REVIEWS : Best Cordless Ratchet for the Money

There was a time when the best ratchet wrenches were pneumatic tools. This obviously meant that you needed an air compressor, pipes, and fittings to take advantage of the speed and efficiency offered by these tools. Times have changed. Cordless tools now rule the roost. This brings us to the topic of this review, which is the best cordless ratchet?

Most of us are used to a manual ratchet wrench. It takes a bit more time to loosen and tighten bolts, but they get the job done. If you look at any professional mechanic’s shop, you’ll see that they get the same job accomplished in a fraction of the time, using a power tool that operates much faster than a hand wrench. A ratchet that uses mechanical power makes life much easier.

Thanks to improved technology, we can take advantage of the same efficiency without requiring an expensive and cumbersome compressed air setup. This cordless ratchet review presents a good selection of the best options for home and professional shops.

If top brand tools are your thing, there is no shortage of great cordless ratchets to choose from. For those who want the very best, and are prepared to pay for it, you’ll find brands like Makita, Ingersoll Rand, and Milwaukee selected for this review. If you haven’t got the budget for the big name cordless wrenches, no need for despair. We’ve searched high and low for a great quality, more affordable product from a brand we all know and trust. The 20V Craftsman cordless ratchet has to be the best affordable option on the market.

With such a great selection of wrenches featured in this review, you should have no problem finding the tool that meets your every requirement.

Buying Guide : Best Cordless Ratchet

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Review : Makita XRW01Z 18V LXT Cordless Ratchet

Features :

• Interchangeable 3/8″ and 1/4″ anvils for added versatility
• Powerful motor delivers 35 ft.lbs of Max Torque
• Variable speed (0-800 RPM) for a wide range of fastening applications
• Electric brake for increased productivity
• Can be used as manual ratchet when motor is not engaged
• Built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the work area
• Weighs only 2.7 lbs. with battery for reduced operator fatigue (battery not included)
• Ergonomically designed handle with rubberized soft grip provides increased comfort and control
• Low profile design engineered for improved handling in compact areas
• Ideal for working in tight spaces and overhead applications
• Features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions
• Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls™ to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating
• Compatible with Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries with a Star symbol
• 3-year limited warranty
• Only use genuine Makita batteries and chargers

OVERVIEW —

I know many power tool users consider DeWalt and Milwaukee to be the kings of cordless tool technology. While Makita may not be as widely appreciated, I consider this one of the best cordless tool brands. Not everyone is aware that Makita was the pioneer of battery-powered tools. Long before these tools became popular items, Makita was manufacturing specialized battery drills, used mostly in the mining industry.

When cordless tools started making an appearance on the domestic market, Makita was amongst the first to introduce quality battery-powered tools available for everyday use. For a long time, Makita cordless tools were the best. It took a while for the other major manufacturers to accomplish what Makita had been doing for decades before – researching and manufacturing the best batteries and chargers.

Makita may not dominate the cordless power tool market, but the experience gained from about 50-years of research into this technology will always be an advantage. The 18V LXT battery platform has been perfected. The chargers are about the fastest there are, making for incredible battery charging times.

The Makita Star Protection electronic battery management system (BMS) was one of the first of its kind. This offers complete protection from battery damage, resulting over charging or discharging, short circuit, over (or under) voltage, and over/under current. This intelligent BMS provides constant communication between the Makita LXT tool and the battery, ensuring optimal performance and battery safety. The same happens when the battery is charging. The result is a battery that provides the best working times and has one of the best lifespans.

Given that Makita is one of the top cordless tool manufacturers, it seems appropriate to kick off our best cordless ratchet review with the exemplary Makita XRW01Z. It is one of the lightest, with a superbly ergonomic design. Two very important advantages when using a cordless ratchet wrench. There are quite a few fantastic design features that make this a wonderful tool to use and extremely durable. This is undoubtedly an industrial grade cordless ratchet.

