Tightening nuts and bolts with a manual ratchet can be challenging as well as rough on your body. This is especially true if you work on cars for a living. If you are looking for a better way to handle these tough nuts and bolts, read this review to determine the best cordless ratchet in 2021.
Cordless ratchets give you extra torque, strength and power to loosen and tighten nuts, so that you do not exhaust yourself under the hood or any place else. Every handyman needs a good cordless ratchet in their collection of tools, as they can be used in various projects at home, around the car and more. In this review, we will examine ten quality cordless ratchets from companies such as Milwaukee, Ingersoll and Aircat.
3 Best Cordless Ratchet – Comparison
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Ingersoll Rand 2317G Edge |
| Check Price |
 | Milwaukee 2456-20 M12 |
| Check Price |
 | Aircat ACR802R 3/8-Inch |
| Check Price |
10 Best Cordless Ratchets – Reviews
1. ACDelco Cordless 12V Heavy Duty 3/8 Ratchet Wrench Tool Set
The first, might not always be the worst. ACDelco is no DeWalt when it comes to name recognition, despite it being a century-old company, but this kit that it offers to consumers might be the real deal.
With an aluminum storage case, you get the cordless ratchet, two lithium-ion batteries, and a charger. With this kit, you have everything you need to start torquing nuts and bolts.
With the 12-volt motor, you get an intense torque of 57 foot-pounds, which is serviceable for both commercial and residential use. Other features from this ratchet include an electric switch and a variable speed toggle.
The 2.6-pound ratchet feels great in your hands with its rubber textured grip, and you can freely hold it at any angle and work in any situation. The size makes it so that tight, awkward areas are a breeze to handle.
If the ratchet breaks down, you can get a replacement with no added costs, so long as you or anything else is not found to be responsible for the damage.
While the power is present, and it shows once you try it, the rotations per minute (RPM) is simply not up there. ACDelco does not state what is this ratchet’s RPM, and I guess they were even ashamed of whatever it actually is.
- Has a variable speed control.
- Comes with a case, batteries and charger.
- Has a lot of power.
- Can easily fit in complicated spaces.
- Slow RPM.
2. Ingersoll Rand 2317G Edge Series Air Impactool and Ratchet Kit
Ingersoll is another known name that knows its way around the power tool business. This cordless driver in particular come in a kit. In this kit is the ratchet, an impact driver, a storage case and a series of combination sockets.
Both tools come with comfortable grips so that you can handle them comfortably and easily. Both the cordless wrench and cordless impact driver are suitable tools to use when maintaining automobiles and other vehicles.
The cordless ratchet clocks in at 170 RPM with a six-vane motor that gives off 55 foot-pounds of torque. The motor delivers a great power-to-weight ratio. The cordless ratchet weighs about 2.6 pounds, which is moderate weight. At only nine inches long, it is very compact, as well.
The head of the cordless ratchet is heat treated, which means that regardless of how much heat it generates, it can last a long time with no signs of wearing out. The head on the cordless ratchet is slim, meaning that it can easily fit through tight spaces.
You get one warranty for the ratchet and one for the impact driver, both of which last for a year. In the case that the cordless ratchet and/or the impact driver were to defect, you could have the chance to get a new tool that had been broken down.
This is considered an entry-level kit for light duty work. If you are looking for something that is more rugged for everyday use at your job, you can find something better. The impact driver that is included is decent, but I wouldn’t say it is worth buying for the price offered, either.
- Heat-treated head.
- Includes an impact driver.
- Includes a case with combination sockets.
- Can easily fit in complicated spaces.
- Can last a long time.
- Power is insufficient.
3. Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8″ Sub-Compact
A very trusted name in power tools, Milwaukee is best known for their bright red shells with black accents. This cordless ratchet weighs 1.8 pounds and measures just nine and a half inches long. With its 12-volt motor, it produces 35 feet-pounds of torque, and spins at 250 RPM.
This cordless ratchet includes an LED gauge, to let you know how much battery life is remaining. When the LED gauge is green, that means that your battery is full or nearly full. When it changes to red, that means it needs a new battery very soon.
The Milwaukee 2457 also comes with a built-in LED flashlight, making torquing in dark corners easy and risk-free. You can also remove nuts and bolts in complicated areas, that to its low-profile head that will not get in the way of where you need to go with it.
The trigger has a variable speed feature, allowing you to either adjust the speed or give it a fixed speed. The steel housing can manage to contain this power so that the life of 2457 is extended significantly.
In the event that the cordless ratchet goes bad, and you are not found at fault, you could be eligible to get a new cordless ratchet of the same model delivered right to your door.
For homeowners that need ratchet jobs done here and there, this could be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you need a cordless ratchet for everyday use, like at a body shop, you will find the power to be unimpressive for what you need to get done. We like what it can do, but what it can do simply isn’t enough.
