Anyone own a 'Cordless Ratchet' --- are they worth it?

[Smagegy]

I've been reading remarks from Mechanics about how much they 'love' 'Cordless Ratchets' -- supposed to save knuckles and strain on the wrists. The other day, I was working with my gear monkey friend (GMF), doing a complete AC job on my present car. He's old school and doesn't own one of these ...uses his hand driven Socket set to remove all bolts. I was helping him tear apart the dash, and honestly, the next day my fingers and hands were tired (his were in perfect shape --- apparently, if you tear cars down all the time, your hands get VERY STRONG !

I asked why he doesn't own one of these and he said 'Cordless Ratchets' strip screws and he hasn't found one that doesn't.

I thought these things came with Clutches and tension adjustments?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EQ53HG4?ps ... uage=en_US

This one by Dewalt has high ratings and has a decent extension. Some of them have short necks. ---- It would be nice to have a Ratchet that has 2 different neck lengths. Anyone seen a Ratchet with 2 neck attachments?

Here's a KNOCK-OFF version (*check the price difference).
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FB9C56BD/re ... GhlbWF0aWM

* What do you think of this tool in general --- is it a must have?

Thoughts/Comments ?

[VStar650CL]

I own a 20V Bauer from Harbor Freight ($70), and aside from my 1/4" impact it's the most-used tool in my box. Change one Nissan A/C compressor on a transverse engine and you'll appreciate it forever.

[VStar650CL]

PS - You can modulate the torque on any good cordless. Anybody who strips screws with one is simply careless as f#ck. With small screws you run it down quick and then slow the roll when you get near the bottom.

[Smagegy]

PS - You can modulate the torque on any good cordless. Anybody who strips screws with one is simply careless as f#ck. With small screws you run it down quick and then slow the roll when you get near the bottom.

From what I can tell, they VARY a LOT between manufactures.

Some of the more expensive ones have longer necks and flatter heads (enable you to get into tight spots).

I haven't seen that one from Harbor Freight ... have to take a look !

[VStar650CL]

They vary a lot mechanically, but electrically they all work like a cordless drill. I.e., less trigger pressure = slower speed and lower torque. Other than carelessness or laziness, there's no excuse at all for snapping screw heads or cross threading screws.

The ones with smaller, extended heads are the best, but they're usually pricier. The ones with really long necks can also be harder to control simply because the length amplifies the torque. Personally, I've only ever had a few instances where I needed to borrow a longer or smaller tool from someone else in the shop. The cheap Bauer works fine for 99.99% of what I do.

[IanS]

Look up Torque Test Channel on YouTube. They test all sorts of power tools with a focus on automotive stuff. They are IMO the gold standard for getting as close to an unbiased opinion regarding different brands in the same category. They are neither Milwackos nor DeWeirdos. They have done some solid testing on the electric ratchets. Watch before you spend

I use a electric ratchet daily. I wouldn't work on cars without one. It is one of my top 5 tools.

I've had the M12 ratchet and multiple flavors of the snapon. I've also used the DeWalt 12v unit. My current and favorite setup is the 1/4 snapon long reach gen 2 or gen 3. It is Not the budget option, but it's how I earn a living. If I was on a budget I'd get a long reach Milwaukee M12. I say that as someone who owns 15+ yellow 20Vmax tools......

Some key points.

Pick size over power. An extra 10 ft/pds doesn't help if it doesn't fit if the area you have to work with. Both DeWalt in the shop got traded for snap ons by their owners because the snapon is the smallest and has decent power.

Get the long reach. It'll almost never be too long, but it'll be too short all the time.

Get the 1/4 version over the 3/8, and get a set of ball/pin impact style swivel sockets. It boosts the versatility of the tool to a level that makes it seem like a cheat code. They generally use the same drive motor, but the 1/4 head and 1/4 sockets are smaller. 3/8 sockets are too long and bulky, and if you use decent sockets they don't break, and if you need to go bigger than 15mm use an adapter.