Recommendation for a DIY cordless 3/8" ratchet

[CompoSimmonite]

Due to problems that affects strength and dexterity in my right arm and hand I'm after an affordable cordless 3/8" ratchet. This would be to enthusiastic DIY, and not professional, use. I know they don't have a lot of torque - 24" breaker bar will break the grip if necessary
What makes do people recommend ?
Cheers

 

[James1979]

I would recommend whatever battery platform you currently use. It makes life easier.

If it was a free choice, the Milwaukee one. Most of their stuff is around the £100 mark nekkid and the m12 stuff gives the old style 18v a good run for its money

 

[winchboy]

Milwaukee M12 fuel, wouldn’t buy anything else. Also seen ryobi last years and years with DIY use, can’t complain at all for the money. Just make sure you register for the warranty on the tool and battery

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I would recommend whatever battery platform you currently use. It makes life easier.

If it was a free choice, the Milwaukee one. Most of their stuff is around the £100 mark nekkid and the m12 stuff gives the old style 18v a good run for its money

I use Makita cordless drill however it's the older generation battery model

 

[James1979]

I use Makita cordless drill however it's the older generation battery model

Ok. Not sure what their offering is.

You’ll be looking at new batteries anyway, so the world is your oyster

I’ve no experience other than Milwaukee. My mate has dewalt and he likes it

 

[Robotstar5]

I've found my Sealey 12 volt platform tools useful, seems to get in tight spaces better.

 

[J1nx]

It depends on personal preference as none are the ‘best’.

I use the Milwaulkee and Makita angle impacts, the Milwaulkee is a beast for the size, it feels like it has 10x the power of the Makita.
However the Makita is better in every other way, weight, balance, feel, quality, size, battery, charger, switch, everything, I’d also put money that the red one will fail first.
The forward/reverse is awful touch button on the Milwaukee that is a real pain, same as the fuel m12 drill.


Power is so Important in these that I wouldn’t blame you for choosing the Milwaulkee. It feels powerful for the size, the Makita actually feels underpowered, it’s a huge difference.

That’s the Milwaulke, not gotta pic of the Makita.

 

[steveo3002]

ive been happy with all the milwaukee stuff i have

if looking at sealy see if ebay has a similar looking tool for a 1/3 price without the sticker on , no saying they badge up china stuff and tripple the price but take a look

 

[J1nx]

My mate has dewalt and he likes it

Do you know a model number? I was after a 18v DeWalt one as I use those batteries but couldn’t find one

 

[James1979]

I have asked. “Off the Mac van” apparently but he’s going to check the p/n for you in the morning.

From the bay….

Pardon our interruption...

This is uk seller https://www.lawson-his.co.uk/dewalt-dcf503n-xj-body-only-12v-brushless-3-8-drive-open-head-ratchet

 

[Craig-SM]

I have the 3/8 Milwaukee M12 fast ratchet and long reach ratchet but use the M12 Stubby torque gun most, which for its size is powerful (339NM). The ratchets are good. The ratchets in comparison are 75nm for the long reach and fast ratchet 45nm.
Due to the M12 Stubby being just over palm sized it really is versatile, if you can fit your hand in then the Stubby will fit in too.

 

[J1nx]

I have asked. “Off the Mac van” apparently but he’s going to check the p/n for you in the morning.

From the bay….

Pardon our interruption...

This is uk seller https://www.lawson-his.co.uk/dewalt-dcf503n-xj-body-only-12v-brushless-3-8-drive-open-head-ratchet

Thank you, that’s on the wish list now, will save me lugging different chargers and batteries.

 

[James1979]

Thank you, that’s on the wish list now, will save me lugging different chargers and batteries.

It’s my pet hate. Gets on my t1ts big time

 

[Trevorleach]

3/8 cordless okay for up to M8, M10 is getting above its pay grade.
3/8 cordless angled impact M10 no issues.
All the above applies to old in service fasteners, both tools will happily spinnup larger new fasteners.

Workmate has a cheapie 3/8 cordless from Aldi/Lidl which he uses all the time on M8 stuff