Best Cordless Ratchet | 5 Reviews and Buyers Guide

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Do you want to see the best cordless ratchet around? We’re sure you do. Accompanied by five great reviews and a buyer’s guide, of course.

A cordless ratchet is a versatile tool to add to any toolbox.  Turning and twisting bolts manually is time-consuming and energy-draining. With a cordless ratchet, time and energy can be saved and effective efficiency when working in tight spaces where leverage can become an issue.

The cordless ratchet is used by auto mechanics, woodworkers, carpenters, DIYers, and other professional technicians. Before buying a cordless ratchet, there are certain factors to consider. Consider your needs from this tool, and don’t over-inflate your ideas on what it can do.  Consider the key features: length, weight, grip, battery size, power/torque, and durability.

All of this can be confusing, so to help you to decide. We have compiled a comprehensive review of five of the best cordless ratchets on the market, along with a buyer’s guide.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect in this best cordless ratchet review article:

  • First, we lay out our top 5 picks side-by-side in a comparison table for your quick reference
  • Then, we take a detailed look at the features and benefits you’ll find helpful
  • Next, we’ll tell you about any shortcomings you might need to know about
  • And finally, you’ll have a better insight into the product after reading our buyers guide

Sound superb? Let’s get going!

 

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Best Cordless Ratchet Comparison Table:

CLICK any image to see Ratings & Reviews on Amazon

 

Further reading: 11 Types of Wrenches and Their Uses – A Useful Guide

 

5 Best Cordless Ratchets of 2021 – Reviews

 

1. Milwaukee 2457-21 Cordless Ratchet with Lithium-ion Battery (Best Overall)

Best Overall
  • The Milwaukee ⅜ inch cordless Ratchet has a 12-volt powerful motor and delivers up to 35 ft-lbs torque and 250 RPM.
  • The Redlithium-ion battery is included offering high run-time, delivers more work per charge and long battery life giving excellent value. The metal trigger with reinforced steel housing has a variable speed providing maximum control and durability.
  • The on-board fuel gauge helps to monitor the charge precisely for less downtime while working.
  • A built-in LED light is useful for illuminating work surfaces in dark locations. The measurement system is metric.
  • Included with the cordless ratchet is a RedLithium-ion Battery, 30-minute Charger, Carrying Case, and Adapter. Dimensions 10.1 x 14.3 x 5 inches, weight 4.63 pounds.
  • Sturdy compact ratchet wrench designed for the professional so would last well with DIY use.
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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Powerful
  • LED light
  • Sturdy
Cons
  • Pricey

 

2. ACDelco ARW1209P G12 Series Cordless Ratchet Wrench. (Best Value)

Best Value
  • The ACDelco ⅜ inch cordless ratchet has a 12V powerful motor and delivers up to 45 ft.lbs of max torque for fast removal, 100 ft-lbs of max tightening torque by hand, and 170RPM (no-load speed), with electronic brake for control and versatility.
  • It has a compact ⅜ inch head made from alloy steel, a built-in LED light useful for work in tight and dark spaces, forward and reverse action, and an ergonomic soft-grip design providing comfort for long hours of work.
  • Included with the cordless ratchet is a powerful interchangeable 12 Li-ion battery and a 30-minute charger.
  • The measurement system is inch. Dimensions: 10 inches long, package size 11.3 x 6.38 x 2.48, weight 3.76 pounds.
  • Comes with a 1-year limited warranty. A good value product that is compact and at a good price.
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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Electronic brake
  • More control
  • Ergonomic design
Cons
  • May lack power

 

3. AOBEN 12V 3/8″ Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench

  • The AOBEN ⅜ inch cordless ratchet has 12V motor and delivers up to 40 ft-lbs of torque and produces 280 RPM with a variable speed trigger for excellent control.
  • The ratchet works in a clockwise direction. It has an LED light on the front of the unit for working in dark places and lights on the side of the unit shows how much power is left.
  • For safety, the power button is located at the back of the ratchet’s head so it can’t be accidentally switched on in the middle of work and the heat-sinking feature avoids overload by maintaining optimum working temperature of the tools batteries.
  • The measurement system is inch.
  • Included with the ratchet are two batteries, a 60-minute charger, 8 bolts, and a toolbox.
  • Dimensions: 12.00 x 10.00 x 3.50 inches, weight 5.14 pounds. 1-year warranty and 100% money-back guarantee. Good product that performs well, reasonably priced.
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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Cheap
  • Powerful
  • LED light
Cons
  • Issues with retainer ball and spring breaking

