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Milwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet Kit vs Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit

The M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet is the stronger tool: a brushless motor rated at 55 ft-lbs, two 2.0Ah batteries, a fuel gauge and an LED, and a reinforced mechanism built for daily professional use. The standard M12 2457-21 is lighter at about 1.9 lbs, spins faster at 250 RPM, and comes as a complete kit with battery, charger and case. Owners of the standard ratchet rate it highly for tight-space work; the FUEL is the step up for anyone using a ratchet all day.

  • Choose the M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit if you want a lighter, faster-spinning ratchet for occasional home and automotive jobs and a complete kit in one box.
  • Choose the M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet if you turn wrenches daily and want more torque, brushless durability, a fuel gauge and a spare battery.

Prices

  • Milwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet Kit: $78.57 at MPR Tools & Equipment (last seen Nov 2)
  • Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit: $224.99 at West Marine (checked today)
  • Difference: the Milwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet Kit is $146.42 cheaper than the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 11)
Milwaukee
Milwaukee M12 Cordless 3/8 in. Lithium-Ion Ratchet Kit 2457-21

Milwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet Kit

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

4.9(106 ratings)
$78.57at MPR Tools & EquipmentChecked Nov 2
See all prices and details
Visit MPR Tools & Equipment
Pros
  • Light and compact for tight engine bays
  • Faster 250 RPM head speed
  • Complete kit: battery, charger and case
  • High owner rating
Cons
  • Lower 35 ft-lbs torque
  • Brushed motor wears sooner under heavy use
  • Only one small battery, no fuel gauge
Milwaukee
Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit

$224.99at West MarineChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit West Marine
Pros
  • 55 ft-lbs handles tighter fasteners
  • Brushless motor and reinforced mechanism for daily use
  • Two batteries plus fuel gauge and LED
  • REDLINK PLUS protects tool and battery
Cons
  • Heavier and slightly longer
  • Slower 200 RPM
  • Costs more than the standard model

What separates them

Milwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet KitMilwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit
MotorBrushed motorPOWERSTATE brushless motor, rated for up to 2x longer motor life
Max torque35 ft-lbs55 ft-lbs
Speed250 RPM200 RPM
WeightAbout 1.9 lbsAbout 2.4 to 2.8 lbs with battery
Batteries in kitOne 1.5Ah batteryTwo 2.0Ah batteries
On-tool feedbackNo fuel gauge or LED lightOn-board fuel gauge and LED work light
Electronics protectionStandard M12 electronicsREDLINK PLUS overload and overheating protection
Head and housingLow-profile 3/4 in. head, reinforced steel housingRecessed low-profile head, cast steel yoke housing

Price history

$224.99$78.57
Oct 30Nov 11
  • Milwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet Kit: lowest $78.57 on Oct 31 at MPR Tools & Equipment; $99.00 on Nov 11.
  • Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit: lowest $224.99 on Nov 11 at West Marine.

Prices at every store

Milwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet Kit

  • Msc Industrial SupplyNew

    In stock

    $99.00+ $12.99 shippingChecked 49 min ago
    Visit Msc Industrial Supply
  • MPR Tools & EquipmentNew

    Availability unknown

    $78.57Checked Nov 2
    Visit MPR Tools & Equipment
  • CodaleNew

    Availability unknown

    $129.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit Codale
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $129.03Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
  • eBayCheck price at eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 22 stores and price history →

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit

  • West MarineNew

    In stock

    $224.99+ $9.95 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit West Marine
  • Coastal Farm & RanchNew

    In stock

    $251.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Coastal Farm & Ranch
  • C-A-L Ranch StoresNew

    In stock

    $251.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit C-A-L Ranch Stores
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $298.99Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Amazon
All 14 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMilwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet KitMilwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit
Battery capacity1.5 Amp Hours2.0Ah
Power SourceBatteryCordless
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—
AccessoriesM12 Red Lithium Battery, 30-Minute Charger, Car…—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecMilwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet KitMilwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit
Square drive size3/8 in—
Number of batteries1—
Ratchet head shapeRound Head—
ManufacturerMilwaukee Electric Tools—
Color categoryMulticolor—
Rec. useHome—
Product lineM12—
Multipack quantity6—
Model2457-21—
Finish

What reviewers say

Milwaukee M12 3/8 in. Cordless Ratchet Kit

  • 4.9 / 5106 ratings

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 106 ratings, owners treat this ratchet as a go-to for tight-space work. They praise its power and compact size and note it saves time over hand ratcheting.

What people mention
  • TorquePraisedOwners say 35 ft-lbs is enough for most underhood fasteners and beats hand ratcheting.
  • SizePraisedThe compact body and low-profile head get into engine bays where air tools won't fit.
  • BatteryMixedThe 1.5 Ah pack works for light jobs but runs down quickly on long sessions.
  • TriggerPraisedThe variable-speed metal trigger gives fine control at low speeds.

Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit

Owners and reviewers rate the M12 FUEL ratchet highly for its torque, speed and build, and many use it in place of an air ratchet. Complaints center on weight and head size in the tightest spots.

What people mention
  • TorquePraisedOwners say it loosens and runs fasteners that smaller cordless ratchets cannot.
  • SpeedPraisedThe 200 rpm trigger speed is often called the main reason to choose it over a manual ratchet.
  • WeightCriticisedWith a battery fitted it feels heavy, especially when working overhead.
  • Head sizeMixedThe low-profile head helps, but some users still find it too wide for the tightest fasteners.

Questions and answers

Which has more torque?
The FUEL ratchet, at 55 ft-lbs against 35 ft-lbs for the standard M12. That matters on stubborn fasteners.
Which is better for tight spaces?
The standard M12 is lighter and shorter, so it fits cramped spots more easily. The FUEL has a recessed low-profile head that also reaches tight fasteners.
Which lasts longer?
The FUEL. Its brushless motor is rated for up to twice the motor life, and REDLINK PLUS guards against overload and overheating.
Do the batteries interchange?
Yes. Both use the M12 system, so any M12 battery fits either ratchet.
Is the FUEL worth stepping up to?
Yes for professionals or heavy users who want more torque, two batteries and longer motor life. Casual users can stay with the standard kit.
Does either include a charger?
The standard 2457-21 kit includes a charger and case. Check the FUEL kit contents, since battery and charger inclusion varies by kit.

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More comparisons

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

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best cordless ratchet wrench sets for auto repair
Polished
—
Ratchet tooth count72—
Impact FunctionYes—
Auto LockNo—
Multiple GearsYes—
Battery Capacity (Ah)1.5—
Voltage (V)12.0—
LED LightingYes—
No. of Batteries (pcs)1—
BrushlessYes—
Weight (lb)1.9—
Forward/Reverse ControlNo—
Motor Torque—55 ft. lbs. max torque
Motor Type—Brushless
Power Voltage—12V
Torque Range—55 ft-lbs (max)
Speed Range—200 RPM
Speed Control—Yes
Battery Voltage—12V