Author Topic: Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?  (Read 704 times)

Ben

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Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?
« on: December 06, 2024, 08:34:58 AM »
I see cordless ratchets used a lot on how-to videos. While they look like they can be handy, they also look a little bulky. I'm thinking that the instances where I would most want to use a cordless is when I'm in tight spots, where I can't swing a manual ratchet. But if it's a tight spot, am I getting the bulkier cordless in there?

If I get one, it will either be a DeWalt 20v, since I'm in that battery universe, or else a cheap Harbor Fright one.

Discuss.
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cordex

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Re: Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?
« Reply #1 on: December 06, 2024, 08:38:50 AM »
I got a cheap Chinese cordless ratchet that uses DeWalt batteries.

I mostly use it for adjusting my chainsaw mill.

Handy if you're running a lot of fasteners where a drill can't reach, or trying to hold something in place while tightening a fastener.

Ben

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Re: Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?
« Reply #2 on: December 06, 2024, 08:40:54 AM »
I got a cheap Chinese cordless ratchet that uses DeWalt batteries.

Oh, I wasn't even thinking about Chinesiam stuff that uses DeWalt batteries. I'll have to look at that.
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K Frame

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Re: Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?
« Reply #3 on: December 06, 2024, 09:03:32 AM »
I've been thinking about getting a cordless ratchet, but to be honest, I don't turn wrenches nearly as much as I used to.

Earlier this week I put a new battery in my Forester. That was the first time I've used my ratchets and sockets in probably a couple of years. At least since before I blew out my knee in November 2022.

That said, I can see them being VERY useful. But, to be honest, if I really need to turn a lot of nuts, or a bunch of screws, I can fire up my cordless drill and do with it just about everything I need to.
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Kingcreek

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Re: Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?
« Reply #4 on: December 06, 2024, 09:05:35 AM »
I bought into team Milwaukee but use my cordless ratchet much more than I thought I would.
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dogmush

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Re: Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?
« Reply #5 on: December 06, 2024, 09:15:44 AM »
I have the ratchet for my 20V Dewalt stuff and it's OK.  Like you said, kinda bulky, and power ratchet's in any form don't have a ton of torque.  It really shines if you're pulling the top end of an engine apart, or like a generator enclosure, or anything built in the 8020 Aluminum extrusion ecosystem. I don't hate it, but it's not the irreplaceable tool the 1/4 drive cordless impact is.

I also have a chinesium rip off of the 12V Milwaukee FUEL 1/4" drive ratchet.  The smaller batteries make it pretty compact and handy, even though I gotta have another charger.  it's worth the $60 I paid for it.

FWIW, 3 of the mechanics in my Army shop have brought their own Milwaukee cordless sets in and love them for HMMWV work, eschewing the .gov provided Snap-On Air tools.   

Kingcreek

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Re: Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?
« Reply #6 on: December 06, 2024, 10:28:14 AM »
The 1/4” FUEL m12 is the one I use the most. The torque is limited but even with a 3/8” adapter I often manually break a nut loose with it then power it off. The ratchet head is strong enough to handle it even if it exceeds the motor torque.
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Bogie

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Re: Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?
« Reply #7 on: December 06, 2024, 10:49:28 AM »
I have the ratchet and 3/8" gun that O'Reilly sells... I've used the hell out of the gun, but not a lot of the ratchet. But it's there, and given what I paid for it, I won't cry if it walks...
 
I am just a few blocks from both a Home Depot and a Harbor Freight... I looked at both the Bauer and the Ryobi tools, and... I have a half-inch drill, 1/4" impact, 1/2" impact, buffer, inflator, cutoff, and skilsaw, all Harbor Freight Bauer... I also have a corded 1/2" impact, a table saw, and several hand drills...
 
A deep 10mm pretty much lives on the 3/8" gun.
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HeroHog

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Re: Do I Want a Cordless Ratchet?
« Reply #8 on: December 06, 2024, 06:56:48 PM »
GET ONE, you will not regret it.
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