Although this wrench is noticeably longer than many others and has a slightly awkward bulge at the end of the handle to accommodate the battery, it is easy to use. Since the Makita XRW01Z can also function as a manual ratchet wrench, that extra length can be an advantage. A longer handle for a manual wrench provides improved leverage, making it easier to loosen and tighten bolts when you’re not using the electric motor. I also love the molded soft grip with oversized trigger switch.

Weighing a mere 2.7 pounds (including the battery), the Makita XRW01Z has the best power to weight ratio when compared to any cordless ratchet. When you consider that this lightweight little bombshell delivers 35 Ft LBS (47 NM) of torque, you can but only be amazed at how accomplished this cordless ratchet really is. It has a variable speed of 0 – 800 RPM, making it the fastest cordless ratchet wrench. A faster tool means greater productivity.

There are a couple of additional advantages that have impressed me. The Makita XRW01Z has interchangeable square drives. You can use either ⅜” or ¼” sockets without the need for a bulky adapter. It also has an LED light which can be incredibly handy under the hood of a car or any similar situation where natural light is restricted. It’s always great to have hassle-free illumination directly where you need it. Another great time saver is the electric brake, allowing you to move from one task to the next without any unnecessary delays.

The metal tool head is not only tough, it is perfectly shaped to fit into tight spaces. It has a small forward and reverse lever on the ratchet head, just like traditional manual ratchet wrenches. It’s within easy reach. You can change direction with a quick flip using your thumb.

Whether you’re a fan of the Makita brand or not, I’m sure you’ll agree that the XRW01Z is definitely one of the best cordless ratchets. It is super-tough and can boast a long list of superb design features. A lightweight, powerful cordless ratchet is what any mechanic is looking for. It is also incredibly practical, being able to use any size socket. I have always been hugely impressed with Makita service and their 3-year warranty can rival any of the top brands.

Tech Specs : Makita XRW01Z

• Battery : 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion
• Form Factor (LXT) : 18V LXT®
• Motor Type : Brushed
• Square Drive (interchangeable) : 3/8″, 1/4″
• No Load Speed (variable speed) : 0 – 800 RPM
• Maximum Torque (ft.lbs./N•m) : 35 ft.lbs./47 N•m
• Overall Length : 14-1/2″
• Net Weight (with battery, sold separately) : 2.7 lbs.
• Shipping Weight : 2.58 lbs.
• UPC Code : 088381-732864

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Review : Makita RW01R1 12V CXT Cordless Ratchet

Features :

• Interchangeable 3/8″ and 1/4″ anvils for added versatility
• Powerful motor delivers 35 ft.lbs of Max Torque
• Variable speed (0-800 RPM) for a wide range of fastening applications
• Electric brake for increased productivity
• Can be used as manual ratchet when motor is not engaged
• Built-in L.E.D. light illuminates the work area
• Weighs only 2.7 lbs. with battery for reduced operator fatigue (battery not included)
• Ergonomically designed handle with rubberized soft grip provides increased comfort and control
• Low profile design engineered for improved handling in compact areas
• Ideal for working in tight spaces and overhead applications
• Features Extreme Protection Technology (XPT™) which is engineered to provide increased dust and water resistance in harsh job site conditions
• Equipped with Star Protection Computer Controls™ to protect against overloading, over-discharging and over-heating
• Compatible with Makita 18V Lithium-Ion batteries with a Star symbol
• 3-year limited warranty
• Only use genuine Makita batteries and chargers

OVERVIEW —

The 12V Makita RW01R1 is more compact than the XRW01Z reviewed above. The greatest advantage being that it is easier to use in tight spaces. While this is relatively small wrench won’t offer the same working time as the 18V LXT Makita cordless ratchet, it still packs quite a punch.

In order to make the Makita RW01R1 such a practical wrench for smaller bolts, it utilizes the 12V CXT battery. Some may see the lower battery voltage as a disadvantage. This is true if you if want more time from the battery. The larger 18V LXT battery is more efficient, so you’ll be able to work for longer before recharging the battery. Conversely, the 12V CXT battery has its pros vs the 18V LXT battery.

