Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8" Ratchet Review

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

My 3/8" M12 Fuel ratchet arrived. They included a rubber boot even though I only ordered the Tool Only. This is an impressive tool. I grabbed a couple of batteries and a charger and a soft case all direct from Milwaukee. I got a good deal. Man I love this tool! You are right about the power. It is a bit heavy but that only means it is likely not going to break.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Nice!

[@GuyRWood]

I'm in the UK and ordered one of these last night. Can't wait for it to arrive!

[@rodx5571]

the "gearbox" you mentioned in the tool is a fixed planetary gear reduction drive just like in an automatic transmission, only a bit smaller ha ha. that applies to all of the slender tools of similar form factor including your small impact driver and all air ratchets regardless of manufacturer. good review, and they are awesome tools.

[@erikjohansson1814]

Just ordered the 1/2” model. Looking forward to getting it after watching countless reviews. This channel seem to be good, a keeper. Subscribed.

[@ibrahimeltony4865]

Thanks for that.. I didn't know the exact difference between the ratchet and the impact tool until I saw you video. Thanks again for your efforts 😊🙏

[@davidnguyen5028]

I have the older model with less torque which is perfect for occasional finessing of a nut or bolt in tight places. I have other impact drivers with more torque if needed. They give me more options.

[@charlesmcgehee3227]

Ordered mine direct from CPO Milwaukee. Waiting for it to arrive. Thank you for the excellent review.

[@ykmalachi]

I await a proper AvE tool review.

[@Bosefuss]

Danny Boyd BOLTR

[@erikjohansson1814]

That man can't even speak properly.

[@MrTripletts]

Skookum

[@richardpaul495]

bought one after your video,thanks

[@ericb5765]

Thanks for the great review. I like your style. You have good communication skills and your thoughts are well organized. This is just the info the average guy is looking for to make the decision to jump up to a new and better tool! I'm sure that AvE will tear it up, proper like but with a lot more colorful words... Oh, and just an afterthought, when you refer to another tool as you did with the right angle driver, you should give us the tool part number. Just an fyi.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Glad I could help, and thanks for the feedback. The M12 RAID I referenced was model 2467-20. I reviewed it a while back: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGOronqLfs1oq80

[@RexxDIY]

Thanks for this awesome review! Will this be available in our local Home Depot?

[@DoresoomReviews]

Should be soon - I think they're scheduled for a November release.

[@greatestever2831]

Almost 70k views and 9k subs!! Common people

[@orvillemoody5969]

So far I have killed 3 of these ratchets!!! Received replacement ratchet 2457-20 took to work and it lasted a week and is now doing the same thing as the one I sent in for warranty. Not happy and will be returning ratchet for a full refund. I will be taking my business to Snap-on for a like item. I also purchased 2557-21 new on 1 Nov 2019 to use while I was waiting for service on my 2457-20, it also slips I will be returning it to the Home Depot for full refund.

[@jacksonwhare805]

Ive had the same problem with this tool

[@FernbarkFrist]

I have the first gen version of this tool. It is pretty weak sauce, but works ok for some things. This looks way better.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Yeah, I checked the torque specs for a bunch of pneumatic ratchets, and most of them top out in the same range as this M12 one does.

[@brudbruder5676]

Fernbark Frist I have the new one it is too big too get into tight places the older one is way better in my opinion I regret selling my old one the new one is to big and fat

[@NickDalzell]

The problem is its liberal minded. It tries to protect your wrists so it tends to shut down and flash all four lights when I know it can do better. Whoever designed this didnt want us to take chances with our wrists so back to Kobalt who does not need to protect me from myself

[@legendfpv]

And where is Kobalt's electric ratchet?

[@bigdaddyvtec]

same the older one is weak af

[@russell3421]

The best and worst thing of the impact driver is it doesn’t have kickback or feedback.

