Is this ratchet strong enough to replace an air ratchet?

For most assembly and light repair work, yes. It produces up to 30 ft-lbs, so heavy fasteners still call for a larger tool.

What comes in the kit?

The kit includes the M12 1/4" ratchet, an M12 REDLITHIUM battery pack, and a charger.

Does it fit in tight engine bays?

Yes. It is 10-3/4 inches long with a 3/4-inch low-profile head, which is the point of its subcompact design.

Which battery does it use?

It runs on Milwaukee's M12 REDLITHIUM 12V batteries, shared with the rest of the M12 line.

Is it good for a home DIYer?

It is aimed at mechanics and repair pros, but a serious DIYer doing automotive work will find the compact size and cordless setup useful.

Milwaukee M12 1/4" 12V Cordless Ratchet Kit 2456-21

Best price now

$219.99at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Milwaukee M12 1/4" 12V Cordless Ratchet Kit 2456-21

Best price now

$219.99at WalmartChecked Nov 12

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Last seen at $219.99 at Walmart on Nov 12.

Our take on the Milwaukee M12 1/4" 12V Cordless Ratchet Kit 2456-21

The Milwaukee M12 1/4" Cordless Ratchet Kit is a subcompact 12V ratchet built to replace an air ratchet on automotive and maintenance work. It delivers up to 30 ft-lbs of torque at 250 RPM from a 12V motor, with a variable-speed metal trigger and a reinforced steel housing. At 10-3/4 inches long and 1.9 lbs, it reaches into engine bays and tight spaces where an air hose and full-size ratchet will not fit. It suits mechanics and repair pros who want cordless convenience; the trade-off against air tools is lower sustained torque and reliance on the M12 battery line.

Best forAuto mechanics working in engine baysMaintenance and repair professionalsWork in tight, confined spacesTechs replacing an air ratchet

Pros

Up to 30 ft-lbs of torque and 250 RPM
Compact 10-3/4 in length and 1.9 lb weight
3/4 in low-profile head for tight spaces
Variable-speed metal trigger for control
Reinforced steel housing for durability
Runs on the M12 REDLITHIUM battery system

Cons

Less torque than full-size pneumatic ratchets
Locked into Milwaukee's M12 battery platform
Head size limits use on larger fasteners
Kit battery adds weight versus bare tool

Milwaukee M12 1/4" 12V Cordless Ratchet Kit 2456-21 prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by The TOOL GUYReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$219.99Free shippingChecked Nov 12
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What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers treat the M12 ratchet as a strong cordless stand-in for an air ratchet in tight engine-bay work, valuing its compact size and control. Criticism centers on its torque ceiling and the cost of staying in the M12 battery system.

What people mention

SizePraisedOwners say the short, light body fits into engine bays and tight spots where larger ratchets will not.
TorqueMixedReviewers find 30 ft-lbs enough for most assembly work but short of what a pneumatic ratchet delivers.
SpeedPraisedThe 250 RPM and variable-speed trigger are described as fast and easy to control.
BuildPraisedThe reinforced steel housing and metal trigger are called durable and well made.
BatteryMixedUsers like the M12 REDLITHIUM runtime but note the kit ties them to Milwaukee's battery line.

About the Milwaukee M12 1/4" 12V Cordless Ratchet Kit 2456-21

The Milwaukee M12 1/4" Cordless Ratchet is a sub-compact cordless ratchet for auto mechanics, maintenance and repair work. Its 12-volt motor produces up to 30 ft-lbs. of torque and 250 RPM, giving the power and speed of a pneumatic ratchet without an air hose.

It runs on the M12 REDLITHIUM battery pack. The ratchet is 10-3/4" long and weighs 1.9 lbs., so it can be carried on a tool belt. A 3/4" low-profile head lets it fit into tight spaces and engine bays.

A variable-speed metal trigger gives control over the tool. The housing is reinforced steel.

Model: 2456-21
Drive size: 1/4"
Voltage: 12 V
Torque: Up to 30 ft-lbs.
Speed: 250 RPM
Battery: M12 REDLITHIUM lithium-ion battery pack
Length: 10-3/4"
Weight: 1.9 lbs.
Head design: 3/4" low-profile head
Trigger: Variable-speed metal trigger
Housing: Reinforced steel

Specifications

color: MulticolorSource
size: 1/4"Source

Questions and answers

Is this ratchet strong enough to replace an air ratchet?: For most assembly and light repair work, yes. It produces up to 30 ft-lbs, so heavy fasteners still call for a larger tool.
What comes in the kit?: The kit includes the M12 1/4" ratchet, an M12 REDLITHIUM battery pack, and a charger.
Does it fit in tight engine bays?: Yes. It is 10-3/4 inches long with a 3/4-inch low-profile head, which is the point of its subcompact design.
Which battery does it use?: It runs on Milwaukee's M12 REDLITHIUM 12V batteries, shared with the rest of the M12 line.
Is it good for a home DIYer?: It is aimed at mechanics and repair pros, but a serious DIYer doing automotive work will find the compact size and cordless setup useful.
Where is the Milwaukee M12 1/4" 12V Cordless Ratchet Kit 2456-21 cheapest?: At Walmart, for $219.99, as of our latest check.