Turning and twisting bolts by hand gets exhausting after a while and it can take the joy out of any fun DIY project.
If you’re tired of wrestling with bolts, it’s time to get a cordless ratchet. The best cordless ratchet will give you all the leverage you need when working in tight spaces.
The right cordless ratchet allows you to handle DIY projects, car maintenance, and some construction tasks with maximum convenience. And to help you pick out the right tool for the job, here are the top 10 best cordless ratchets on the market.
Our Top Pick: Ingersoll Rand R3130 3/8-Inch Cordless Ratchet
Features:
- Durable metal construction
- Lightweight
- Fits in tight spaces
- 54 ft-lb of torque
- 225 RPM
Contents
- 1 Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless Ratchet
- 2 ACDelco ARW1201 Cordless Ratchet
- 3 Ingersoll Rand R3130 3/8-Inch Cordless Ratchet
- 4 Ingersoll Rand R1130-K1 3/8″ 12V Cordless Ratchet
- 5 Earthquake 12V Max Lithium 3/8″ Cordless Xtreme Torque Ratchet
- 6 Milwaukee 2557-20 M12 Fuel
- 7 Prostormer Cordless Ratchet
- 8 Makita RW01Z 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Ratchet
- 9 Husky 12V 3/8″ Cordless Ratchet
- 10 Conclusion
Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless Ratchet
Features
- Voltage: 12V
- Torque: 35 ft-lb
- Motor: 250 RPM
- Drive size: 3/8″
The Milwaukee M12 cordless ratchet comes with a brushless motor and optimum torque. The drive size is 3/8″ but you can use adapters to step it down to 1/4˝ or step it up to 1/2˝.
This cordless ratchet weighs less than 2 lb and sports a compact design. It’s perfect for confined spaces such as tight engine bays. The integrated LED light comes in really handy for automotive work.
The metal reinforcement makes the Milwaukee M12 quite durable. It offers outstanding tool protection against drops and impacts. This cordless ratchet is powered by a 12V Li-Ion battery. The M12 also comes with a fuel gauge that tells you when to swap the battery.
Pros
- Lightweight
- LED light
- Durable
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
ACDelco ARW1201 Cordless Ratchet
Features
- Voltage: 12V
- Torque: 57 ft-lbs
- Motor: 160 RPM
- Drive Size: 3/8″
The ACDelco ARW1201 has enough torque to break any nut or bolt free. It isn’t your standard optimum packet tool, it’s more of a brute force worker.
It comes with a 160 RPM motor and aluminum gear box housing. Since it’s a kit, it comes with a 15-min charger and a 12V Li-Ion battery.
You can use it for days on end without having to charge the battery once. It’s a durable heavy-duty tool, despite weighing just 3 lb.
The overall balance of the rachet is quite good. ACDelco is definitely a no-nonsense tool that will make any mechanic happy.
Pros
- Heavy-duty
- Great for tight spaces
- Durable
Cons
- Comes with a learning curve
Ingersoll Rand R3130 3/8-Inch Cordless Ratchet
Features
- Voltage: 20V
- Torque: 54 ft-lb
- Motor: 225 RPM
- Drive Size: 3/8″
Delivering 54 ft/lb, the Ingersoll Rand R3130 will provide you with the access, power, and portability needed to stand up to the toughest bolts in tight access corners.
If you like the durable heads of the air-powered ratchets from Ingersoll Rand, but don’t like dealing with the air hose, this is the right ratchet for you.
The variable speed control on this model is like no other. Unlike air ratchets, the R3130 halts when it reaches max torque.
The only downside of the ratchet is the fact that the direction change switch requires two hands. Still, it’s much lighter than the average air-powered ratchet, so you shouldn’t experience hand fatigue.
Pros
- LED light
- Durable
- Variable speed control
Cons
- Direction change switch could be better
Ingersoll Rand R1130-K1 3/8″ 12V Cordless Ratchet
Features
- Voltage:12V
- Torque: 30 ft-lb
- Motor: 260 RPM
- Drive Size: 3/8″
The Ingersoll Rand R1130-K1 is a lightweight, compact, portable, easy to use ratchet that gets the job done. This cordless ratchet is designed to fit different grip styles, which makes it great for extended use.
It can withstand wear and tear, thanks to its polished aluminum housing. The Ingersoll Rand R1130-K1 is equipped with a feather touch variable speed trigger.
One of the reasons this tool is so compact is its slim-line Li-Ion battery. Battery life is excellent, you won’t have to worry about it dying on the job.