[@ShorrockPaul]

so basically is heavier , bulkier, and slower than the old version. oh and powdercoat chips easier. only advantage is more torque. so unless you need more torque the old version beats this in all other areas.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Well at least they should be dropping the price on the older ones now, so everyone wins, even if you don't want more torque.

[@ShorrockPaul]

that is true. am still trying to decide to buy the new one or get cheaper old one in 1/4 version

[@DoresoomReviews]

At least for the 1/4" version, they kept the 250 RPM speed while increasing the torque from 30 to 40 ft-lbs. I don't think they bulked up the head as much as they did with the 3/8", but then again I haven't had hands-on time with the new 1/4" version.

[@ShorrockPaul]

sslusshy ok thank you

[@Clearanceman2]

Yeah, I got the old version brand new bare tool only $75 shipped on ebay. 35 ft. pounds but that's enough for me. I already had the charger and batteries from having the jacket.

[@orteg3940]

Definitely will buy this one.

[@rokkz]

Thanks great review

[@pollydor07]

Thanks

[@vegasdavetv]

good video, I have one in my future as well,

[@Fenrirphotography06525]

How do I grease the action in the anvil like the older models

[@soundretarded]

Thanks for video. Are the 1.5 batteries 🔋 run good in this or is it wise to go 2.0 & up?

[@DoresoomReviews]

If you already have a few 1.5Ah, those should work fine - I doubt you'll drain one with this tool before the other can charge. You may get a little more torque out of a 4Ah or 6Ah though.

[@soundretarded]

Doresoom Tool Reviews thx man!

[@JesusGodHolySpirit3]

hate the handle of m12 yeah well ratchet is for that that makes sense of constant torque thanks for the reminder though :D good review :) what's included in the bag?

[@baymeosplit8537]

$139 with 2.0Ah battery and free shipping today from Home Depot

[@atwogun7751]

Do you know why the black head doesn't line up with the grey shaft perfectly at 0:44. I have the same issue on mine.

[@DoresoomReviews]

That's how it's designed. Pull the trigger and you'll see the black head oscillates back and forth in the yoke. It's just like a manual ratchet, except it doesn't have a long handle that turns the head - instead the motor makes it oscillate back and forth.

[@greygoosemafia]

I just ordered that 2 batt kit from hd

[@TxJonathan]

The price is definitely justifiable, it's now fuel so everything is beefed up including brushless motors and an increase in torque and more than likely durability

[@martylucas8557]

Hey Doresoom, did you used to wrestle in high school and college?

[@DoresoomReviews]

One semester in college. They needed someone/anyone in the 125 lb weight class! 😆

[@martylucas8557]

Doresoom Tool Reviews, ha! I thought that you might have. How’d you like those practices? LOL!

[@KenAdams426]

Stupid question. With this ratchet. If I’m holding the socket with my hand and press the power the socket won’t move. Is this normal?

[@DoresoomReviews]

Not normal. It's got way more torque than that. Just checking, I assume you have the trigger lock disengaged?

[@KenAdams426]

Doresoom Tool Reviews that’s what I thought. I had used it a lot when I first got it a couple months ago. Then when I went to make sure it was in the right direction I needed it didn’t move. However. It did work when I went to use it just fine.

[@_P0tat07_]

I want one so bad. Like really really bad.

[@nicke2307]

can you reef on it to break loose bolts without using the motor? like lets say youre doing brakes and you want to break the caliper bracket bolts loose and they're on there good?

[@DoresoomReviews]

Yes, you can use it to tighten or break loose a fastener beyond the 55 ft-lbs the motor drive is rated for. I don't know if there's an upper limit that the tool will hold up to that Milwaukee has specified though.

[@msalazar89]

To big, I'll take the older version. Not gonna use it everyday,

[@invasion1824]

Is it possible to loosen a brake caliper bolt to remove brake pads? 🙏thanks

[@cardo1111]

Invasion Should be fine to loosen the slide bolts but won't be powerful enough to remove most caliper mounting bolts without first using it either in manual mode or a breaker bar first to break them loose.

