At the 2011 Milwaukee New Tool Press Event, Bobby Shaw who, contrary to popular opinion is NOT a famous rock star, revealed the new M12 Cordless 1/4″ (2456-21) Ratchet kit. This tool is seriously designed to replace pneumatic tools of the same type – and it has the torque to pull it off. The Milwaukee 2456-21 M12 cordless 1/4 in ratchet puts out 30 in-lbs of torque and spins at up to 250 RPM. This is a compact cordless ratchet that packs a punch while maintaining a very nice power-to-weight ratio. Physically, there are some nice features, like how Milwaukee recessed the forward/reverse switch so you can’t accidentally bump it. There’s an LED light to keep the work area visible – and with a ratchet, this is super-handy. Lastly, a battery gauge lets you know how much juice is left so you don’t get stuck with a dead tool.
Milwaukee 2456-21 M12 Cordless 1/4 in Ratchet Features
Retailing for around $150-$160, the Milwaukee 2456-21 M12 cordless 1/4 in ratchet may just be one of the most popular 12V tools the company releases all year (there is also a 3/8″ Milwaukee M12 ratchet). It appeals to a wider variety of tradesmen and brings the automotive users into the world of 12V. We think the tool will be well-received because it’s only 10-3/4″ long and weighs just 1.9 lbs, making it an ideal fastening solution for auto mechanics and anyone doing routine maintenance or repair work. The portability factor of these tools is almost unbelievable until you pick one up and realize that you don’t have to drag a hose to get your work done (not to mention service the air compressors).
TheMilwaukee 2456-21 M12 cordless 1/4 in ratchet has a very compact 3/4″ low profile head design so you can insert the head into the tightest of spaces and get your work done. This is a huge concern for auto mechanics in particular. The M12 1/4″ Ratchet Kit (2456-21) comes with an M12 RedLithium battery and charger but you can also get the tool-only model (2456-20).
Specifications (2456-21)
- 30 ft-lbs of torque
- 250 RPM
- 1/4″ Ball Detent Anvil
- Length: 10-3/4″
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Includes 2456-20 M12 1/4″ Ratchet, (1) M12 RedLithium Battery, 30-Minute Charger & Carrying Case
Specifications (2456-20)
- 30 ft-lbs of torque
- 250 RPM
- 1/4″ Ball Detent Anvil
- Length: 10-3/4″
- Weight: 1.9 lbs
- Includes 2456-20 M12 1/4″ Ratchet (battery and charger sold separately)
Is this tool on your radar? It should be. The 1/4″ Ratchet Kit from Milwaukee is one of the most impressive tools we’ve seen all year, if only because of what it represents: cutting the cord. And anytime we can do that and still get the job done right, we’re all for it.
