Ditch the Air Hose: Milwaukee’s M12 3/8 in. Ratchet Kit 2457-21 Revisited

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• What’s in the Kit
• Power and Speed
• Low-Profile Head and Lock Button
• Use It Like a Hand Ratchet
• Who It’s For
• Final Thoughts
• FAQ

Introduction

Auto mechanics had been waiting for this one. Our editors first saw the Milwaukee M12 cordless 3/8 in. ratchet at a Milwaukee event and then got the 2457-21 kit in hand. This is a refresh of our original Milwaukee M12 ratchet review.

What’s in the Kit

The 2457-21 kit includes the 3/8 in. drive ratchet, a 1/4 in. adapter, one M12 battery, a charger and a soft case. The tool-only version is the 2457-20.

Power and Speed

Milwaukee rates the M12 3/8 in. ratchet at up to 35 ft-lbs of torque and 250 RPM, with a variable-speed trigger. It runs on the 12V M12 battery platform. Dan pointed out the LED light that shows your work and the steel-reinforced housing under the plastic.

Low-Profile Head and Lock Button

The head is about 3/4 in. long, according to Dan, and the direction selector sits flush. On some air ratchets, it’s easy to bump the selector in a tight spot and have the tool back up on you. That isn’t a problem here. There’s also a lock button to keep the tool from starting by accident.

Use It Like a Hand Ratchet

In the video, the ratchet took a seat belt bolt right off, and our editors were impressed with the torque. When you need more breakaway force, lock the tool and pull on it like a regular hand ratchet.

Who It’s For

Mechanics, maintenance techs and DIYers who work in tight engine bays will get the most out of it. See more ratchet reviews and our Milwaukee Tool coverage. For current details, see Milwaukee’s M12 3/8 in. ratchet page.

Final Thoughts

The M12 3/8 in. ratchet gives you air-ratchet speed without dragging a hose and compressor around. The low-profile head, lock button and hand-ratchet lockout make it easy to live with. It was one of Dan’s favorite tools at the time, and it’s easy to see why.

FAQ

How much torque does the M12 3/8 in. ratchet have?

Milwaukee rates it at up to 35 ft-lbs, with 250 RPM.

What’s the difference between 2457-21 and 2457-20?

The 2457-21 is the kit with a battery, charger and case. The 2457-20 is tool only.

Can it use 1/4 in. sockets?

Yes. The kit includes a 1/4 in. adapter.

What if it can’t break a bolt loose?

Lock the tool and use it like a regular hand ratchet for more breakaway force.