[@moayad1976]

no it is not enough to loosen brake bolts. i just tried it today.

[@invasion1824]

Moayad Jaffar yeah. It didn’t work for me as well. 😂😂😂

[@wendellgreenidge3362]

How hard was it to put the protective boot on?

[@DoresoomReviews]

I don't have the boot unfortunately. It's a separate $22 add-on that doesn't come with the kit.

[@wendellgreenidge3362]

Mines came with it in the kit and everyone I know that got the kit got the boot in it

[@DoresoomReviews]

+Wendell Greenidge Interesting - did you get a one battery kit, model 2557-21? I've found that on a couple vendors' websites, but it's not listed on Milwaukee's website. I have the 2557-22, which comes with two batteries, charger, and soft case.

[@wendellgreenidge3362]

Doresoom Reviews I have the 2557-21 kit with one battery and charger and it comes with protective boot

[@rmartinjr83]

How much manual torque can you put on it

[@DoresoomReviews]

I haven't measured, but you can really crank on it to tighten or loosen bolts beyond what the motor torque will provide. It's built really sturdy.

[@RomanForest]

Хороший инструмент

[@DoresoomReviews]

да!

[@JoseContreras-mv5yz]

At first i did think it was a bit bulky and a bit heavy,but whats the worst that can happen,i get stronger😆

[@russell3421]

Will it kick back hard when it got very tight?

[@DoresoomReviews]

Yes, if you aren't paying attention or expecting it, the ratchet will pull itself right out of your hands. Ask me how I know! :)

[@russell3421]

Doresoom Reviews How do you know that? :)

[@NickDalzell]

Mine shuts down and flashes all the battery lights four times when you work it that hard to 'protect wrists' which sucks when I would rather take advantage of the power and risk.

[@MiggyCW]

Where is it made?

[@DoresoomReviews]

China.

[@2pacnasgame]

Will it take off exhaust bolts

[@rafaelvazquez3789]

Whats the price?

[@DoresoomReviews]

I talk about price at 6:28.

[@2pacnasgame]

What is the break away torque

[@DoresoomReviews]

The motor provides 55 ft-lbs, but you can crank on it by hand like a regular ratchet if you need a higher breakaway torque.

[@2pacnasgame]

Ok I have a Dewalt 700 torque and 1000 break away I thought the Milwaukee was gonna have different spec for break away and I need in a tight space like exhaust pipes

[@DoresoomReviews]

Generally it's impact wrenches that have different fastening and breakaway torque specs, not ratchets. The new M12 2564-20 right angle impact wrench coming out next month has 220 ft lbs of breakaway torque in a slightly larger footprint.

[@2pacnasgame]

Ok thanks i need to remove my exhaust to get to my transmission lines on the side of the transmission but one of the cat converter is in the way and my hand won’t fit there I regular wrench is to long to loosen the nuts on the exhaust if I can pay for a good quality tool and do it my self why not that’s what a shop will charge me in just labor thanks for your response appreciate it

[@frs2768]

What is the max torque i can finish by hand? 90lbs?

[@DoresoomReviews]

I don't know if Milwaukee has specified a manual max torque. You can definitely use it to crank things tighter than the max torque the motor supplies though - I'd assume it can handle just about as much torque as a manual ratchet that's about the same length, but I haven't measured it with a torque wrench.

[@BrandonContracting]

175 ft lbs on the 3/8

[@saiiiiiii1]

Where's that number from?

[@IzAndy69]

Wouldn't it be easier just spend bit more and get the 3/8 stubby impact wrench. Only think I could see this being good for is exhaust fitting

[@DoresoomReviews]

Two very different tools in my opinion, but it will depend on your own use case if you need one or the other or both. The ratchet will reach into tighter places that you can't fit the impact. Plus you can use it by hand to get a feel for how much you're tightening a nut, which is much more controllable than an impact.

