Milwaukee M12 3/8 Cordless Ratchet (2457-20) | Time to ditch air ratchets?

Milwaukee Tool M12 3/8 Electric Ratchet (2457-20) unboxing and first impressions review! Another M12 tool review for y'all. Specifically I'm comparing it to my tried and true Blue-Point air ratchet.
In the video I failed to mention that the tool has a 5 year warranty and I am NOT sponsored or endorsed my Milwaukee Tool.
Let me know what you think! Drop a comment below, like, maybe share? Please subscribe! If none of those things.. Thanks for watching :)
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Disclaimer: I am an Amazon Associate and earn a small commission if you purchase through any of the links below. The affiliate program doesn't add any additional cost to you and it helps support my channel.
Milwaukee M12 3/8 Electric Ratchet Tool Only (2457-20): amzn.to/3iDb43n
Milwaukee M12 3/8 Electric Ratchet Kit: Battery, Charger, and case included (2457-21): amzn.to/3kqwe50
Grease Monkey Gloves has been nice enough to send me a bunch of gloves to try out and wear. In this video I'm wearing their "Crew Chief Extremes" in Medium. If you like them you can pick up a pair of your own here:
amzn.to/3ksDZr4
and be sure to check out their Instagram here:
/ grease_monkey_gloves
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#toolreview #milwaukeetool #electricratchet

[@PistonsProps]

Once again after watching this Milwaukee tool review, I drove down to my local Home Depots and bought one for myself. Now I’ll be ready for racing season.

[@FixitBongbong]

Shredddd the track brah.

[@GlorifyGodInEverything]

Yea that ratchet is bad ass. I use it as a professional in the automotive industry due to the small head size. I have a lot of matco tools but the m12 line I really do like. I have a non fuel version drill because with my experience, it lasts longer than the fuel version which I have had 3 fuel drills take a shit on me while the last one was spitting metal out of the vent holes hitting my cheek in the middle of a job that I really needed that drill for, I also have the non fuel 3/8 ratchet due to the smaller head, and the 3/8 fuel impact which i've used for 8 years and it's still running strong. I have taken countless amounts of engines apart with it and the ratchet is still chugging along. People who don't know how to use tools talk about the torque rating not being high when pretty much every electric ratchet you can get your hands on has super shitty torque ratings and is not to be used as a primary bolt breaker... If you are using an electric ratchet as a primary to try and break loose, or tighten nuts/bolts, you clearly don't know what the hell you are doing and have not been around tools for very long. Electric ratchets are there to make your repairs faster. As a mechanic you can use tricks to break loose bolts with an electric but 85% of the time with any electric ratchet, you need to break the bolts/nut loose first with a mechanical ratchet, then use the electric to zip it off. I do understand why guys choose the snapon over this, the snap on spins a lot faster saving you time during a repair, and time is money, but in reality, you might save 7 minutes on a big job if you actually compared both head to head.

[@FixitBongbong]

Yes all of this! I often wonder why people like to fixate on the torque specs of an electric ratchet when the actual nut breaking is done with arm power and the tool is just used to zip it out. Appreciate the comments and insight from a professional as I'm just a home gamer playing mechanic on KZbin. Thanks for watching!

[@eugene4817]

great tool, bought one as tool only as I have M12 hammer drill and 3/8 stubby with batts and chargers already. Great size, enough power and speed. I'm not a pro, just maintaining my family's cars.

[@FixitBongbong]

I agree! Their m12 line is the perfect size!

[@axeman4176]

Just bought a used one to use on exactly what you used it for in your video. You just made me feel good about my purchase.

[@FixitBongbong]

And you just made me feel good about making videos. Thank you!

[@scottmason7129]

Love the Milwaukee M12 line. I’ve owned this tool for a while and love it.

[@FixitBongbong]

I'd like to try out the fuel models one day!

[@MarzNet256]

Cool. Just ordered this in a kit with 2 batteries, charger, and power screwdriver...for 100 bucks at HD!

[@motov8-garage832]

Hello everybody! Just wanted to let people know there is a 2 tool set with this and the big half inch impact gun with batteries and dual charger for both batteries for 199$ for every thing with a tool bag! at hd right now. Just bought it last night great tools, great deal with great reviews. Also I like the video man👍 great job! Not like some boaring slow talking weirdo in his garage lol. Also showed how good it works and not just talking about a tool you just opened up and never used yet..like some do..

