Suggestions for Battery-Powered Ratchet
- Thread starter Techniker
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gotmud13613
Well-known member
I got the 3/8" m12 a few weeks ago and love it, it replaced my old skill 1/4" Plus right now if you purchase a kit you get your choice of another tool or the larger cap battery, I went for the larger battery.
What is killing me is that for another $100 I could get an IR Hammerhead. I don't really use air tools that often in the shop except for breaking loose high torque fasteners (harmonic balances, lug nuts, etc.)
I just have a hard time trusting something that I don't have the same "feel" of torque for. I am trying to break that worry though. From the other mechanics, it apparently really does speed up jobs.
canuckian
Well-known member
just picked up the M12 3/8 ratchet and it's the cat's pajamas! I say go for it!
FWIW I also have the hammerhead and it's a different animal for different jobs. This little ratchet is for zipping low torque or already free fasteners on or off quickly. The hammerhead can also do that but IMHO it's a bit bulkier and you'd be constantly be dragging an air hose around behind you.
Get ready for a stream of thought:
Exactly what I was looking for! So how concerned should I be with wearing out the M12 ratchet? The problem I have with the Hammerhead is that it seems huge. I feel like if I had enough space to get it in in the first place, I would already have the engine out of the car.
By the same token, that is almost how I feel about the M12. If I had that kind of room what is so bad about just using a ratchet? (I know, I know, speed is money). But then again, it would be nice if our shop was actually concerned with fixing cars and less concerned with selling wallet flushes.
I think maybe I would appreciate the M12 more if I ever used my air ratchet and had to deal with the line. And then again, I worry about if it will be able to actually do anything. All of the videos show nice clean fasteners probably torqued to 4 in-lbs of a demo station instead of the rusted bolts over torqued by some jackass we normally encounter. I see it as being very useful for removing shielding and the like.
This is why I am just happier taking orders. Less thinking to have to do.
All help is appreciated,
Techniker
I was skeptical of the M12 ratchet until I bought one myself. All I can say is, why the hell would I ever want to use my air ratchet anymore? There is absolutely no reason for me to do so. The battery charges quickly and the speed is awesome. There is no hose that I have to fight with either.
Would I buy one again? YES!! I think the Milwaukee is a great design, although I'd be happier if the body was a tad bit slimmer. There is the AC Delco cordless ratchet, but that thing is way too big. You might as well go with the IR Hammerhead.
Would I buy one again? YES!! I think the Milwaukee is a great design, although I'd be happier if the body was a tad bit slimmer. There is the AC Delco cordless ratchet, but that thing is way too big. You might as well go with the IR Hammerhead.
Ign
Well-known member
Well you guys got me turned around on CPO - thanks!
Just got their email promo of $20 off any order of a new tool $100 or more, and free shipping.
Just ordered the 3/8" M12 ratchet kit for $129.00 shipped ($149 less $20, free shipping).
I want to use it at my mill for quickly swapping jaws on my Kurt vise. I know there are snap jaws and such, but I don't have them. I never use my air ratchet for this 'cause the hose is just generally cumbersome and at risk of sweeping other things off the table, but it'll be awesome to have the cordless ratchet.
Just got their email promo of $20 off any order of a new tool $100 or more, and free shipping.
Just ordered the 3/8" M12 ratchet kit for $129.00 shipped ($149 less $20, free shipping).
I want to use it at my mill for quickly swapping jaws on my Kurt vise. I know there are snap jaws and such, but I don't have them. I never use my air ratchet for this 'cause the hose is just generally cumbersome and at risk of sweeping other things off the table, but it'll be awesome to have the cordless ratchet.
Ign
Well-known member
Got my 3/8" M12 ratchet today. Initial impression is that it's nice. The forward/reverse knob seems a bit stiff, I hope it loosens up with use. I don't understand the soft side case at all, why not just a tool bag like most M12 stuff? No way I'll ever take the time to mess with the velcro and elastic strapping which is supposed to hold the tool in place. I was surprised it came with a 3/8" to 1/4" reducer.
tank4114
Well-known member
I'm looking at buying the 1/4 m12 from states maybe a electrician can chime in is it possible to change the plug on the charger to au plug?
they want $100 bucks for a charger over here let alone the rest of the tool
they want $100 bucks for a charger over here let alone the rest of the tool