 

4. KIMO Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench

  • Sick of lugging around a cumbersome ratchet wrench for everything from small hardware to large equipment? Get this tremendous new cordless electric ratchet that will cut down on the number of tools you need and make tasks so much easier.
  • The KIMO Cordless Ratchet is light, flexible, and versatile enough for any job: from tightening nuts to adjusting car ball joints, removing bolts quickly, or tighten stubborn seat screws once they have been released!
  • This powerful tool saves energy, too, featuring an adjustable high output torque range with variable speed trigger just like your regular air-operated ratchets but without the cords or noisy sound in between.
  • Use the new KIMO Cordless Ratchet Wrench and get all that heavy-duty use done without ever having to worry about anything like power outlets. With up to 40 ft-lbs of torque and 400 RPM on the max setting, its perfect for any tight spot you can find - even if you have something complicated in mind.
  • This KIMO Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench has no cords, and its 12V battery lasts a long time. You wont be tired with the ergonomic, rubberized handle. Plus, youll have easy access to your work with the built-in LED light!
  • KIMO Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench: a package with 2 X 1000-Charge Cycle 12V 2.0Ah KIMO Power Batteries, 1 X 60-minute Fast Charge, 1 X KIMO BMC Case, 7 X sockets, and a 3/8 to 1/4 drive adapter all in one! The revolutionary ratchet wrench smoothly tightens bolts quickly and efficiently without you having to waste time going back for more tools or find power sources out in the field. Turn any dull bolt into a shining masterpiece with just a few twists of this handy tool.
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Pros & Cons

Pros
  • 2-batteries
  • Great value
  • Loads of accessories
Cons
  • Lacks torque

 

5. S-LONG Cordless 12V ⅜ “ Ratchet Wrench

  • The S-Long ⅜ inch cordless ratchet wrench has a 12V motor delivering up to 40.N.M of torque and 280 RPM with a variable speed trigger for greater control.
  • The forward and reverse switch is on the back of the head and the lock-off switch helps to avoid triggering accidentally.
  • The LED light on the front of the unit helps to illuminate work in dark locations. The powerful Lithium-ion battery is included and is charged within 1.½ hours.
  • The power indicator light turns on automatically when the ratchet wrench is started, clearly showing battery reserve. The tool has an anti-slip grip giving comfort when used for long periods.
  • The measurement system is inch and metric.
  • Included with the ratchet: 1 x Lithium-ion Battery, Battery Charger, 1 x Carrying Case, 8 x different size Sockets, 1 x ⅜ inch to ¼ inch Adaptor, 1 x Extension Sleeve, 1 Manual Ratchet Wrench. Dimensions: 10.98 x 1.97 x 1.85 inches, weight 5.14 pounds.
  • Comes with a one year warranty and good customer service. A powerful mid-priced ratchet wrench but a bit on the large size, hence the manual wrench supplied in the kit.
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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Good accessories
  • Powerful
  • Anti-slip grip
Cons
  • 1.5-hour battery charge
  • Bulky

Video: Are Electric Ratchets Worth Buying?

 

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Best Cordless Ratchet Wrench | Buyers Guide:

Factors to Consider When Buying a Cordless Ratchets

We hope that after going through our reviews, you are thinking about two or three models. If you feel a little bit confused, don’t worry. We created this buyer’s guide to help you know the features you need to emphasize so that you can pick suitable models easily.

Ratchets vs. Air Impact Wrenches

Before buying a cordless ratchet, you should not set your imaginations too high. Some people have many expectations of what this tool can do, which often leads to disappointment.

If you imagine this tool as one that can take six lug bolts of a tire in less than 10 seconds, then you will be in for a real shock. The device that can help you do that is an air impact wrench. 

