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Cordless ratchets are a must-have tool that is especially useful when working in tight spaces where leverage becomes an issue.
But which one best suits your needs?
We’ve together this short list of some of the top model available as well as a buying guide at the end.
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
The Best Cordless Ratchet with Reviews 2024
Here's a list of the best cordless ratchets we found:
1. Milwaukee M12 3/8-in Cordless Ratchet
- 12 volt motor delivering up to 35ft-lbs of torque
- Overload protection
- LED lighting for dark working conditions
- In-built battery Gauge
- Weighs 4.63lbs
Pros
- Highly reviewed
- Very durable
- Compact design
Cons
- The reverse switch can be awkward to reach
- Soft carrying case
Overview
In our opinion, the Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in cordless M12 ratchet is the best cordless ratchet available.
This tool features a compact design, making it easier to use in harder to reach work areas. LED lighting to illuminate dimly lit conditions. Overload protection which shuts off the ratchet and prevents accidents. Battery gauge to show the battery level in real time and a lock switch to prevent unintentional starts.
The complete package includes one M12 red lithium battery, 30 minute charger, a 3/8’’ to 1/4’’ adapter and a carrying case. The reverse switch can be tricky to turn for those with larger fingers.
The Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in cordless M12 ratchet is designed with speed and durability in mind. When purchasing this tool, you can expect top quality performance that is best suited for professionals where time is money.
2. AOBEN 3/8" Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench Set
- Air-cooled 12 volt motor
- 35ft-lbs of torque
- Variable speed trigger
- LED light for dark conditions
- Weighs 4.7lbs
Pros
- 100% money back guarantee
- Well priced
- Versatile with 8 bolts included
Cons
- Bulkier design
- No in-built battery gauge
Overview
Securing are best value pick is the AOBEN 3/8″ 12V cordless electric ratchet for the number of brilliant features it offers for an affordable price.
It comes with a 12 volt motor that can produce 35ft-lbs of torque. Variable speed trigger for improved control with speeds up to 280 rpm. Air-cooled motor to stabilize the working temperature of the battery. LED light on the front of the ratchet for working in dark conditions. 100% money back guarantee.
This ratchet is bundled with 8 different bolt attachments, 2 long lasting and rechargeable 12v lithium ion batteries and a portable charger. It is slightly heavier than other ratchets, with a marginally bulkier design.
The number of money saving accessory’s that come with the AOBEN 3/8″ 12V cordless electric ratchet make it a must have mid-range ratchet that can tackle a wide variety of jobs from the moment it arrives.
3. VonHaus Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench Set
- 12 volt motor delivering 35ft-lbs of torque
- Variable speed trigger
- In-built battery gauge
- Lock-off switch for unintentional starts
- Weighs 2.82lbs
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight
- Overload protection
Cons
- The battery doesn’t last as long as some competitors
- Vibrates more than other ratchets
Overview
The extremely affordable, lightweight and feature packed VonHaus cordless electric ratchet wrench is our best budget pick.
This ratchet packs a 12 volt motor capable of delivering 35ft-lbs of torque. Variable speed trigger with a maximum non load fastening speed of 280 rpm. Overload protection that optimises performance and user safety while preventing an overload. In-built battery gauge to easily determine the battery level. Lock off switch to prevent unintentional starts and an anti-slip soft grip. A battery and charger are also included in the package; however, the battery isn’t as long lasting as some of its competitors.
The VonHaus cordless electric ratchet wrench is a budget option suitable for those looking to save a few dollars while still having a highly functional and strong performing ratchet.
4. ACDelco G12 3/8-Inch Cordless Ratchet Wrench
- 65ft-lbs of torque
- Forward / reverse lever
- Steel alloy head, neck and body
- Built-in LED light
- Weighs 3.08lbs
Pros
- Fast charge system
- Durable design
- 50% longer operation time than a standard motor
Cons
- Lower max RPMs than other models
Overview
The ACDelco 3/8-inch Li-ion 12V cordless ratchet brings a durable design with a longer lasting, more powerful motor all under one package.
It features 65ft-lbs of torque from the 12V motor. Alloy steel head, neck and body for greater durability. Built-in LED for working in dim conditions. A forward and reverse lever. Convenient safety lock switch and a tacky rubberized grip for more control. Includes 1 x high capacity, interchangeable lithium ion battery and an intelligent fast charger.
The fast charge system and a motor that can last 50% longer than its competition, make the ACDelco 3/8-inch Li-ion 12V cordless ratchet a strong contender among cordless ratchets.
