Tool Review: Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8” Extended Reach Ratchet
Technicians can run into a few issues when ratcheting. Maybe the air hose isn’t long enough to reach, maybe the ratchet itself isn’t long enough to reach, or maybe they can’t apply the necessary amount of torque. Randy Kaiser of Rost Motor, Inc. in Manson, Iowa, says the Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8” Extended Reach Ratchet solves those issues and more.
The 3/8” Extended Reach Ratchet kit arrived “very well packaged,” Kaiser says. The tool came in a carboard box, and within the box was a padded, zippered case to store the ratchet and accessories when not in use. The kit included a battery and a charger for said battery.
Also included was a manual, which Kaiser says he did not need to consult.
“The ratchet is very self-explanatory as to its intended use,” he says. “It is very similar in operation to a normal ratchet except that you don’t have to supply the power to turn it. It is so quick at removing and installing threaded fasteners, as opposed to a standard ratchet or end wrench.”
The 3/8” Extended Reach Ratchet’s battery-powered operation “is very handy, and a great time-saver,” Kaiser says. The flexibility and freedom that comes with a battery-operated tool was among his favorite features, as “there is no need to drag around an air hose or extension cord to use the tool.”
“The extended reach neck is great for getting into tight spots, and also gives you extra leverage when breaking fasteners loose,” Kaiser says.
Kaiser has used the 3/8” Extended Reach Ratchet quite often, in mostly hard-to-reach applications such as seat installation and removal, as well as accessing engine and exhaust parts.
“It’s a little noisy, but not enough to keep me from using it,” Kaiser says. He also mentions that for someone using the tool extensively, a higher-capacity battery would be helpful. “The battery life could be better, but extra batteries are pretty reasonable.”
“It has been one of the handiest and most-used tools that I own,” Kaiser says.
Overall, he gave a highly rated review of the 3/8” Extended Reach Ratchet, attesting to the tool’s ability to save time, to free him from the constraints of hoses and cords, and to get the job done in tight spaces.
