I’ve been eyeing a snap on 1/4” ratchet with battery and charger on CL for $175. For you guys that use them, wondering if it’s better to get a 3/8 or 1/4 is good enough.

I "HAD" 2 Black and Decker aluminum 3/8" ratchets, designed for space station work early on, like back in the late 80's. Their batteries finally bit the dust and were not replaceable but i sure loved them. Some of the things I would break loose then hit the button to remove/install said fastener. They were a bit bulky back then. I need to take a picture of them. I don't think a 1/4" would be able to break loose hard stuff without breaking IMO.

I’d guess the 1/4” wouldn’t be able to break a bolt loose that’s torqued to about 30ftlbs. I do like that it’s small and compact though. I’ll look out for a 3/8. Seems like these save so much time

I used mine all the time. My air ratchet is fine but bulky because of the air hose. The battery powered units are really handy. My oldest son has a really nice impact that is electric......nice, but a bit pricey.

Yeah I have a dewalt impact that gets a lot of use and I love it. It even breaks loose lug nuts torqued to 95ftlbs. My air compressor isn’t that big and those air ratchets use a ton of air and like you said, it sucks having to deal with the hose.

I have a 1/4 inch Milwaukee m12 ratchet. Thing is awesome. Used it all day every day while I was a rover tech. Some other techs had the snap on one but the Milwaukee seems built better.

Just saw someone selling the Milwaukee for $135. Includes two batteries and the charger but they’re too far from me

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-24...dewalt+electric+ratchet&qid=1587567874&sr=8-4
Looks like a nice one, didn't search for batteries tho.

1990TSIAWDTALON said:

https://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-24...dewalt+electric+ratchet&qid=1587567874&sr=8-4
Looks like a nice one, didn't search for batteries tho.

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Now you got me looking into purchasing one of these. My buddy, who is a tech for Subaru, uses these and they are a massive time saver for him. Especially since he is working to beat the book. From my little research, the Milwaukee M12 (or M18?) is the best one at this price point. I also have looked at the Harbor Freight model (earthquake I think) because you can get it for $100 with a coupon (and it comes with a battery).

I use this one. Nothing fancy, the head is not that small but smaller than air ratchets I have. and the quality is actually good. so far I have no complain.
https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-Cordless-Ratchet-Compact-100ft-lbs/dp/B07NBR63QY?ref_=ast_sto_dp

DSMPT said:

I use this one. Nothing fancy, the head is not that small but smaller than air ratchets I have. and the quality is actually good. so far I have no complain.
https://www.amazon.com/ACDelco-Cordless-Ratchet-Compact-100ft-lbs/dp/B07NBR63QY?ref_=ast_sto_dp

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Thats cheap. How long have you had it? Good battery life?

Make sure battery availability is good for what ever unit you decide on. That is why I haven't grabbed one at Harbor Freight, I wasn't sure there was a replacement battery available.

I know Marty. Always skeptical when it comes to battery operated tools

99OZDSM said:

Now you got me looking into purchasing one of these. My buddy, who is a tech for Subaru, uses these and they are a massive time saver for him. Especially since he is working to beat the book. From my little research, the Milwaukee M12 (or M18?) is the best one at this price point. I also have looked at the Harbor Freight model (earthquake I think) because you can get it for $100 with a coupon (and it comes with a battery).

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Yeah. I hate sitting in a tight spot ratcheting a few clicks back and forth

TK's9d2TSi said:

Thats cheap. How long have you had it? Good battery life?

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Yeah it's cheap. But I didn't want a cheap no brand one because probably I would have a hard time to find battery in near future. That's a new model from 2019. I got it when it was out. So I have had it since the beginning of 2019. So far the battery is still working good. And the battery is ACDelco G12 series, so it's easy to get replacement. I was thinking of this one as temporary use but I think I keep using this.

Think I’m sold on that one. Haha that’s a great price point. Thanks all

almost 500 reviews w 4.5 stars and lithium ion battery. That’s a win

TK's9d2TSi said:

Think I’m sold on that one. Haha that’s a great price point. Thanks all

almost 500 reviews w 4.5 stars and lithium ion battery. That’s a win

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I think I'm going to do the same. Also one of the reviews on amazon says the harbor freight battery will fit this unit.

99OZDSM said:

I think I'm going to do the same. Also one of the reviews on amazon says the harbor freight battery will fit this unit.

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That's good to know. Thanks

I have a craftsman 18 volt. I thinknits 1/2 but u can get adapters. That thing has got off bolts I didnt think was possible. I like it, but it's just a suggestion.

Bud92gsx said:

I have a craftsman 18 volt. I thinknits 1/2 but u can get adapters. That thing has got off bolts I didnt think was possible. I like it, but it's just a suggestion.

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Appreciate the suggestion Bud! I mainly use an electric dewalt impact and occasionally a snap on 1/2” impact if I need more juice. Just looking for something small and compact.

Ita not the most compact. Not even compact, but it sure does get bolts off.
If u were to buy again I'd buy a compact with tonnes of torque