5. ACDelco G12 1/4" Cordless Ratchet
- 30ft-lbs of max torque
- Max no load speed of 240 rpm
- Variable speed with reversible control
- Built in LED for dark work spaces
- Weighs 1.87lbs
Pros
- Durable aluminum gearbox housing
- Comfortable to use
- Angled head for tight workspaces
Cons
- Occasional reports of air leakage through the speed control dial
- Shorter battery life compared to some competitors
Overview
The G12 cordless 1/4″ ratchet wrench, ARW1207 is an easy to use and lightweight tool that works great in tight spaces due to its angled head.
It features variable speed with reversible control, able to reach speeds of 240 rpm. Built in LED light for dark working conditions. Anti-slip soft grip and an aluminium gearbox housing to prevent stripping and increase product longevity. Package includes 1 x Li-ion 12V battery pack, quick charger and a carrying case
Aimed at people who rely on their tools to make a living, the ACDelco G12 series cordless ratchet offers excellent reliability and performance.
6. Craftsman C3 Max Axess Cordless Ratchet
- 19.2 volt motor
- Max no load speed of 225 rpm
- Forward/reverse toggle on ratchet head
- Powerful LED light
- Weighs 2.65lbs
Pros
- Longer run time compared to other ratchets
- Powerful tool
- Comes with a selection of sockets
Cons
- No battery or charger included
- May be out of stock due to high demand
- 3/8in adapter can occasionally pop out
Overview
The Craftsman 19.2 Volt C3 Max Axess Power Ratchet is a well-reviewed tool that packs slightly more power than its competitors.
It features a maximum no load speed of 225 rpm which is fully adjustable with the variable speed settings. A forward and reverse toggle on the ratchet head that allows changes in the rotation direction. Lock switch to prevent accidental starts. Powerful LED light to enable work in dark conditions. Lightweight. Comes with a 3/8in, 7/16in and 1/2in sockets and a 3/8in square adaptor. The 3/8in adapter has been reported by a few users to occasionally pop out (although it is easily fixable). No battery or charger is included.
A light, long lasting tool that is incredibly useful in tight spots, the Craftsman 19.2 Volt C3 Max Axess Power Ratchet is best suited for the occasional user.
Buying Guide
When on the look-out for the ideal cordless ratchet, there are a number of factors you must consider. Each person has their own unique requirements and budget, both of which play a huge role in determining the kind of tool best suited to you. To reduce the amount of time you waste researching these factors yourself, we have put together a short and concise buyers guide which provides all the vital information you need when shopping for a cordless ratchet.
Key Features you must Consider
Length: Having the appropriately sized ratchet is key to fitting into those harder to reach workplaces. A fancy ratchet with all the features you could ever need is no use to you if you can’t use it. Take note of the length and decide whether a small bodied ratchet is more suitable to your needs.
Weight: Heavier ratchets may lead to hand fatigue, which is no good when you have a job to finish. However, heavier ratchets do tend to be of stronger construction. You must consider both factors when making your choice and decide which is more important to you. Users who intend on carrying their ratchet around frequently would be best suited to a lighter one.
Grip: You’ll most likely be holding the ratchet for prolonged periods of time, which is why a sturdy and comfortable grip is important. An ergonomic grip will help limit hand and arm fatigue during use, allowing you to work for longer without stopping. Also, look out for ratchets that feature a non-slip grip.
Battery Size: Due to being cordless, these ratchets rely on battery power alone to function. This makes the battery an extremely important factor to consider when buying one. A more powerful battery will lead to a longer run time, and although most batteries are rechargeable, having one that can last the entirety of a job is a major plus.
Power & Torque: Power and torque are all down to the motor. This is what you rely upon to tighten and loosen the nuts and bolts. Look for a ratchet that can produce at least 30ft-lbs of torque, especially if you plan on working with larger nuts.
Tool Safety: We all understand the importance of safety, especially when it comes to working with power tools. Good safety features to look out for include a sturdy, anti-slip grip. Lock off switch to prevent unwanted starts and overload protection. Along with the in-built safety features, it is advisable to wear safety gear such as gloves and goggles to prevent injury.
Durability: Our tools take a beating, which is why it is important to pay close attention to their design. An all plastic ratchet housing is more likely to fall apart and break on you, where as an all metal design will stand up to the knocks and drops all tools are put through. You also need to examine the drive gears, as above, metal gears are less likely to break or wear out than their plastic counterparts.
Wrapping it up
The ideal cordless ratchet is designed to boost your productivity through efficient and quality performance, while also standing up to the test of time.
Our top pick goes to the Milwaukee 2457-21 3/8-in cordless ratchet for its ability to tick all the boxes, from its durable and compact design to its multitude of key features.
Suitable for professionals whose livelihoods depend on a good tool to the more occasional user looking to invest in a tool that will last longer and perform better. Your first time using the Milwaukee 2457-21 will have you wondering why you didn’t buy one years ago.
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