 1/4" hex drive impact (model 2656-20), and a 1/2" medium torque impact with 1/2" anvil (model 2861-20). One of my good friends has the M12 stubby impact in 3/8" anvil (model 2554-20) and we also have a low torque 3/8" anvil impact (model 2755B-20) at work. They all have their purpose, but the most versatile of the whole lot would be the stubby 3/8" impact if I had to pick only one. I personally like the medium torque 1/2" anvil model the best (plenty of torque) but it doesn't fit as many places. Milwaukee is coming out with a 90 degree impact very soon (model 2564-20), you might want to just wait for it. It appears to be the best of all worlds if it performs as advertised (albeit with lower torque than some of the other options).

 

[DFB]

Don't think the RA impact wrench is yet available yet (though coming soon) but the main difference between that and the ratchet is that you can manually turn a fastener with the ratchets, the impacts will just freewheel and spin thru the motor assembly if not under power load. Power rating is supposed to be in 200ftlb range though it's not going to that small of a unit and probably feel even heftier than a current Fuel ratchet

Ratchets Fuel or non fuel...considerable size and weight difference between certain comparative models such as the 3/8" drives. 1/4" drive Fuel about the same size footprint as the old 3/8".

Standard pistol grip impacts new Stubby line of wrenches is a game changer for the M12 series. Small and strong enough to be effective in many places. 3 different anvil choices

The M12 series does have a current RA impact driver but I don't believe that's a tool what your wanting to consider over the ratchet

 

[GTO]

Get the stubby M12 impact...
The ratchet is an over priced spinner.

 

[MJO]

I've got both and I use the m12 ratchet a lot more than the m12 3/8" impact, however I also have a M18 1/2" impact and I use that a lot. The m12 fuel ratchet is quite a bit larger than the non-fuel.

 

[Chevy350]

I should have clarified I'm looking at the 3/8 ratchet or the Pistol grip type hex style impact for versatility (not a dedicated 3/8) and use it with appropriate bit insert to accommodate the socket I need, or a screwdriver bit, etc.

So many toys, so little money...

 

[M635_Guy]

I have the Stubby (1/2") impact and the 3/8" FUEL ratchet, and really love both. I also used the ratchet to put in lags when I installed some shelves for my mom - it was great. I guess my answer is would really be a question - what do you do more? The ratchet is great for a lot of things, but for me it's a "do it faster" thing. The Stubby is more of a "do it better" - popping off nuts and lugs that would be more difficult with regular tools. My answer was both (over a few months) and I'm very happy with them. Both see a fair bit of use as I maintain our four cars. I refreshed the cooling system (water pump, thermostat, fan clutch, radiator, expansion tank, belts, hoses, etc.) on my oldest's car, and the ratchet was great - sped lots of tasks up. Both saw a lot of action doing the brakes on my wife's van.

I'm pretty sure I'd still choose the pistol-grip Stubby over the right-angle impact, and even I can't justify both as a DIY guy.

 

[M635_Guy]

I should have clarified I'm looking at the 3/8 ratchet or the Pistol grip type hex style impact for versatility (not a dedicated 3/8) and use it with appropriate bit insert to accommodate the socket I need, or a screwdriver bit, etc.

So many toys, so little money...

Oops - was multi-tasking while typing up the above, and didn't see this until I hit Submit.

I also have the M12 Surge, and I'm a big fan. I don't think it's super-useful for my car, but I've done all kinds of stuff around my house with it, and when I was replacing some decking for my mom, it was fantastic. It drilled all the holes for the shelves I mentioned in the post above, too...

 

[DFB]

I should have clarified I'm looking at the 3/8 ratchet or the Pistol grip type hex style impact for versatility (not a dedicated 3/8) and use it with appropriate bit insert to accommodate the socket I need, or a screwdriver bit, etc.

So many toys, so little money...

So it's the 2553 Impact Driver you are mostly interested in

It's certainly a fine tool and within it given rated capacities does make a nice little wrench using an adapter and sockets. Plus any 1/4 hex shank screw head type bit/holder or nutdriver.

Very compact. And quite versatile with its 4 mode setting. Truly though its no real nut buster but works ok in a lot of applications on many smaller fasteners 3/8" (12mm) and under. Rated @ 1300in lbs (just over 100 ft lbs)

And better than the ratchet for powered unloosening of stuff, still they are each unique in their own right. I really like the original ratchet and use it often...

But an impact driver is probably the first purchase most people make!

 

[Ilikeike]

I have the M12 ratchet, stub impact, and right angle die grinder
In my home garage, I definitely use the ratchet the most, impact close second.
I’m just not pulling lug nuts much at home.
I have a few friends with muscle cars that use my home garage a lot, we don’t normally use something as aggressive as an Impact unless we’re under the car, or at the track.

 

[juddspaintballs]

I have the M12 3/8" ratchet, M12 3/8" impact, and M12 1/4" hex impact driver, as well as many other M12 and M18 tools.