Like the Makita 18V LXT, the 12V CXT is also a highly accomplished lithium ion battery with great protection from over and under charging. The primary difference being that this is a more compact battery, it is about ½” smaller than the 18V LXT equivalent. It is also a little lighter. This gives the tool more practical ergonomics, providing greater versatility.

Using this less powerful setup means that you have a cordless ratchet that weighs only 2.35 pounds including the battery. The Makita RW01R1 is also more compact than the XRW01Z, with a length of just over 13½”. It has a slim ergonomic design, making it the ideal battery-powered ratchet to use where space is limited. It can go where others cannot.

Despite the lower battery voltage, the 12V Makita cordless ratchet has no shortage of power. It provides 35 Ft. LBS torque and a pretty amazing maximum 800 RPM. It has, like the larger Makita ratchet, a wonderful variable speed trigger switch. You have exact speed control for every type of task.

Essentially, the Makita RW01R1 is a compact version of the Makita RW01R1, with a less powerful battery. In every other attribute, this tool has all the great advantages of the heavy-duty Makita XRW01Z. It has the same solid construction with an incredibly durable head and is equipped with interchangeable anvils – ⅜” or ¼”.

The Makita RW01R1 also has a bright LED light and super comfortable handle. It is as tough as they come, with Extreme Protection Technology (XPT). This protects the ratchet from damage caused by dust and moisture. Like all Makita cordless tools, the RW01R1 is built to take on any jobsite, no matter how demanding the conditions may be.

The Makita RW01R1 is reasonably inexpensive for a cordless ratchet that can meet the requirements of a professional shop. The battery may not be as great as the 18V LXT Makita wrench. Though, this is the only compromise for its lower price. The battery efficiency disadvantage is offset by the lower weight and more compact design.

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Review : Ingersoll Rand R3130

Ingersoll Rand has always been one of the biggest names when it comes to industrial pneumatic tools. When these guys set about engineering a cordless rachet, their aim was to provide the same power that we’ve come to expect from their magnificent air tools.

This is definitely one of the most powerful cordless ratchets you’ll find. It is quite a bit more expensive than the two Makita cordless ratchets. When you look at the type of power this tool provides, that price increase is totally justifiable. It is a little cheaper than the Milwaukee model (which will be reviewed next) and delivers similar torque. I think this makes the Ingersoll Rand cordless ratchet one of the best in terms of great value. A truly industrial grade tool with incredible power at a very reasonable price.

I found the Battery on the 18V Makita cordless ratchet to be quite bulky. Well, the 20V Ingersoll Rand battery is even larger. Extruding from the back of the handle like a clumsy bunion. While this is not ideal, the large 20V battery allows for improved working time, whilst delivering more power where you need it most, enough torque to drive larger nuts and bolts.

When it comes to industrial grade quality, this is every bit an Ingersoll Rand tool. High grade metals give the R3130 a sense of indestructible durability. This is something I always rate highly and am willing to forgive some of its imperfections as a result. It has a lot of muscle, delivering a mighty impressive 54 Ft LBS (73 NM) torque. Almost matching Milwaukee 12V Fuel ratchet, as you’ll discover later in the review. Comparing power to the Makita tools, there is no contest. The Ingersoll Rand R3130 provides around 60% more torque than either of the Makita wrenches featured in this review.

The Ingersoll Rand R3130 has a reasonable speed at a maximum of 225 RPM. Certainly not as impressive as the 800 RPM provided by the Makita ratchets. However, Makita is quite unique with this incredibly high speed. At 225 RPM, the Ingersoll Rand cordless ratchet can be compared to most pneumatic equivalents and most battery-powered ratchet wrenches.

With the battery, the Ingersoll Rand 3130 weighs a pretty hefty 5-pounds. While this is a manageable weight, it is one of the heaviest cordless ratchets. This heavyweight aspect is indicative of the super tough industrial design that makes Ingersoll Rand tools so great. Not a bad thing at all. It is also not the most compact, with a length of 17.5”.

