3/8 cordless ratchet (dumb) question (1 Viewer)

[Skniper]

Can I use my regular chrome sockets, extensions, etc with a 3/8 battery powered ratchet (not impact)?? I’m getting an M12 3/8 power ratchet this week.
Do I need to invest in a set of sockets that are more “impact” rated?

 

[e9999]

if that ratchet has no impact feature to it, I don't see why using regular sockets would be a problem. Especially since I imagine an M12 tool likely does not have as much torque as a regular 18V one.

 

[Waorani]

I use regular sockets all the time with my M12 3/8 ratchet. Also have an M12 3/8 impact ratchet and usually just use regular sockets on it too.

 

[Skniper]

I use regular sockets all the time with my M12 3/8 ratchet. Also have an M12 3/8 impact ratchet and usually just use regular sockets on it too.

That's what I figured, every search I made about ratchets ended up referring to impacts. Coincidentally found some Northern Tool coupons in the mail today so went and picked up a 3/8 Fuel m12. This thing is beefier than expected, think I'm gonna like it.

 

[bigredmachine]

youll be fine, send it. you can use chrome sockets with impact but you have more risk of breaking then as they usually have thinner walls ,ive also heard that since the chrome sockets are harder it can damage the anvil in the impact gun/driver

 

[Skniper]

Btw, been loving this m12 ratchet, wherethehell has this been all my life? Really dig that it works like a manual ratchet wrench when needed.
**Mind Blown** (simple guy from a manual world)

 

[Ol Yeller]

There seem to be a ton of M12 ratchet varieties out there, what is “the” one to get?

 

[Waorani]

Not sure if it's "the" one but I like my 2457-20 (bottom) and use it all the time. Also have a 2564-20 3/8 impact ratchet. Got it for cheap at a swap meet and haven't used much but nice if you need to really tighten or break loose a fastener in tight quarters. I think some of the different part numbers have to do with head lengths but might also just be later models. I like these enough that I'm keeping my eye open for a deal on an extended 1/4" ratchet.

 

[Waorani]

Couple other M12 tools I like. Rotary tool is what Dremel should have been all along.

 

[Skniper]

There seem to be a ton of M12 ratchet varieties out there, what is “the” one to get?

Decide what size you want/need first...1/4 3/8 or 1/2". Theres only 11 models on Milwaukee's website.

I ended up with the 2557-20 3/8" Fuel ratchet. Similar to what @Waorani posted above but not as compact. The business end of the 2557 is a little beefy. It's nice though, I dig it.

 

[e9999]

so those M12 ratchets are powerful enough for normal jobs, not too wimpy?

and can you use them manually, as in pulling on them with the motor off, without damaging them? IIRC, my M12 driver manual specifically says it's OK (still makes me queasy though...)

 

[GeoRoss]

so those M12 ratchets are powerful enough for normal jobs, not too wimpy?

and can you use them manually, as in pulling on them with the motor off, without damaging them? IIRC, my M12 driver manual specifically says it's OK (still makes me queasy though...)

I use them to loosen things manually that aren’t super tight, ie I wouldn’t with suspension level torques. That is just me. Where they really shine is those areas you can get a socket on, but not enough throw to really get a ratchet going more than a few clicks.

 

[Land Shark]

My understanding is manufacturers will tell you not to use as a loosening device. However, to @GeoRoss point, if not real tight you are probably fine. I generally don't use on anything that I know is REAL tight. For speed these things really shine and when in hard to reach areas are even better.