Air impact wrenches are more powerful than cordless ratchets, but on the downside, they need a steady supply of pressurized air as well as a heavy-gauge cable running between the tool and the compressor. Also, they tend to be a little bit bulkier. However, they are the best for loosening very tight nuts and tightening them again to the desired torque.

When using a cordless ratchet, you will first need to switch the unit to manual mode to get your nut loose, then hold it down while pressing the trigger to take the nut off. This saves you time as you will not have to turn a ratchet or get the nut off by rotating it manually.

Think of cordless ratchet as a tuned-down version of air impact wrenches. Therefore, they are designed for smaller, more straightforward jobs and may not be ideal for nuts or bolts fixed too tight. You will need to invest in an air impact wrench on jobs that call for an extra tightening of nuts or loosening over-tightened nuts.

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Other factors to consider include;

Portability

One of the benefits cordless ratchets have over air impact wrenches is that they are incredibly compact and thus save on space. This makes them better for people who usually work in confined spaces, such as in a car engine. 

They are also better than standard ratchets as they make it easier for you to get the bolts loose. You can hold the handle still, and the ratchet head will do the turning for you. This means fewer accidental knocks on knuckles against hard surfaces and less time on taking nuts off a bolt.

It is essential to mention that some cordless ratchets are smaller than others, and many things determine the size, but majorly this is determined by the brand.

Brands that mount their batteries inline tend to have smaller models since there are no protrusions. This means that such models can easily fit in tight spaces. Keep off from models with abnormal battery configurations as they tend to have a very wide or very long body. Also, watch out for ratchets that use older battery models as they tend to be heavier and more prominent, not to mention that they wear out quicker.

Ease of use

Although most cordless ratchets function almost similarly, it is essential to look at the operating system. Also, check the design- does the tool have a comfortable handle for ease of handling. If cordless ratchets have a large grip area or slippery handle that puts a lot of stress on your palm or wrist, avoid it.

Battery

Another primary consideration is the size and type of battery a cordless ratchet uses. The battery influences the power of a ratchet and the weight as well. All these show how efficient a ratchet will be. The higher the battery amperage, the longer it will keep its charge. Keep in mind that bigger batteries take longer to charge than smaller ones, but charging time is determined by equipment quality.

Most cordless tools nowadays come with lithium-ion batteries, but you must confirm your unit comes with a lithium-ion battery- just in case. These batteries are lighter and have a faster charge time. They can also be charged at any time, irrespective of whether or not you have exhausted the charge. 

When considering battery capacity, keep in mind that the battery size that suits you depends on the type of work you intend to do with your tool.

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Durable Gear Drive

The gear drive should be made of steel instead of plastic or rubber. Although models with gear drives made of steel are pricier, they tend to be more durable and long-lasting.

Bottom Line

All of the five Cordless Ratchet Wrenches reviewed range from occasional DIY to professional mechanics. Our Best Overall Milwaukee 2457-21 is solid, compact, good in tight spaces, durable, and would certainly stand up to being used constantly. While this tool has all the features for making it the perfect tool to work with, there is one downside, the direction change is inconvenient for anyone with large hands or wearing gloves. It is also pricier than the others reviewed, but if you use a ratchet wrench regularly, this is the one for you.

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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Our Best Value ACDelco ratchet wrench has many good quality features, sturdy metal casing, compact, suitable for tight spaces, a reasonable price with a 1-year warranty. A good tool for a fair value price.

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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

Best of the Rest

The AOBEN came a close second to the ACDelco but has a lower torque, not as well made, and the ratchet works in a clockwise direction only. However, it does come with a 1-year warranty and a 100% money-back guarantee.

AOBEN
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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

The S-Long has good features with a 1-year warranty and good customer service, but the downside is it is a little on the large side, which is why it comes with a manual wrench in the kit. However, this is still an excellent sturdy metal ratchet wrench, with scientific design, high performance, and is reasonably priced.

S-Long
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Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

We hope the reviews have helped you decide which ratchet wrench you want to buy and has given you a better understanding of which tool is suitable for your needs.

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Walter Snyder
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