The Ingersoll Rand cordless ratchet is easy and comfortable to use. It has a highly durable soft grip handle and a great variable speed trigger switch.

I greatly admire the supreme quality of the Ingersoll Rand R3130. It is just about as powerful as it gets. In the end, there is no cordless ratchet that can match the breaking power of an air tool. Though, for tightening large bolts, that require that extra torque, only Milwaukee has been able to match this great tool.

The brand has an impeccable reputation. To this end, you have the assurance of a magnificent warranty and guarantee. The limited 3-year warranty is one of the best. In addition to this, they offer a 2-year high capacity battery replacement and 1-year tool, battery, and charger replacement. This gives us an idea of how confident Ingersoll Rand is about this product.  

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Review : Milwaukee 2557-20 M12 Fuel

The Milwaukee 2557-20 M12 Fuel is the most expensive cordless wrench in this review. Milwaukee usually is. It is also the most powerful. Once again, Milwaukee usually is. Though it is only marginally more powerful than the Ingersoll Rand model reviewed above. The difference won’t be noticed. I’m not entirely convinced it is worth paying extra for the Milwaukee cordless ratchet, when the Ingersoll Rand R3130 is the cheaper option and will do the same job just as competently.

I know that Milwaukee has large and devoted following. This is definitely a brand renowned for exceptional quality and cutting edge engineering. Milwaukee Fuel batteries are fantastic, with incredible working times and outlast most. RedLink Plus battery technology can rival any of the best brands, offering superior battery protection.

Efficiency is improved, thanks to the RedLink brushless motor. I would consider this the number one reason for rating the Milwaukee 2557-20 over the others in this review that use a less efficient old-fashioned brushed motor. It allows the smaller 12V battery to provide similar working times to the 18V Makita LXT model. Though, I think the 20V Ingersoll Rand cordless ratchet will probably be the most convenient for longer working times.

With 55 Ft LBS torque, the Milwaukee 2557-20 is the best for breaking power and its ability to loosen larger bolts that may offer greater resistance. It does, however, have the lowest maximum speed (200 RPM). After the product reviews, I’ll provide more detail on the importance of speed vs torque when choosing the best cordless ratchet. This is an important consideration and depends mostly on the type of work you do.

I feel that Milwaukee has hit the mark in terms of practical, low profile design. The battery fits perfectly into the handle which is quite chunky but perfectly usable. The tool weighs only 2.43 pounds with a wonderful length of only 10.87”. The head, with a ⅜” anvil, is shaped to allow it pretty easy access in tight spaces. The additional clip on the handle is nice little extra feature, you can secure it your belt or pocket. It also has the advantage of a powerful LED light.

A cursory observation leads me to believe that the Milwaukee 2557-20 is the best cordless ratchet of the models featured in this review. Considering the price, I’d expect it to be. The slower speed can be a disadvantage but, in the end, it is a lot faster than any manual alternative. For working on heavy-duty equipment, the extra torque is a distinct advantage. A compact design will always be an advantage.

Anyone buying a Milwaukee tools rates quality and performance over price. By these criteria, you will certainly not be disappointed by the 12V Milwaukee 2557-20. This tool lives up to the brand reputation in every way. It’s robust, powerful, and designed for ease of use. The reassurance when buy a tool from a manufacturer like this is number one in the minds of many experienced power tool users. A wonderful machine, albeit a little pricey.

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Review : CRAFTSMAN CMCF930D1 V20

The Craftsman CMCF930D1 is the best cordless ratchet for the money. Being an affordable tool, it has great appeal to many buyers and is incredibly popular. The brand is known for great prices, with a reputation for good quality. It would be pointless comparing this wrench to the others reviewed above. It is a lot cheaper and it should be of no surprise that it’s not of the same industrial grade standard. Though, I certainly wouldn’t call the craftsman cordless ratchet junk. It would not have made it into our review of the best cordless ratchets if it were.