If the ratchet died, I'd replace it immediately no questions asked. It's not for every situation, but when you use it a few times, you'll wish you had it on every task working on a car.


I mostly only use the impact driver as a driver of screws. It does that well.


I use the **** out of my M12 3/8" impact wrench, too. It does a lot of work on the cars still. It's powerful enough to take the lug nuts off of my car, usually. It does stuff like castle nuts on ball joints or brake caliper mounting bolts perfectly. Again, it's so versatile I can't imagine working on a car without that, too.

 

[Tallpilot]

Get the stubby M12 impact...
The ratchet is an over priced spinner.

You are correct but it sure beats spinning by hand. The long neck version fits a bunch of places the stubby impact doesn't.

 

[DFB]

Ya like noted over the last few post if your into M12 tools and of course wrenching

You pretty much have it all covered with a Stubby, one of the ratchets, and the impact driver.

Add a die grinder or the polisher/sander and maybe the cut off tool and a hackzall ur really GOOOD

 

[PCMusicGuy]

I should have clarified I'm looking at the 3/8 ratchet or the Pistol grip type hex style impact for versatility (not a dedicated 3/8) and use it with appropriate bit insert to accommodate the socket I need, or a screwdriver bit, etc.

So many toys, so little money...

I actually have both of these. I find myself using the hex impact driver with an anvil bit more than the ratchet as long as it has plenty of clearance. It has more torque, but many times it is because of the higher RPM. When you are trying to unscrew a bolt that is a few inches long, it takes considerably longer, about 10x, using the ratchet.

 

[DFB]

I've actually have 1/4" shank extensions all 3 drive sizes in 6" and 12" besides the short ones (2-1/2' to 3")

And also have a set of 1/4" shank wobble in the various drive 3" and 6" lengths


Since they lock in the collet they wont fall off, and are generally smaller and lighter than a standard anvil impact extension bar...

I like using them a lot when working on different things. Especially stuff like lawn tractors and other small engine equipment when I might need a longer reach and nut busting torque isn't a BIG issue. Work good in a tight engine compartment too sometimes to get at things.

For me it's still the original Gen1 Fuel impact driver in M12 format.

But that new 2553 is one tidy little tool. I do have the latest M18 impact driver that's small too (they replaced my original Gen 1 FUEL with the new one under warranty).

Still I miss the old one a little bit everything getting so little now its kind o wierd

 

[theoldwizard1]

M12 Fuel 3/8" square drive impact (2454) and a 3/8" square to 1/4" hex adapter (48-03-4405).



More power than the 1/4" hex impact. Great for both light/medium duty auto work and still good for home repairs (driving screws, etc.)

I have my eye on that M12 right angle die grinder !

 

[DFB]

The old 2454 1400 inlbs (nice tool I have one) only puts out about 8ftlbs more than the latest GEN 3 impact driver 1300inlbs

Tools they come along way in a short time the new driver must be like 3 inches shorter too I bet

I said earlier I still like the larger older ones sometimes

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

both. but if you must pick one, m12 stubby

 

[impactsocket]

New Milwaukee M12 Fuel Cordless Right Angle Impact Wrenches

https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-m12-fuel-cordless-right-angle-impact-wrenches-032020/

Milwaukee has announced new cordless right angle impact wrenches in 3/8″ (2564) and 1/2″ (2565) sizes, with both being touted as the most powerful right angle impact wrenches in the industry.

Press materials emphasize 3 takeaways:

4-mode drive control
Up to 220 ft-lbs of nut-busting torque

Drive Control. Both right angle impact wrenches have 4 settings:

Low speed: 0-1550 RPM
Medium speed: 0-2300 RPM
High speed: 0-3000 RPM
Special mode
Auto shut-off mode – prevents overtightening in the forward direction
Bolt removal mode – provides more control after bolt breakaway

 

[setfocus]

Between the M12 ratchet and impact driver?
Fuel impact driver (probably don't need the "surge"), if you don't already have an impact driver. Impact drivers are so much more versatile.

Even as an auto tech, I use my 12v max (pre CXT) makita impact driver way more than my 3/8 or 1/4 air ratchets. However I do not have a cordless power ratchet, but I do plan to switch over to milwaukee, at work, and may get one, at some point.

 

[javyLSU]

I’ve got both... Unless there’s some weird angle or obstruction, the M12 3/8” ratchet is what I use whenever I’m working on any vehicle. I never thought I needed an electric ratchet until I got one, and it is absolutely my first-grab ratchet. For me, using an electric ratchet is about speed, not power. If I need more than 50 ft/lbs there are other tools I should probably be using.

 

[M635_Guy]

I’ve got both... Unless there’s some weird angle or obstruction, the M12 3/8” ratchet is what I use whenever I’m working on any vehicle. I never thought I needed an electric ratchet until I got one, and it is absolutely my first-grab ratchet. For me, using an electric ratchet is about speed, not power. If I need more than 50 ft/lbs there are other tools I should probably be using.

Yeah - I love my M12 Stubby, but my FUEL ratchet might get more use.