M12 tools for car work?

[Kram]

I'm not a bit unsure about the m12 ratchets... Wondering if a cheap chinese one would, although being a different battery, actually be better performing.
The M12's look bulky and larger than the parkside ratchet, which is listed 54nm and 250rpm.

 

[Kram]

Yes but I’d still prefer 1/2 over 3/8 on the impact gun.

I'll likely go with 3/8 just as I know there are times a 1/2" socket wont fit.
Found this video interesting.

 

[Craig-SM]

I'll likely go with 3/8 just as I know there are times a 1/2" socket wont fit.
Found this video interesting.

Interesting but the socket weight I was referring to is mentioned at 1’50”. On a test bed with near identical socket weights on large hex bolts like he spoke on before doesn’t make any difference and comes down to the tools performance then.

Why the Milwaukee tools show a performance difference between anvil sizes is bizarre when the other tools don’t.

 

[eddie49]

Further to my Post #13 in the "cordless ratchet" thread

E

Post in thread 'ebay/cheapo cordless ratchet ?'

Jan 8, 2026

In addition to a couple of high-end genuine Milwaukee cordless ratchets, I have one of these cheapos:

Pardon our interruption...

It is compact and surprisingly fast and powerful. Rather than the typical 3-cell 12v versions, the battery has 4 vertical cells inside the grip, and 2 more horizontally in the flat base. They are all in series ( 6S ), making this a 24v tool.

I actually bought mine for £5 at a Tractor Jumble sale, with no charger and one battery held in by tape due to broken clips, but it works well.
The EVs I am working on often have very long fine-thread...

• eddie49

• 

I have recently had to replace the alternator and the starter motor on a 2.2 diesel Honda Accord, so had more inaccessible bolts to deal with.
I found a Blue-Point cordless ratchet missing the no-longer-available Ni-Cad battery so cut the battery compartment off and wired it to a remote Li-Ion pack. It is a powerful and fast ratchet and now only 9 inches long.
I also use hex-to-3/8" socket adapters in these two 90-degree drives:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Attachment-Electric-Screwdriver-Repair-Adapter/dp/B0B4P6J65M

Right Angle Drill Attachment 90 Degree Adapter with Flexible Shaft, Self-Locking 6.35mm (1/4 inch) Hex Socket for Driver, Metal Construction, for Tight : Amazon.co.uk: Business, Industry & Science

Shop Right Angle Drill Attachment 90 Degree Adapter with Flexible Shaft, Self-Locking 6.35mm (1/4 inch) Hex Socket for Driver, Metal Construction, for Tight. Free delivery on eligible orders of £20 or more.

www.amazon.co.uk

I have found a weird "chain-drive" ratchet extender:

Universal 3/8

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

Even Facom do one, so it cannot be that crazy an idea:

Facom AXS.M 3/8" Drive Chain Driven Offset Extension Wrench - PrimeTools

AXS extension wrenches, designed to move away from the area of intervention and thus facilitate the action of tightening or loosening. Time-saver, the professional can access in narrow spaces to reach the screws, nuts and bolts. Non-symmetric design to have more speed and more power. One side is...

www.primetools.co.uk