One thing that I don’t like is the chunky battery. I’ve mentioned this about several of the other cordless ratchets reviewed here, but the Craftsman wrench has an incredibly large battery that looks like an afterthought. I would find this to be an unwanted irritation working around an engine bay. A battery that keeps snagging or knocking into stuff is not exactly a good idea.

Apart from the less than ergonomic battery design, the Craftsman cordless ratchet compares quite favorably to those that cost considerably more. The ⅜” metal ratchet seems to be really solid, and this is very important for long term durability. It has a good handle, offering a comfortable grip and great leverage when you want to break a tight-fitting bolt manually. The plastic shank is reasonably tough, but I doubt it will hold up to the rough treatment that others will endure. I like the metal clip that allows you to store the tool anywhere safely.

Power is pretty good. It has 35 FT LBS torque with a respectable maximum speed of 300 RPM. The Craftsman CMCF930D1 will have no problems doing the same tasks as any of the best cordless ratchets. It also has a built-in  work light, which is always great.

This is a fairly heavy wrench, weighing 4.81 pounds. Though the general design, apart from the awkward battery protruding from the handle, is pretty awesome. The direction switch at the back of the ratchet head is also very practical and easy to use.

The Craftsman CMCF930D1 is quite a remarkable cordless ratchet. It is priced to make it accessible for the home user. Yet, this wrench can perform reasonably well in a professional shop. Probably not the first choice for a commercial shop but it can hold its own in this type of working environment. Craftsman is definitely one of the top brands for budget tools, making the Craftsman CMCF930D1 the ideal option for anyone wanting a capable cordless ratchet without breaking the bank.  

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Summary : Best Cordless Ratchet

The best cordless ratchet means different things to different people. I think the wrenches chosen for this review cover all bases. Of the top four, the Makita tools are the best for speed. The Ingersoll Rand and Milwaukee cordless ratchets are the best if you need more torque. The Craftsman is the best cheap cordless ratchet.

It’s clear that each one has its merits as summarized below.

Makita XRW01Z 18V LXT Cordless Ratchet

• Best speed: up to 800 RPM
• Reasonable torque: 35 FT LBS
• Good power to weight ratio
• Excellent durability
• Long battery time

Makita RW01R1 12V CXT Cordless Ratchet

• Best speed: up to 800 RPM
• Reasonable torque: 35 FT LBS
• Best power to weight ratio
• Most compact and lightweight
• Excellent durability
• Reasonable battery time

Ingersoll Rand R3130

• Reasonable speed: up to 225 RPM
• Excellent torque: 54 FT LBS
• Quite heavy and bulky, but manageable
• Top industrial quality
• Excellent battery time

Milwaukee 2557-20 M12 Fuel

• Reasonable speed: up to 200 RPM
• Best torque: 55 FT LBS
• Most ergonomic design but quite heavy
• Best battery time
• Excellent quality

CRAFTSMAN CMCF930D1 V20

• Good speed: up to 300 RPM
• Reasonable torque: 35 Ft LBS
• Quite heavy and bulky
• Reasonable battery time
• Above average quality for a domestic grade tool
• Excellent price, making it great value for money

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Additional Considerations / Buying A Cordless Ratchet

With the exception of the Ingersoll Rand cordless ratchet, all the wrenches in this review have a built-in light. Since we often use a ratchet in areas where light is restricted, this is a great feature. The light switches on automatically when you engage the trigger and is directed exactly where you need it. Using a portable work light does not provide the same unrestricted illumination as your hands and the tool will often obstruct the light causing shadows.

I like the buckle clips on the Craftsman and Milwaukee ratchets. These make the tool easy to store and carry with you.

All the brands featured in this review have excellent reputations. This means that you have great peace of mind. Service and customer care is always available, and you know that you have a good warranty from a trusted brand.

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Understanding Cordless Ratchets – Buying Guide

As with buying any power tool, a cordless electric ratchet needs to meet your needs. These will vary. A mechanic will often require more torque, whereas an electronics technician will often want a less bulky tool, without a great need for high torque. These are but two examples, there are many others. You will need to put some thought into deciding what requirements are essential to the jobs you do.