- Has a variable speed control.
- Can easily fit in complicated spaces.
- Includes a battery meter.
- Includes a built-in flashlight.
- Power is insufficient.
4. SKIL 2372-01 7.2-Volt Lithium-Ion Power Wrench
Skil has grown a reputation for providing ample amounts of power from affordable products, such is the case with their power saws. This cordless ratchet, dubbed the “Power Wrench”, also comes with a lithium-ion battery and charger. Also includes is a 17-piece bit set, so you can also tighten and loosen small screws with intense power.
This 7.2-volt cordless ratchet is 13.8 inches long and weighs in at 1.8 pounds. It can spin at 200 RPM with 6.2 foot-pounds of automatic torque. The ratchet is housed in a heavy-duty metal shell and a comfortable rubber grip.
The Power Wrench has a sleek and compact design, and it is made to go in tight corridors and complicated spaces that your other ratchets would not be able to fit.
The battery charger has what is known as “smart-charge” technology. If you leave your Power Wrench in the charger when it is full, the ratchet will not get overloaded with power, risking possible damage.
When the ratchet is not in use, the battery will drain very slowly; 18 months from full power to no power. If you use your power tools sporadically, you can be sure that the battery will still be good.
If it breaks down within a year of ownership, you could become eligible for a new one.
We appreciate the effort that is put into this cordless ratchet. Unfortunately, the power it just too limited to be considered the best of the best. When comparing the statistic with the second to last cordless drill on this list, this one still comes up short. Furthermore, it doesn’t feel like a very stable device, being only 1.8 pounds. Is it still something worth taking a look at? With a large set of drill bits, definitely.
- Has a long battery life.
- Comes with various drill bits.
- Has a variable speed control.
- Can easily fit in complicated spaces.
- Power is insufficient.
- Feels rather cheap.
5. Milwaukee 2456-20 M12 1/4 Ratchet tool Only
This is the second of two cordless ratchets from Milwaukee. This is 2456, which is the older and simpler version of 2457. At 250 RPM, they measure in at 30 foot-pounds of torque. At nearly 11 inches in length, it weighs 4.2 pounds, which is significantly longer and heavier than its newer counterpart.
There are many things that 2456 has in common with 2457. It has the variable speed trigger for customizable speeds, the LED light for use in the dark. It is just as handy and reliable as the first Milwaukee cordless ratchet mentioned previously.
The things that make this different from 2457 is that this cordless ratchet has less power, it is longer and it is heavier. 2456 only delivers 30 feet-pounds of torque, compared to the 2457’s 35 feet-pounds. As stated before, this is also bigger and heavier. Some users, however, do not mind a heavier power tool, if it means more stability and comfort.
But despite that, you can clearly see that this is an older version of a cordless ratchet that was already proven to be considered inadequate for commercial use. Needless to say, this is not the best cordless ratchet to get.
- Has a variable speed control.
- Can easily fit in complicated spaces.
- Includes a battery meter.
- Includes a built-in flashlight.
- Power is insufficient.
6. Aircat ACR802R 3/8-Inch Ratchet, Large
Aircat is a lesser known brand of power tools. Their cordless hatchet is nothing flashy, but does it get the job done, as they say? It weighs 2.58 pounds and is 10.9 inches long, which is nothing out of the ordinary.
This is known to be one the quietest cordless ratchets on the market. If you believe that 82 decibels is too loud, then you have not heard a typical electric ratchet. Many users enjoy the lack of noise that this ratchet provides.
The handle is ergonomically designed, and the grip you get is soft and natural. You can easily work with this ratchet at any angle, and that is always a welcome feature.
This cordless ratchet from Aircat is equipped with 90 foot-pounds of max torque. Its working torque is also nothing to scoff at, at 70 foot-pounds. Not bad performance for a less noisy motor.
Like the other cordless ratchets thus far, this one also comes with a warranty.
While this ratchet is powerful and quiet, the third aspect of that cordless ratchet trifecta of features is size. The shape of this ratchet is rather bulky, and this makes it very tough for the tool to fit through narrow and awkward spaces.
- Has a variable speed control.
- Comes with a case, batteries and charger.
- Has a lot of power.
- Is quieter than most cordless ratchets.
- Has a bulky shape to it.
7. Ingersoll-Rand 109XPA 3/8-inch Air Ratchet Wrench
We get the feeling that we will be seeing this brand a lot in this review. This cordless ratchet does not include an impact driver. It is just a cordless ratchet that touts more performance. It has a nice design with a black and navy blue color scheme with a chrome finish.
This cordless ratchet weighs 3.1 pounds and is 13 inches long. It delivers over 70 foot-pounds of torque with 220 RPM controlled speed and 300 RPM max speed. Whether you need to carefully install new bolts, or take off bolts that were last put on by Superman, this ratchet is great for light and heavy work. The variable control speed is also very helpful for getting the speed you need.
