Most powerful cordless ratchet

[Rarified27]

Wow- glad I saw this thread. I was looking at adding the 3/8 M12 soon and it's nice to know the limitations.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I burned up a 14.4 snap on drill drilling out rivets on a Ford window regulator. Thing got so hot I had to put it down. Second go around it gave up. My IR stuff has always gone above and beyond. Rated at 30 ft lb I'm not going to cry over 10 ft lb. I can manually break the fastener anyways so that extra 10 lb would only be good for a super rust bolt. At that point I'd have gotten a real ratchet or impact gun depending on the severity. I don't understand why IR made tree 20v ratchet so long though... the 12v is perfect! I've used the Milwaukee and I do like it, but wouldn't trade my 12v ir for anything.

 

[kctyphoon]

Wow- glad I saw this thread. I was looking at adding the 3/8 M12 soon and it's nice to know the limitations.

Keep in mind - youre in a thread "discussing" the limitations of that tool. If you go into the Milwaukee thread you will hear a lot of good things about it. The fleet mechanics at my job have them and love them. They work on everything from civics and trailers all the way up to f750's and international/ freightliners.. people will have different expectation, so just take that into consideration along with the price..

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Besides for size, I don't see many limitations with cordless ratchets. Trey aren't torque monsters. They're for removing fasteners easily. Yup me speed is more important than torque, but ENOUGH torque is also important

 

[WhiffySpark]

If it doesn't do what you want it to do the price doesn't mean anything. I'd rather spend $400 on something that will do what I expect it to do than $150 on a toy

 

[67King]

I have 1/4", 3/8", and hex impacts. I use those all the time. Rarely use my 3/8" ratchet. But it is absolutely perfect for a great many things. If I need to torque something to a specific setting, the last thing I want to do is use an impact. I specifically want it to run things down quickly with a LOW amount of torque. So I use the ratchet, and then I use a torque wrench to get the proper torque.

Amazing to me that folks expect a ratchet to work like an impact.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm never amazed that folks expect a ratchet to work like an impact what confuses me is when they expect an impact to act like a ratchet. In other words they expect it to be able to be turned manually. I'm estimating that Milwaukee has sold about a million of these ratchets as the HD sells them. If they sucked that bad they would never have sold that well. It's a battery assisted RATCHET. You brake the fastener loose and then speed the bolt out. What's the mystery about that?

 

[Rarified27]

Keep in mind - youre in a thread "discussing" the limitations of that tool. If you go into the Milwaukee thread you will hear a lot of good things about it. The fleet mechanics at my job have them and love them. They work on everything from civics and trailers all the way up to f750's and international/ freightliners.. people will have different expectation, so just take that into consideration along with the price..

Absolutely- I'll still be purchasing one, but it's nice to learn from others who have pushed the tool so I don't make the same errors.

It's one of the reasons I love this site- I've made (admittedly more) smarter tool purchases as a result of the "real world" research provided here.

 

[skidoo2112]

I burned up a 14.4 snap on drill drilling out rivets on a Ford window regulator. Thing got so hot I had to put it down. Second go around it gave up. My IR stuff has always gone above and beyond. Rated at 30 ft lb I'm not going to cry over 10 ft lb. I can manually break the fastener anyways so that extra 10 lb would only be good for a super rust bolt. At that point I'd have gotten a real ratchet or impact gun depending on the severity. I don't understand why IR made tree 20v ratchet so long though... the 12v is perfect! I've used the Milwaukee and I do like it, but wouldn't trade my 12v ir for anything.

The old drill or the new one?

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

The old drill or the new one?

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

This was 2 years ago, it was brand new. I don't know what's been out since

 

[skidoo2112]

Same model I think it's severely underpowered its a flea compared to the 3/8 impact I have can't believe they use the same battery it feels like the drill only uses 7.2v

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

This thread is nonsense. I can drive short lag bolts into a pressure treated lumber with mine. Are you using any sort of drive converters, because those definitely make the tool feel powerless.

 

[Weird Tolkienish Figure]

I guess powered ratchets have a reputation as being "wrist and finger breakers", especially if you're driving a bolt and it suddenly catches your finger between the tool and some metal. So Milwaukee purposefully limited to torque on it to 30-35 foot pounds.

 

[Hendricks433]

Same model I think it's severely underpowered its a flea compared to the 3/8 impact I have can't believe they use the same battery it feels like the drill only uses 7.2v

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

It's 2 completely different tools

 

[Tom.C]

I see a lot of misinformation and misinterpretation of what my thread is about on this last page, so. Let me clear this up.

I do not/ did not expect this ratchet to break bolts loose with the motor.

I did not expect this ratchet to be an impact.

I KNOW HOW TO USE A RATCHET

I said when I break bolts loose manually the ratchet feels like it's about to break.