[@FixitBongbong]

Sounds like an awesome deal! HD is where I got this tool IIRC.. Appreciate the kind words, thanks for watching!

[@zephjackson7297]

Alright man, for that motorcycle role play I will sub, because I'm gonna use it. My ratchet just came today, haven't had a chance to use it yet.

[@FixitBongbong]

Hahah much appreciated!!

[@droboyjr]

just ordered this frm home depot with bag, tool, battery, and charger for $129. Cant wait for it to come in!

[@FixitBongbong]

Literally where I got mine. You're gonna love it! Thanks for watching!

[@Juniorzeeseven1]

Thats was a steal. Do they still have that promotion? Send me a link

[@droboyjr]

Here’s the link, see if that works because it’s usually 179.99 www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M12-12-Volt-3-8-in-Lithium-Ion-Cordless-Ratchet-Kit-with-1-5Ah-Battery-Charger-and-Tool-Bag-2457-21P/305645378كارلوس

[@Ethan-kr9bh]

Is there no video without loud music that demonstrates the noise level while the tool is actually removing a bolt?

[@FixitBongbong]

Ugh.. really good point. I'll keep it in mind for the next video I make. As you can tell.. I was just really excited for my new stock music account LOL. I promise I've toned it down a hair.. Thanks for watching!

[@FixitBongbong]

...although when I'm playing motorcycle.. thats pretty much what it sounds like/how loud it is under load or not.

[@tek54]

I see you got the one that works? I liked mine at first but then the problems started. Ratchet head started heating badly and then all torque was gone?? Repair from Milwaukee fixed nothing.

[@tunyung]

Gotta get this. And the 1/4 drive ratchet too! When the price go down a bit.

[@Yohane350]

Home Depot has it for free right now if you buy any Milwaukee kit.

[@Runescape.]

I never knew what the real need for these are, on a subcompact car they dont usually fit anywhere you need them, and if they do fit, you can just use a 3/8 stubby impact wrench which has more power in general. Kinda perplexed especially seeing you taking the exhaust manifold stud bolts out with it, you could have just used the milwauke 3/8 stubby impact with the extension on it. Not sure why you're using a cordless ratchet. also now with the new ratcheting box wrenches, you can fit those into TINY spaces that no power tools can fit, and get the job done faster. just dont see many opportunities where one of these would be needed.

[@hpgdawnpatrol9456]

Wherever there is a lot of smaller sized bolts i.e oil pans, valve covers basically any job. I had Craftsmans old 2013 version and I wore that thing flat out. It was awesome but didn't have the power or battery of the Milwaukee

[@Piolin768]

Thank you for uploading but the music does not need to be up that high ;-)

[@FixitBongbong]

I've gotten that feedback quite a bit. I've since turned it down in recent videos! Thanks for watching and the feedback!!

[@beawesome9192]

Keep it down! Young wiper snapper

[@abird2931]

No need for music at all.

[@bryanplaner7417]

@@FixitBongbong what’s the song called?

[@awhitness]

The first one I bought lasted about 6 months and broke at the head shaft. Since I had the batteries and charger I went ahead and bought another one. This one I have babied, never breaking a bolt loose - or torquing down any bolts. Well the 2nd one just started slipping and is need of repair. Its lasted 1 year.. JUNK!!!!!!

[@FixitBongbong]

That's crazy! Mine has seen nothing but abuse for two years. No issues yet (now I say that it'll probably break). Thanks for sharing.. I'll keep an eye on it!

[@craighrodgers8443]

I just use my keg 90 degree on my impact. One day il have one of these

[@kenyontech]

Hi, thanks for the review. I've been looking into this less expensive non fuel version but have seen many comments about the head breaking easily due to weak design. Can you share your thoughts and maybe what size fasteners and applications you have used this most for? Thanks

[@FixitBongbong]

Hey there, great question! When I purchased the tool I was split between this and the Fuel version. Ultimately what drove me to this was the smaller head profile.. I valued being able to fit the tool in tight spaces more than brushless or more torque since it's on the tool operator to supply the initial breaking torque and the tool just zips it out. So back to your question.. since purchasing the tool I've mostly used it in applications related to engine rebuilds and engine maintenance, along with some light chassis and suspension work. I've absolutely used the tool to break loose fasteners so tight I was gripping by the battery for leverage and could hear the body stress (not an appropriate use of the tool). In regards to the weak head.. I feel like the body of the tool would break way before the head or ratchet mechanism. I hope that gives you more insight on the tool's quality. If you want to see it in use, check out my "Getting back on track" series because it's the main tool we use during an engine tear down and rebuild. I'm currently editing videos where I'm using it for suspension work as well. Thanks for watching!