This is a well-made ratchet that is made with a twin pawl and an elaborate head design to prevent the head from ever coming off. This is a durable cordless ratchet that is sure to withstand hundreds of tough projects.
Along with the cordless ratchet, you get a limited-time warranty. You can get a free ratchet free of charge if yours happens to break down within the first year that you own it.
Furthermore, this wrench does not come with any batteries, it uses power from your wall socket. While this eliminates the portability factor, unfortunately, you can be sure that you never run out of power or need to recharge any lithium-ion cells.
- Doesn’t require batteries.
- Has a variable speed control.
- Has a lot of power.
- Can last a long time.
- Not a “portable” ratchet.
8. Ingersoll Rand R1120 1/4″ 12V Cordless Ratchet Wrench
The third of four Ingersoll cordless ratchets in this review, this one look to be the most industrial. With an all-metal housing, this is touted to be the most durable and longest lasting ratchet that you could buy.
The motor inside is small and is capable of delivering up to 30 foot-pounds of torque. This is a decent ratchet with lots of control to boot.
Unlike the previous cordless ratchet that can run on an electrical charge, this ratchet runs on lithium-ion batteries. You can buy this ratchet either with a charger and battery, or nothing else at all, in case you might already have a battery that you prefer.
For the warranty, this some years, which is an ample amount of time you have in the case that the ratchet decides to die out for some reason.
Despite that they try to advertise this ratchet as a lightweight and compact product, it actually weighs almost 5 pounds. If you are not a brawny person, you will find holding this cordless ratchet to be rather tiresome over a period of time.
- Has a lot of power.
- Can last a long time.
- Is very heavy.
9. Ingersoll Rand R3130 3/8-Inch Cordless Ratchet
Last but not least is the R3130 with a black and steel blue design. It is 16 inches long and weighs 4.6 pounds, also making it a rather heavy power tool.
The handle on this ratchet is ergonomic. It’s soft to hold and easy to carry. This ratchet is recommended to be used with two hands.
The shell of this ratchet is made of composite and metal, which makes this light and strong. It can surely take a while before the motor or the tool itself takes a beating. The motor delivers 54 foot-pounds of torque, making it a very capable cordless ratchet. It spins at 225 RPM, as well.
It takes a powerful 20-volt battery to give the ratchet a substantial life before it needs to be recharged. One thing to be aware of, though, is that this is a bare tool. For just the tool by itself, you get no other extras. It gets those extras, such as a battery, a charger, and a case, you have to fork over a lot more money.
- Has a variable speed control.
- Has a lot of power.
- Can last a long time.
- Does not come with a battery.
- Is very heavy.
10. VonHaus Cordless Electric Ratchet Wrench Set
Another great cordless ratchet for personal use, VonHous’ power tools comes in a set, along with a charger kit and a lithium ion battery. For a pack like this, two batteries are usually included, but this is still good. Once you buy it, you are ready to torque.
The motor inside is comprised of 12 volts, with 35 foot-pounds of torque. It is nearly 16 inches long, which is rather quite big for a ratchet. This unit also weighs 2.9 pounds, which makes it somewhat light for its size.
It delivers at 280 RPM with a variable speed trigger. Push the trigger in slightly for a more controlled tightening, or press it down all the way for great amounts of force.
The lock-off switch that is on this cordless ratchet is like a safety switch; it will disable the ratchet from turning on accidentally so that it doesn’t run while it’s in the wrong hands or in the wrong situations. Also included is a battery meter to let you know how much life the cordless ratchet has left.
The grip is ergonomic and comfortable so that it does not slip out of your hands that easily. It also allows you to work in the dark with its LED flashlight built in.
For warranties, you get one that is one year long. If it acts up in that time frame, you could become eligible to get it replaced at no cost to you.
This is another great tool just for occasional use around the house. Given its larger size, you would expect that this power tool had more power. Its size can also be an issue, as getting into tight spaces can be rather trivial.
- Has a variable speed control.
- Comes with a battery and charger.
- Includes a battery meter.
- Includes a built-in flashlight.
- Cannot fit in complicated spaces.
Final Verdict:
The cordless ratchet that we are going with as the best cordless ratchet to buy is the Ingersoll-Rand 109XPA 3/8-inch Air Ratchet Wrench.
This is the only ratchet that requires a corded connection. While this is supposed to be a competition on cordless ratchets, you can easily buy an external battery so that this tool can act as a cordless ratchet.
But essentially, corded ratchets are just more trustworthy. They are proven to have better performance and last indefinitely. If you work at one specific location, such as at home or inside a garage, then odds are you have a wall socket that you can plug this into. The 109XPA is a wonderful wrench that has a lot of benefits and very little setbacks, making it our number one choice for ratchets.