Before we get into the technical details, here are few basic (yet important) considerations when buying a cordless ratchet.

• Compact design: It is beneficial to have a ratchet that is compact enough to fit into tight spaces. This may come at a sacrifice, as a smaller tool usually has a less powerful motor and a battery with fewer ampere hours. When comparing ratchets with similar power specs, the best indication is to look at the power to weight ratio. You want the most power in a reasonably compact format.
• User Comfort: A soft grip, non-slip handle will make your life much easier. The diameter of the handle can also be a factor. A wide diameter handle is not always easy to use. Weight, and how this weight is distributed, will affect user fatigue. The position and size of the trigger switch is really important as this is what you use to control the ratchet. An easily accessible forward and reverse switch will improve productivity.
• Durability: High quality materials and good engineering are essential to the durability of any tool. A ratchet needs to have a quality head and anvil. The ratchet gear has to able to handle the torque that is required for the work you do. A well-sealed motor and battery means that the tool won’t be easily damaged by dust and moisture.

Torque vs Speed

The ratchet wrench was invented to improve productivity by allowing us to loosen and fasten bolts much faster than using a conventional wrench. The ratchet allows for a free swing in the opposite direction to your requirement for tightening or loosening. This means that if you’re tightening a bolt, the ratchet will lock the head for a clockwise rotation and the handle swing freely in the counterclockwise direction. This allows you to move the wrench back and forth without removing it from the bolt.

A manual ratchet has the restriction of handle movement. You use the handle to turn the bolt, and this can be obstructed by components surrounding the bolt. If you are only able to make a quarter turn before knocking into something, you need to move the handle four times to make only one full turn of the bolt. This means it takes four times longer to complete the task.

By using an electric motor to turn the anvil, a ratchet can move continuously, regardless of your working position. The socket spins in a full rotation with each revolution of the electric motor. This makes the speed (RPM) of a ratchet one of the most important specifications. The faster it turns, the quicker you can loosen or tighten a bolt and move to the next one. Generally, upwards of 200 RPM is considered a good speed. The Makita LXT and CXT cordless ratchets are quite remarkable in their ability to rotate up to 800 RPM.

Usually, high speed will reduce the available torque. A gearing ratio inside the ratchet is calculated to favor either speed or torque. High ratio gearing increases speed, low ratio increases torque.

Having established the importance of ratchet speed, you’re probably asking how important is torque?

Torque requirements for a ratchet depends entirely on what type of bolts you intend loosening. More torque is required to loosen a bolt than to tighten it. Bolts tend to become locked into position and some may have been torqued to a high level when tightening. As an example, to loosen lug nuts, you will need at least 80 Ft LBS of torque. This is much higher than most cordless ratchets can deliver.

We need to remember that all ratchets (manual, pneumatic, or electric) are essentially designed to improve productivity by increasing the speed at which we work. Even if a cordless ratchet has more torque, the ratchet gear has a limited ability to transfer that torque. When we loosen a tight bolt, that requires extra torque, we usually use the ratchet manually and knock on the handle with palm of our hands to provide the necessary breaking force. One must always be careful not to exert too much force as it is being transferred through a single tooth on the ratchet gear. Too much torque exerted on a ratchet will damage it.

In the end, a ratchet will never have great breaking torque. When extra breaking force is required, an impact wrench is the right tool for the job. Essentially, the torque specification for a cordless ratchet gives us an indication of what size bolts we can loosen using the tool. A low torque cordless ratchet may only be able to loosen bolts that have not been torqued to highly. A larger bolt will require more torque than a smaller one as the increased diameter increases friction. A cordless ratchet without much torque may only be able loosen bolts up to about ¼”.

For most general applications a cordless ratchet with around 30 FT LBS torque should suffice. Mechanics may often need more torque when working around an engine head or suspension components. For these more demanding applications, a ratchet that can deliver torque upwards of 50 FT LBS will be better.