Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8" Sub-Compact 35 ft-Lbs 250 RPM Ratchet w/
Highlights
- RECESSED FORWARD - BACKWARD SWITCH on the back of the head prevents you from accidental actuations in the middle of an important job
- LOW PROFILE HEAD DESIGN allows you to work in an engine bay without issue
- ONBOARD FUEL GAUGE: Lights on the side of the unit will let you know how much power you have left
- LED LIGHTING on the front of the unit allows you to see your job in dimly lit conditions
- REDLINK INTELLIGENCE: A smart chip in this unit allows it to communicate with the M12 battery plugged into it. This prevents it from receiving too much power and overheating, saving it from unnecessary damage
- Battery not included. Power Tool Only.
Why You'll Love It
- Compact low-profile head fits into tight engine bays and cramped workspaces
- Smart REDLINK chip communicates with the battery to prevent overheating and overloads
- Recessed forward-reverse switch prevents accidental direction changes during use
- Front LED work light illuminates dark fasteners and dimly lit work areas
- Side fuel gauge shows remaining battery charge at a quick glance
Pros
- +Compact low-profile head design
- +Built-in LED work light
- +Onboard battery fuel gauge
- +Recessed direction switch prevents accidents
- +Overload and overheat protection chip
Cons
- -Battery not included with purchase
- -Requires separate M12 battery and charger
Detailed Review
The Milwaukee 2457-20 M12 Cordless 3/8-Inch Ratchet delivers 35 ft-lbs of torque and 250 RPM to help users turn fasteners quickly in compact quarters. Its sub-compact profile makes it well suited for mechanics and DIYers who routinely work around tight automotive spaces or cramped equipment.
A low-profile head design lets the tool slip directly into crowded engine bays. The directional switch on the back of the head is fully recessed, so you will not accidentally change settings midway through a job. For darker spots under the hood, a front-mounted LED light points directly at your target area, while side lights act as an onboard fuel gauge to monitor remaining battery life.
Internally, REDLINK Intelligence creates communication between the tool and the attached M12 battery. This smart monitoring prevents the motor from pulling too much power, which protects the components from overheating damage. The main trade-off is packaging: this is sold as a bare tool only, meaning you must already own or separately buy a compatible M12 battery to operate it.
Verdict: The Milwaukee 2457-20 is a solid pick for anyone who already uses the M12 battery platform and needs a dedicated, compact cordless ratchet for engine bays and tight mechanical work.
Who Should Buy It
A great fit if you:
- Already own Milwaukee M12 batteries and chargers.
- Need a compact ratchet that fits inside tight engine bays.
- Frequently work in poorly lit spaces that require built-in tool lighting.
Consider something else if you:
- Do not own compatible M12 batteries and need a complete kit out of the box.
- Need a tool with higher torque output than 35 ft-lbs.
FAQ
Does this ratchet come with a battery?
No. This is a bare tool only, and the battery is not included.
What is the maximum torque and speed of this tool?
It produces up to 35 ft-lbs of torque with a maximum speed of 250 RPM.
What does REDLINK Intelligence do?
It is a smart chip that allows the tool to communicate with the M12 battery, preventing the ratchet from receiving excess power and overheating.
Product Details
| Brand | Milwaukee |
| ASIN | B006CSRBTC |