[@doylee469]

Great video, just scored one and waiting on it to come in the mail

[@FixitBongbong]

You're gonna love it!

[@reyrodriguez1005]

Great video. Buying ASAP

[@FixitBongbong]

Thanks Rey I appreciate you watching!

[@chasedownblocks1736]

Great job, Joshua!

[@FixitBongbong]

Thank you!

[@blueredfinch]

nice video, thanks for sharing. Can this ratchet able to open a nut on a car tire wheels?

[@FixitBongbong]

Great question! No, this tool isn't suitable for lug nuts or lug bolts as most of those are typically torqued to 75 ft lbs min. I recommend an impact tool for that application. Thanks for watching!!

[@jonnysnipes3123]

You don’t use an impact rachet for lug nuts lol use a 500lb torque impact gun for that. An impact rachet is supposed to be used the same way you would use a regular rachet. The only difference is once you break the bolt loose that’s when the impact rachet takes over and unscrews the bolt for you

[@najib19nawas]

Would an impact wrench 3/8” ~ 200 ft/lb be a more versatile tool that this ratchet?

[@FixitBongbong]

For me there are times to use an impact and times to use a ratchet. That being said.. I bought my impact before I bought this and now I have this I find I use them both equally. Depending on the job the ratchet might get more use as as you can't fit an impact in tight spaces.

[@JuanYRuby1209Marine]

Yeah. It all depends on the situation you're in. Ratchets are for more tight spaces where impacts can't get In. And also some people like to use these with smaller bolts because it's less heavy than an impact wrench.

[@jacksmith2315]

How is it holding up after 1yr? Ive heard a lot of people are breaking them

[@FixitBongbong]

I honestly haven't had any issues and I've been using it pretty hard and regularly. I've torqued on it a few times to where I can hear the body creak and I've inspected the head to body screws for stress and no issues. Once I was pulling a head and had coolant flowing through the tool, still no issues.

[@toneysunny9283]

finally a correct way to use this ratchet

[@FixitBongbong]

For fake moto sounds?

[@jrcha]

That will never keep up with air hoses.. but if u ain't doing heavy work u should be good and dont forget to charge ur battery, its not a air hose ready to use.

[@darnellbourassa1081]

Where can I buy the socket set?

[@texasboiroi]

Nice vid lmao. Just got my first one today

[@FixitBongbong]

Hahah thanks! Enjoy the wrench!!

[@07LSADRN]

What types of batteries can I use on this tool. It's a basic not a fuel

[@FixitBongbong]

m12!

[@kevinsmoon3257]

Are you supposed to wipe down the grease on the head of the ratchet? I did it to mine cus it was drenched in it

[@FixitBongbong]

I definitely did! I assumed it was just oil meant for shipping and storage like how they package and ship firearms.

[@kevinsmoon3257]

Fix it Bongbong yeah that’s what i assumed as well but then i got all anxious of what if it was a lubricant for the gears haha idk i trip out sometimes

[@FixitBongbong]

@@kevinsmoon3257 I'm the same way! You're all good!

[@dailycardriving4642]

does it work well to losen tight bolts? im worried cuz it will be to weak or does it have a "locking" thing that makes u lose a super hard bolt?

[@FixitBongbong]

Works great for that. It's important to remember that air or electric ratchets are designed so that you apply the breaking torque and then you can rely on the air or electric motor to do the rest of the easy repetitive work. The tool is definitely plenty strong for you to reef on it and break some fasteners loose then zip em out!

[@screwyou2140]

Do you think an electrician could use it for tightening down man lugs and what not?

[@FixitBongbong]

Great question.. I have no clue as I'm not an electrician. I've got a melted test lead on my meter to prove it! Sorry I can't answer that.

[@darnellbourassa1081]

Absolutely electricians use a cordless ratchet from time to time

[@earthwormjim]

Is that an M50 engine?