[@konaboyz1690]

Mahalos for your kokua (Thanks for your help) Aloha, Konaboyz

[@wendellgreenidge3362]

Where did you get yours??????

[@DoresoomReviews]

Milwaukee sent me a review sample through the Home Depot Seeds Program. I think their official release date is in November.

[@wendellgreenidge3362]

What is the seeds program?

[@DoresoomReviews]

Kind of like Amazon Vine: www.homedepot.com/c/home_depot_seeds_program

[@chicago1680]

One day I hope they can make a ratchet that doesn't look like a bloated pig. They all look like that. the person who can make one the size of an actual ratchet will be rich. I know we have the battery capacity to do that in a small body

[@Ghryst]

using powered ratchets by hand to give extra torque a the end, is the *only way* i have ever broken a powered ratchet. dont do it, it is bad advice. the ratchet head housing is only cast steel, its not very strong and the ratchet will crack it right open

[@DoresoomReviews]

I use M12 ratchets all the time for breaking loose fasteners, no problems so far. I do stop and get out a breaker bar or wrench when something is really stuck though. Milwaukee even specifically indicated that their new high speed ratchets can be used that way. They wouldn't give the green light for using a tool in a way that would result in excess warranty claims.

[@rokitman5753]

The Husky is far better for way less money and longer battery life

[@cullenburke1448]

You do nice reviews...but you say "uhhh" a lot. it detracts from otherwise excellent commentary and observations. Keep it up.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Thanks for the feedback! This was one of my earlier reviews - I've worked on that point a lot since then. 😊

[@ghostbuilder3187]

This is def not a real mechanic.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Nope, never claimed to be a professional.

[@whitekoala4172]

rAAAAchet

[@philmonachan8007]

YOU LEFT OUT THE PART OF HOW HEAVY IT IS. NOT ONLY IS THE WEIGHT ANNOYING ITS VERY UNBALANCED. THIS NEW DESIGN IS SIGNIFICANTLY BIGGER AND UNCOMFORTABLE THAN THE NON FUEL VERSION. I BOUGHT ONE THIS MORNING AND RETURNED IT AFTER LUNCH. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS. I PURCHASED THE SNAPON 3/8 THIS AFTERNOON AND ITS SO MUCH NICER TO USE THAN THIS NEW FUEL VERSION

[@DoresoomReviews]

Are you talking about the Snap-On CTR761B series 3/8" 14.4V ratchets? The new M12 FUEL weighs 5 ounces (12%) more, but has 38% more torque than the Snap-On. The M12 is 0.4" shorter as well. I agree that it doesn't always come down to specifications when considering how comfortable a tool is to use, but that's often opinion-based unless it's just a really bad design. I'm glad you found something that works for you, but it looks to me like each tool has its unique benefits.

[@vegasdavetv]

Doresoom Reviews it's a snap on guy complaint is all. lol

[@jumbojamez]

the Milwaukee warranty is way better too!

[@jeffl1944]

phil monachan lift some weights bro your a man

[@erikjohansson1814]

Grow some muscles. Repair your keyboard, the Caps Lock seems to be stuck.

[@ykmalachi]

I never want variable speed. I want max speed and max torque 100% of the time

[@DoresoomReviews]

If you don't want variable speed, just mash that trigger down and stop complaining.

[@NickDalzell]

You'll never get max torque. The tool shuts down if you work it to 'protect your wrists'. Its capable of more but the safety crap ruins it

[@acklan3]

How can you review a tool you have not used? I guess for a price anything can be reviewed.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Where did you get that idea? I mention having used it in the video. Of course it's not a long term use review, since I made the video right after it was released. And I never do paid reviews.

[@31acruz]

thumbs down for me, he never showed how to remove the battery, there are no marks or indicators, something so basic and hidden he should have covered. sorry.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Squeeze the sides of the battery and pull. It's something so simple it didn't even occur to me to cover it.