Pros
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Easy to use
Cons
- No fuel gauge
Earthquake 12V Max Lithium 3/8″ Cordless Xtreme Torque Ratchet
Features
- Voltage:12V
- Torque: 60 ft-lb
- Motor: 170 RPM
- Drive Size: 3/8″
Delivering 60 ft-lb of torque, the Earthquake Extreme is almost as powerful as an air-powered tool. But it comes with much more convenience and flexibility than your average ratchet.
It’s a robust but simple tool that can be of great help to any mechanic or DIY enthusiast. The Earthquake Xtreme can drive nuts and bolts at 170 RPM and weighs just 3 lb.
Its non-slip grip and slim body make it great for extended use. The ratchet is quite budget-friendly, considering it comes with a charger and 12V 2.0 Ah Li-Ion battery.
Pros
- Budget-friendly kit
- Excellent for DIYers
- Impressive amount of torque
Cons
- No adapters in the kit
Milwaukee 2557-20 M12 Fuel
Features
- Voltage:12V
- Torque: 55 ft-lb
- Motor: 200 RPM
- Drive Size: 3/8″
The M12 Fuel packs a bit more torque than its Milwaukee sibling. This powerful compact tool threatens to make pneumatic ratchets obsolete.
With its 55 ft-lb of torque, it has all it takes to take off rusted-on bolts. The brushless motor on the M12 Fuel is truly a piece of art.
The ratchet is quite compact and weighs just 2.8 lb. The nice metal-overmold makes it extremely durable. Even if you have a bit of oil on your hands, the rubber over grips makes it easy to handle.
The M12 Fuel is excellent for tights spots, thanks to its extremely low profile. It’s equipped with an easy-to-use all-metal variable speed trigger.
Pros
- LED Light
- Robust
- Compact
Cons
- Rubber grip may tear
Prostormer Cordless Ratchet
Features
- Voltage:12V
- Torque: 354 in-lb
- Motor: 230 RPM
- Drive Size: 3/8″
If you are on a super tight budget, but could still use a nice cordless ratchet, the Prostormer is the right model for you. The tool costs just $60, battery and charger included.
This modestly priced ratchet doesn’t outperform its higher-end competition, but it will give you more than a bang for your buck.
Weight just 1.85 lb, it’s one of the lightest ratchets money can buy. Despite being a budget model, it comes with nice extras such as the anti-slip grip and LED fuel gauge.
The Prostormer can deliver 354 in-lb of torque, which is enough for a variety of home auto repair and DIY tasks.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Compact
- Super budget-friendly
Cons
- No variable speed control
Makita RW01Z 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8″ Ratchet
Features
- Voltage:12V
- Torque: 35 ft-lb
- Motor: 800 RPM
- Drive Size: 3/8″
With a variable speed control up to 800 RPM, there’s nothing that can hold back the Makita CXT cordless ratchet. It’s one of the very few cordless ratchets that come with an interchangeable anvil.
You can swap the 3/8″ anvil for a 1/4”. Thanks to its friction ring design, the versatile ratchet allows you to easily switch adapters.
The Makita CXT also works as a manual ratchet, in case you want to twist the last turn by feel. Its ergonomic, rubberized grip allows for maximum comfort.
Going with a brushed motor was an unusual choice for Makita, which is the only downside of this model, but it keeps the price down.
Pros
- Ergonomic design
- Versatile
- 800 RPM
Cons
- Brushed motor
Husky 12V 3/8″ Cordless Ratchet
Features
- Voltage:12V
- Torque: 35 ft-lb
- Motor: 230 RPM
- Drive Size: 3/8″
The Husky isn’t the most powerful model on the list, but it can indeed pack a punch. It’s a well-built tool that can take its fair share of abuse. You can rest assured it will last you a while.
Its 230 RPM motor allows you to tighten or remove bolts quickly and easily. The Husky also comes with a variable speed trigger.
One of the best things about the Husky is its low-profile head. It allows you to get into those tight spaces with great ease.
And considering you get a charger and 12V Li-Ion battery with the tool, the price is more than fair. All in all, the Husky is a super smooth entry-level ratchet that delivers on its promises.
Pros
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Compact
Cons
- Brushed motor
Conclusion
The Ingersoll Rand R3130 3/8-Inch Cordless Ratchet is the best cordless ratchet money can buy. It’s fit for both professional and DIY use.
The Ingersoll Rand 3130 has everything you want to see in a cordless ratchet. While cordless ratchets are still no match for air-powered models, this one comes pretty close.
Since you are here, you might want to check out my post on the best dual fuel generator and my Impact Driver vs Drill comparison.