[@FixitBongbong]

Good eye, its an S50!

[@djjinerson]

you remind me of a discount Henry :) Where is Jena?

[@FixitBongbong]

I hearted this not even knowing what discount Henry was.

[@noel3385]

Lmao great editing bro😂

[@FixitBongbong]

Thanks!!

[@iamswoll]

should i get the 3/8's or the 1/2 inch 1????

[@FixitBongbong]

That depends on which you'd use more often. I picked the 3/8 since the most of the jobs where I wanted a motorized tool utilized 3/8.

[@jrswartzbaugh]

What is the ft. lbs. it’s safe break loose manually?

[@FixitBongbong]

Don't remember torque output off the top of my head, but I cover it in the video. Definitely safe to break fasteners loose manually, that's what they're designed to do(within reason). Obviously, for stuck fasteners you'd want to use an impact or a breaker bar.. but I've definitely used the tool to manually break loose some fasteners that I thought might break the body. Great questions!

[@MSoto-bh3cd]

Does anyone know if you have to re/grease these over time preventativily

[@FixitBongbong]

I don't believe Milwaukee intended for these to be user serviceable but there's a c-clip on the head. I don't see why you couldn't gain access to re-grease.. but under normal use I don't expect that grease to be replaced or reapplied.

[@derecktbear6478]

For so much money it delivers a pitiful 35nm, for tenth of price you can buy one with 3x nm and an extra battery. I guess some people like their branded gear.🇺🇸

[@sas9853]

like what? all of them even lower quality ones are around same price. Genuinely asking

[@jeremiahmichael3162]

Im curious too, im either buying this or if you say theres a better one for less money then ill get that

[@335ofre]

Well?

[@ButterNoToast]

Not worth the money. The new one with 60fp still not strong enough to break bolts on its own. I’m talking about breaking bolts loose on it’s own without help. But everything has a place lol

[@ericl3272]

They have the right angle impact for that

[@gabrielgalaxygh]

Just break it first like a normal ratchet then loosen it

[@chrislloyd4564]

35 ft lbs just seems really weak how does this thing perform?? Does anybody use one of these??

[@FixitBongbong]

I find 35 ft lbs is more than enough to zip fasteners out once you break them loose. The point of an assisted ratchet is for you do the heavy work of breaking it loose and then the motor does the rest. Hope this is helpful!

[@chrislloyd4564]

Fix it Bongbong it did thanks

[@FixitBongbong]

@@chrislloyd4564 Great! Now that being said.. there are times where if you have particularly dirty or rusty threads it slows, but overall I have no major issues or complaints. I know they recently just released a new Fuel version with a head size similar to the unit I reviewed. The reason I chose this over the fuel was cause the old head design was too large for my taste. I'll be sure to make a video once I get that version which I believe steps up the torque.

[@MeaHeaR]

Why Shé Wearing Glovés ¿¿¿¿

[@PR-nq4dt]

Cordless Ratchet/Breaker bar.....😬

[@FixitBongbong]

Guilty.

[@anthonyg4073]

Dont know why im watching this. I ride the bus everywhere and i own no vehicle😐

[@orlandorosado2157]

You have or once had a motorcycle. noice

[@FixitBongbong]

One day will have another. 🙄

[@f.t.4595]

Try one size smaller with your gloves 😉

[@FixitBongbong]

Ugh i know! They were out of Baby XL the day I got those gloves!

[@f.t.4595]

@@FixitBongbong 🤣👍🏼

[@jjfore0921]

Kill the music the next time

[@newjargon1697]

No music needed. Damn.

[@FixitBongbong]

You don't like to party?

[@diemosel]

Me Likey

[@jvoll7685]

Thumbs down for the loud music...

[@FixitBongbong]

The weekly criticism for the music in this video help keep all my future videos in check. The patrons of KZbin and I thank you. 🙏

[@MrGaborseres]

Too much nonsense.... Get to the point

[@FixitBongbong]

TLDR: Tool good, I like it.

[@uclajd]

Why the STUPID music? Let us hear the damn tool!

[@FixitBongbong]

1:46 Sounds like a whisper quiet 50cc pit bike needing a valve adjustment. :)

[@MrSupernova111]

Way too much music and editing nonsense for a hands on tool video.

[@FixitBongbong]

It's the silly things that keep us young.