I don't know what model milwaukee ratchet you guys have but mine can barely run down a nylon lock nut and most certainly does not produce 35ft lbs

Thank you.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I see a lot of misinformation and misinterpretation of what my thread is about on this last page, so. Let me clear this up.

I do not/ did not expect this ratchet to break bolts loose with the motor.

I did not expect this ratchet to be an impact.

I KNOW HOW TO USE A RATCHET

I said when I break bolts loose manually the ratchet feels like it's about to break.

I don't know what model milwaukee ratchet you guys have but mine can barely run down a nylon lock nut and most certainly does not produce 35ft lbs

Thank you.

I warned you

 

[Tom.C]

I warned you

You're the voice of reasoning in this thread it would appear

 

[kctyphoon]

I see a lot of misinformation and misinterpretation of what my thread is about on this last page, so. Let me clear this up.

I do not/ did not expect this ratchet to break bolts loose with the motor.

I did not expect this ratchet to be an impact.

I KNOW HOW TO USE A RATCHET

I said when I break bolts loose manually the ratchet feels like it's about to break.

I don't know what model milwaukee ratchet you guys have but mine can barely run down a nylon lock nut and most certainly does not produce 35ft lbs

Thank you.

You asked for opinions, people with the same tool provided them.. if you read, there aren't many people disagreeing with you.. not sure what size lock nuts your referring to, but as stated people have different needs and different expectations.. if you watch some online reviews, you might get a better idea of which tool can do what, and what you get vs what you give up to get it.. there doesn't "appear" to be a huge difference between some of the popular models I've seen in videos, but I have not seen the snap on.. another thing to consider, even though there are longer cordless ratchets to be bought, just cause it feels like you're applying less force to the head doesn't mean you are.

Here - you might wanna watch this one..

 

[Tom.C]

Yes thank you I have seen this video, I talked to the snap on man and he said the snap on is good for like 130 ft lbs manual torque so I may go that way eventually, and for the record I wasn't referring to you in my previous post.

 

[skidoo2112]

I use the snap on ratchet to do brakes all the time it can break a fastener loose set to 60 ft lbs

Sent from my VS987 using Tapatalk

 

[trackwelder]

The Snap On is worth it if you want one of the strongest heads to break fastners loose. I am planning on adding the 1/4" bare ratchet to my 3/8" kit.

 

[Skin]

60, 80, 130 foot pounds? These numbers are silly to me. Its a 10" long hunk of plastic and metal. How stout it feels doesn't even matter. Even with a 10" metal ratchet its not comfortable in the slightest trying to loosen 60 foot pounds, let alone 130.

If you're using these things on the types of fasteners that are torqued to those numbers you're using the wrong tools. Body, trim, interior, and small fasteners in the engine, that's it. Talking about using these little cordless ratchets to practically break loose lug nuts isn't even remotely realistic.

 

[shockwave]

For me a cordless ratchet is about speed while working in tight spots and I do like the snap on 14.4v on 1/4 drive best mostly use on engine repair while not too strong like an impact
Air filter bolts valve cover bolts and liners

Now the 3/8 I use mostly for heavier stuff like caliper bolts and starters or diff covers
And the 3/8 head can easily handle 100+ ft ibs but plastic body starts to flex too

Sure a cordless mini impact will be faster but not always best since bolts can shear off easily

I cannot tell you how many hours I have spent on extractors with a broken 6mm bolt someone broke off with impact like a waterpump bolt on honda

 

[67King]

Um.....it SPECIFIES 35 lb-ft of torque, so, um..........

www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2457-21

 

[WhiffySpark]

Um.....it SPECIFIES 35 lb-ft of torque, so, um..........

www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/cordless/2457-21

What's your point? We're talking about using it as a ratchet and how it feels like it's going to explode if you put any decent torque into it.

I'm sure 35 ft lbs is just a running start can shock this off torque number

 

[Joelk]

I like my M12 3/8 ratchet, but it has no where near 35 lb-ft of torque.

I would guess less than 20.

I agree that running nylock nuts on/off can be a challenge.

It will probably turn a 1/2" nylock, but probably will not turn a 3/4" nylock.

 

[Tom.C]

Yea mine even stalls on 1/2 nylon sometimes.

 

[ngk22r]

Ignorance is a lack of knowledge or understanding of something. And that is exactly what your issue is. It all comes down to using the right tool for the job. In order to do this, you have to have a fundamental understanding of the core construction of both a impact and a ratchet. A impact has a hammer and anvil that allow you to receive higher torque output without snapping your wrist off. A air/electric ratchet has a oscillating head that activates the ratchet mechanism. Because of this setup application of higher torque values can result in injury or over torque. Unlike an air tool these electric ratchets have no real torque adjustment (at least not the milwaukee) so this prevents over torquing a fastener. A impact is always better suited for removing and reinstalling higher torque fasteners because it is rated higher and is less fatiguing to use. Obviously there may be a space constraint that will not allow you to get a typical impact in to place. In such a circumstance one can use a 90° impact; or use a electric/air ratchet to brake the fastener loose manually and the run the bolt off with the tool.

