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Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21 vs Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20

Buy the M12 FUEL 2557-20 if you need to break loose tight fasteners; its brushless motor delivers up to 55 ft-lbs, well above the 35 ft-lbs of the 2457-21. Buy the 2457-21 kit if you want a complete, lighter setup for light assembly and interior work, since it includes a battery, charger and case. The 2457-21 kit has sold for about $78.57 to $78.69 in late October 2026, while the bare-tool 2557-20 has run about $199.00 to $199.99 in early November 2026.

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Milwaukee
Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21

Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21

4.9· 106 ratings

Choose the M12 Cordless Ratchet Kit 2457-21 if you want a ready-to-use kit with battery, charger and case at roughly a quarter of the FUEL's price, and 35 ft-lbs is enough for your work.

Pros
  • Complete kit: 1.5 Ah battery, 30-minute charger, case and adapter included
  • Lighter at 1.9 lbs and shorter at 10.75 in for tight engine bays
  • Faster 250 RPM speed for running down long threads
  • Variable-speed metal trigger and 72-tooth head
  • Far lower price than the FUEL bare tool
Cons
  • Only 35 ft-lbs, so it struggles on tight or rusted fasteners

What separates them

Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20
Max torque35 ft-lbsUp to 55 ft-lbs
MotorBrushedBrushless (FUEL)
Speed250 RPM200 RPM
Weight1.9 lbs2.8 lbs with battery
Length10.75 in11.8 in
In the boxBattery, charger, case, adapterBare tool only
PriceAbout $78.57 at the low, late October 2026About $199.00 at the low, early November 2026
Battery gaugeNot listedOn-board fuel gauge

Price history

$199.99$78.57
Oct 30Nov 2
  • Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21: lowest $78.57 on Oct 31 at MPR Tools & Equipment; $78.57 on Nov 2.
  • Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20: lowest $199.00 on Nov 2 at eBay.

Prices at every store

Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21

  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • Home DepotCheck price at Home Depot
  • mercari.comCheck price at mercari.com
Prices and history →

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20

  • BuchheitCheck price at Buchheit
  • Close LumberCheck price at Close Lumber
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecMilwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20
Battery capacity1.5 Amp HoursNo Battery
colorYellow—
size13.650 x 9.100 x 4.100 in—
Torque35 ft-lbs—
BrandMilwaukee—
Power typeCordless Electric—
Charger includedY—
Batteries inclY—
Volts120 Volts—
Is variable speedY—
Accessories

Questions and answers

Which has more torque, the 2457-21 or the 2557-20?
The 2557-20, at up to 55 ft-lbs versus 35 ft-lbs. That gap matters most on rusted or high-torque fasteners.
Is the FUEL 2557-20 worth the extra money?
Only if you need the extra torque and already own M12 batteries. The bare tool ran about $199.00 to $199.99 in early November 2026, versus about $78.57 to $78.69 for the complete 2457-21 kit in late October 2026.
Which is better for tight spaces?
The 2457-21 is shorter (10.75 in vs 11.8 in) and lighter (1.9 lbs vs 2.8 lbs with battery). Some 2557-20 owners say it feels bulky in hand.
Does the 2557-20 come with a battery?
No. It is a bare tool. The 2457-21 kit includes a 1.5 Ah battery, a 30-minute charger, a case and an adapter.
Which is faster?
The 2457-21 runs at 250 RPM versus 200 RPM for the 2557-20, so it spins down long threads quicker.
Which lasts longer?
The 2557-20's brushless motor should outlast the brushed motor in the 2457-21 under heavy daily use.

More comparisons

  • DeWalt 20V MAX XR 3/8 in. Ratchet (DCF513B) vs Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21
  • DeWalt 20V MAX XR 3/8 in. Ratchet (DCF513B) vs Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20
  • DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Ratchet, 3/8" and 1/2" Sealed Head Ratchet, Bare Tool Only (DCF510B) vs Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21
  • DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cordless Ratchet, 3/8" and 1/2" Sealed Head Ratchet, Bare Tool Only (DCF510B) vs Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cordless ratchet wrench sets for auto repair
Brushed motor wears faster than brushless under daily use
  • No on-board battery fuel gauge listed
  • Milwaukee
    Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20

    Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20

    4.8· 300 ratings

    Choose the M12 FUEL 2557-20 if you already own M12 batteries and need the extra torque and brushless durability for stubborn bolts.

    Pros
    • Up to 55 ft-lbs breaks loose bolts the 2457-21 cannot
    • Brushless motor for longer life and more efficient power use
    • On-board fuel gauge shows remaining run time
    • Part of the M12 system with over 125 tools
    • Rated 4.8 from 300 ratings
    Cons
    • Bare tool: no battery or charger, so add that cost
    • Heavier at 2.8 lbs and longer at 11.8 in
    • Some owners find it bulky in hand
    • Costs about $199 versus about $79 for the kit
    M12 Red Lithium Battery, 30-Minute Charger, Car…
    —
    Square drive size3/8 in—
    Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
    SpecMilwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21Milwaukee M12 FUEL 2557-20
    Number of batteries1—
    Ratchet head shapeRound Head—
    ManufacturerMilwaukee Electric Tools—
    Color categoryMulticolor—
    Rec. useHome—
    Product lineM12—
    Multipack quantity6—
    Model2457-21—
    FinishPolished—
    Ratchet tooth count72—
    Power Source—Cordless
    Power Voltage—12V
    Battery Voltage—12V
    Battery Type—Lithium Ion
    Number Of Batteries Included—0
    Battery Run Time—On-board fuel gauge displays remaining run time
    Motor Torque—up to 55ft-lbs max torque
    Motor Type—Brushless
    Motor Speed Settings—Variable speed
    Torque Range—Up to 55ft-lbs Max Torque
    Speed Range—200 RPM
    Driving Power—Pneumatic ratchet performance
    Speed Control—Variable speed
    Number Of Speed Settings—Variable
    Chuck / Drive Size—3/8 in
    Chuck / Drive Type—Square drive
    Chuck / Drive Subtype—Ball Detent
    Weight—2.8 lbs (with battery)