Acting like a jerk doesnt make you sound smarter than another person...

You CAN change the torque value by not pushing the button in all the way on a cordless ratchet, your ignorance in how a variable switch works is showing..

 

[winlinmac]

I bought the 3/8" Drive Ratchet knowing that I'd be using it simply spinning bolts / nuts on and off, not for torquing and not for going beyond what this tool was made for. If you need to get nuts and bolts off, use an impact wrench or a breaker bar.

 

[dnschmidt]

Actually, the M12 Milwaukee isn't variable speed at all. It's either on or off. I own no other cordless ratchets so perhaps some of them are variable speed but the M12 isn't.

 

[WhiffySpark]

My Matco 12v is all variable triggers

 

[67King]

What's your point? We're talking about using it as a ratchet and how it feels like it's going to explode if you put any decent torque into it.

I'm sure 35 ft lbs is just a running start can shock this off torque number

Just that expecting a 2.3L Ford Ranger to tow 10,000 pounds and slamming it for its inability to do so is pretty ridiculous. Yet that is what is going on here.

 

[Tom.C]

Not really, 35 ft lbs is supposedly the motor capability not really the ratchet itself, the snap on is capable of 40ft lbs motor torque, but the ratchet can handle 130+, that's the point being made here, I don't think it's unreasonable to use a 3/8 ratchet to break loose something torqued to 50 or 60 lbs, that is well within a 3/8 capability and IS what I expect from the ratchet, obviously as I said the milwaukee ( whether it was intended to or not) doesn't handle that job well even tho imo it should, this is why I was asking about better ratchets, it's not necessary to use an impact on something at 50 lbs but anyway we are going way off topic here.

 

[WittHay]

i know what you mean about loosening stover and nylocks in awkward spots. I have been looking at getting the Mac 12V. Its longer than the Milwaukee and seems more suitable for breaking fasteners loose by hand. Only rated at 40 lbs.motor torque though.

 

[Tom.C]

Yea I really like the idea of the mac using the dewalt line of batteries unfortunately my mac dealer just up and quit one day without so much as a howdoyoudo I think if the milwaukee actually putt out 35ft lbs it would be useable but it really seems more like under 20 maybe low 20's, I'm gonna try to get a demo snap on idk if they do that or not but if you get an honest 40 out of it I think it would work. But I wouldn't mind the longer handle either

 

[WhiffySpark]

The ergonomics are better on the snapon. Doesn't feel like the battery will fly out when you're cranking on it

 

[rstang50]

My AC Delco is fantastic ARW1201 57ft/lbs. It is a very solid tool. Great for brake jobs.

 

[MikeF2316]

I have this ratchet, and it's all that I expected and more. I'd say mine easily puts out the specified torque and has no problem with large nylocks. I even break fasteners loose (by hand of course). It spins faster than I expected too. Maybe you guys (Tom and Whiffy) got bad ones?

 

[kctyphoon]

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but all "tests" I've seen on the AC delco's torque claims point to it be a bit generous. That said, just out of curiosity, I was watching a SO vs AC delco video, and the SO was only slightly more powerful on the test those guys did, and the point was made about what your spending for those extra few ftlbs of torque on the SO..

i have no dog in this fight, but IF it were me, I think I'd try the acdelco first before ponying up all that money for a snap on - UNLESS - your willing to drop that much coin, and might be interested in buying more of the SO 14.4v line..

At least the AC is a pretty good deal for the entire kit, so you won't be too upset about not having much more to use with the batteries.. I'd call it money well spent if it does what you want.

 

[Tom.C]

Not trying to rain on anyone's parade, but all "tests" I've seen on the AC delco's torque claims point to it be a bit generous. That said, just out of curiosity, I was watching a SO vs AC delco video, and the SO was only slightly more powerful on the test those guys did, and the point was made about what your spending for those extra few ftlbs of torque on the SO..

i have no dog in this fight, but IF it were me, I think I'd try the acdelco first before ponying up all that money for a snap on - UNLESS - your willing to drop that much coin, and might be interested in buying more of the SO 14.4v line..

At least the AC is a pretty good deal for the entire kit, so you won't be too upset about not having much more to use with the batteries.. I'd call it money well spent if it does what you want.

Can you link that? The videos I have seen, like you said, where showing the delco below rated but still around 45-50 lb range, the snap on is only 40 and you say it's actually beating the a.c. delco? That's interesting, but I agree about the price difference, I can get the a.c. delco and keep the milwaukee and still be in less than for the snap on.